Tennessee Senate Bill SB1008

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to student achievement.

Impact

The bill ensures that instructional methods within these programs will be aligned with established state academic standards, thereby fostering a uniform approach to education across various learning environments. This initiative is designed to cater to students who demonstrate learning deficiencies, ensuring targeted interventions are available to aid their educational growth. Furthermore, the proposed changes require an annual review process where LEAs and public charter schools must assess the effectiveness of their instructional methods and adapt them as necessary based on students' performance metrics.

Summary

Senate Bill 1008 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 49, providing a framework for improving student achievement through structured learning opportunities. This legislation mandates that Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and participating public charter schools must conduct summer learning camps and after-school learning mini-camps annually, starting in the summer of 2021. The focus is to offer remedial learning to address learning loss, tracking students' educational progress and enhancing their overall achievements in line with state academic standards.

Contention

While the bill focuses on enhancing student outcomes, there are concerns regarding the implication of such mandates on resource allocation for schools and their operational flexibility. Critics may argue that the added requirements could strain the resources of smaller LEAs, especially if they are already struggling to meet existing educational demands. Additionally, the need for licensed teachers to conduct these programs may pose challenges in ensuring that qualified personnel are available, potentially impacting the quality of instruction provided in summer and after-school settings. Overall, SB1008 introduces significant changes that may shift the landscape of educational support systems in Tennessee.