A RESOLUTION to request the commissioner of education to forgive any snow days used by local education agencies during the week of January 15, 2024.
Impact
If implemented, HJR0857 would alleviate scheduling pressures on local education agencies by allowing them to reallocate the snow days. This could help maintain educational continuity and ensure that schools do not face penalties typically associated with these unexpected closures. By forgiving the lost school days, the resolution encourages local districts to remain focused on student learning and safety, without the additional burden of adjusting their academic calendars extensively.
Summary
House Joint Resolution 857 (HJR0857) seeks to address the impact of severe winter weather on local education agencies in Tennessee. The resolution requests the commissioner of education to forgive any snow days utilized by these agencies during the week of January 15, 2024. During this period, schools across Tennessee were compelled to close for several days to ensure the safety of their students and staff due to unprecedented winter conditions. Notably, state office buildings were also closed in alignment with these safety measures, confirming the widespread impact of the weather.
Contention
While HJR0857 is primarily supportive of local education agencies and student safety, it may still provoke discussions about the broader implications of weather-related decisions on education policy. Stakeholders may debate how such measures should be handled in the future, particularly as climate-related disruptions become more frequent. Ensuring that school districts can adequately respond to emergencies while maintaining educational standards will likely remain a pivotal concern in forthcoming discussions.
Recognizes October 2017 as Dyslexia Awareness Month and requests schools and state and local educational agencies to address the significant educational implications of dyslexia.