Tennessee House Bill HB2326

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/24
• Refer: 3/12/24
• Refer: 3/19/24
• Refer: 3/27/24
• Refer: 4/10/24
• Engrossed: 4/16/24
• Enrolled: 4/30/24
• Passed: 5/21/24
• Chaptered: 5/29/24

Caption

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

Impact

The enactment of HB 2326 will significantly impact educational policies in Tennessee regarding how student advancement is handled. The law requires that a systematic approach be implemented for students who are struggling, ensuring that they receive additional tutoring if they are promoted despite not meeting growth expectations. This adjustment aims to provide more support for at-risk students and reinforce the importance of academic performance at early educational stages. Additionally, the bill creates a formal mechanism for involving parents, teachers, and school administrators in the decision-making process regarding student promotions.

Summary

House Bill 2326 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 49 related to education. The bill focuses on the promotion and retention policies for students in the fourth grade, particularly concerning their performance on the English Language Arts (ELA) portion of the TCAP test. Under this bill, students promoted to the fourth grade must demonstrate adequate growth in their ELA scores to be advanced to the fifth grade. If they fail to meet this expectation, a conference will be held with relevant stakeholders to determine their future placement, which may include tutoring services if promoted.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2326 appears to be primarily positive, with supporters advocating for the structured support system it introduces for struggling students. Proponents argue that it will enhance educational outcomes by ensuring that no student is promoted without adequate academic progress. Nonetheless, some concerns have been raised regarding the additional pressure this may place on students and the education system to demonstrate performance metrics, which could lead to stress for both educators and learners.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential consequences for students who do not meet the growth expectations set forth by the legislation. Critics may argue that the emphasis on standardized testing and academic growth could overlook other factors that contribute to a child’s learning experience. Moreover, the effectiveness of tutoring as a solution for struggling students has been questioned, with some advocating for a more holistic approach to education that addresses underlying issues impacting student performance beyond mere test scores.