AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to education.
Impact
If enacted, SB2273 will integrate nonpublic educational institutions into the state's accountability framework. This means that students in grades K-12 who use scholarships to attend nonpublic schools will have their educational outcomes monitored similar to their peers in public schools. This change could incentivize nonpublic institutions to adhere to higher educational standards as they will be subject to scrutiny regarding their student achievement data.
Summary
Senate Bill 2273 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically regarding educational regulations. The bill focuses on ensuring that nonpublic schools that receive public funds through an education scholarship program are held to the same testing and reporting requirements as public schools. This amendment seeks to enhance accountability in the education system by mandating that nonpublic schools comply with the established criteria necessary for public schools when they accept scholarship funds for grades K-12.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding SB2273 could include concerns about the implications for school choice advocates. While supporters of the bill argue that it promotes equality in educational standards, opponents might contend that it could undermine the autonomy of nonpublic schools and the original intent behind scholarship programs designed to offer alternatives to public education. Additionally, there may be debates on how such requirements could affect the operational dynamics of nonpublic schools, potentially making them less attractive options for parents seeking educational diversity.