Tennessee Senate Bill SB0157

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/15/25

Caption

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

Impact

The revisions laid out in SB0157 have significant implications for how Tennessee schools are graded and held accountable. By mandating that the highest score from either the postsecondary readiness assessment or the career readiness assessment be considered for school letter grades, the bill establishes a more favorable metric for schools that aim to serve diverse student needs. This approach not only emphasizes the importance of traditional academic measures but also recognizes vocational readiness as a critical component of educational success.

Summary

Senate Bill 157 (SB0157) proposes amendments to Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, focusing on accountability measures for student achievement in schools. In particular, the bill indicates that when the state uses assessments like the ACT or SAT as indicators of school performance, it must also consider performance on career readiness assessments in assessing overall student achievement. This dual-assessment requirement aims to provide a more comprehensive view of student capabilities and prepare them for various postsecondary paths, whether academic or vocational.

Contention

Notable points of discussion around SB0157 likely arise from differing perspectives on the effectiveness of standardized assessments. Proponents of the bill may argue that incorporating career readiness assessments into the grading system allows for a more well-rounded evaluation of student performance. Critics, however, might contend that adding complexity to the system could lead to confusion or pressure on schools to perform in ways that may not adequately reflect the unique challenges they face.