Tennessee Senate Bill SB0150

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/15/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to the Classic Learning Test.

Impact

The revisions introduced by SB0150 potentially broaden access to higher education for students who may excel in the CLT but may not perform as well on the ACT or SAT. By recognizing multiple standardized tests, the bill aims to create a more inclusive environment for college admissions, allowing institutions to evaluate a wider range of student abilities. As such, it aligns with ongoing conversations about standardized testing's role in educational access and equity.

Summary

Senate Bill 150 (SB0150) seeks to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, concerning the acceptance of the Classic Learning Test (CLT) as a valid standardized test score for admissions to public institutions of higher education in Tennessee. The bill adds provisions allowing students to use their CLT scores alongside traditional ACT and SAT scores to fulfill admission requirements, thus diversifying the metrics colleges use to evaluate prospective students. This initiative is particularly significant as it promotes an alternative testing option recognized in the state’s education framework.

Contention

While the bill has received support from those advocating for educational choice and alternative assessment methods, it may also face criticism from organizations that view standardized tests as flawed measures of student potential. The contention centers around whether introducing the CLT as an equivalent option could dilute the standardization of college admissions, which traditionally favors the ACT and SAT. The balance between maintaining rigorous admissions standards and fostering accessibility will be crucial as discussions around the bill progress.