Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-106 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-106
Temporary teaching permits - Limited license to continue teaching pursuant to current temporary permit
Status: in_force

(a) (1) After a director of schools or a director of a public charter school notifies the director's local board of education or the governing body of the director's public charter school, as applicable, that the LEA or public charter school is unable to secure a qualified teacher with a valid license for the type and kind of school in which a vacancy exists, the director of schools or the director of the public charter school may certify same to the commissioner of education. Upon the commissioner's receipt of the certification, the commissioner may grant, on behalf of the state board of education, under conditions prescribed in the state board's rules, a temporary permit to teach in the unfilled position to a person recommended by the director of schools or the director of the public charter school, as applicable, and who is approved by the commissioner. The temporary permit is valid only until June 30 following the date of the permit's issuance. (2) When determining whether to issue a temporary teaching permit to allow a person to teach a course for which an end-of-course examination is required, the commissioner shall consider the following information: (A) The availability of other faculty or staff who are qualified to teach the course for which an end-of-course examination is required; (B) The timing of the vacancy in relation to the LEA's or public charter school's school calendar, such as whether the vacancy occurs during the LEA's or public charter school's school calendar or in between academic years; and (C) In cases where a vacancy for a course requiring an end-of-course examination occurs outside of the LEA's or public charter school's school calendar, the commissioner shall also consider an LEA's or public charter school's efforts to advertise the vacancy. (3) An individual who is issued a temporary teaching permit to teach a course for which an end-of-course examination is required must be assigned a mentor teacher by the director of schools or the director of the public charter school. (b) Notwithstanding subsection (a), the commissioner shall not grant a person, on behalf of the state board, a temporary permit to teach: (1) [Deleted by 2024 amendment.] (2) A special education course; or (3) [Deleted by 2024 amendment.] (c) A local board of education or the governing body of a public charter school may contract with a teacher holding a permit, but not holding a valid license, but only for the period of time during which the local board of education or the governing body of the public charter school is unable to secure a qualified teacher with a valid license for the type and kind of school. (d) It is the intent of the general assembly to urge local boards of education and the boards' respective directors of schools, and governing bodies of public charter schools and the respective directors for each of the governing bodies' public charter schools, to make every effort to staff kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) teaching positions with personnel fully licensed and endorsed for such grades. (e) A director of schools or a director of a public charter school who learns of the conviction of a teacher holding a temporary permit who is employed by the LEA or public charter school, respectively, for any offense listed in § 49-5-417(a) shall report the conviction to the state board of education. The state board shall set the time frame within which a director of schools or a director of a public charter school must report a conviction of a teacher holding a temporary permit. The state board may specify other offenses for which a director of schools or a director of a public charter school is required to report to the state board upon learning of a conviction of a teacher holding a temporary permit for any such offense. (f) A director of schools or a director of a public charter school shall report to the state board teachers holding a temporary permit who are employed by the LEA or public charter school, respectively, who have been suspended or dismissed, or who have resigned, following allegations of conduct, including sexual misconduct, which, if substantiated, would warrant consideration for disciplinary action under state board rules. As used in this subsection (f), "sexual misconduct" has the same meaning as defined in § 49-5-417(c)(5) . (g) (1) Notwithstanding § 49-6-6006 or any law to the contrary, upon the request of a director of schools or the director of a public charter school, the commissioner of education may issue an endorsement exemption to a teacher in accordance with state board rules or a temporary permit to a person in accordance with subsection (a) to teach any course or subject area, except for special education courses, for the 2021-2022 school year. A director of schools or the director of a public charter school who applies for an endorsement exemption or temporary permit for a person to teach in the 2021-2022 school year shall certify to the commissioner that the LEA or public charter school is unable to secure a qualified teacher for the course or subject area. An endorsement exemption or temporary permit issued pursuant to this subsection (g) is valid only for the 2021-2022 school year. (2) Notwithstanding § 49-6-6006 or any other law to the contrary, upon the request of a director of schools or the director of a public charter school, as applicable, the commissioner of education may issue an endorsement exemption to a teacher to teach any course or subject area, except a physical education class required under § 49-6-1021(e) or a special education course, for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years. (3) Notwithstanding § 49-6-6006 , subdivision (b)(3), or any other law to the contrary, the commissioner of education may renew a temporary permit issued to an individual pursuant to subdivision (g)(1) for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years, except that a teaching permit issued pursuant to subdivision (g)(1) for a physical education class required under § 49-6-1021(e) shall not be renewed. (4) At the end of each of the 2021-2022, 2022-2023, and 2023-2024 school years, the department of education shall report to the education committee of the senate and the education administration committee of the house of representatives the number of endorsement exemptions and temporary permits that were requested for the respective school year pursuant to this subsection (g) and the number of endorsement exemptions and temporary permits issued pursuant to this subsection (g). (h) (1) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, except as provided in subdivision (h)(3), a teacher holding the teacher's second or third teaching permit may apply to the department of education for a limited license to continue teaching the course or subject area taught pursuant to the teacher's current temporary permit. The department shall approve a teacher's application for a limited license to continue teaching the course or subject area taught pursuant to the teacher's temporary permit if the teacher: (A) Holds a valid temporary teaching permit; (B) Earned a level of overall effectiveness score of "above expectations" or "significantly above expectations" on the teacher's most recent evaluation pursuant to § 49-1-302 ; (C) Provides a recommendation from the director of schools or from the director of the public charter school at which the teacher taught pursuant to the teacher's temporary permit recommending that the teacher receive a limited license with the endorsement issued pursuant to the teacher's temporary permit; and (D) Agrees, in writing, to begin a pathway approved by the state board for transitioning educators from a limited license to a practitioner license. (2) Limited licenses are valid for two (2) school years and are not renewable. (3) A teacher who holds a temporary permit issued pursuant to this section shall not receive a limited license to teach: (A) [Deleted by 2024 amendment.] (B) A course for which an end-of-course examination is required, in accordance with § 49-6-6006 ; or (C) A special education course. (4) The state board of education shall promulgate rules to effectuate the purposes of this act in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, including rules to establish: (A) Requirements for limited licensure issuance in addition to the requirements of this section; and (B) A pathway for a teacher who possesses a limited license to obtain a practitioner license that includes rules to establish: (i) Minimum requirements for coursework provided by an educator preparation provider or a provider approved by both the department of education and the state board of education that is focused on foundational pedagogical skills, including foundational literacy skills in accordance with the Tennessee Literacy Success Act, compiled in chapter 1, part 9 of this title; (ii) Benchmarks for teachers who possess a limited license to show that the teacher has met the state board's expectations for adequate content knowledge in the subject area taught by the teacher; (iii) Requirements for teachers who possess a limited license to receive support from a highly effective clinical mentor; and (iv) Professional assessment requirements. (i) (1) After a director of schools or a director of a public charter school notifies the director's local board of education or the governing body of the director's public charter school, as applicable, that the LEA or public charter school is unable to secure a qualified occupational educator with a valid occupational teaching license for a course of study in which a vacancy exists, the director of schools or the director of the public charter school may certify the same to the commissioner of education. (2) Upon the commissioner's receipt of the certification described in subdivision (i)(1), the commissioner may grant, on behalf of the state board of education, under conditions prescribed in the state board's rules, a temporary permit to teach in the unfilled position to a person recommended by the director of schools or the director of the public charter school, who: (A) Does not hold a bachelor's degree or an active industry license or credential, including those issued by another state, for the area of endorsement, as defined by the department of education, but who has a minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience, completed within the last ten (10) years, or three (3) years of relevant work experience, completed within the last five (5) years, in the area of endorsement or equivalent educational attainment, as defined by the department of education; or (B) Is an honorably discharged veteran of the armed forces, who has a minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience, completed within the last ten (10) years, or three (3) years of relevant work experience, completed within the last five (5) years, in the area of endorsement or equivalent educational attainment, as defined by the department of education. As used in this subdivision (i)(2)(B), "work experience" includes, but is not limited to, military service, training, and experience. (3) A temporary permit issued pursuant to this subsection (i) is valid only until June 30 immediately following the date of the permit's issuance and is not renewable. An individual may only be issued one (1) temporary permit under this subsection (i). (j) Notwithstanding § 49-6-1021(e)(3) , upon the request of a director of schools or the director of a public charter school, the commissioner of education may issue an endorsement exemption to a teacher, in accordance with state board rules, to teach a physical education class required under § 49-6-1021(e) to elementary school students. A director of schools or the director of a public charter school who applies for an endorsement exemption to teach in accordance with this subsection (j) shall certify to the commissioner that the LEA or public charter school is unable to secure a qualified teacher for the physical education class. An endorsement exemption issued pursuant to this subsection (j) is valid only until June 30 following the date of the permit's issuance. (k) The department of education shall report to the education committee of the senate and the education committees of the house of representatives the number of temporary teaching permits that were requested and granted for individuals to teach courses for which an end-of-course examination is required for the 2024-2025 school year, the 2025-2026 school year, and the 2026-2027 school year, respectively, by July 1, 2027. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 876,s 3, eff. 7/1/2024. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 876,s 2, eff. 7/1/2024. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 876,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 843,s 2, eff. 5/1/2024. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 843,s 1, eff. 5/1/2024. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 311, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1141, s 2, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 280, s 1, eff. 4/28/2023. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1093, s 1, eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 932, Secs.s 2, s 3 eff. 4/29/2022. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 326, s 1, eff. 5/4/2021. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 211, s 1, eff. 4/22/2021. Acts 1951, ch. 106, § 1 (Williams, § 2360); modified; Acts 1957, ch. 141, § 1; 1974, ch. 654, § 55; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1234; Acts 1984, ch. 594, § 1; 1987, ch. 308, § 17; 2008 , ch. 996, § 1.
(a) (1) After a director of schools or a director of a public charter school notifies the director's local board of education or the governing body of the director's public charter school, as applicable, that the LEA or public charter school is unable to secure a qualified teacher with a valid license for the type and kind of school in which a vacancy exists, the director of schools or the director of the public charter school may certify same to the commissioner of education. Upon the commissioner's receipt of the certification, the commissioner may grant, on behalf of the state board of education, under conditions prescribed in the state board's rules, a temporary permit to teach in the unfilled position to a person recommended by the director of schools or the director of the public charter school, as applicable, and who is approved by the commissioner. The temporary permit is valid only until June 30 following the date of the permit's issuance. (2) When determining whether to issue a temporary teaching permit to allow a person to teach a course for which an end-of-course examination is required, the commissioner shall consider the following information: (A) The availability of other faculty or staff who are qualified to teach the course for which an end-of-course examination is required; (B) The timing of the vacancy in relation to the LEA's or public charter school's school calendar, such as whether the vacancy occurs during the LEA's or public charter school's school calendar or in between academic years; and (C) In cases where a vacancy for a course requiring an end-of-course examination occurs outside of the LEA's or public charter school's school calendar, the commissioner shall also consider an LEA's or public charter school's efforts to advertise the vacancy. (3) An individual who is issued a temporary teaching permit to teach a course for which an end-of-course examination is required must be assigned a mentor teacher by the director of schools or the director of the public charter school.
(1) After a director of schools or a director of a public charter school notifies the director's local board of education or the governing body of the director's public charter school, as applicable, that the LEA or public charter school is unable to secure a qualified teacher with a valid license for the type and kind of school in which a vacancy exists, the director of schools or the director of the public charter school may certify same to the commissioner of education. Upon the commissioner's receipt of the certification, the commissioner may grant, on behalf of the state board of education, under conditions prescribed in the state board's rules, a temporary permit to teach in the unfilled position to a person recommended by the director of schools or the director of the public charter school, as applicable, and who is approved by the commissioner. The temporary permit is valid only until June 30 following the date of the permit's issuance.
(2) When determining whether to issue a temporary teaching permit to allow a person to teach a course for which an end-of-course examination is required, the commissioner shall consider the following information: (A) The availability of other faculty or staff who are qualified to teach the course for which an end-of-course examination is required; (B) The timing of the vacancy in relation to the LEA's or public charter school's school calendar, such as whether the vacancy occurs during the LEA's or public charter school's school calendar or in between academic years; and (C) In cases where a vacancy for a course requiring an end-of-course examination occurs outside of the LEA's or public charter school's school calendar, the commissioner shall also consider an LEA's or public charter school's efforts to advertise the vacancy.
(A) The availability of other faculty or staff who are qualified to teach the course for which an end-of-course examination is required;
(B) The timing of the vacancy in relation to the LEA's or public charter school's school calendar, such as whether the vacancy occurs during the LEA's or public charter school's school calendar or in between academic years; and
(C) In cases where a vacancy for a course requiring an end-of-course examination occurs outside of the LEA's or public charter school's school calendar, the commissioner shall also consider an LEA's or public charter school's efforts to advertise the vacancy.
(3) An individual who is issued a temporary teaching permit to teach a course for which an end-of-course examination is required must be assigned a mentor teacher by the director of schools or the director of the public charter school.
(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a), the commissioner shall not grant a person, on behalf of the state board, a temporary permit to teach: (1) [Deleted by 2024 amendment.] (2) A special education course; or (3) [Deleted by 2024 amendment.]
(1) [Deleted by 2024 amendment.]
(2) A special education course; or
(3) [Deleted by 2024 amendment.]
(c) A local board of education or the governing body of a public charter school may contract with a teacher holding a permit, but not holding a valid license, but only for the period of time during which the local board of education or the governing body of the public charter school is unable to secure a qualified teacher with a valid license for the type and kind of school.
(d) It is the intent of the general assembly to urge local boards of education and the boards' respective directors of schools, and governing bodies of public charter schools and the respective directors for each of the governing bodies' public charter schools, to make every effort to staff kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) teaching positions with personnel fully licensed and endorsed for such grades.
(e) A director of schools or a director of a public charter school who learns of the conviction of a teacher holding a temporary permit who is employed by the LEA or public charter school, respectively, for any offense listed in § 49-5-417(a) shall report the conviction to the state board of education. The state board shall set the time frame within which a director of schools or a director of a public charter school must report a conviction of a teacher holding a temporary permit. The state board may specify other offenses for which a director of schools or a director of a public charter school is required to report to the state board upon learning of a conviction of a teacher holding a temporary permit for any such offense.
(f) A director of schools or a director of a public charter school shall report to the state board teachers holding a temporary permit who are employed by the LEA or public charter school, respectively, who have been suspended or dismissed, or who have resigned, following allegations of conduct, including sexual misconduct, which, if substantiated, would warrant consideration for disciplinary action under state board rules. As used in this subsection (f), "sexual misconduct" has the same meaning as defined in § 49-5-417(c)(5) .
(g) (1) Notwithstanding § 49-6-6006 or any law to the contrary, upon the request of a director of schools or the director of a public charter school, the commissioner of education may issue an endorsement exemption to a teacher in accordance with state board rules or a temporary permit to a person in accordance with subsection (a) to teach any course or subject area, except for special education courses, for the 2021-2022 school year. A director of schools or the director of a public charter school who applies for an endorsement exemption or temporary permit for a person to teach in the 2021-2022 school year shall certify to the commissioner that the LEA or public charter school is unable to secure a qualified teacher for the course or subject area. An endorsement exemption or temporary permit issued pursuant to this subsection (g) is valid only for the 2021-2022 school year. (2) Notwithstanding § 49-6-6006 or any other law to the contrary, upon the request of a director of schools or the director of a public charter school, as applicable, the commissioner of education may issue an endorsement exemption to a teacher to teach any course or subject area, except a physical education class required under § 49-6-1021(e) or a special education course, for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years. (3) Notwithstanding § 49-6-6006 , subdivision (b)(3), or any other law to the contrary, the commissioner of education may renew a temporary permit issued to an individual pursuant to subdivision (g)(1) for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years, except that a teaching permit issued pursuant to subdivision (g)(1) for a physical education class required under § 49-6-1021(e) shall not be renewed. (4) At the end of each of the 2021-2022, 2022-2023, and 2023-2024 school years, the department of education shall report to the education committee of the senate and the education administration committee of the house of representatives the number of endorsement exemptions and temporary permits that were requested for the respective school year pursuant to this subsection (g) and the number of endorsement exemptions and temporary permits issued pursuant to this subsection (g).
(1) Notwithstanding § 49-6-6006 or any law to the contrary, upon the request of a director of schools or the director of a public charter school, the commissioner of education may issue an endorsement exemption to a teacher in accordance with state board rules or a temporary permit to a person in accordance with subsection (a) to teach any course or subject area, except for special education courses, for the 2021-2022 school year. A director of schools or the director of a public charter school who applies for an endorsement exemption or temporary permit for a person to teach in the 2021-2022 school year shall certify to the commissioner that the LEA or public charter school is unable to secure a qualified teacher for the course or subject area. An endorsement exemption or temporary permit issued pursuant to this subsection (g) is valid only for the 2021-2022 school year.
(2) Notwithstanding § 49-6-6006 or any other law to the contrary, upon the request of a director of schools or the director of a public charter school, as applicable, the commissioner of education may issue an endorsement exemption to a teacher to teach any course or subject area, except a physical education class required under § 49-6-1021(e) or a special education course, for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years.
(3) Notwithstanding § 49-6-6006 , subdivision (b)(3), or any other law to the contrary, the commissioner of education may renew a temporary permit issued to an individual pursuant to subdivision (g)(1) for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years, except that a teaching permit issued pursuant to subdivision (g)(1) for a physical education class required under § 49-6-1021(e) shall not be renewed.
(4) At the end of each of the 2021-2022, 2022-2023, and 2023-2024 school years, the department of education shall report to the education committee of the senate and the education administration committee of the house of representatives the number of endorsement exemptions and temporary permits that were requested for the respective school year pursuant to this subsection (g) and the number of endorsement exemptions and temporary permits issued pursuant to this subsection (g).
(h) (1) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, except as provided in subdivision (h)(3), a teacher holding the teacher's second or third teaching permit may apply to the department of education for a limited license to continue teaching the course or subject area taught pursuant to the teacher's current temporary permit. The department shall approve a teacher's application for a limited license to continue teaching the course or subject area taught pursuant to the teacher's temporary permit if the teacher: (A) Holds a valid temporary teaching permit; (B) Earned a level of overall effectiveness score of "above expectations" or "significantly above expectations" on the teacher's most recent evaluation pursuant to § 49-1-302 ; (C) Provides a recommendation from the director of schools or from the director of the public charter school at which the teacher taught pursuant to the teacher's temporary permit recommending that the teacher receive a limited license with the endorsement issued pursuant to the teacher's temporary permit; and (D) Agrees, in writing, to begin a pathway approved by the state board for transitioning educators from a limited license to a practitioner license. (2) Limited licenses are valid for two (2) school years and are not renewable. (3) A teacher who holds a temporary permit issued pursuant to this section shall not receive a limited license to teach: (A) [Deleted by 2024 amendment.] (B) A course for which an end-of-course examination is required, in accordance with § 49-6-6006 ; or (C) A special education course. (4) The state board of education shall promulgate rules to effectuate the purposes of this act in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, including rules to establish: (A) Requirements for limited licensure issuance in addition to the requirements of this section; and (B) A pathway for a teacher who possesses a limited license to obtain a practitioner license that includes rules to establish: (i) Minimum requirements for coursework provided by an educator preparation provider or a provider approved by both the department of education and the state board of education that is focused on foundational pedagogical skills, including foundational literacy skills in accordance with the Tennessee Literacy Success Act, compiled in chapter 1, part 9 of this title; (ii) Benchmarks for teachers who possess a limited license to show that the teacher has met the state board's expectations for adequate content knowledge in the subject area taught by the teacher; (iii) Requirements for teachers who possess a limited license to receive support from a highly effective clinical mentor; and (iv) Professional assessment requirements.
(1) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, except as provided in subdivision (h)(3), a teacher holding the teacher's second or third teaching permit may apply to the department of education for a limited license to continue teaching the course or subject area taught pursuant to the teacher's current temporary permit. The department shall approve a teacher's application for a limited license to continue teaching the course or subject area taught pursuant to the teacher's temporary permit if the teacher: (A) Holds a valid temporary teaching permit; (B) Earned a level of overall effectiveness score of "above expectations" or "significantly above expectations" on the teacher's most recent evaluation pursuant to § 49-1-302 ; (C) Provides a recommendation from the director of schools or from the director of the public charter school at which the teacher taught pursuant to the teacher's temporary permit recommending that the teacher receive a limited license with the endorsement issued pursuant to the teacher's temporary permit; and (D) Agrees, in writing, to begin a pathway approved by the state board for transitioning educators from a limited license to a practitioner license.
(A) Holds a valid temporary teaching permit;
(B) Earned a level of overall effectiveness score of "above expectations" or "significantly above expectations" on the teacher's most recent evaluation pursuant to § 49-1-302 ;
(C) Provides a recommendation from the director of schools or from the director of the public charter school at which the teacher taught pursuant to the teacher's temporary permit recommending that the teacher receive a limited license with the endorsement issued pursuant to the teacher's temporary permit; and
(D) Agrees, in writing, to begin a pathway approved by the state board for transitioning educators from a limited license to a practitioner license.
(2) Limited licenses are valid for two (2) school years and are not renewable.
(3) A teacher who holds a temporary permit issued pursuant to this section shall not receive a limited license to teach: (A) [Deleted by 2024 amendment.] (B) A course for which an end-of-course examination is required, in accordance with § 49-6-6006 ; or (C) A special education course.
(A) [Deleted by 2024 amendment.]
(B) A course for which an end-of-course examination is required, in accordance with § 49-6-6006 ; or
(C) A special education course.
(4) The state board of education shall promulgate rules to effectuate the purposes of this act in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, including rules to establish: (A) Requirements for limited licensure issuance in addition to the requirements of this section; and (B) A pathway for a teacher who possesses a limited license to obtain a practitioner license that includes rules to establish: (i) Minimum requirements for coursework provided by an educator preparation provider or a provider approved by both the department of education and the state board of education that is focused on foundational pedagogical skills, including foundational literacy skills in accordance with the Tennessee Literacy Success Act, compiled in chapter 1, part 9 of this title; (ii) Benchmarks for teachers who possess a limited license to show that the teacher has met the state board's expectations for adequate content knowledge in the subject area taught by the teacher; (iii) Requirements for teachers who possess a limited license to receive support from a highly effective clinical mentor; and (iv) Professional assessment requirements.
(A) Requirements for limited licensure issuance in addition to the requirements of this section; and
(B) A pathway for a teacher who possesses a limited license to obtain a practitioner license that includes rules to establish: (i) Minimum requirements for coursework provided by an educator preparation provider or a provider approved by both the department of education and the state board of education that is focused on foundational pedagogical skills, including foundational literacy skills in accordance with the Tennessee Literacy Success Act, compiled in chapter 1, part 9 of this title; (ii) Benchmarks for teachers who possess a limited license to show that the teacher has met the state board's expectations for adequate content knowledge in the subject area taught by the teacher; (iii) Requirements for teachers who possess a limited license to receive support from a highly effective clinical mentor; and (iv) Professional assessment requirements.
(i) Minimum requirements for coursework provided by an educator preparation provider or a provider approved by both the department of education and the state board of education that is focused on foundational pedagogical skills, including foundational literacy skills in accordance with the Tennessee Literacy Success Act, compiled in chapter 1, part 9 of this title;
(ii) Benchmarks for teachers who possess a limited license to show that the teacher has met the state board's expectations for adequate content knowledge in the subject area taught by the teacher;
(iii) Requirements for teachers who possess a limited license to receive support from a highly effective clinical mentor; and
(iv) Professional assessment requirements.
(i) (1) After a director of schools or a director of a public charter school notifies the director's local board of education or the governing body of the director's public charter school, as applicable, that the LEA or public charter school is unable to secure a qualified occupational educator with a valid occupational teaching license for a course of study in which a vacancy exists, the director of schools or the director of the public charter school may certify the same to the commissioner of education. (2) Upon the commissioner's receipt of the certification described in subdivision (i)(1), the commissioner may grant, on behalf of the state board of education, under conditions prescribed in the state board's rules, a temporary permit to teach in the unfilled position to a person recommended by the director of schools or the director of the public charter school, who: (A) Does not hold a bachelor's degree or an active industry license or credential, including those issued by another state, for the area of endorsement, as defined by the department of education, but who has a minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience, completed within the last ten (10) years, or three (3) years of relevant work experience, completed within the last five (5) years, in the area of endorsement or equivalent educational attainment, as defined by the department of education; or (B) Is an honorably discharged veteran of the armed forces, who has a minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience, completed within the last ten (10) years, or three (3) years of relevant work experience, completed within the last five (5) years, in the area of endorsement or equivalent educational attainment, as defined by the department of education. As used in this subdivision (i)(2)(B), "work experience" includes, but is not limited to, military service, training, and experience. (3) A temporary permit issued pursuant to this subsection (i) is valid only until June 30 immediately following the date of the permit's issuance and is not renewable. An individual may only be issued one (1) temporary permit under this subsection (i).
(1) After a director of schools or a director of a public charter school notifies the director's local board of education or the governing body of the director's public charter school, as applicable, that the LEA or public charter school is unable to secure a qualified occupational educator with a valid occupational teaching license for a course of study in which a vacancy exists, the director of schools or the director of the public charter school may certify the same to the commissioner of education.
(2) Upon the commissioner's receipt of the certification described in subdivision (i)(1), the commissioner may grant, on behalf of the state board of education, under conditions prescribed in the state board's rules, a temporary permit to teach in the unfilled position to a person recommended by the director of schools or the director of the public charter school, who: (A) Does not hold a bachelor's degree or an active industry license or credential, including those issued by another state, for the area of endorsement, as defined by the department of education, but who has a minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience, completed within the last ten (10) years, or three (3) years of relevant work experience, completed within the last five (5) years, in the area of endorsement or equivalent educational attainment, as defined by the department of education; or (B) Is an honorably discharged veteran of the armed forces, who has a minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience, completed within the last ten (10) years, or three (3) years of relevant work experience, completed within the last five (5) years, in the area of endorsement or equivalent educational attainment, as defined by the department of education. As used in this subdivision (i)(2)(B), "work experience" includes, but is not limited to, military service, training, and experience.
(A) Does not hold a bachelor's degree or an active industry license or credential, including those issued by another state, for the area of endorsement, as defined by the department of education, but who has a minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience, completed within the last ten (10) years, or three (3) years of relevant work experience, completed within the last five (5) years, in the area of endorsement or equivalent educational attainment, as defined by the department of education; or
(B) Is an honorably discharged veteran of the armed forces, who has a minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience, completed within the last ten (10) years, or three (3) years of relevant work experience, completed within the last five (5) years, in the area of endorsement or equivalent educational attainment, as defined by the department of education. As used in this subdivision (i)(2)(B), "work experience" includes, but is not limited to, military service, training, and experience.
(3) A temporary permit issued pursuant to this subsection (i) is valid only until June 30 immediately following the date of the permit's issuance and is not renewable. An individual may only be issued one (1) temporary permit under this subsection (i).
(j) Notwithstanding § 49-6-1021(e)(3) , upon the request of a director of schools or the director of a public charter school, the commissioner of education may issue an endorsement exemption to a teacher, in accordance with state board rules, to teach a physical education class required under § 49-6-1021(e) to elementary school students. A director of schools or the director of a public charter school who applies for an endorsement exemption to teach in accordance with this subsection (j) shall certify to the commissioner that the LEA or public charter school is unable to secure a qualified teacher for the physical education class. An endorsement exemption issued pursuant to this subsection (j) is valid only until June 30 following the date of the permit's issuance.
(k) The department of education shall report to the education committee of the senate and the education committees of the house of representatives the number of temporary teaching permits that were requested and granted for individuals to teach courses for which an end-of-course examination is required for the 2024-2025 school year, the 2025-2026 school year, and the 2026-2027 school year, respectively, by July 1, 2027.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 876,s 3, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 876,s 2, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 876,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 843,s 2, eff. 5/1/2024.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 843,s 1, eff. 5/1/2024.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 311, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1141, s 2, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 280, s 1, eff. 4/28/2023.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1093, s 1, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 932, Secs.s 2, s 3 eff. 4/29/2022.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 326, s 1, eff. 5/4/2021.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 211, s 1, eff. 4/22/2021.
Acts 1951, ch. 106, § 1 (Williams, § 2360); modified; Acts 1957, ch. 141, § 1; 1974, ch. 654, § 55; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1234; Acts 1984, ch. 594, § 1; 1987, ch. 308, § 17; 2008 , ch. 996, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-222 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-222
Certificate of licensure for educators
Status: in_force

(a) The department of education shall design and adopt a certificate of licensure for issuance to educators who have met the requirements for licensure established by the state board of education. (b) A certificate of licensure must: (1) State the: (A) Full name of the educator; (B) Date on which the certificate of licensure was issued; (C) Date on which the certificate of licensure expires; (D) Type of license issued to the educator; (E) Educator's areas of endorsement; (F) Reference number for the certificate of licensure; and (G) Highest level of education attained by the educator as of the date on which the certificate of licensure was issued; (2) Bear the signature of the governor and of the commissioner, or the commissioner's designee, under the name and seal of the state of Tennessee; (3) State that the educator has met all of the requirements established by the state board of education and is authorized to serve in the public schools of Tennessee as indicated on the educator's certificate of licensure; and (4) Present the information required in subdivisions (b)(1)-(3) in a format suitable for framing by the educator. (c) The department shall provide an educator with a certificate of licensure printed on paper designed to demonstrate the significance of the educator's achievement upon the educator's request and upon the educator's payment of a fee, if any, prescribed by the commissioner to offset the cost of providing the printed certificate. (d) The department shall provide access through the department's online educator licensing portal for an educator to view and print a high-resolution color copy of the educator's certificate of licensure at no cost to the educator. Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1145,s 1, eff. 7/1/2022.
(a) The department of education shall design and adopt a certificate of licensure for issuance to educators who have met the requirements for licensure established by the state board of education.
(b) A certificate of licensure must: (1) State the: (A) Full name of the educator; (B) Date on which the certificate of licensure was issued; (C) Date on which the certificate of licensure expires; (D) Type of license issued to the educator; (E) Educator's areas of endorsement; (F) Reference number for the certificate of licensure; and (G) Highest level of education attained by the educator as of the date on which the certificate of licensure was issued; (2) Bear the signature of the governor and of the commissioner, or the commissioner's designee, under the name and seal of the state of Tennessee; (3) State that the educator has met all of the requirements established by the state board of education and is authorized to serve in the public schools of Tennessee as indicated on the educator's certificate of licensure; and (4) Present the information required in subdivisions (b)(1)-(3) in a format suitable for framing by the educator.
(1) State the: (A) Full name of the educator; (B) Date on which the certificate of licensure was issued; (C) Date on which the certificate of licensure expires; (D) Type of license issued to the educator; (E) Educator's areas of endorsement; (F) Reference number for the certificate of licensure; and (G) Highest level of education attained by the educator as of the date on which the certificate of licensure was issued;
(A) Full name of the educator;
(B) Date on which the certificate of licensure was issued;
(C) Date on which the certificate of licensure expires;
(D) Type of license issued to the educator;
(E) Educator's areas of endorsement;
(F) Reference number for the certificate of licensure; and
(G) Highest level of education attained by the educator as of the date on which the certificate of licensure was issued;
(2) Bear the signature of the governor and of the commissioner, or the commissioner's designee, under the name and seal of the state of Tennessee;
(3) State that the educator has met all of the requirements established by the state board of education and is authorized to serve in the public schools of Tennessee as indicated on the educator's certificate of licensure; and
(4) Present the information required in subdivisions (b)(1)-(3) in a format suitable for framing by the educator.
(c) The department shall provide an educator with a certificate of licensure printed on paper designed to demonstrate the significance of the educator's achievement upon the educator's request and upon the educator's payment of a fee, if any, prescribed by the commissioner to offset the cost of providing the printed certificate.
(d) The department shall provide access through the department's online educator licensing portal for an educator to view and print a high-resolution color copy of the educator's certificate of licensure at no cost to the educator.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1145,s 1, eff. 7/1/2022.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-1801 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-1801
"Limited public forum" defined for purposes of part
Status: in_force

As used in this part, "limited public forum" means public property that the LEA provides for students as a place for expressive activity which may impose reasonable, content-neutral time, place and manner restrictions on certain groups or topics of speech; provided, that the restriction is necessary and narrowly tailored to serve a compelling state interest. Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 654, s 2, eff. 4/10/2014. See 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 654, s 4.
As used in this part, "limited public forum" means public property that the LEA provides for students as a place for expressive activity which may impose reasonable, content-neutral time, place and manner restrictions on certain groups or topics of speech; provided, that the restriction is necessary and narrowly tailored to serve a compelling state interest.
Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 654, s 2, eff. 4/10/2014.
See 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 654, s 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-2206 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-2206
Use of unapproved books and instructional materials - Use of Common Core textbooks or materials prohibited - Alignment of textbooks and instructional materials to academic standards
Status: in_force

(a) An LEA shall not use or permit to be used in any school any textbooks and instructional materials upon any subject to the exclusion of the textbooks and instructional materials listed by the commission and approved by the state board of education; provided, that this prohibition does not apply to textbooks and instructional materials previously listed and purchased with public funds. Upon application of the local board of education, the state board of education may waive this restriction when, in the state board's judgment, the unique or unusual needs of the LEA require it. In making waiver determinations, the state board of education must receive assistance from the department of education. The state board shall outline in its rules specific timeframes when waiver applications may be submitted by a local board of education; provided, that the state board shall allow applications to be submitted outside of the established timeframes in emergency circumstances, as defined by the state board in its rules. A public charter school may request a waiver for the use of textbooks and instructional materials in accordance with § 49-13-111 . (b) (1) If the commissioner of education finds that an LEA knowingly violated this section, then the commissioner shall withhold state funds, in an amount determined by the commissioner, from the LEA until the LEA is in compliance. (2) (A) A teacher or principal in a public school of this state shall not use or permit to be used in the person's school, whether as a supplement to the LEA's or school's adopted textbooks and instructional materials or otherwise, textbooks or instructional materials created to align exclusively with the Common Core State Standards or that are marketed as Common Core textbooks or materials. (B) The commissioner of education shall withhold a portion of the state education finance funds that an LEA is otherwise eligible to receive if a teacher or principal employed by the LEA intentionally violates subdivision (b)(2)(A) by purposefully using, or permitting to be used, in the person's school, textbooks or instructional materials created to align exclusively with the Common Core State Standards or that are marketed as Common Core textbooks or materials. (c) Notwithstanding subsection (a), all English language arts textbooks and instructional materials must be aligned to Tennessee's academic standards no later than January 1, 2023. (d) Notwithstanding subsection (a): (1) All textbooks and instructional materials must be aligned to Tennessee's academic standards no later than: (A) July 1, 2023, for math; (B) July 1, 2024, for science; and (C) July 1, 2025, for social studies; and (2) The state board shall not grant a waiver for English language arts, math, science, or social studies textbooks or instructional materials that are not aligned to Tennessee's academic standards beginning on: (A) January 1, 2023, for English language arts; (B) July 1, 2023, for math; (C) July 1, 2024, for science; and (D) July 1, 2025, for social studies. (e) The state board is authorized to promulgate rules, including emergency rules, to effectuate this section. The rules must be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1085, s 1, eff. 5/27/2022. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 990, s 1, eff. 5/4/2022. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 471, s 3, eff. 7/1/2021. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 471, s 2, eff. 5/18/2021. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 205, s 3, eff. 4/22/2021. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 770, s 2, eff. 8/1/2020. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 981,s 15, eff. 1/1/2015. Acts 1951, ch. 180, § 15 (Williams, § 2453.41); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-2020; Acts 1988, ch. 590, § 3.
(a) An LEA shall not use or permit to be used in any school any textbooks and instructional materials upon any subject to the exclusion of the textbooks and instructional materials listed by the commission and approved by the state board of education; provided, that this prohibition does not apply to textbooks and instructional materials previously listed and purchased with public funds. Upon application of the local board of education, the state board of education may waive this restriction when, in the state board's judgment, the unique or unusual needs of the LEA require it. In making waiver determinations, the state board of education must receive assistance from the department of education. The state board shall outline in its rules specific timeframes when waiver applications may be submitted by a local board of education; provided, that the state board shall allow applications to be submitted outside of the established timeframes in emergency circumstances, as defined by the state board in its rules. A public charter school may request a waiver for the use of textbooks and instructional materials in accordance with § 49-13-111 .
(b) (1) If the commissioner of education finds that an LEA knowingly violated this section, then the commissioner shall withhold state funds, in an amount determined by the commissioner, from the LEA until the LEA is in compliance. (2) (A) A teacher or principal in a public school of this state shall not use or permit to be used in the person's school, whether as a supplement to the LEA's or school's adopted textbooks and instructional materials or otherwise, textbooks or instructional materials created to align exclusively with the Common Core State Standards or that are marketed as Common Core textbooks or materials. (B) The commissioner of education shall withhold a portion of the state education finance funds that an LEA is otherwise eligible to receive if a teacher or principal employed by the LEA intentionally violates subdivision (b)(2)(A) by purposefully using, or permitting to be used, in the person's school, textbooks or instructional materials created to align exclusively with the Common Core State Standards or that are marketed as Common Core textbooks or materials.
(1) If the commissioner of education finds that an LEA knowingly violated this section, then the commissioner shall withhold state funds, in an amount determined by the commissioner, from the LEA until the LEA is in compliance.
(2) (A) A teacher or principal in a public school of this state shall not use or permit to be used in the person's school, whether as a supplement to the LEA's or school's adopted textbooks and instructional materials or otherwise, textbooks or instructional materials created to align exclusively with the Common Core State Standards or that are marketed as Common Core textbooks or materials. (B) The commissioner of education shall withhold a portion of the state education finance funds that an LEA is otherwise eligible to receive if a teacher or principal employed by the LEA intentionally violates subdivision (b)(2)(A) by purposefully using, or permitting to be used, in the person's school, textbooks or instructional materials created to align exclusively with the Common Core State Standards or that are marketed as Common Core textbooks or materials.
(A) A teacher or principal in a public school of this state shall not use or permit to be used in the person's school, whether as a supplement to the LEA's or school's adopted textbooks and instructional materials or otherwise, textbooks or instructional materials created to align exclusively with the Common Core State Standards or that are marketed as Common Core textbooks or materials.
(B) The commissioner of education shall withhold a portion of the state education finance funds that an LEA is otherwise eligible to receive if a teacher or principal employed by the LEA intentionally violates subdivision (b)(2)(A) by purposefully using, or permitting to be used, in the person's school, textbooks or instructional materials created to align exclusively with the Common Core State Standards or that are marketed as Common Core textbooks or materials.
(c) Notwithstanding subsection (a), all English language arts textbooks and instructional materials must be aligned to Tennessee's academic standards no later than January 1, 2023.
(d) Notwithstanding subsection (a): (1) All textbooks and instructional materials must be aligned to Tennessee's academic standards no later than: (A) July 1, 2023, for math; (B) July 1, 2024, for science; and (C) July 1, 2025, for social studies; and (2) The state board shall not grant a waiver for English language arts, math, science, or social studies textbooks or instructional materials that are not aligned to Tennessee's academic standards beginning on: (A) January 1, 2023, for English language arts; (B) July 1, 2023, for math; (C) July 1, 2024, for science; and (D) July 1, 2025, for social studies.
(1) All textbooks and instructional materials must be aligned to Tennessee's academic standards no later than: (A) July 1, 2023, for math; (B) July 1, 2024, for science; and (C) July 1, 2025, for social studies; and
(A) July 1, 2023, for math;
(B) July 1, 2024, for science; and
(C) July 1, 2025, for social studies; and
(2) The state board shall not grant a waiver for English language arts, math, science, or social studies textbooks or instructional materials that are not aligned to Tennessee's academic standards beginning on: (A) January 1, 2023, for English language arts; (B) July 1, 2023, for math; (C) July 1, 2024, for science; and (D) July 1, 2025, for social studies.
(A) January 1, 2023, for English language arts;
(B) July 1, 2023, for math;
(C) July 1, 2024, for science; and
(D) July 1, 2025, for social studies.
(e) The state board is authorized to promulgate rules, including emergency rules, to effectuate this section. The rules must be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1085, s 1, eff. 5/27/2022.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 990, s 1, eff. 5/4/2022.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 471, s 3, eff. 7/1/2021.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 471, s 2, eff. 5/18/2021.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 205, s 3, eff. 4/22/2021.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 770, s 2, eff. 8/1/2020.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 981,s 15, eff. 1/1/2015.
Acts 1951, ch. 180, § 15 (Williams, § 2453.41); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-2020; Acts 1988, ch. 590, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-901 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-901
Copies to parents
Status: in_force

A copy of a student's report card shall be furnished by the LEA to the parent or parents of the student. Acts 1986, ch. 579, § 1.
A copy of a student's report card shall be furnished by the LEA to the parent or parents of the student.
Acts 1986, ch. 579, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-4-705 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 49-4-705
Termination of Christa McAuliffe Scholarship program
Status: in_force

The Christa McAuliffe Scholarship program terminates effective August 1, 2020, at which time all funds remaining in the program's investment principal and investment earnings accounts shall be added to the reserve balances held by the student assistance corporation for the student assistance award under § 49-4-301 . The transfer of funds is subject to transfer in the general appropriations act. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, s 18, eff. 8/1/2020. Acts 1986, ch. 812, § 2.
The Christa McAuliffe Scholarship program terminates effective August 1, 2020, at which time all funds remaining in the program's investment principal and investment earnings accounts shall be added to the reserve balances held by the student assistance corporation for the student assistance award under § 49-4-301 . The transfer of funds is subject to transfer in the general appropriations act.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, s 18, eff. 8/1/2020.
Acts 1986, ch. 812, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-2-1306 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 49-2-1306
Recording of agreement - Legal actions involving parties
Status: in_force

(a) Before its entry into force, an agreement made under this part shall be filed with the custodian of local public records and with the secretary of state. (b) (1) In any case or controversy involving performance or interpretation of an agreement made under this part or liability under the agreement, the public agencies party thereto shall be real parties in interest, and the state may maintain an action to recoup or otherwise make itself whole for any damages or liability that it may incur by reason of being joined as a party therein. (2) Such action shall be maintainable against any public agency or agencies whose default, failure of performance or other conduct caused or contributed to the incurring of damage or liability by the state. Acts 1970, ch. 511, § 7; T.C.A., § 49-436.
(a) Before its entry into force, an agreement made under this part shall be filed with the custodian of local public records and with the secretary of state.
(b) (1) In any case or controversy involving performance or interpretation of an agreement made under this part or liability under the agreement, the public agencies party thereto shall be real parties in interest, and the state may maintain an action to recoup or otherwise make itself whole for any damages or liability that it may incur by reason of being joined as a party therein. (2) Such action shall be maintainable against any public agency or agencies whose default, failure of performance or other conduct caused or contributed to the incurring of damage or liability by the state.
(1) In any case or controversy involving performance or interpretation of an agreement made under this part or liability under the agreement, the public agencies party thereto shall be real parties in interest, and the state may maintain an action to recoup or otherwise make itself whole for any damages or liability that it may incur by reason of being joined as a party therein.
(2) Such action shall be maintainable against any public agency or agencies whose default, failure of performance or other conduct caused or contributed to the incurring of damage or liability by the state.
Acts 1970, ch. 511, § 7; T.C.A., § 49-436.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-10-202 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 10 / Section 49-10-202
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 107,s 18, eff. 4/11/2019. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 767,s 4, eff. 7/1/2018. Acts 1972, ch. 839, § 4; T.C.A., § 49-2921.
Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 107,s 18, eff. 4/11/2019.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 767,s 4, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1972, ch. 839, § 4; T.C.A., § 49-2921.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-2-1301 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 49-2-1301
Short title
Status: in_force

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Educational Cooperation Act." Acts 1970, ch. 511, § 1; T.C.A, § 49-430.
This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Educational Cooperation Act."
Acts 1970, ch. 511, § 1; T.C.A, § 49-430.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-605 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-605
Annual estimates of school district effects on student progress in grades three through eight (3-8)
Status: in_force

(a) By July 1 of each year, data from the Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP) tests, or their future replacements, will be used to provide an estimate of the statistical distribution of school district effects on the educational progress of students for grades three through eight (3-8). (b) By July 1 of each year, data from the TCAP tests, or their future replacements, will be used to provide an estimate of the statistical distribution of school effects on the educational progress of students for grades three through eight (3-8). Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 4.
(a) By July 1 of each year, data from the Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP) tests, or their future replacements, will be used to provide an estimate of the statistical distribution of school district effects on the educational progress of students for grades three through eight (3-8).
(b) By July 1 of each year, data from the TCAP tests, or their future replacements, will be used to provide an estimate of the statistical distribution of school effects on the educational progress of students for grades three through eight (3-8).
Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-3-365 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 49-3-365
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 2, eff. 7/1/2023. Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 87.
Repealed by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 2, eff. 7/1/2023.
Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 87.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-4501 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-4501
Legislative findings - Safety and civility
Status: in_force

The general assembly finds and declares that: (1) A safe and civil environment is necessary for students to learn and achieve high academic standards; (2) Harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyber-bullying, like other disruptive or violent behavior, is conduct that disrupts a student's ability to learn and a school's ability to educate its students in a safe environment; (3) Students learn by example. School administrators, faculty, staff and volunteers who demonstrate appropriate behavior, treating others with civility and respect and refusing to tolerate harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyber-bullying, encourage others to do so as well; and (4) The use of telephones, cellular phones or other wireless telecommunication devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), computers, electronic mail, instant messaging, text messaging, and websites by students in a manner that is safe and secure is essential to a safe and civil learning environment and is necessary for students to successfully use technology. Acts 2005, ch. 202, § 1; 2011, ch. 251, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A. § 49-6-1014 ; T.C.A. § 45-6-1014.
The general assembly finds and declares that:
(1) A safe and civil environment is necessary for students to learn and achieve high academic standards;
(2) Harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyber-bullying, like other disruptive or violent behavior, is conduct that disrupts a student's ability to learn and a school's ability to educate its students in a safe environment;
(3) Students learn by example. School administrators, faculty, staff and volunteers who demonstrate appropriate behavior, treating others with civility and respect and refusing to tolerate harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyber-bullying, encourage others to do so as well; and
(4) The use of telephones, cellular phones or other wireless telecommunication devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), computers, electronic mail, instant messaging, text messaging, and websites by students in a manner that is safe and secure is essential to a safe and civil learning environment and is necessary for students to successfully use technology.
Acts 2005, ch. 202, § 1; 2011, ch. 251, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A. § 49-6-1014 ; T.C.A. § 45-6-1014.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-2407 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-2407
Costs
Status: in_force

Nothing in this part shall require an institution to fund costs associated with student speech or expression. An institution shall not impose costs on students or student organizations on the basis of the anticipated reaction or opposition to a person's speech by listeners. Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 336,s 9, eff. 1/1/2018.
Nothing in this part shall require an institution to fund costs associated with student speech or expression. An institution shall not impose costs on students or student organizations on the basis of the anticipated reaction or opposition to a person's speech by listeners.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 336,s 9, eff. 1/1/2018.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-13-111 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 13 / Section 49-13-111
Compliance
Status: in_force

(a) A public charter school shall, at a minimum: (1) Be operated by a not-for-profit organization that is exempt from federal taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code ( 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) ); (2) Operate as a public, nonsectarian, nonreligious public school, with control of instruction vested in the governing body of the public charter school under the general supervision of the authorizer and in compliance with the charter agreement and this chapter; (3) Meet the performance standards and requirements adopted by the state board of education for public schools; (4) Except as provided in § 49-13-142(d) , receive state, federal, and local funds from the local board of education; (5) Provide education services for students with disabilities, English language learners, and other students with diverse needs, in accordance with state and federal law; (6) Administer state assessments as provided in chapter 1, part 6 of this title; and (7) Open and operate within the geographic boundaries of the authorizing local board of education or, if the public charter school is authorized by the achievement school district or the commission, within the geographic boundaries of the LEA in which the charter sponsor has been approved to locate. (b) A public charter school shall be subject to all federal and state laws and constitutional provisions prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, national origin, religion, ancestry or need for special education services. A public charter school may not violate or be used to subvert any state or federal court orders in place in the local school district. (c) A public charter school shall comply with all applicable health and safety standards, regulations and laws of the United States and this state. (d) A public charter school shall be accountable to the authorizer for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the charter agreement and the requirements of this chapter. Authorizers shall enforce compliance with the requirements of this chapter. (e) All contracts for goods in excess of the maximum applicable threshold established pursuant to § 12-3-1212 must be bid and must be approved by the governing body of each public charter school. (f) With regard to conflicts of interest, the governing body of a public charter school shall be subject to §§ 12-4-101 and 12-4-102 . (g) All records of a public charter school are open for personal inspection and duplication by any citizen of this state to the same extent that records of public schools operated by an LEA are open. (h) The meetings of the governing body of a public charter school shall be deemed public business and must be held in compliance with title 8, chapter 44, part 1. All information providing notice of public meetings as required under § 8-44-103 must be kept current by a public charter school on the public charter school's website. The board of directors of a CMO may conduct a board meeting concerning a public charter school located in this state by teleconference, videoconference, or other electronic means in compliance with § 8-44-108 , except that § 8-44-108(b)(2) and (3) shall not apply to such a meeting if a physical quorum is not present at the location stated in the notice of the meeting. (i) A public charter school shall follow the state board of education's rules and regulations for licensure and endorsement of employees. (j) All teachers in a public charter school must hold a valid Tennessee educator license. (k) A public charter school is subject to state audit procedures and audit requirements. (l) A public charter school shall be operated on a July 1 to June 30 fiscal year and the governing body shall adopt and operate under an annual budget for the fiscal year. The budget shall be prepared in the same format as that required by the state department of education for LEAs. (m) A public charter school shall maintain the school's accounts and records in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and in conformity with the uniform chart of accounts and accounting requirements prescribed by the comptroller of the treasury. The public charter school shall prepare and publish an annual financial report that encompasses all funds. The annual financial report must include the audited financial statements of the public charter school. (n) A public charter school shall require any member of the governing body, employee, officer or other authorized person who receives funds, has access to funds, or has authority to make expenditures from funds, to give a surety bond in the form prescribed by § 8-19-101 . The cost of the surety bond shall be paid by the charter school and shall be in an amount determined by the governing body. (o) The governing body shall conduct at least one (1) annual board training course and shall provide documentation of such training to the authorizer. All training courses must be approved by the state board of education. (p) Except where waivers are otherwise prohibited in this chapter, a public charter school may apply to either the authorizer or to the commissioner of education for a waiver of any state board rule or statute that inhibits or hinders the proposed public charter school's ability to meet the school's goals or comply with the school's mission statement. Neither the authorizer nor the commissioner shall waive regulatory or statutory requirements related to: (1) Federal and state civil rights; (2) Federal, state, and local health and safety; (3) Federal and state public records; (4) Immunizations; (5) Possession of weapons on school grounds; (6) Background checks and fingerprinting of personnel; (7) Federal and state special education services; (8) Student due process; (9) Parental rights; (10) Federal and state student assessment and accountability; (11) Open meetings; and (12) At least the same equivalent time of instruction as required in regular public schools. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 513,s 17, eff. 3/1/2024. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 92, s 1, eff. 3/31/2023. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 310, s 4, eff. 7/1/2021. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219, Secs.s 30, s 31, s 32, s 33, s 34, s 35, s 36, s 37, s 38, s 39, s 40, s 41eff. 4/26/2019. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 537, s 1, eff. 3/7/2018. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 850, s 10, eff. 4/30/2014. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 326, s 1, eff. 7/1/2013. Acts 2002, ch. 850, § 11; 2004, ch. 653, § 1; 2005, ch. 177, §2; 2011 , ch. 507, §§ 4, 5.
(a) A public charter school shall, at a minimum: (1) Be operated by a not-for-profit organization that is exempt from federal taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code ( 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) ); (2) Operate as a public, nonsectarian, nonreligious public school, with control of instruction vested in the governing body of the public charter school under the general supervision of the authorizer and in compliance with the charter agreement and this chapter; (3) Meet the performance standards and requirements adopted by the state board of education for public schools; (4) Except as provided in § 49-13-142(d) , receive state, federal, and local funds from the local board of education; (5) Provide education services for students with disabilities, English language learners, and other students with diverse needs, in accordance with state and federal law; (6) Administer state assessments as provided in chapter 1, part 6 of this title; and (7) Open and operate within the geographic boundaries of the authorizing local board of education or, if the public charter school is authorized by the achievement school district or the commission, within the geographic boundaries of the LEA in which the charter sponsor has been approved to locate.
(1) Be operated by a not-for-profit organization that is exempt from federal taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code ( 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) );
(2) Operate as a public, nonsectarian, nonreligious public school, with control of instruction vested in the governing body of the public charter school under the general supervision of the authorizer and in compliance with the charter agreement and this chapter;
(3) Meet the performance standards and requirements adopted by the state board of education for public schools;
(4) Except as provided in § 49-13-142(d) , receive state, federal, and local funds from the local board of education;
(5) Provide education services for students with disabilities, English language learners, and other students with diverse needs, in accordance with state and federal law;
(6) Administer state assessments as provided in chapter 1, part 6 of this title; and
(7) Open and operate within the geographic boundaries of the authorizing local board of education or, if the public charter school is authorized by the achievement school district or the commission, within the geographic boundaries of the LEA in which the charter sponsor has been approved to locate.
(b) A public charter school shall be subject to all federal and state laws and constitutional provisions prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, national origin, religion, ancestry or need for special education services. A public charter school may not violate or be used to subvert any state or federal court orders in place in the local school district.
(c) A public charter school shall comply with all applicable health and safety standards, regulations and laws of the United States and this state.
(d) A public charter school shall be accountable to the authorizer for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the charter agreement and the requirements of this chapter. Authorizers shall enforce compliance with the requirements of this chapter.
(e) All contracts for goods in excess of the maximum applicable threshold established pursuant to § 12-3-1212 must be bid and must be approved by the governing body of each public charter school.
(f) With regard to conflicts of interest, the governing body of a public charter school shall be subject to §§ 12-4-101 and 12-4-102 .
(g) All records of a public charter school are open for personal inspection and duplication by any citizen of this state to the same extent that records of public schools operated by an LEA are open.
(h) The meetings of the governing body of a public charter school shall be deemed public business and must be held in compliance with title 8, chapter 44, part 1. All information providing notice of public meetings as required under § 8-44-103 must be kept current by a public charter school on the public charter school's website. The board of directors of a CMO may conduct a board meeting concerning a public charter school located in this state by teleconference, videoconference, or other electronic means in compliance with § 8-44-108 , except that § 8-44-108(b)(2) and (3) shall not apply to such a meeting if a physical quorum is not present at the location stated in the notice of the meeting.
(i) A public charter school shall follow the state board of education's rules and regulations for licensure and endorsement of employees.
(j) All teachers in a public charter school must hold a valid Tennessee educator license.
(k) A public charter school is subject to state audit procedures and audit requirements.
(l) A public charter school shall be operated on a July 1 to June 30 fiscal year and the governing body shall adopt and operate under an annual budget for the fiscal year. The budget shall be prepared in the same format as that required by the state department of education for LEAs.
(m) A public charter school shall maintain the school's accounts and records in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and in conformity with the uniform chart of accounts and accounting requirements prescribed by the comptroller of the treasury. The public charter school shall prepare and publish an annual financial report that encompasses all funds. The annual financial report must include the audited financial statements of the public charter school.
(n) A public charter school shall require any member of the governing body, employee, officer or other authorized person who receives funds, has access to funds, or has authority to make expenditures from funds, to give a surety bond in the form prescribed by § 8-19-101 . The cost of the surety bond shall be paid by the charter school and shall be in an amount determined by the governing body.
(o) The governing body shall conduct at least one (1) annual board training course and shall provide documentation of such training to the authorizer. All training courses must be approved by the state board of education.
(p) Except where waivers are otherwise prohibited in this chapter, a public charter school may apply to either the authorizer or to the commissioner of education for a waiver of any state board rule or statute that inhibits or hinders the proposed public charter school's ability to meet the school's goals or comply with the school's mission statement. Neither the authorizer nor the commissioner shall waive regulatory or statutory requirements related to: (1) Federal and state civil rights; (2) Federal, state, and local health and safety; (3) Federal and state public records; (4) Immunizations; (5) Possession of weapons on school grounds; (6) Background checks and fingerprinting of personnel; (7) Federal and state special education services; (8) Student due process; (9) Parental rights; (10) Federal and state student assessment and accountability; (11) Open meetings; and (12) At least the same equivalent time of instruction as required in regular public schools.
(1) Federal and state civil rights;
(2) Federal, state, and local health and safety;
(3) Federal and state public records;
(4) Immunizations;
(5) Possession of weapons on school grounds;
(6) Background checks and fingerprinting of personnel;
(7) Federal and state special education services;
(8) Student due process;
(9) Parental rights;
(10) Federal and state student assessment and accountability;
(11) Open meetings; and
(12) At least the same equivalent time of instruction as required in regular public schools.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 513,s 17, eff. 3/1/2024.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 92, s 1, eff. 3/31/2023.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 310, s 4, eff. 7/1/2021.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219, Secs.s 30, s 31, s 32, s 33, s 34, s 35, s 36, s 37, s 38, s 39, s 40, s 41eff. 4/26/2019.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 537, s 1, eff. 3/7/2018.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 850, s 10, eff. 4/30/2014.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 326, s 1, eff. 7/1/2013.
Acts 2002, ch. 850, § 11; 2004, ch. 653, § 1; 2005, ch. 177, §2; 2011 , ch. 507, §§ 4, 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-2205 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-2205
Compilation of crime statistics - Distribution of annual report
Status: in_force

(a) The director of the Tennessee bureau of investigation shall compile the crime statistics reported pursuant to § 49-7-2203(a) , and shall provide an annual report by April 30 of the statistics to the governor and to the state and local government and education committees of the senate and the state government and education administration committees of the house of representatives. The report must include the name and position of each official at each institution of higher education that certified the report submitted to the Tennessee bureau of investigation pursuant to § 49-7-2203(a) for the respective institution. (b) (1) The crime statistics shall also include crime data compilations, where available, for crimes against the students of institutions of higher education that are committed within the county where the school is located. The information shall be taken from incidence/complaint report forms used by state, county and municipal law enforcement agencies that are submitted pursuant to § 38-10-102 , or voluntarily for purposes of this part. Such incidence/complaint report forms shall, when applicable, indicate whether the victim is a student attending an institution of higher education that is located in the county in which the crime occurred and the name of the school attended by the student. (2) The crime statistics shall specifically include crime data compilations for crimes involving the unlawful possession or sale of controlled substances and controlled substance analogues. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 958, s 2, eff. 4/29/2022. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 64, s 104, eff. 3/29/2021. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345, s 118, eff. 5/10/2019. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182, s 73, eff. 4/17/2015. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 236, s 74, eff. 4/19/2013. Acts 1989, ch. 317, § 5; 1993, ch. 354, § 1; 2002, ch. 748, § 1; 2012 , ch. 848, § 45.
(a) The director of the Tennessee bureau of investigation shall compile the crime statistics reported pursuant to § 49-7-2203(a) , and shall provide an annual report by April 30 of the statistics to the governor and to the state and local government and education committees of the senate and the state government and education administration committees of the house of representatives. The report must include the name and position of each official at each institution of higher education that certified the report submitted to the Tennessee bureau of investigation pursuant to § 49-7-2203(a) for the respective institution.
(b) (1) The crime statistics shall also include crime data compilations, where available, for crimes against the students of institutions of higher education that are committed within the county where the school is located. The information shall be taken from incidence/complaint report forms used by state, county and municipal law enforcement agencies that are submitted pursuant to § 38-10-102 , or voluntarily for purposes of this part. Such incidence/complaint report forms shall, when applicable, indicate whether the victim is a student attending an institution of higher education that is located in the county in which the crime occurred and the name of the school attended by the student. (2) The crime statistics shall specifically include crime data compilations for crimes involving the unlawful possession or sale of controlled substances and controlled substance analogues.
(1) The crime statistics shall also include crime data compilations, where available, for crimes against the students of institutions of higher education that are committed within the county where the school is located. The information shall be taken from incidence/complaint report forms used by state, county and municipal law enforcement agencies that are submitted pursuant to § 38-10-102 , or voluntarily for purposes of this part. Such incidence/complaint report forms shall, when applicable, indicate whether the victim is a student attending an institution of higher education that is located in the county in which the crime occurred and the name of the school attended by the student.
(2) The crime statistics shall specifically include crime data compilations for crimes involving the unlawful possession or sale of controlled substances and controlled substance analogues.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 958, s 2, eff. 4/29/2022.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 64, s 104, eff. 3/29/2021.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345, s 118, eff. 5/10/2019.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182, s 73, eff. 4/17/2015.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 236, s 74, eff. 4/19/2013.
Acts 1989, ch. 317, § 5; 1993, ch. 354, § 1; 2002, ch. 748, § 1; 2012 , ch. 848, § 45.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-2-401 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 49-2-401
Municipal school tax
Status: in_force

(a) Every incorporated municipality is empowered, through its governing board, to submit a proposition to the qualified voters to levy and collect a school tax, not exceeding the tax levied by the state for state purposes, on each one hundred dollars ($100) of the taxable property of the city or town submitting the proposition. (b) If two-thirds (2/3) of the qualified voters voting at the election vote for the tax, then the tax shall be levied and collected for the purpose of establishing a system of common schools in the city or town. (c) No tax shall be levied and collected in the municipality for and in any year unless the county in which the municipality is situated fails or refuses, on or before the April term of each year, to levy a county tax for common school purposes. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit any municipality from levying a school tax additional to the county school tax. Acts 1872, ch. 12, §§ 1, 2, 5; Shan., §§ 1973, 1974, 1977; mod. Code 1932, §§ 3385, 3386, 3389; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 49-301 -- 49-303.
(a) Every incorporated municipality is empowered, through its governing board, to submit a proposition to the qualified voters to levy and collect a school tax, not exceeding the tax levied by the state for state purposes, on each one hundred dollars ($100) of the taxable property of the city or town submitting the proposition.
(b) If two-thirds (2/3) of the qualified voters voting at the election vote for the tax, then the tax shall be levied and collected for the purpose of establishing a system of common schools in the city or town.
(c) No tax shall be levied and collected in the municipality for and in any year unless the county in which the municipality is situated fails or refuses, on or before the April term of each year, to levy a county tax for common school purposes. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit any municipality from levying a school tax additional to the county school tax.
Acts 1872, ch. 12, §§ 1, 2, 5; Shan., §§ 1973, 1974, 1977; mod. Code 1932, §§ 3385, 3386, 3389; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 49-301 -- 49-303.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-6012 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-6012
Adverse action based on student achievement data generated from 2017-2018 TNReady assessments or TCAP tests administered in 2019-2020 school year prohibited
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, no adverse action may be taken against any student, teacher, school, or LEA based, in whole or in part, on student achievement, student performance, or student growth data generated from: (1) The 2017-2018 TNReady assessments; or (2) The Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP) tests, which include, but are not limited to, TNReady assessments, English learner assessments, alternate TCAP assessments, and end-of-course examinations, administered in the 2019-2020 school year. (b) As used in this section, "adverse action" includes, but is not limited to, employment termination decisions, adverse compensation decisions, the identification of a school as a priority school, the assignment of a school to the achievement school district, or an action taken in violation of § 49-1-228(f) or § 49-1-617(d) . Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 652, s 11, eff. 4/2/2020. Acts 2018 , ch. 1026, § 1.
(a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, no adverse action may be taken against any student, teacher, school, or LEA based, in whole or in part, on student achievement, student performance, or student growth data generated from: (1) The 2017-2018 TNReady assessments; or (2) The Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP) tests, which include, but are not limited to, TNReady assessments, English learner assessments, alternate TCAP assessments, and end-of-course examinations, administered in the 2019-2020 school year.
(1) The 2017-2018 TNReady assessments; or
(2) The Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP) tests, which include, but are not limited to, TNReady assessments, English learner assessments, alternate TCAP assessments, and end-of-course examinations, administered in the 2019-2020 school year.
(b) As used in this section, "adverse action" includes, but is not limited to, employment termination decisions, adverse compensation decisions, the identification of a school as a priority school, the assignment of a school to the achievement school district, or an action taken in violation of § 49-1-228(f) or § 49-1-617(d) .
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 652, s 11, eff. 4/2/2020.
Acts 2018 , ch. 1026, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-2-124 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 49-2-124
Universal mental health or socioemotional screening
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section: (1) "Mental health screening" or "socioemotional screening" means, for the purposes of this chapter, the use of one (1) or more brief, structured questionnaires designed to identify the possibility that an individual has a mental health problem; (2) "Psychotropic medication" means a drug that exercises a direct effect upon the central nervous system and that is capable of influencing and modifying behavior. Psychotropic medication includes, but is not limited to: (A) Antipsychotics; (B) Antidepressants; (C) Agents for control of mania and depression; (D) Antianxiety agents; (E) Psychomotor stimulants; and (F) Hypnotics; and (3) "Universal mental health or socioemotional screening" means, for the purposes of this chapter, any mental health screening program in which a group of individuals is automatically screened without regard to whether there was a prior indication of a mental health problem. (b) Universal mental health or socioemotional screening is only permitted under the following circumstances: (1) A parent, guardian, legal custodian or caregiver under the Power of Attorney for Care of a Minor Child Act, compiled in title 34, chapter 6, part 3, of a child under sixteen (16) years of age has provided written, active, informed and voluntarily signed consent that may be withdrawn at any time by the parent, guardian, legal custodian or caregiver under the Power of Attorney for Care of a Minor Child Act; (2) A court requires the mental health evaluation, examination or testing; (3) Emergency screening, evaluation, examination or testing of an individual under the Power of Attorney for Care of a Minor Child Act or screening done in connection with a disaster or epidemic; or (4) Screening required pursuant to the early periodic screening, diagnosis, and treatment (EPSDT) program with active, written, informed, voluntarily signed consent as outlined in subdivision (b)(1) that may be withdrawn at any time by the parent, legal guardian, custodian or caregiver under the Power of Attorney for Care of a Minor Child Act who gave the consent. (c) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a local education agency (LEA) may not use the parent's refusal to consent to administration of a psychotropic medication to a student or to a mental health screening, evaluation, testing or examination of a child or student as grounds for prohibiting the child from attending class or participating in a school-related activity or as the basis of reporting or charging child abuse, child neglect, educational neglect or medical neglect. An LEA shall not use nor threaten use of school sanctions to a student to coerce parental consent to a mental health screening, evaluation, testing or examination. A person employed by an LEA may not require that a student be evaluated or treated with any psychotropic medication or for a particular mental health diagnosis. Only the following LEA personnel may perform an evaluation for psychiatric diagnosis or treatment, or both, with written, informed, voluntarily signed consent as outlined in subdivision (b)(1) that may be withdrawn at any time by the parent, legal guardian, custodian or caregiver under the Power of Attorney for Care of a Minor Child Act who gave the consent: (1) A psychiatrist; (2) A physician with expertise in psychiatry as determined by training, education or experience; (3) An advanced practice registered nurse with special certification in mental health or psychiatric nursing; (4) An advanced practice registered nurse with expertise in mental health or psychiatric nursing as determined by training, education or experience; (5) A psychologist with health service provider designation; (6) A senior psychological examiner; (7) A licensed professional counselor; (8) A licensed clinical social worker; or (9) A school psychologist. (d) Written, informed, active, voluntary consent as outlined in subdivision (b)(1) that may be withdrawn at any time by the parent, legal guardian, custodian or caregiver under the Power of Attorney for Care of a Minor Child Act must also be obtained before proceeding with any psychiatric treatment recommendations resulting from any mental health screening, evaluation, testing or examination. (e) Subsections (b), (c), and (h) shall not be construed to: (1) Prevent an appropriate referral under the child find system required under 20 U.S.C. § 1412 , with appropriate parental consent procedures as required under 20 U.S.C. § 1414(a)(1)(D)(i) ; (2) Prohibit an LEA employee from discussing any aspect of a child's behavior or academic progress with the child's parent or guardian or another appropriate school district employee, consistent with federal and state law, including the requirement of prior parental consent for the disclosure of any education records. Nothing in this subdivision (e)(2) shall be construed to modify or affect parental notification requirements for programs authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, Public Law 107-110; (3) Prohibit an LEA employee from referring a child to LEA personnel specified in subsection (c); (4) Prohibit referrals, counseling or support in the event of an emergency or urgent situation to include, but not be limited to, the death, suicide, attempted suicide, murder, attempted murder, serious injury or serious illness of a student, teacher, staff, member of the administration, director of schools or any other school personnel or significant individual; or (5) Prohibit testing that is a part of a course of treatment, rehabilitation or service plan for children in the legal custody of a state agency or required by federal law applicable to such children, or as otherwise authorized under title 37, including, but not limited to, child protective services assessments or evaluations. (f) Each LEA shall inform each parent, legal guardian, custodian or caregiver of their rights pursuant to this section and shall provide a copy of the LEA policy on the rights of parents and students as required in § 49-2-211 and a copy of the Protection of Pupil Rights ( 20 U.S.C. § 1232h ), commonly referred to as the Tiahrt Amendment, as amended by the Parents Rights Restoration Amendment to Goals 2000, March 31, 1994, Public Law 103-227, § 1017, and included in the No Child Left Behind Law ( 20 U.S.C. § 6301 et seq.). (g) The local board of education of each LEA shall adopt policies that may be reasonable and necessary to ensure implementation and enforcement of this section. (h) An LEA or school shall notify parents or legal guardians prior to any student participating in any mental health screening. The written notice shall include: (1) The purpose for the mental health screening; (2) The provider or contractor providing the mental health screening; (3) The date and time at which the mental health screening is scheduled; and (4) The length of time the mental health screening may last. (i) Pursuant to § 49-1-704 , a parent or legal guardian has a right to inspect and review the parent or guardian's child's education records. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248, s 23, eff. 5/2/2019. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 910, s 1, eff. 7/1/2018. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 980, s 2, eff. 7/1/2016. Acts 2009 , ch. 127, § 1.
(a) As used in this section: (1) "Mental health screening" or "socioemotional screening" means, for the purposes of this chapter, the use of one (1) or more brief, structured questionnaires designed to identify the possibility that an individual has a mental health problem; (2) "Psychotropic medication" means a drug that exercises a direct effect upon the central nervous system and that is capable of influencing and modifying behavior. Psychotropic medication includes, but is not limited to: (A) Antipsychotics; (B) Antidepressants; (C) Agents for control of mania and depression; (D) Antianxiety agents; (E) Psychomotor stimulants; and (F) Hypnotics; and (3) "Universal mental health or socioemotional screening" means, for the purposes of this chapter, any mental health screening program in which a group of individuals is automatically screened without regard to whether there was a prior indication of a mental health problem.
(1) "Mental health screening" or "socioemotional screening" means, for the purposes of this chapter, the use of one (1) or more brief, structured questionnaires designed to identify the possibility that an individual has a mental health problem;
(2) "Psychotropic medication" means a drug that exercises a direct effect upon the central nervous system and that is capable of influencing and modifying behavior. Psychotropic medication includes, but is not limited to: (A) Antipsychotics; (B) Antidepressants; (C) Agents for control of mania and depression; (D) Antianxiety agents; (E) Psychomotor stimulants; and (F) Hypnotics; and
(A) Antipsychotics;
(B) Antidepressants;
(C) Agents for control of mania and depression;
(D) Antianxiety agents;
(E) Psychomotor stimulants; and
(F) Hypnotics; and
(3) "Universal mental health or socioemotional screening" means, for the purposes of this chapter, any mental health screening program in which a group of individuals is automatically screened without regard to whether there was a prior indication of a mental health problem.
(b) Universal mental health or socioemotional screening is only permitted under the following circumstances: (1) A parent, guardian, legal custodian or caregiver under the Power of Attorney for Care of a Minor Child Act, compiled in title 34, chapter 6, part 3, of a child under sixteen (16) years of age has provided written, active, informed and voluntarily signed consent that may be withdrawn at any time by the parent, guardian, legal custodian or caregiver under the Power of Attorney for Care of a Minor Child Act; (2) A court requires the mental health evaluation, examination or testing; (3) Emergency screening, evaluation, examination or testing of an individual under the Power of Attorney for Care of a Minor Child Act or screening done in connection with a disaster or epidemic; or (4) Screening required pursuant to the early periodic screening, diagnosis, and treatment (EPSDT) program with active, written, informed, voluntarily signed consent as outlined in subdivision (b)(1) that may be withdrawn at any time by the parent, legal guardian, custodian or caregiver under the Power of Attorney for Care of a Minor Child Act who gave the consent.
(1) A parent, guardian, legal custodian or caregiver under the Power of Attorney for Care of a Minor Child Act, compiled in title 34, chapter 6, part 3, of a child under sixteen (16) years of age has provided written, active, informed and voluntarily signed consent that may be withdrawn at any time by the parent, guardian, legal custodian or caregiver under the Power of Attorney for Care of a Minor Child Act;
(2) A court requires the mental health evaluation, examination or testing;
(3) Emergency screening, evaluation, examination or testing of an individual under the Power of Attorney for Care of a Minor Child Act or screening done in connection with a disaster or epidemic; or
(4) Screening required pursuant to the early periodic screening, diagnosis, and treatment (EPSDT) program with active, written, informed, voluntarily signed consent as outlined in subdivision (b)(1) that may be withdrawn at any time by the parent, legal guardian, custodian or caregiver under the Power of Attorney for Care of a Minor Child Act who gave the consent.
(c) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a local education agency (LEA) may not use the parent's refusal to consent to administration of a psychotropic medication to a student or to a mental health screening, evaluation, testing or examination of a child or student as grounds for prohibiting the child from attending class or participating in a school-related activity or as the basis of reporting or charging child abuse, child neglect, educational neglect or medical neglect. An LEA shall not use nor threaten use of school sanctions to a student to coerce parental consent to a mental health screening, evaluation, testing or examination. A person employed by an LEA may not require that a student be evaluated or treated with any psychotropic medication or for a particular mental health diagnosis. Only the following LEA personnel may perform an evaluation for psychiatric diagnosis or treatment, or both, with written, informed, voluntarily signed consent as outlined in subdivision (b)(1) that may be withdrawn at any time by the parent, legal guardian, custodian or caregiver under the Power of Attorney for Care of a Minor Child Act who gave the consent: (1) A psychiatrist; (2) A physician with expertise in psychiatry as determined by training, education or experience; (3) An advanced practice registered nurse with special certification in mental health or psychiatric nursing; (4) An advanced practice registered nurse with expertise in mental health or psychiatric nursing as determined by training, education or experience; (5) A psychologist with health service provider designation; (6) A senior psychological examiner; (7) A licensed professional counselor; (8) A licensed clinical social worker; or (9) A school psychologist.
(1) A psychiatrist;
(2) A physician with expertise in psychiatry as determined by training, education or experience;
(3) An advanced practice registered nurse with special certification in mental health or psychiatric nursing;
(4) An advanced practice registered nurse with expertise in mental health or psychiatric nursing as determined by training, education or experience;
(5) A psychologist with health service provider designation;
(6) A senior psychological examiner;
(7) A licensed professional counselor;
(8) A licensed clinical social worker; or
(9) A school psychologist.
(d) Written, informed, active, voluntary consent as outlined in subdivision (b)(1) that may be withdrawn at any time by the parent, legal guardian, custodian or caregiver under the Power of Attorney for Care of a Minor Child Act must also be obtained before proceeding with any psychiatric treatment recommendations resulting from any mental health screening, evaluation, testing or examination.
(e) Subsections (b), (c), and (h) shall not be construed to: (1) Prevent an appropriate referral under the child find system required under 20 U.S.C. § 1412 , with appropriate parental consent procedures as required under 20 U.S.C. § 1414(a)(1)(D)(i) ; (2) Prohibit an LEA employee from discussing any aspect of a child's behavior or academic progress with the child's parent or guardian or another appropriate school district employee, consistent with federal and state law, including the requirement of prior parental consent for the disclosure of any education records. Nothing in this subdivision (e)(2) shall be construed to modify or affect parental notification requirements for programs authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, Public Law 107-110; (3) Prohibit an LEA employee from referring a child to LEA personnel specified in subsection (c); (4) Prohibit referrals, counseling or support in the event of an emergency or urgent situation to include, but not be limited to, the death, suicide, attempted suicide, murder, attempted murder, serious injury or serious illness of a student, teacher, staff, member of the administration, director of schools or any other school personnel or significant individual; or (5) Prohibit testing that is a part of a course of treatment, rehabilitation or service plan for children in the legal custody of a state agency or required by federal law applicable to such children, or as otherwise authorized under title 37, including, but not limited to, child protective services assessments or evaluations.
(1) Prevent an appropriate referral under the child find system required under 20 U.S.C. § 1412 , with appropriate parental consent procedures as required under 20 U.S.C. § 1414(a)(1)(D)(i) ;
(2) Prohibit an LEA employee from discussing any aspect of a child's behavior or academic progress with the child's parent or guardian or another appropriate school district employee, consistent with federal and state law, including the requirement of prior parental consent for the disclosure of any education records. Nothing in this subdivision (e)(2) shall be construed to modify or affect parental notification requirements for programs authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, Public Law 107-110;
(3) Prohibit an LEA employee from referring a child to LEA personnel specified in subsection (c);
(4) Prohibit referrals, counseling or support in the event of an emergency or urgent situation to include, but not be limited to, the death, suicide, attempted suicide, murder, attempted murder, serious injury or serious illness of a student, teacher, staff, member of the administration, director of schools or any other school personnel or significant individual; or
(5) Prohibit testing that is a part of a course of treatment, rehabilitation or service plan for children in the legal custody of a state agency or required by federal law applicable to such children, or as otherwise authorized under title 37, including, but not limited to, child protective services assessments or evaluations.
(f) Each LEA shall inform each parent, legal guardian, custodian or caregiver of their rights pursuant to this section and shall provide a copy of the LEA policy on the rights of parents and students as required in § 49-2-211 and a copy of the Protection of Pupil Rights ( 20 U.S.C. § 1232h ), commonly referred to as the Tiahrt Amendment, as amended by the Parents Rights Restoration Amendment to Goals 2000, March 31, 1994, Public Law 103-227, § 1017, and included in the No Child Left Behind Law ( 20 U.S.C. § 6301 et seq.).
(g) The local board of education of each LEA shall adopt policies that may be reasonable and necessary to ensure implementation and enforcement of this section.
(h) An LEA or school shall notify parents or legal guardians prior to any student participating in any mental health screening. The written notice shall include: (1) The purpose for the mental health screening; (2) The provider or contractor providing the mental health screening; (3) The date and time at which the mental health screening is scheduled; and (4) The length of time the mental health screening may last.
(1) The purpose for the mental health screening;
(2) The provider or contractor providing the mental health screening;
(3) The date and time at which the mental health screening is scheduled; and
(4) The length of time the mental health screening may last.
(i) Pursuant to § 49-1-704 , a parent or legal guardian has a right to inspect and review the parent or guardian's child's education records.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248, s 23, eff. 5/2/2019.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 910, s 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 980, s 2, eff. 7/1/2016.
Acts 2009 , ch. 127, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-18-103 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 18 / Section 49-18-103
Enrollment in course access program courses
Status: in_force

(a) Beginning in the 2018-2019 school year, an eligible student may enroll in course access program courses. (b) (1) A participating student may enroll in no more than two (2) course access program courses per school year, unless the student's home LEA approves the student to take additional courses. A home LEA may reject a student's course enrollment request if the course enrollment for the student does not comply with the requirements of this chapter. (2) The student's home LEA shall pay the host LEA the tuition and fees required for the first two (2) course access program courses in which a participating student enrolls per school year. (c) If the student's home LEA approves a student to take more than two (2) course access program courses in a school year, then: (1) The student shall pay any tuition and fees required for all additional courses; and (2) The home LEA shall award credit to the student upon successful completion of the additional courses. (d) (1) Home LEAs shall inform students and their parents or legal guardians of their right to appeal, in writing, to the governing body of the home LEA from any denial of course enrollment. (2) The governing body of a home LEA shall develop a policy for hearing appeals from denials of course enrollments. (3) (A) The Tennessee school boards association (TSBA) is encouraged to develop a model policy for adoption by local boards of education. If TSBA does not develop a model policy or the local board of education does not adopt the TSBA's model policy, then the local board of education shall submit its policy to the commissioner for approval. (B) The governing body of a charter school that is a home LEA may adopt the TSBA model policy, if TSBA develops a model policy, or develop its own policy. If the governing body develops its own policy, it shall submit the policy to its chartering authority for approval. (e) An eligible student may enroll in courses provided through the course access program only if the student meets all prerequisites for the course and the student is unable to enroll in a comparable course at the student's school because either a comparable course is not offered or a legitimate situation exists that prevents the student from enrolling in a comparable course. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 929, s 4, eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 929, s 3, eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 146, s 2, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 146, s 1, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 784, s 6, eff. 4/20/2018. Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 889, s 4, eff. 4/27/2016.
(a) Beginning in the 2018-2019 school year, an eligible student may enroll in course access program courses.
(b) (1) A participating student may enroll in no more than two (2) course access program courses per school year, unless the student's home LEA approves the student to take additional courses. A home LEA may reject a student's course enrollment request if the course enrollment for the student does not comply with the requirements of this chapter. (2) The student's home LEA shall pay the host LEA the tuition and fees required for the first two (2) course access program courses in which a participating student enrolls per school year.
(1) A participating student may enroll in no more than two (2) course access program courses per school year, unless the student's home LEA approves the student to take additional courses. A home LEA may reject a student's course enrollment request if the course enrollment for the student does not comply with the requirements of this chapter.
(2) The student's home LEA shall pay the host LEA the tuition and fees required for the first two (2) course access program courses in which a participating student enrolls per school year.
(c) If the student's home LEA approves a student to take more than two (2) course access program courses in a school year, then: (1) The student shall pay any tuition and fees required for all additional courses; and (2) The home LEA shall award credit to the student upon successful completion of the additional courses.
(1) The student shall pay any tuition and fees required for all additional courses; and
(2) The home LEA shall award credit to the student upon successful completion of the additional courses.
(d) (1) Home LEAs shall inform students and their parents or legal guardians of their right to appeal, in writing, to the governing body of the home LEA from any denial of course enrollment. (2) The governing body of a home LEA shall develop a policy for hearing appeals from denials of course enrollments. (3) (A) The Tennessee school boards association (TSBA) is encouraged to develop a model policy for adoption by local boards of education. If TSBA does not develop a model policy or the local board of education does not adopt the TSBA's model policy, then the local board of education shall submit its policy to the commissioner for approval. (B) The governing body of a charter school that is a home LEA may adopt the TSBA model policy, if TSBA develops a model policy, or develop its own policy. If the governing body develops its own policy, it shall submit the policy to its chartering authority for approval.
(1) Home LEAs shall inform students and their parents or legal guardians of their right to appeal, in writing, to the governing body of the home LEA from any denial of course enrollment.
(2) The governing body of a home LEA shall develop a policy for hearing appeals from denials of course enrollments.
(3) (A) The Tennessee school boards association (TSBA) is encouraged to develop a model policy for adoption by local boards of education. If TSBA does not develop a model policy or the local board of education does not adopt the TSBA's model policy, then the local board of education shall submit its policy to the commissioner for approval. (B) The governing body of a charter school that is a home LEA may adopt the TSBA model policy, if TSBA develops a model policy, or develop its own policy. If the governing body develops its own policy, it shall submit the policy to its chartering authority for approval.
(A) The Tennessee school boards association (TSBA) is encouraged to develop a model policy for adoption by local boards of education. If TSBA does not develop a model policy or the local board of education does not adopt the TSBA's model policy, then the local board of education shall submit its policy to the commissioner for approval.
(B) The governing body of a charter school that is a home LEA may adopt the TSBA model policy, if TSBA develops a model policy, or develop its own policy. If the governing body develops its own policy, it shall submit the policy to its chartering authority for approval.
(e) An eligible student may enroll in courses provided through the course access program only if the student meets all prerequisites for the course and the student is unable to enroll in a comparable course at the student's school because either a comparable course is not offered or a legitimate situation exists that prevents the student from enrolling in a comparable course.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 929, s 4, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 929, s 3, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 146, s 2, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 146, s 1, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 784, s 6, eff. 4/20/2018.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 889, s 4, eff. 4/27/2016.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-1506 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-1506
Complaint investigation and resolution
Status: in_force

(a) As applicable to Tennessee SARA institutions, the commission's complaint investigation and resolution under this part shall be limited to complaints: (1) Filed by a student residing in a member state other than Tennessee; (2) Where the complaint involves a distance education course or program offered by a Tennessee SARA institution; (3) Where the student has exhausted the Tennessee SARA institution's grievance process; and (4) Where the complaint concerns a requirement imposed solely by the state authorization reciprocity agreement and not imposed by federal law, state law, or the institution's policies. (b) A complaint filed with the commission shall be in writing and shall set forth the grounds for the complaint, explain any steps taken to exhaust the Tennessee SARA institution grievance process, identify the basis for the commission's jurisdiction under SARA, include any relevant documents, and contain other information that is required by the commission. (c) The commission shall initially consult with the Tennessee SARA institution indicated in the complaint. (d) (1) In the event that consultation with the Tennessee SARA institution does not result in resolution of the complaint, then the commission shall request a copy of the complaint investigation file and any other related documents from the Tennessee SARA institution for further review. (2) The commission may request from the complainant or the Tennessee SARA institution answers in writing to questions propounded by the commission. The answers shall be provided within fourteen (14) days of the request. (3) The commission may, at its discretion, attempt to effectuate a settlement. In the event that a settlement is neither sought nor reached, commission staff shall recommend a resolution of the complaint to the executive director. (4) In the event that a settlement is not reached or a party to the complaint disagrees with the determination of the executive director, the party may request a hearing before the commission. Upon receiving a request for hearing, the commission shall consider the request in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. (5) If, upon all the evidence at a hearing, it is found that a Tennessee SARA institution has engaged in or is engaging in any act or practice contrary to SARA as set forth in subsection (a), subject to the requirements of the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, the commission may take such actions necessary to prevent the act or practice from continuing. If the commission finds that the complainant suffered loss or damage as a result of the act or practice, the commission, subject to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, may award the complainant full or partial restitution for the damage or loss. (e) The commission shall also have the authority to assist or refer any Tennessee resident with a grievance against a non-Tennessee SARA institution to the appropriate agency in the other state, to follow up on the outcome of the grievance, and to assist the other state with the investigation and resolution. (f) Apart from any rights or remedies created by this part, nothing in this part is intended to limit or restrict, or to create or expand, any right that any person may have under any existing common law or statute to seek any legal, equitable, or administrative remedy. Without limiting the foregoing, the commission shall not address complaints regarding student grades or student conduct violations. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 235,s 1, eff. 4/28/2017. Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 444,s 1, eff. 5/18/2015.
(a) As applicable to Tennessee SARA institutions, the commission's complaint investigation and resolution under this part shall be limited to complaints: (1) Filed by a student residing in a member state other than Tennessee; (2) Where the complaint involves a distance education course or program offered by a Tennessee SARA institution; (3) Where the student has exhausted the Tennessee SARA institution's grievance process; and (4) Where the complaint concerns a requirement imposed solely by the state authorization reciprocity agreement and not imposed by federal law, state law, or the institution's policies.
(1) Filed by a student residing in a member state other than Tennessee;
(2) Where the complaint involves a distance education course or program offered by a Tennessee SARA institution;
(3) Where the student has exhausted the Tennessee SARA institution's grievance process; and
(4) Where the complaint concerns a requirement imposed solely by the state authorization reciprocity agreement and not imposed by federal law, state law, or the institution's policies.
(b) A complaint filed with the commission shall be in writing and shall set forth the grounds for the complaint, explain any steps taken to exhaust the Tennessee SARA institution grievance process, identify the basis for the commission's jurisdiction under SARA, include any relevant documents, and contain other information that is required by the commission.
(c) The commission shall initially consult with the Tennessee SARA institution indicated in the complaint.
(d) (1) In the event that consultation with the Tennessee SARA institution does not result in resolution of the complaint, then the commission shall request a copy of the complaint investigation file and any other related documents from the Tennessee SARA institution for further review. (2) The commission may request from the complainant or the Tennessee SARA institution answers in writing to questions propounded by the commission. The answers shall be provided within fourteen (14) days of the request. (3) The commission may, at its discretion, attempt to effectuate a settlement. In the event that a settlement is neither sought nor reached, commission staff shall recommend a resolution of the complaint to the executive director. (4) In the event that a settlement is not reached or a party to the complaint disagrees with the determination of the executive director, the party may request a hearing before the commission. Upon receiving a request for hearing, the commission shall consider the request in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. (5) If, upon all the evidence at a hearing, it is found that a Tennessee SARA institution has engaged in or is engaging in any act or practice contrary to SARA as set forth in subsection (a), subject to the requirements of the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, the commission may take such actions necessary to prevent the act or practice from continuing. If the commission finds that the complainant suffered loss or damage as a result of the act or practice, the commission, subject to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, may award the complainant full or partial restitution for the damage or loss.
(1) In the event that consultation with the Tennessee SARA institution does not result in resolution of the complaint, then the commission shall request a copy of the complaint investigation file and any other related documents from the Tennessee SARA institution for further review.
(2) The commission may request from the complainant or the Tennessee SARA institution answers in writing to questions propounded by the commission. The answers shall be provided within fourteen (14) days of the request.
(3) The commission may, at its discretion, attempt to effectuate a settlement. In the event that a settlement is neither sought nor reached, commission staff shall recommend a resolution of the complaint to the executive director.
(4) In the event that a settlement is not reached or a party to the complaint disagrees with the determination of the executive director, the party may request a hearing before the commission. Upon receiving a request for hearing, the commission shall consider the request in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
(5) If, upon all the evidence at a hearing, it is found that a Tennessee SARA institution has engaged in or is engaging in any act or practice contrary to SARA as set forth in subsection (a), subject to the requirements of the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, the commission may take such actions necessary to prevent the act or practice from continuing. If the commission finds that the complainant suffered loss or damage as a result of the act or practice, the commission, subject to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, may award the complainant full or partial restitution for the damage or loss.
(e) The commission shall also have the authority to assist or refer any Tennessee resident with a grievance against a non-Tennessee SARA institution to the appropriate agency in the other state, to follow up on the outcome of the grievance, and to assist the other state with the investigation and resolution.
(f) Apart from any rights or remedies created by this part, nothing in this part is intended to limit or restrict, or to create or expand, any right that any person may have under any existing common law or statute to seek any legal, equitable, or administrative remedy. Without limiting the foregoing, the commission shall not address complaints regarding student grades or student conduct violations.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 235,s 1, eff. 4/28/2017.
Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 444,s 1, eff. 5/18/2015.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-2405 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-2405
Policy regarding free speech
Status: in_force

(a) The governing body of every institution shall adopt a policy that affirms the following principles of free speech, which are the public policy of this state: (1) Students have a fundamental constitutional right to free speech; (2) An institution shall be committed to giving students the broadest possible latitude to speak, write, listen, challenge, learn, and discuss any issue, subject to § 49-7-2408 ; (3) An institution shall be committed to maintaining a campus as a marketplace of ideas for all students and all faculty in which the free exchange of ideas is not to be suppressed because the ideas put forth are thought by some or even by most members of the institution's community to be offensive, unwise, immoral, indecent, disagreeable, conservative, liberal, traditional, radical, or wrong-headed; (4) It is for an institution's individual students and faculty to make judgments about ideas for themselves, and to act on those judgments not by seeking to suppress free speech, but by openly and vigorously contesting the ideas that they oppose; (5) It is not the proper role of an institution to attempt to shield individuals from free speech, including ideas and opinions they find offensive, unwise, immoral, indecent, disagreeable, conservative, liberal, traditional, radical, or wrong-headed; (6) Although an institution should greatly value civility and mutual respect, concerns about civility and mutual respect shall never be used by an institution as a justification for closing off the discussion of ideas, however offensive, unwise, immoral, indecent, disagreeable, conservative, liberal, traditional, radical, or wrong-headed those ideas may be to some students or faculty; (7) Although all students and all faculty are free to state their own views about and contest the views expressed on campus, and to state their own views about and contest speakers who are invited to express their views on the institution's campus, they may not substantially obstruct or otherwise substantially interfere with the freedom of others to express views they reject or even loathe. To this end, an institution has a responsibility to promote a lively and fearless freedom of debate and deliberation and protect that freedom; (8) An institution shall be committed to providing an atmosphere that is most conducive to speculation, experimentation, and creation by all students and all faculty, who shall always remain free to inquire, to study and to evaluate, and to gain new understanding; (9) The primary responsibility of faculty is to engage an honest, courageous, and persistent effort to search out and communicate the truth that lies in the areas of their competence; (10) Although faculty are free in the classroom to discuss subjects within areas of their competence, faculty shall be cautious in expressing personal views in the classroom and shall be careful not to introduce controversial matters that have no relationship to the subject taught, and especially matters in which they have no special competence or training and in which, therefore, faculty's views cannot claim the authority accorded statements they make about subjects within areas of their competence; provided, that no faculty will face adverse employment action for classroom speech, unless it is not reasonably germane to the subject matter of the class as broadly construed, and comprises a substantial portion of classroom instruction; (11) An institution shall maintain the generally accessible, open, outdoor areas of its campus as traditional public forums for free speech by students; (12) An institution shall not restrict students' free speech only to particular areas of the campus, sometimes known as "free speech zones" ; (13) An institution shall not deny student activity fee funding to a student organization based on the viewpoints that the student organization advocates; (14) An institution shall not establish permitting requirements that prohibit spontaneous outdoor assemblies or outdoor distribution of literature, although an institution may maintain a policy that grants members of the college or university community the right to reserve certain outdoor spaces in advance; (15) An institution shall not charge students security fees based on the content of their speech, the content of the speech of guest speakers invited by students, or the anticipated reaction or opposition of listeners to speech; (16) An institution shall allow all students and all faculty to invite guest speakers to campus to engage in free speech regardless of the views of guest speakers; and (17) An institution shall not disinvite a speaker invited by a student, student organization, or faculty member because the speaker's anticipated speech may be considered offensive, unwise, immoral, indecent, disagreeable, conservative, liberal, traditional, radical, or wrong-headed by students, faculty, administrators, government officials, or members of the public. (b) The policy adopted pursuant to subsection (a) shall be made available to students and faculty annually through one or more of the following methods: (1) Published annually in the institution's student handbook and faculty handbook, whether paper or electronic; (2) Made available to students and faculty by way of a prominent notice on the institution's internet site other than through the electronic publication of the policy in the student handbook and faculty handbook; (3) Sent annually to students and employees to their institutionally-provided email address; or (4) Addressed by the institution in orientation programs for new students and new faculty. (c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to grant students the right to disrupt previously scheduled or reserved activities occurring in a traditional public forum. Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 336, s 7, eff. 1/1/2018.
(a) The governing body of every institution shall adopt a policy that affirms the following principles of free speech, which are the public policy of this state: (1) Students have a fundamental constitutional right to free speech; (2) An institution shall be committed to giving students the broadest possible latitude to speak, write, listen, challenge, learn, and discuss any issue, subject to § 49-7-2408 ; (3) An institution shall be committed to maintaining a campus as a marketplace of ideas for all students and all faculty in which the free exchange of ideas is not to be suppressed because the ideas put forth are thought by some or even by most members of the institution's community to be offensive, unwise, immoral, indecent, disagreeable, conservative, liberal, traditional, radical, or wrong-headed; (4) It is for an institution's individual students and faculty to make judgments about ideas for themselves, and to act on those judgments not by seeking to suppress free speech, but by openly and vigorously contesting the ideas that they oppose; (5) It is not the proper role of an institution to attempt to shield individuals from free speech, including ideas and opinions they find offensive, unwise, immoral, indecent, disagreeable, conservative, liberal, traditional, radical, or wrong-headed; (6) Although an institution should greatly value civility and mutual respect, concerns about civility and mutual respect shall never be used by an institution as a justification for closing off the discussion of ideas, however offensive, unwise, immoral, indecent, disagreeable, conservative, liberal, traditional, radical, or wrong-headed those ideas may be to some students or faculty; (7) Although all students and all faculty are free to state their own views about and contest the views expressed on campus, and to state their own views about and contest speakers who are invited to express their views on the institution's campus, they may not substantially obstruct or otherwise substantially interfere with the freedom of others to express views they reject or even loathe. To this end, an institution has a responsibility to promote a lively and fearless freedom of debate and deliberation and protect that freedom; (8) An institution shall be committed to providing an atmosphere that is most conducive to speculation, experimentation, and creation by all students and all faculty, who shall always remain free to inquire, to study and to evaluate, and to gain new understanding; (9) The primary responsibility of faculty is to engage an honest, courageous, and persistent effort to search out and communicate the truth that lies in the areas of their competence; (10) Although faculty are free in the classroom to discuss subjects within areas of their competence, faculty shall be cautious in expressing personal views in the classroom and shall be careful not to introduce controversial matters that have no relationship to the subject taught, and especially matters in which they have no special competence or training and in which, therefore, faculty's views cannot claim the authority accorded statements they make about subjects within areas of their competence; provided, that no faculty will face adverse employment action for classroom speech, unless it is not reasonably germane to the subject matter of the class as broadly construed, and comprises a substantial portion of classroom instruction; (11) An institution shall maintain the generally accessible, open, outdoor areas of its campus as traditional public forums for free speech by students; (12) An institution shall not restrict students' free speech only to particular areas of the campus, sometimes known as "free speech zones" ; (13) An institution shall not deny student activity fee funding to a student organization based on the viewpoints that the student organization advocates; (14) An institution shall not establish permitting requirements that prohibit spontaneous outdoor assemblies or outdoor distribution of literature, although an institution may maintain a policy that grants members of the college or university community the right to reserve certain outdoor spaces in advance; (15) An institution shall not charge students security fees based on the content of their speech, the content of the speech of guest speakers invited by students, or the anticipated reaction or opposition of listeners to speech; (16) An institution shall allow all students and all faculty to invite guest speakers to campus to engage in free speech regardless of the views of guest speakers; and (17) An institution shall not disinvite a speaker invited by a student, student organization, or faculty member because the speaker's anticipated speech may be considered offensive, unwise, immoral, indecent, disagreeable, conservative, liberal, traditional, radical, or wrong-headed by students, faculty, administrators, government officials, or members of the public.
(1) Students have a fundamental constitutional right to free speech;
(2) An institution shall be committed to giving students the broadest possible latitude to speak, write, listen, challenge, learn, and discuss any issue, subject to § 49-7-2408 ;
(3) An institution shall be committed to maintaining a campus as a marketplace of ideas for all students and all faculty in which the free exchange of ideas is not to be suppressed because the ideas put forth are thought by some or even by most members of the institution's community to be offensive, unwise, immoral, indecent, disagreeable, conservative, liberal, traditional, radical, or wrong-headed;
(4) It is for an institution's individual students and faculty to make judgments about ideas for themselves, and to act on those judgments not by seeking to suppress free speech, but by openly and vigorously contesting the ideas that they oppose;
(5) It is not the proper role of an institution to attempt to shield individuals from free speech, including ideas and opinions they find offensive, unwise, immoral, indecent, disagreeable, conservative, liberal, traditional, radical, or wrong-headed;
(6) Although an institution should greatly value civility and mutual respect, concerns about civility and mutual respect shall never be used by an institution as a justification for closing off the discussion of ideas, however offensive, unwise, immoral, indecent, disagreeable, conservative, liberal, traditional, radical, or wrong-headed those ideas may be to some students or faculty;
(7) Although all students and all faculty are free to state their own views about and contest the views expressed on campus, and to state their own views about and contest speakers who are invited to express their views on the institution's campus, they may not substantially obstruct or otherwise substantially interfere with the freedom of others to express views they reject or even loathe. To this end, an institution has a responsibility to promote a lively and fearless freedom of debate and deliberation and protect that freedom;
(8) An institution shall be committed to providing an atmosphere that is most conducive to speculation, experimentation, and creation by all students and all faculty, who shall always remain free to inquire, to study and to evaluate, and to gain new understanding;
(9) The primary responsibility of faculty is to engage an honest, courageous, and persistent effort to search out and communicate the truth that lies in the areas of their competence;
(10) Although faculty are free in the classroom to discuss subjects within areas of their competence, faculty shall be cautious in expressing personal views in the classroom and shall be careful not to introduce controversial matters that have no relationship to the subject taught, and especially matters in which they have no special competence or training and in which, therefore, faculty's views cannot claim the authority accorded statements they make about subjects within areas of their competence; provided, that no faculty will face adverse employment action for classroom speech, unless it is not reasonably germane to the subject matter of the class as broadly construed, and comprises a substantial portion of classroom instruction;
(11) An institution shall maintain the generally accessible, open, outdoor areas of its campus as traditional public forums for free speech by students;
(12) An institution shall not restrict students' free speech only to particular areas of the campus, sometimes known as "free speech zones" ;
(13) An institution shall not deny student activity fee funding to a student organization based on the viewpoints that the student organization advocates;
(14) An institution shall not establish permitting requirements that prohibit spontaneous outdoor assemblies or outdoor distribution of literature, although an institution may maintain a policy that grants members of the college or university community the right to reserve certain outdoor spaces in advance;
(15) An institution shall not charge students security fees based on the content of their speech, the content of the speech of guest speakers invited by students, or the anticipated reaction or opposition of listeners to speech;
(16) An institution shall allow all students and all faculty to invite guest speakers to campus to engage in free speech regardless of the views of guest speakers; and
(17) An institution shall not disinvite a speaker invited by a student, student organization, or faculty member because the speaker's anticipated speech may be considered offensive, unwise, immoral, indecent, disagreeable, conservative, liberal, traditional, radical, or wrong-headed by students, faculty, administrators, government officials, or members of the public.
(b) The policy adopted pursuant to subsection (a) shall be made available to students and faculty annually through one or more of the following methods: (1) Published annually in the institution's student handbook and faculty handbook, whether paper or electronic; (2) Made available to students and faculty by way of a prominent notice on the institution's internet site other than through the electronic publication of the policy in the student handbook and faculty handbook; (3) Sent annually to students and employees to their institutionally-provided email address; or (4) Addressed by the institution in orientation programs for new students and new faculty.
(1) Published annually in the institution's student handbook and faculty handbook, whether paper or electronic;
(2) Made available to students and faculty by way of a prominent notice on the institution's internet site other than through the electronic publication of the policy in the student handbook and faculty handbook;
(3) Sent annually to students and employees to their institutionally-provided email address; or
(4) Addressed by the institution in orientation programs for new students and new faculty.
(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to grant students the right to disrupt previously scheduled or reserved activities occurring in a traditional public forum.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 336, s 7, eff. 1/1/2018.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-1025 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-1025
Art and music education
Status: in_force

(a) The course of instruction in all public schools for kindergarten through grade eight (K-8) shall include art and music education to help each student foster creative thinking, spatial learning, discipline, craftsmanship and the intrinsic rewards of hard work. (b) Local boards of education are encouraged to fully implement the art and music standards adopted by the board of education through both art and music classes, as well as integration into other core academic subjects. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 999,s 6, eff. 4/27/2016. Acts 2008, ch. 983, § 1.
(a) The course of instruction in all public schools for kindergarten through grade eight (K-8) shall include art and music education to help each student foster creative thinking, spatial learning, discipline, craftsmanship and the intrinsic rewards of hard work.
(b) Local boards of education are encouraged to fully implement the art and music standards adopted by the board of education through both art and music classes, as well as integration into other core academic subjects.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 999,s 6, eff. 4/27/2016.
Acts 2008, ch. 983, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-617 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-617
Development of policy by which student scores on achievement tests comprise percentage of final grade in certain subjects in grades three through eight - Optional policy for grades nine through twelve
Status: in_force

(a) Each local board of education shall develop a policy by which student scores on the Tennessee comprehensive assessment program's grades three through eight (3-8) achievement tests shall comprise a percentage of the student's final grade for the spring semester in the subject areas of mathematics, English language arts, science, and social studies. In the 2017-2018 school year and each school year thereafter, the local board shall determine the percentage within a range of zero percent (0%) to no more than twenty-five percent (25%) for grades three through five (3-5), and within a range of no less than ten percent (10%) to no more than twenty-five percent (25%) for grades six through eight (6-8). (b) Notwithstanding subsection (a), if an LEA does not receive its students' TCAP scores, including all achievement test and end-of-course examination scores for grades nine through twelve (9-12), at least five (5) instructional days before the end of the course, then the LEA may choose not to include its students' TCAP scores, including all achievement test and end-of-course examination scores for grades nine through twelve (9-12), in the students' final grades in the subject areas of mathematics, English language arts, science, and social studies. (c) Notwithstanding subsection (a), each local board of education may choose the percentage within the range of zero percent (0%) to fifteen percent (15%) that scores from the TNReady assessments administered in the 2017-2018 school year shall count on a student's final grade for the spring semester. (d) Notwithstanding subsection (a), scores on Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP) tests, which include, but are not limited to, TNReady assessments, English learner assessments, alternate TCAP assessments, and end-of-course examinations, administered in the 2019-2020 school year shall not comprise a percentage of a student's final grade for the spring semester in the subject areas of mathematics, English language arts, science, and social studies, unless including TCAP test scores results in a higher final grade for the student. (e) Notwithstanding subsection (a), each local board of education may choose the percentage, within the range of zero percent (0%) to twenty-five percent (25%), that scores from the Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP) tests administered to students in grades three through twelve (3-12) in the 2020-2021 school year count on a student's final grade. Amended by 2021EX1 Tenn. Acts, ch. 2, s 10, eff. 2/3/2021. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 652, s 4, eff. 4/2/2020. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 881, s 2, eff. 5/3/2018. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 817, s 1, eff. 4/27/2018. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 192, s 7, eff. 4/19/2017. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 256, s 1, eff. 4/24/2015. Acts 2010 , ch. 1127, § 1.
(a) Each local board of education shall develop a policy by which student scores on the Tennessee comprehensive assessment program's grades three through eight (3-8) achievement tests shall comprise a percentage of the student's final grade for the spring semester in the subject areas of mathematics, English language arts, science, and social studies. In the 2017-2018 school year and each school year thereafter, the local board shall determine the percentage within a range of zero percent (0%) to no more than twenty-five percent (25%) for grades three through five (3-5), and within a range of no less than ten percent (10%) to no more than twenty-five percent (25%) for grades six through eight (6-8).
(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a), if an LEA does not receive its students' TCAP scores, including all achievement test and end-of-course examination scores for grades nine through twelve (9-12), at least five (5) instructional days before the end of the course, then the LEA may choose not to include its students' TCAP scores, including all achievement test and end-of-course examination scores for grades nine through twelve (9-12), in the students' final grades in the subject areas of mathematics, English language arts, science, and social studies.
(c) Notwithstanding subsection (a), each local board of education may choose the percentage within the range of zero percent (0%) to fifteen percent (15%) that scores from the TNReady assessments administered in the 2017-2018 school year shall count on a student's final grade for the spring semester.
(d) Notwithstanding subsection (a), scores on Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP) tests, which include, but are not limited to, TNReady assessments, English learner assessments, alternate TCAP assessments, and end-of-course examinations, administered in the 2019-2020 school year shall not comprise a percentage of a student's final grade for the spring semester in the subject areas of mathematics, English language arts, science, and social studies, unless including TCAP test scores results in a higher final grade for the student.
(e) Notwithstanding subsection (a), each local board of education may choose the percentage, within the range of zero percent (0%) to twenty-five percent (25%), that scores from the Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP) tests administered to students in grades three through twelve (3-12) in the 2020-2021 school year count on a student's final grade.
Amended by 2021EX1 Tenn. Acts, ch. 2, s 10, eff. 2/3/2021.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 652, s 4, eff. 4/2/2020.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 881, s 2, eff. 5/3/2018.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 817, s 1, eff. 4/27/2018.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 192, s 7, eff. 4/19/2017.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 256, s 1, eff. 4/24/2015.
Acts 2010 , ch. 1127, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-13-141 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 13 / Section 49-13-141
LEAs sponsoring public charter schools
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, an LEA may be the sponsor of a public charter school. If an LEA sponsors a public charter school, then the commission serves as the authorizer. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219,s 96, eff. 4/26/2019. Acts 2012, ch. 1065, § 1.
Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, an LEA may be the sponsor of a public charter school. If an LEA sponsors a public charter school, then the commission serves as the authorizer.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219,s 96, eff. 4/26/2019.
Acts 2012, ch. 1065, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-2-602 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 49-2-602
Legislative intent
Status: in_force

The general assembly recognizes the importance of school support organizations in providing financial support to help carry out academic, arts, athletic, and social programs to further educational opportunities for the children of this state. The general assembly also recognizes concerns that parents and other persons who support these organizations have in ensuring that money raised by these organizations is safeguarded by them and used to further the activities for which the money is raised. It is, therefore, the intent of the general assembly to ensure the continued support of academic, arts, athletic and social programs, which help to educate the children of this state, while also ensuring fiscal accountability of school support organizations. Acts 2007, ch. 326, § 3.
The general assembly recognizes the importance of school support organizations in providing financial support to help carry out academic, arts, athletic, and social programs to further educational opportunities for the children of this state. The general assembly also recognizes concerns that parents and other persons who support these organizations have in ensuring that money raised by these organizations is safeguarded by them and used to further the activities for which the money is raised. It is, therefore, the intent of the general assembly to ensure the continued support of academic, arts, athletic and social programs, which help to educate the children of this state, while also ensuring fiscal accountability of school support organizations.
Acts 2007, ch. 326, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-8101 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-8101
Short title
Status: in_force

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Move on When Ready Act."
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-2016 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-2016
Discontinuation of activities or operations of postsecondary educational institution
Status: in_force

(a) If a postsecondary educational institution engaged in activities or operating in this state proposes to discontinue its activities or operations in this state, then the owner or chief administrative officer, by whatever title designated, of the institution shall file with the commission the original, or legible true copies, of all academic records of the institution as specified by the commission. (b) The academic records must include, at a minimum, the transcripts or certificates in a format that is customarily required by postsecondary educational institutions when considering students for transfer or advanced study, or by other third parties, such as employers. (c) If it appears to the commission that the academic records of an institution that is discontinuing its activities or operations are in danger of being destroyed, secreted, mislaid, or otherwise made unavailable, then the commission may seize and take possession of the records, on its own motion, and with or without order of a court. (d) The commission shall maintain, or cause to be maintained, a permanent file of the transcripts or certificates provided by subsection (b) that come into its possession. (e) As an alternative to the deposit of the records with the commission, the institution may propose a plan to the commission for permanent retention of the records. The plan must be put into effect if it is approved by the commission. (f) When a postsecondary educational institution engaged in activities or operations in this state proposes to discontinue its activities or operations in this state, the institution shall create a teach-out plan that is acceptable to the commission, by which the institution's educational obligations to its students may be fulfilled, and shall provide any material requested by the commission, such as the institution's current catalog, student list, and unearned tuition data. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1044, s 26, eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 790, s 4, eff. 4/20/2018. Acts 1961, ch. 112, § 19; 1974, ch. 781, § 18; T.C.A., § 49-3918; Acts 1992, ch. 1026, § 7.
(a) If a postsecondary educational institution engaged in activities or operating in this state proposes to discontinue its activities or operations in this state, then the owner or chief administrative officer, by whatever title designated, of the institution shall file with the commission the original, or legible true copies, of all academic records of the institution as specified by the commission.
(b) The academic records must include, at a minimum, the transcripts or certificates in a format that is customarily required by postsecondary educational institutions when considering students for transfer or advanced study, or by other third parties, such as employers.
(c) If it appears to the commission that the academic records of an institution that is discontinuing its activities or operations are in danger of being destroyed, secreted, mislaid, or otherwise made unavailable, then the commission may seize and take possession of the records, on its own motion, and with or without order of a court.
(d) The commission shall maintain, or cause to be maintained, a permanent file of the transcripts or certificates provided by subsection (b) that come into its possession.
(e) As an alternative to the deposit of the records with the commission, the institution may propose a plan to the commission for permanent retention of the records. The plan must be put into effect if it is approved by the commission.
(f) When a postsecondary educational institution engaged in activities or operations in this state proposes to discontinue its activities or operations in this state, the institution shall create a teach-out plan that is acceptable to the commission, by which the institution's educational obligations to its students may be fulfilled, and shall provide any material requested by the commission, such as the institution's current catalog, student list, and unearned tuition data.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1044, s 26, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 790, s 4, eff. 4/20/2018.
Acts 1961, ch. 112, § 19; 1974, ch. 781, § 18; T.C.A., § 49-3918; Acts 1992, ch. 1026, § 7.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-805 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-805
Template minimum requirements
Status: in_force

At a minimum, the template prepared by the state-level safety team shall include: (1) The designation of an emergency response team; (2) Policies and procedures for communication with law enforcement officials, parents and guardians in the event of emergencies and incidents of or threats of violence; (3) Policies and procedures relating to school building security, including, where appropriate, the use of school resource officers, security devices or security procedures, and addressing, where appropriate, the use of the building by the public for events other than school activities and the impact the other use may have on building security; (4) Procedures for assuring that crisis response and law enforcement officials have access to floor plans, blueprints, schematics or other maps of the school interior, school grounds and road maps of the immediate surrounding area; (5) Procedures for coordination of the school safety plan with the resources available through the department of mental health and substance abuse services, the department of disability and aging or a similar local agency to assure that the school has access to federal, state or local mental health resources in the event of a violent incident; (6) Appropriate violence prevention and intervention strategies such as: (A) Collaborative arrangements with state and local law enforcement officials, designed to ensure that school resource officers and other security personnel are adequately trained, including being trained to de-escalate potentially violent situations, and are effectively and fairly recruited; (B) Dissemination of informative materials regarding the early detection and identification of potentially threatening behaviors and violent acts to teachers, administrators, school personnel, parents or guardians and students; (C) Nonviolent conflict resolution training programs; (D) Peer mediation programs and youth courts; (E) Extended day and other school safety programs; and (F) Comprehensive school counseling and mental health programs; (7) Policies and procedures for annual school safety training for all students, teachers, and other school personnel. Instruction on firearm safety required under § 49-6-1016 must be credited toward the annual school safety training required by the state-level safety team's template for district-wide school safety plans and building-level school safety plans for all students, teachers, and other school personnel who receive or provide the instruction; (8) Policies and procedures for the safe evacuation of all students, teachers, other school personnel and visitors to the school in the event of a serious violent incident or other emergency; (9) Policies and procedures relating to LEA and school cyber security preparedness to identify cyber security risk, implement mitigation planning, and protect cyber infrastructure against cyber attacks and other cyber security threats and incidents. As used in this subdivision (9), "cyber security" means the art of protecting networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access or criminal use, and the practice of ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information; and (10) Policies and procedures to ensure that all individuals providing direct services to students or school staff in response to a school crisis have received the appropriate background checks in compliance with state law, including § 49-5-413 . Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 688,s 136, eff. 7/1/2024. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 800,s 2, eff. 4/23/2024. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 367, s 6, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 335, s 1, eff. 7/1/2021. Acts 2007 , ch. 548, § 6; 2010 , ch. 1100, § 76; 2012 , ch. 575, § 1.
At a minimum, the template prepared by the state-level safety team shall include:
(1) The designation of an emergency response team;
(2) Policies and procedures for communication with law enforcement officials, parents and guardians in the event of emergencies and incidents of or threats of violence;
(3) Policies and procedures relating to school building security, including, where appropriate, the use of school resource officers, security devices or security procedures, and addressing, where appropriate, the use of the building by the public for events other than school activities and the impact the other use may have on building security;
(4) Procedures for assuring that crisis response and law enforcement officials have access to floor plans, blueprints, schematics or other maps of the school interior, school grounds and road maps of the immediate surrounding area;
(5) Procedures for coordination of the school safety plan with the resources available through the department of mental health and substance abuse services, the department of disability and aging or a similar local agency to assure that the school has access to federal, state or local mental health resources in the event of a violent incident;
(6) Appropriate violence prevention and intervention strategies such as: (A) Collaborative arrangements with state and local law enforcement officials, designed to ensure that school resource officers and other security personnel are adequately trained, including being trained to de-escalate potentially violent situations, and are effectively and fairly recruited; (B) Dissemination of informative materials regarding the early detection and identification of potentially threatening behaviors and violent acts to teachers, administrators, school personnel, parents or guardians and students; (C) Nonviolent conflict resolution training programs; (D) Peer mediation programs and youth courts; (E) Extended day and other school safety programs; and (F) Comprehensive school counseling and mental health programs;
(A) Collaborative arrangements with state and local law enforcement officials, designed to ensure that school resource officers and other security personnel are adequately trained, including being trained to de-escalate potentially violent situations, and are effectively and fairly recruited;
(B) Dissemination of informative materials regarding the early detection and identification of potentially threatening behaviors and violent acts to teachers, administrators, school personnel, parents or guardians and students;
(C) Nonviolent conflict resolution training programs;
(D) Peer mediation programs and youth courts;
(E) Extended day and other school safety programs; and
(F) Comprehensive school counseling and mental health programs;
(7) Policies and procedures for annual school safety training for all students, teachers, and other school personnel. Instruction on firearm safety required under § 49-6-1016 must be credited toward the annual school safety training required by the state-level safety team's template for district-wide school safety plans and building-level school safety plans for all students, teachers, and other school personnel who receive or provide the instruction;
(8) Policies and procedures for the safe evacuation of all students, teachers, other school personnel and visitors to the school in the event of a serious violent incident or other emergency;
(9) Policies and procedures relating to LEA and school cyber security preparedness to identify cyber security risk, implement mitigation planning, and protect cyber infrastructure against cyber attacks and other cyber security threats and incidents. As used in this subdivision (9), "cyber security" means the art of protecting networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access or criminal use, and the practice of ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information; and
(10) Policies and procedures to ensure that all individuals providing direct services to students or school staff in response to a school crisis have received the appropriate background checks in compliance with state law, including § 49-5-413 .
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 688,s 136, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 800,s 2, eff. 4/23/2024.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 367, s 6, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 335, s 1, eff. 7/1/2021.
Acts 2007 , ch. 548, § 6; 2010 , ch. 1100, § 76; 2012 , ch. 575, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-5703 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-5703
Principals and administrators to attend academy
Status: in_force

(a) Each principal and administrator shall be required to attend the principal-administrator academy for instruction at least once every five (5) years; provided, that the commissioner may, at the commissioner's discretion, grant an extension not to exceed one (1) additional year to any principal or administrator who has not satisfied the attendance requirements of this subsection (a). The commissioner shall prescribe procedures to review and evaluate the various components of the academy to ensure a high level of instruction for the participants. The requirement for attendance at the principal-administrator academy shall be optional to any principal, supervisor, or other administrator who would otherwise be required to attend, however classified, with fifteen (15) or more years of experience as a principal, supervisor or other administrator unless the local board of education requires such attendance. (b) In order to provide for orderly admission of principals and administrators within the requirements of subsection (a), the commissioner shall establish admission procedures for the academy. Acts 1984 (1st E.S.), ch. 7, § 77; 1990, ch. 948, § 29; 1996, ch. 643, § 1; 1998, ch. 999, § 1.
(a) Each principal and administrator shall be required to attend the principal-administrator academy for instruction at least once every five (5) years; provided, that the commissioner may, at the commissioner's discretion, grant an extension not to exceed one (1) additional year to any principal or administrator who has not satisfied the attendance requirements of this subsection (a). The commissioner shall prescribe procedures to review and evaluate the various components of the academy to ensure a high level of instruction for the participants. The requirement for attendance at the principal-administrator academy shall be optional to any principal, supervisor, or other administrator who would otherwise be required to attend, however classified, with fifteen (15) or more years of experience as a principal, supervisor or other administrator unless the local board of education requires such attendance.
(b) In order to provide for orderly admission of principals and administrators within the requirements of subsection (a), the commissioner shall establish admission procedures for the academy.
Acts 1984 (1st E.S.), ch. 7, § 77; 1990, ch. 948, § 29; 1996, ch. 643, § 1; 1998, ch. 999, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-2211 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-2211
Commission independent of department of education - Limitation on department's role in textbook adoption process
Status: in_force

The commission shall maintain independence from the department of education. The department's role in the textbook adoption process is strictly limited. The department shall not perform any duties as part of the textbook adoption process other than the duties specifically assigned to the department in §§ 49-6-2201 - 49-6-2203. Added by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 770, s 4, eff. 7/15/2020. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 981,s 21, eff. 1/1/2015. Acts 2010 , ch. 869, § 1.
The commission shall maintain independence from the department of education. The department's role in the textbook adoption process is strictly limited. The department shall not perform any duties as part of the textbook adoption process other than the duties specifically assigned to the department in §§ 49-6-2201 - 49-6-2203.
Added by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 770, s 4, eff. 7/15/2020.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 981,s 21, eff. 1/1/2015.
Acts 2010 , ch. 869, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-4-934 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 49-4-934
HOPE scholarship - Dependent child of full-time religious worker
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding any provision of this part to the contrary, a student who is a Tennessee citizen and a dependent child of a full-time religious worker shall be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship as an entering freshman if the student meets all eligibility requirements for the scholarship, except that, while the parent is serving in another nation as a religious worker, the student does not reside in Tennessee immediately preceding the date of application for financial assistance and the student does not meet the requirements of § 49-4-905(b)(2) . To be eligible under this section, the student shall: (1) Graduate from a high school in the foreign nation where the student's parent is a religious worker that is accredited by a regional accrediting association as defined by § 49-4-902 and meet the academic eligibility requirements of § 49-4-907(3) ; or (2) Complete high school in a home school in the foreign nation where the student's parent is a religious worker and meet the academic eligibility requirements of § 49-4-908(a)(3) . (b) As used in this section: (1) "Dependent child" means a natural or adopted child or stepchild whom the parent who is a religious worker claims as a dependent for federal income tax purposes; provided, however, that the child is under twenty-one (21) years of age and resides in another nation only while the parent is actively engaged in full-time religious work; and (2) "Religious worker" means a person sent to another country by a church, religious denomination or other religious organization to spread its faith or to do social or medical work. (c) This section shall only apply to dependent children of religious workers who are engaged in full-time religious work in another nation for more than one (1) year and who were residents of this state before leaving the United States to do religious work and intend to return to Tennessee upon completion of their assignment as a religious worker. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, s 67, eff. 8/1/2020. Acts 2006, ch. 974, § 4.
(a) Notwithstanding any provision of this part to the contrary, a student who is a Tennessee citizen and a dependent child of a full-time religious worker shall be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship as an entering freshman if the student meets all eligibility requirements for the scholarship, except that, while the parent is serving in another nation as a religious worker, the student does not reside in Tennessee immediately preceding the date of application for financial assistance and the student does not meet the requirements of § 49-4-905(b)(2) . To be eligible under this section, the student shall: (1) Graduate from a high school in the foreign nation where the student's parent is a religious worker that is accredited by a regional accrediting association as defined by § 49-4-902 and meet the academic eligibility requirements of § 49-4-907(3) ; or (2) Complete high school in a home school in the foreign nation where the student's parent is a religious worker and meet the academic eligibility requirements of § 49-4-908(a)(3) .
(1) Graduate from a high school in the foreign nation where the student's parent is a religious worker that is accredited by a regional accrediting association as defined by § 49-4-902 and meet the academic eligibility requirements of § 49-4-907(3) ; or
(2) Complete high school in a home school in the foreign nation where the student's parent is a religious worker and meet the academic eligibility requirements of § 49-4-908(a)(3) .
(b) As used in this section: (1) "Dependent child" means a natural or adopted child or stepchild whom the parent who is a religious worker claims as a dependent for federal income tax purposes; provided, however, that the child is under twenty-one (21) years of age and resides in another nation only while the parent is actively engaged in full-time religious work; and (2) "Religious worker" means a person sent to another country by a church, religious denomination or other religious organization to spread its faith or to do social or medical work.
(1) "Dependent child" means a natural or adopted child or stepchild whom the parent who is a religious worker claims as a dependent for federal income tax purposes; provided, however, that the child is under twenty-one (21) years of age and resides in another nation only while the parent is actively engaged in full-time religious work; and
(2) "Religious worker" means a person sent to another country by a church, religious denomination or other religious organization to spread its faith or to do social or medical work.
(c) This section shall only apply to dependent children of religious workers who are engaged in full-time religious work in another nation for more than one (1) year and who were residents of this state before leaving the United States to do religious work and intend to return to Tennessee upon completion of their assignment as a religious worker.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, s 67, eff. 8/1/2020.
Acts 2006, ch. 974, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-2802 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-2802
Policy regarding relocation of student - Use of reasonable or justifiable force - Intervention in physical altercation
Status: in_force

(a) (1) Each local board of education and each public charter school governing body shall adopt a policy regarding a teacher's ability to relocate a student from the student's present location to another location for the student's safety or for the safety of others. (2) The use of reasonable or justifiable force, as defined in §§ 39-11-603 , 39-11-609 , 39-11-610 , 39-11-612 , 39-11-613 , 39-11-614 , 39-11-621 , and 39-11-622 , if required to accomplish this task due to the unwillingness of the student to cooperate, is allowed. If steps beyond the use of reasonable or justifiable force are required, then the student must be allowed to remain in place until local law enforcement officers or school resource officers can be summoned to relocate the student or take the student into custody until a parent or guardian can retrieve the student. (3) The policy required under this subsection (a) must authorize teachers to intervene in a physical altercation between two (2) or more students, or between a student and an LEA employee or public charter school employee, as applicable, using reasonable or justifiable force upon a student, if necessary, to end the altercation by relocating the student to another location. (b) The policy required under subsection (a) must: (1) Be in effect on school property, as well as at official school-sponsored events, including, but not limited to, sporting events and approved field trips that take place away from school property; and (2) Cover teachers who are directly responsible for the student's education, and other LEA employees or public charter school employees, as applicable, who interact with students on a professional basis. The LEA employees or public charter school employees described in this subdivision (b)(2) include, but are not limited to, administrators, teachers, school support staff, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and school resource officers while the employee is acting within the scope of the employee's assigned duties. (c) The policy required under subsection (a) must require a teacher to file a brief report with the principal detailing the situation that required the relocation of the student. The report must be kept either in a student discipline file, in which case the report does not become a part of the student's permanent record, or it must be filed in the student's permanent record, if the student's behavior violated the applicable zero tolerance policy. After the teacher files the report required under this subsection (c), the student is subject to additional disciplinary action that may include suspension or expulsion from the school. The principal or the principal's designee must notify the teacher involved of the actions taken to address the behavior of the relocated student. (d) Each principal shall fully support the authority of each teacher in the principal's school to relocate under this section. (e) Each principal shall implement the policies and procedures of the local board of education or public charter school governing body, as applicable, relating to the authority of each teacher to relocate a student and shall disseminate such policies and procedures to the students, faculty, staff, and parents or guardians of students. (f) The policy required under subsection (a) must comply with all state and federal laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ( 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act ( 29 U.S.C. § 794 ). Acts 2021, ch. 77, § 2.
(a) (1) Each local board of education and each public charter school governing body shall adopt a policy regarding a teacher's ability to relocate a student from the student's present location to another location for the student's safety or for the safety of others. (2) The use of reasonable or justifiable force, as defined in §§ 39-11-603 , 39-11-609 , 39-11-610 , 39-11-612 , 39-11-613 , 39-11-614 , 39-11-621 , and 39-11-622 , if required to accomplish this task due to the unwillingness of the student to cooperate, is allowed. If steps beyond the use of reasonable or justifiable force are required, then the student must be allowed to remain in place until local law enforcement officers or school resource officers can be summoned to relocate the student or take the student into custody until a parent or guardian can retrieve the student. (3) The policy required under this subsection (a) must authorize teachers to intervene in a physical altercation between two (2) or more students, or between a student and an LEA employee or public charter school employee, as applicable, using reasonable or justifiable force upon a student, if necessary, to end the altercation by relocating the student to another location.
(1) Each local board of education and each public charter school governing body shall adopt a policy regarding a teacher's ability to relocate a student from the student's present location to another location for the student's safety or for the safety of others.
(2) The use of reasonable or justifiable force, as defined in §§ 39-11-603 , 39-11-609 , 39-11-610 , 39-11-612 , 39-11-613 , 39-11-614 , 39-11-621 , and 39-11-622 , if required to accomplish this task due to the unwillingness of the student to cooperate, is allowed. If steps beyond the use of reasonable or justifiable force are required, then the student must be allowed to remain in place until local law enforcement officers or school resource officers can be summoned to relocate the student or take the student into custody until a parent or guardian can retrieve the student.
(3) The policy required under this subsection (a) must authorize teachers to intervene in a physical altercation between two (2) or more students, or between a student and an LEA employee or public charter school employee, as applicable, using reasonable or justifiable force upon a student, if necessary, to end the altercation by relocating the student to another location.
(b) The policy required under subsection (a) must: (1) Be in effect on school property, as well as at official school-sponsored events, including, but not limited to, sporting events and approved field trips that take place away from school property; and (2) Cover teachers who are directly responsible for the student's education, and other LEA employees or public charter school employees, as applicable, who interact with students on a professional basis. The LEA employees or public charter school employees described in this subdivision (b)(2) include, but are not limited to, administrators, teachers, school support staff, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and school resource officers while the employee is acting within the scope of the employee's assigned duties.
(1) Be in effect on school property, as well as at official school-sponsored events, including, but not limited to, sporting events and approved field trips that take place away from school property; and
(2) Cover teachers who are directly responsible for the student's education, and other LEA employees or public charter school employees, as applicable, who interact with students on a professional basis. The LEA employees or public charter school employees described in this subdivision (b)(2) include, but are not limited to, administrators, teachers, school support staff, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and school resource officers while the employee is acting within the scope of the employee's assigned duties.
(c) The policy required under subsection (a) must require a teacher to file a brief report with the principal detailing the situation that required the relocation of the student. The report must be kept either in a student discipline file, in which case the report does not become a part of the student's permanent record, or it must be filed in the student's permanent record, if the student's behavior violated the applicable zero tolerance policy. After the teacher files the report required under this subsection (c), the student is subject to additional disciplinary action that may include suspension or expulsion from the school. The principal or the principal's designee must notify the teacher involved of the actions taken to address the behavior of the relocated student.
(d) Each principal shall fully support the authority of each teacher in the principal's school to relocate under this section.
(e) Each principal shall implement the policies and procedures of the local board of education or public charter school governing body, as applicable, relating to the authority of each teacher to relocate a student and shall disseminate such policies and procedures to the students, faculty, staff, and parents or guardians of students.
(f) The policy required under subsection (a) must comply with all state and federal laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ( 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act ( 29 U.S.C. § 794 ).
Acts 2021, ch. 77, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-419 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-419
Assessment of costs
Status: in_force

(a) When a final order is issued following a contested case hearing in which a teacher or administrator is issued a formal reprimand or the teacher's or administrator's license is denied, nonrenewed, suspended, or revoked based on the teacher's or administrator's misconduct, the state board of education may assess costs directly related to the hearing against the teacher or administrator. (b) The state board must determine the appropriate amount of any costs to be assessed against a teacher or administrator pursuant to this section, and any costs assessed must be reasonable. (c) The state board shall promulgate rules to govern the assessment of costs against a teacher or administrator under this section pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, part 2. Acts 2020, ch. 734, § 1.
(a) When a final order is issued following a contested case hearing in which a teacher or administrator is issued a formal reprimand or the teacher's or administrator's license is denied, nonrenewed, suspended, or revoked based on the teacher's or administrator's misconduct, the state board of education may assess costs directly related to the hearing against the teacher or administrator.
(b) The state board must determine the appropriate amount of any costs to be assessed against a teacher or administrator pursuant to this section, and any costs assessed must be reasonable.
(c) The state board shall promulgate rules to govern the assessment of costs against a teacher or administrator under this section pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, part 2.
Acts 2020, ch. 734, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-3202 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-3202
Decision of board
Status: in_force

(a) The board shall consider and decide each individual case separately on its merits, and its decision shall be based upon a consideration of the factors set forth in § 49-6-3103 . (b) Within a reasonable time after the completion of the hearing, the board shall enter a written order either granting or denying the protest. (c) A copy of the order and the findings of the board shall be mailed by the board or its secretary to all parties appearing at the hearing at their last known mailing address within five (5) days from the date of the order. (d) In any county having a population of not less than eight hundred ninety-seven thousand four hundred (897,400) nor more than eight hundred ninety-seven thousand five hundred (897,500), according to the 2000 federal census or any subsequent federal census, if the board delegates its authority to a committee pursuant to § 49-6-3102(d)(2) to consider and decide an individual case, then the committee shall comply with subsections (a)-(c). Acts 1957, ch. 13, § 9; T.C.A., § 49-1749; Acts 2009 , ch. 331, § 2.
(a) The board shall consider and decide each individual case separately on its merits, and its decision shall be based upon a consideration of the factors set forth in § 49-6-3103 .
(b) Within a reasonable time after the completion of the hearing, the board shall enter a written order either granting or denying the protest.
(c) A copy of the order and the findings of the board shall be mailed by the board or its secretary to all parties appearing at the hearing at their last known mailing address within five (5) days from the date of the order.
(d) In any county having a population of not less than eight hundred ninety-seven thousand four hundred (897,400) nor more than eight hundred ninety-seven thousand five hundred (897,500), according to the 2000 federal census or any subsequent federal census, if the board delegates its authority to a committee pursuant to § 49-6-3102(d)(2) to consider and decide an individual case, then the committee shall comply with subsections (a)-(c).
Acts 1957, ch. 13, § 9; T.C.A., § 49-1749; Acts 2009 , ch. 331, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-1908 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-1908
Severability
Status: in_force

If any provision of this part or its application to a person or circumstance is held invalid, then the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of this part that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to that end, the provisions of this part are severable. Renumbered from § 49-7-1907 by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 268,s 2, eff. 7/1/2023. Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 818, s 8, eff. 4/8/2022.
If any provision of this part or its application to a person or circumstance is held invalid, then the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of this part that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to that end, the provisions of this part are severable.
Renumbered from § 49-7-1907 by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 268,s 2, eff. 7/1/2023.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 818, s 8, eff. 4/8/2022.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-2105 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-2105
Maximum time in transit
Status: in_force

No pupil shall be allowed to remain in transit to or from school on a school bus more than one and one-half (11/2) hours in the morning or one and one-half (11/2) hours in the afternoon. Acts 1947, ch. 92, § 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 2495.3 (Williams, § 2495.4); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-2203.
No pupil shall be allowed to remain in transit to or from school on a school bus more than one and one-half (11/2) hours in the morning or one and one-half (11/2) hours in the afternoon.
Acts 1947, ch. 92, § 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 2495.3 (Williams, § 2495.4); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-2203.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-608 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-608
Subject matter tests for secondary schools - Initiation of value added assessment
Status: in_force

The development of subject matter tests shall be initiated to measure performance of high school students in subjects designated by the state board of education and reviewed by the education committee of the senate and the education instruction committee of the house of representatives. These tests shall reflect the complete range of topics covered within the list of state-approved textbooks and instructional materials for that subject. As soon as valid tests have been developed, the testing of students shall be initiated to provide for value-added assessment. Value-added assessment shall be conducted annually. Value-added assessment may be initiated in other subjects designated by the state board of education and reviewed by the education committee of the senate and the education instruction committee of the house of representatives at such times as valid tests are developed that effectively measure performance in such subjects. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 64, s 71, eff. 3/29/2021. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345, s 81, eff. 5/10/2019. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182, s 19, eff. 4/17/2015. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 981,s 24, eff. 1/1/2015. Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 4; 1997 , ch. 434, § 3; 1998, ch. 833, § 1; 2011 , ch. 410, § 4 (e).
The development of subject matter tests shall be initiated to measure performance of high school students in subjects designated by the state board of education and reviewed by the education committee of the senate and the education instruction committee of the house of representatives. These tests shall reflect the complete range of topics covered within the list of state-approved textbooks and instructional materials for that subject. As soon as valid tests have been developed, the testing of students shall be initiated to provide for value-added assessment. Value-added assessment shall be conducted annually. Value-added assessment may be initiated in other subjects designated by the state board of education and reviewed by the education committee of the senate and the education instruction committee of the house of representatives at such times as valid tests are developed that effectively measure performance in such subjects.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 64, s 71, eff. 3/29/2021.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345, s 81, eff. 5/10/2019.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182, s 19, eff. 4/17/2015.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 981,s 24, eff. 1/1/2015.
Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 4; 1997 , ch. 434, § 3; 1998, ch. 833, § 1; 2011 , ch. 410, § 4 (e).