Tennessee Senate Bill SB0444

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23

Caption

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

Impact

The implications of SB0444 are significant for educational standards and student assessment within Tennessee. By instituting a more structured promotion requirement based on performance metrics, this bill emphasizes accountability in student learning. It aligns educational expectations with measurable outcomes, which proponents argue will enhance literacy and academic skills before students advance in their education. However, the reliance on standardized testing could place additional stress on students and teachers, as performance on these tests will have direct consequences for student advancement.

Summary

Senate Bill 444 (SB0444) is an act aimed at amending the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically relating to the retention of students in grade school. The bill introduces new criteria for the promotion of students from fourth to fifth grade, focusing on their performance in English Language Arts (ELA). Under the proposed legislation, students will not be promoted unless they demonstrate adequate growth on the TCAP test, or if their parents mutually agree with the educational institution that the student has made satisfactory progress based on grades or other assessments.

Contention

The bill has sparked debate among educators, parents, and policymakers. Supporters believe that establishing clear growth benchmarks will bridge educational gaps and ensure that students are adequately prepared for subsequent grades. Critics, however, fear that this approach may disproportionately affect students from under-resourced backgrounds who might struggle with standardized tests. The requirement for parental agreement raises additional concerns about equitable access to educational support, as not all parents may have the capacity to advocate effectively for their children’s educational needs.