Tennessee House Bill HB0588

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/23
• Refer: 2/1/23
• Refer: 3/7/23
• Refer: 3/15/23
• Chaptered: 4/18/23
• Passed: 4/18/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 6, relative to student discipline.

Impact

The bill's provisions are set to take effect from July 1, 2023, and will apply to the 2023-2024 school year onward. By permitting remote education for students facing disciplinary actions, HB 0588 is poised to create a more inclusive educational ethos that addresses the needs of students even outside traditional classroom environments. This could potentially lead to improved educational outcomes by keeping students engaged with their studies, notwithstanding disciplinary measures.

Summary

House Bill 0588 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 49, Chapter 6, regarding student discipline. The bill introduces provisions that allow local education agencies (LEAs) with established virtual schools to enter agreements with LEAs lacking such facilities. These agreements would enable the virtual school to provide remote instruction to students who have been suspended or expelled from their regular educational programs. This change is targeted to ensure continuity in education for affected students during their periods of disciplinary action.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 0588 appears to be supportive, particularly from advocates of educational continuity and reform. The bill addresses a critical need within the educational system to ensure that students' learning experiences are not completely halted due to disciplinary actions. Proponents appreciate the forward-thinking approach to integrating virtual learning solutions into student discipline situations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining educational opportunities for all students.

Contention

Despite the general support, there may be some contention regarding the implementation and effectiveness of remote instruction as a disciplinary measure. Concerns could arise about the quality of education provided in a virtual setting compared to traditional methods, as well as the resources required to support such programs. Furthermore, ensuring equitable access to technology for all students could also be a point of contention, as disparities in access to devices or the internet may impact the success of remote instruction for suspended or expelled students.