Tennessee House Bill HB2388

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/24
• Refer: 2/1/24
• Refer: 3/12/24
• Refer: 3/20/24
• Chaptered: 4/17/24
• Passed: 4/17/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 1, relative to class sizes.

Impact

The amendment seeks to enhance the accessibility and implementation of CTE programs at an earlier school level. This flexibility is expected to provide LEAs with the ability to adapt their CTE offerings to better align with local workforce needs and student interest. Additionally, by specifying a limit equivalent to general education, the bill aims to maintain educational standards while addressing potential overpopulation in certain CTE classes.

Summary

House Bill 2388 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated pertaining to class sizes, specifically concerning Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes for students in grades six through eight. The bill allows local education agencies (LEAs) to extend the class sizes and averages for these CTE classes, provided that they do not surpass the maximum size set for general education classes from grades seven through twelve. This change is set to impact the 2024-2025 school year and aims to facilitate greater flexibility in school structures to accommodate CTE programs more effectively.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2388 seems to be generally positive among educators and proponents of vocational training. Supporters argue that expanding CTE class sizes is a step toward building relevant skill sets in students, preparing them for the workforce. However, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of resources and instructor availability needed to manage larger class sizes, which could bring a level of hesitation among some educational administrators.

Contention

While the bill generally garners support, potential points of contention include the implications of larger class sizes on educational quality and instructor-student interaction. Critics might argue that increasing class sizes could hinder personalized instruction, thereby impacting students' learning experiences. Additionally, questions around the adequacy of funding and resources to support expanded CTE classes at the local level may arise during discussions.