Tennessee House Bill HB0670

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/23
• Refer: 2/1/23

Caption

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

Impact

The implementation of HB 670 will require the Department of Education to create a first-grade entry assessment, which will be administered by each Local Education Agency (LEA) and public charter schools. The bill outlines that all kindergartners must undergo this assessment in the 2024-2025 school year and in subsequent academic years. This change aims to standardize the criteria for readiness for first-grade promotion, thereby potentially altering the current practices of local schools regarding student assessment and promotion.

Summary

House Bill 670 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding the promotion of students to the first grade. The bill stipulates that a student may only be promoted to the first grade if they are either seven years of age or older by August 15 or demonstrate proficiency in kindergarten academic standards through a specified entry assessment. This assessment will be designed to determine if a child possesses the necessary knowledge and readiness for first grade, thereby ensuring a consistent baseline for student readiness across the state.

Contention

Notably, the bill may lead to contention surrounding the early academic expectations it sets for students. Some educators and parents may argue that setting a strict assessment for promotion could create unnecessary pressure on young children who may develop at different rates. Additionally, there could be concerns regarding equitable access to resources, as not all schools may have the same level of preparation for implementing these assessments, which could lead to inequities in how students are evaluated and promoted across different school districts.