Tennessee House Bill HB0179

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/23
• Refer: 1/21/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to the achievement school district.

Impact

The amendments proposed in HB 179 are expected to have a profound effect on the operations and oversight of schools under the ASD program. By prohibiting new assignments to the ASD and ending the authority that allowed for long-term interventions, the bill marks a departure from the state's previous aggressive stances on school improvement through state intervention. This change in law could lead to a shift back to local control and management of schools that have been subjected to strict oversight for years, aiming to enhance community engagement and responsibility in educational outcomes.

Summary

House Bill 179, introduced in Tennessee, aims to amend the existing statutes concerning the Achievement School District (ASD). The bill proposes a significant shift in how schools and grade configurations can be assigned to the ASD by prohibiting any new assignments on or after July 1, 2024. Concurrently, it removes certain powers previously granted to foster changes in school management and performance in underperforming areas. This legislative move seeks to redefine the framework that governs the ASD, which has been a contentious issue in Tennessee's educational landscape.

Sentiment

There are mixed feelings regarding the introduction of HB 179. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary recalibration of how education is managed at the state level, suggesting that local districts should have greater voice and autonomy over their schools, particularly those struggling or classified under the ASD. However, opponents express concerns that this could undermine efforts to improve poorly performing schools, fearing that such changes could lead to a lack of resources and support for students who need it most.

Contention

Key points of contention include the debate over the effectiveness of the ASD and the potential impact of local control versus state intervention. Supporters of the bill claim that removing the assignment authority will empower local districts to make tailored decisions that reflect community needs, while opponents worry that the loss of state oversight may exacerbate issues of educational inequity and achievement gaps. The bill's passage may also influence future discussions about education reform in Tennessee, as it challenges existing paradigms about accountability and educational improvement.