Tennessee House Bill HB0481

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Refer: 2/1/23

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, HB0481 will modify sections 49-1-312 and 49-1-313 of the Tennessee Code Annotated. It mandates that standards be identified by their complexity in the committee's final recommendations from January 1, 2024, onwards. Additionally, the bill requires that TCAP (Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program) scores be disaggregated by subgroup, performance level results, and include proficiency rates specific to both foundational and advanced standards. This level of transparency is expected to help educators, administrators, and policymakers make more informed decisions based on comprehensive data about student learning and performance.

Summary

House Bill 481, introduced by Representative Cepicky, aims to amend specific sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to academic standards. The bill seeks to enhance the clarity and reporting of student performance by requiring that the academic standards be categorized as either foundational or advanced. This change is intended to provide a clearer framework for evaluating student progress and understanding the complexity of specific standards, thus facilitating better educational outcomes.

Contention

The notable points of contention surrounding HB0481 revolve around the implications of categorizing academic standards in the proposed manner. While supporters argue this will enhance the educational framework by providing clearer expectations and assessments of student achievement, critics may express concerns regarding the potential for increased pressure on schools and the adequacy of funding to support the differentiated needs of students. The bill's impact on teaching methodologies and curriculum design may also come under scrutiny, as educators adapt to new reporting requirements and the classification system for academic standards.