AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 1 and Title 49, Chapter 6, relative to student retention.
The bill also provides mechanisms for students to avoid retention. If a student attends a 'learning loss bridge camp' with a 90% attendance rate and demonstrates growth on subsequent assessments, they could be promoted. Additionally, students can receive tutoring from the Tennessee Accelerating Literacy and Learning Corps (TALLC) throughout the year. Importantly, the bill prohibits retention based on certain criteria, such as a student's disability or if they have been retained previously. This marks a shift in educational policy aimed at fostering more supportive learning environments while providing alternatives to retention.
House Bill 1035 aims to amend existing Tennessee education law concerning student retention in grades three and four, particularly addressing students' proficiency in English language arts (ELA). The bill stipulates that a student may be retained if their ELA teacher or principal finds that they are not proficient based on various assessments, including the Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP) tests or other benchmark assessments. The determination of potential retention must consider whether it could benefit the student’s educational development.
A notable point of contention within the discussions around HB 1035 involves the criteria that determine retention and the resources available for supportive measures such as tutoring and bridge camps. Advocates for children’s education emphasize the necessity of effective communication with parents about retention options and potential alternatives. The bill seeks to empower educators with the discretion to make retention decisions, while also placing a clear emphasis on parental involvement, which may spark debate over how these measures will be implemented in diverse educational environments across Tennessee.