Tennessee House Bill HB2726

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24
• Refer: 2/5/24

Caption

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

Impact

The bill stipulates a gradual lowering of class sizes from 2024 to 2030. Under HB2726, the average maximum class size for grades K-3 will decrease from 25 students to 20 by the 2029-2030 school year. Similarly, provisions for grades 4-6, 7-12, and Career and Technical Education will also see reductions in class sizes. This strategic decrease aims to better align with educational standards and improve student-teacher engagement, thereby promoting a more effective learning environment.

Summary

House Bill 2726 introduces amendments to Title 49, Chapter 1, Part 1 of the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding class sizes in public education. The main objective of the bill is to establish progressive reduction in maximum class sizes across different grade levels over the coming years. Specifically, the bill outlines specific pupil-teacher ratios and sets maximum sizes for classes, aiming to enhance the quality of education by limiting the number of students per educator.

Contention

While proponents of HB2726 argue that smaller class sizes foster better learning outcomes and teacher-student relationships, there may be contention regarding the implementation and affordability of such a mandate. Some stakeholders could express concerns regarding the resources required for local education agencies (LEAs) to comply with these new standards. There may also be apprehension about potential restrictions on budgets and staffing that could arise from a requirement to maintain lower pupil-teacher ratios determined by the state.