Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-812 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-812
Creation of the Tennessee college savings trust funds
Status: in_force

(a) There are created two (2) Tennessee college savings trust funds, the educational investment trust fund and the educational services trust fund. The board, or if designated by the board, the state treasurer shall serve as trustee. These funds shall be held and maintained as separate accounts as provided in subdivisions (a)(1) and (2): (1) The educational investment trust fund shall consist solely of: (A) Contributions received by the board from account owners or contributors on behalf of beneficiaries for a particular educational investment trust account or from any other source public or private; (B) All interest and investment income earned by such fund; (C) Any monetary gift of any nature made by any individual by testamentary disposition, including, but not limited to, any specific monetary gift or bequeath made by will, trust or other disposition; and (D) All other receipts of the board from any other source that the board determines appropriate; (2) The educational services trust fund shall consist solely of: (A) Payments received by the board from purchasers on behalf of beneficiaries pursuant to educational services plan contracts or from any other source, public or private; (B) All interest and investment income earned by the fund; (C) Any monetary gift of any nature made by any individual by testamentary disposition, including, but not limited to, any specific monetary gift or bequeath made by will, trust or other disposition; and (D) All other receipts of the board from any other source that the board determines appropriate. (b) The board shall maintain an account for each tuition contract showing the beneficiary of that educational services plan contract. The account shall also show the number of tuition units purchased pursuant to that contract if the contract involves the educational services plan. (c) The assets of the educational services trust fund shall be preserved, invested and expended solely pursuant to and for the purposes of this part and shall not be loaned or otherwise transferred or used for any other purpose. The assets of the funds shall be expended solely to: (1) Make payments to, or on behalf of, beneficiaries pursuant to §§ 49-7-807(a) and 49-7-808(a) ; (2) Make refunds as provided in § 49-7-811 ; and (3) Pay the investment fees and other costs of administering the funds. (d) The amounts on deposit in the program shall not constitute property of the state. The assets of each of the educational investment trust fund and the educational services trust fund shall be preserved, invested and expended pursuant to and for the purposes set forth in this part, and the trust funds' moneys shall be held in trust for account owners, beneficiaries and purchasers, as applicable. Neither trust fund shall be construed to be a department, institution or agency of the state. Amounts on deposit in such trust funds shall not be commingled with state funds and the state shall have no claim to or against, or interest in, such funds. Any agreement entered into by or any obligation of such trust funds shall not constitute a debt or obligation of the state and the state shall have no obligation to any account owner, purchaser, contributor, beneficiary or any other person on account of such trusts and all amounts obligated to be paid from the trust funds shall be limited to amounts available for such obligation on deposit in such trusts. The amounts on deposit in any trust fund account may only be disbursed at the direction of the purchaser or account owner or otherwise in accordance with § 49-7-808 . A trust fund shall continue in existence as long as they hold any contributions or has any obligations and until its existence is terminated by law, and upon termination any unclaimed assets shall return to the state. (e) All revenues collected by the program shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the program and shall be used to fund the program or the Tennessee financial literacy commission, compiled in chapter 6, part 17 of this title. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 400, s 9, eff. 7/1/2017. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 910, s 19, eff. 5/13/2014. Acts 1996, ch. 991, § 1; 1998, ch. 644, § 9; T.C.A., § 49-7-810 ; Acts 1999, ch. 233, § 21.
(a) There are created two (2) Tennessee college savings trust funds, the educational investment trust fund and the educational services trust fund. The board, or if designated by the board, the state treasurer shall serve as trustee. These funds shall be held and maintained as separate accounts as provided in subdivisions (a)(1) and (2): (1) The educational investment trust fund shall consist solely of: (A) Contributions received by the board from account owners or contributors on behalf of beneficiaries for a particular educational investment trust account or from any other source public or private; (B) All interest and investment income earned by such fund; (C) Any monetary gift of any nature made by any individual by testamentary disposition, including, but not limited to, any specific monetary gift or bequeath made by will, trust or other disposition; and (D) All other receipts of the board from any other source that the board determines appropriate; (2) The educational services trust fund shall consist solely of: (A) Payments received by the board from purchasers on behalf of beneficiaries pursuant to educational services plan contracts or from any other source, public or private; (B) All interest and investment income earned by the fund; (C) Any monetary gift of any nature made by any individual by testamentary disposition, including, but not limited to, any specific monetary gift or bequeath made by will, trust or other disposition; and (D) All other receipts of the board from any other source that the board determines appropriate.
(1) The educational investment trust fund shall consist solely of: (A) Contributions received by the board from account owners or contributors on behalf of beneficiaries for a particular educational investment trust account or from any other source public or private; (B) All interest and investment income earned by such fund; (C) Any monetary gift of any nature made by any individual by testamentary disposition, including, but not limited to, any specific monetary gift or bequeath made by will, trust or other disposition; and (D) All other receipts of the board from any other source that the board determines appropriate;
(A) Contributions received by the board from account owners or contributors on behalf of beneficiaries for a particular educational investment trust account or from any other source public or private;
(B) All interest and investment income earned by such fund;
(C) Any monetary gift of any nature made by any individual by testamentary disposition, including, but not limited to, any specific monetary gift or bequeath made by will, trust or other disposition; and
(D) All other receipts of the board from any other source that the board determines appropriate;
(2) The educational services trust fund shall consist solely of: (A) Payments received by the board from purchasers on behalf of beneficiaries pursuant to educational services plan contracts or from any other source, public or private; (B) All interest and investment income earned by the fund; (C) Any monetary gift of any nature made by any individual by testamentary disposition, including, but not limited to, any specific monetary gift or bequeath made by will, trust or other disposition; and (D) All other receipts of the board from any other source that the board determines appropriate.
(A) Payments received by the board from purchasers on behalf of beneficiaries pursuant to educational services plan contracts or from any other source, public or private;
(B) All interest and investment income earned by the fund;
(C) Any monetary gift of any nature made by any individual by testamentary disposition, including, but not limited to, any specific monetary gift or bequeath made by will, trust or other disposition; and
(D) All other receipts of the board from any other source that the board determines appropriate.
(b) The board shall maintain an account for each tuition contract showing the beneficiary of that educational services plan contract. The account shall also show the number of tuition units purchased pursuant to that contract if the contract involves the educational services plan.
(c) The assets of the educational services trust fund shall be preserved, invested and expended solely pursuant to and for the purposes of this part and shall not be loaned or otherwise transferred or used for any other purpose. The assets of the funds shall be expended solely to: (1) Make payments to, or on behalf of, beneficiaries pursuant to §§ 49-7-807(a) and 49-7-808(a) ; (2) Make refunds as provided in § 49-7-811 ; and (3) Pay the investment fees and other costs of administering the funds.
(1) Make payments to, or on behalf of, beneficiaries pursuant to §§ 49-7-807(a) and 49-7-808(a) ;
(2) Make refunds as provided in § 49-7-811 ; and
(3) Pay the investment fees and other costs of administering the funds.
(d) The amounts on deposit in the program shall not constitute property of the state. The assets of each of the educational investment trust fund and the educational services trust fund shall be preserved, invested and expended pursuant to and for the purposes set forth in this part, and the trust funds' moneys shall be held in trust for account owners, beneficiaries and purchasers, as applicable. Neither trust fund shall be construed to be a department, institution or agency of the state. Amounts on deposit in such trust funds shall not be commingled with state funds and the state shall have no claim to or against, or interest in, such funds. Any agreement entered into by or any obligation of such trust funds shall not constitute a debt or obligation of the state and the state shall have no obligation to any account owner, purchaser, contributor, beneficiary or any other person on account of such trusts and all amounts obligated to be paid from the trust funds shall be limited to amounts available for such obligation on deposit in such trusts. The amounts on deposit in any trust fund account may only be disbursed at the direction of the purchaser or account owner or otherwise in accordance with § 49-7-808 . A trust fund shall continue in existence as long as they hold any contributions or has any obligations and until its existence is terminated by law, and upon termination any unclaimed assets shall return to the state.
(e) All revenues collected by the program shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the program and shall be used to fund the program or the Tennessee financial literacy commission, compiled in chapter 6, part 17 of this title.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 400, s 9, eff. 7/1/2017.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 910, s 19, eff. 5/13/2014.
Acts 1996, ch. 991, § 1; 1998, ch. 644, § 9; T.C.A., § 49-7-810 ; Acts 1999, ch. 233, § 21.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-16-213 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 16 / Section 49-16-213
Evaluation criteria
Status: in_force

(a) A virtual school shall be evaluated annually by its establisher based on the following criteria: (1) The extent to which the school demonstrates increases in student achievement according to the goals of its authorizing contract and state academic standards; and (2) The accountability and viability of the virtual school, as demonstrated by its academic, fiscal and operational performance. (b) In addition to the intervention options available under § 49-1-602 , if a public virtual school is identified as a priority school pursuant to § 49-1-602 or demonstrates student achievement growth at a level of "significantly below expectations" for any three (3) consecutive years of the school's operation, as represented by the Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS) developed pursuant to chapter 1, part 6 of this title and guidelines adopted by the state board of education pursuant to chapter 1, part 3 of this title the commissioner shall have the authority to reinstitute the enrollment cap specified in § 49-16-211(b) or direct the LEA to close the school. If the commissioner reinstitutes the enrollment cap pursuant to this subsection (b), such cap shall not affect students enrolled in the virtual school at the time of the department's action. Notwithstanding chapter 3, part 1 of this title, if a public virtual school is closed upon direction of the commissioner or the LEA, then the Tennessee investment in student achievement formula (TISA) payments for the LEA that established the school must exclude a student who was a member in the school the prior year and did not remain a member in the LEA. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 76, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 404, s 2, eff. 5/14/2013. Acts 2011 , ch. 492, § 1.
(a) A virtual school shall be evaluated annually by its establisher based on the following criteria: (1) The extent to which the school demonstrates increases in student achievement according to the goals of its authorizing contract and state academic standards; and (2) The accountability and viability of the virtual school, as demonstrated by its academic, fiscal and operational performance.
(1) The extent to which the school demonstrates increases in student achievement according to the goals of its authorizing contract and state academic standards; and
(2) The accountability and viability of the virtual school, as demonstrated by its academic, fiscal and operational performance.
(b) In addition to the intervention options available under § 49-1-602 , if a public virtual school is identified as a priority school pursuant to § 49-1-602 or demonstrates student achievement growth at a level of "significantly below expectations" for any three (3) consecutive years of the school's operation, as represented by the Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS) developed pursuant to chapter 1, part 6 of this title and guidelines adopted by the state board of education pursuant to chapter 1, part 3 of this title the commissioner shall have the authority to reinstitute the enrollment cap specified in § 49-16-211(b) or direct the LEA to close the school. If the commissioner reinstitutes the enrollment cap pursuant to this subsection (b), such cap shall not affect students enrolled in the virtual school at the time of the department's action. Notwithstanding chapter 3, part 1 of this title, if a public virtual school is closed upon direction of the commissioner or the LEA, then the Tennessee investment in student achievement formula (TISA) payments for the LEA that established the school must exclude a student who was a member in the school the prior year and did not remain a member in the LEA.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 76, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 404, s 2, eff. 5/14/2013.
Acts 2011 , ch. 492, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-5106 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-5106
Use of name on birth certificate
Status: in_force

A student shall be enrolled in the name that appears on the student's certificate of live birth or certificate of birth by adoption if the adoption occurs prior to the child's entrance into school. The student shall be known by that lawful name in all facets of school records, report cards, student testing and any school activities. Name changes due to marriage of a student will be entered on the student's record upon receipt of a marriage certificate. Court-ordered name changes will be entered on the student's record upon receipt of the appropriate court document. Acts 2000, ch. 899, § 1.
A student shall be enrolled in the name that appears on the student's certificate of live birth or certificate of birth by adoption if the adoption occurs prior to the child's entrance into school. The student shall be known by that lawful name in all facets of school records, report cards, student testing and any school activities. Name changes due to marriage of a student will be entered on the student's record upon receipt of a marriage certificate. Court-ordered name changes will be entered on the student's record upon receipt of the appropriate court document.
Acts 2000, ch. 899, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-3109 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-3109
Unlawful discrimination
Status: in_force

(a) No person shall be refused admission into or be excluded from any public school in this state on account of race, creed, color, sex or national origin. (b) (1) No student shall be assigned or compelled to attend any school on account of race, creed, color or national origin, or for the purpose of achieving equality in attendance or increased attendance or reduced attendance, at any school, of persons of one (1) or more particular races, creeds, colors or national origins. (2) No school district, school zone or attendance unit, by whatever name known, shall be established, reorganized or maintained for any such purpose. (3) Nothing contained in this subsection (b) shall prevent the assignment of a pupil in the manner requested or authorized by the pupil's parents or guardian. (4) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to affect, in any way, the right of a religious or denominational educational institution to select its pupils exclusively or primarily from members of that religion or denomination, or from giving preference in selection to such members or to make such selection of its pupils as is calculated to promote the religious principle for which it is established. Acts 1970, ch. 474, §§ 1, 2; 1976, ch. 446, § 1; T.C.A., §§ 49-1770, 49-1771.
(a) No person shall be refused admission into or be excluded from any public school in this state on account of race, creed, color, sex or national origin.
(b) (1) No student shall be assigned or compelled to attend any school on account of race, creed, color or national origin, or for the purpose of achieving equality in attendance or increased attendance or reduced attendance, at any school, of persons of one (1) or more particular races, creeds, colors or national origins. (2) No school district, school zone or attendance unit, by whatever name known, shall be established, reorganized or maintained for any such purpose. (3) Nothing contained in this subsection (b) shall prevent the assignment of a pupil in the manner requested or authorized by the pupil's parents or guardian. (4) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to affect, in any way, the right of a religious or denominational educational institution to select its pupils exclusively or primarily from members of that religion or denomination, or from giving preference in selection to such members or to make such selection of its pupils as is calculated to promote the religious principle for which it is established.
(1) No student shall be assigned or compelled to attend any school on account of race, creed, color or national origin, or for the purpose of achieving equality in attendance or increased attendance or reduced attendance, at any school, of persons of one (1) or more particular races, creeds, colors or national origins.
(2) No school district, school zone or attendance unit, by whatever name known, shall be established, reorganized or maintained for any such purpose.
(3) Nothing contained in this subsection (b) shall prevent the assignment of a pupil in the manner requested or authorized by the pupil's parents or guardian.
(4) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to affect, in any way, the right of a religious or denominational educational institution to select its pupils exclusively or primarily from members of that religion or denomination, or from giving preference in selection to such members or to make such selection of its pupils as is calculated to promote the religious principle for which it is established.
Acts 1970, ch. 474, §§ 1, 2; 1976, ch. 446, § 1; T.C.A., §§ 49-1770, 49-1771.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-10-1404 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 10 / Section 49-10-1404
Requirements for participating schools - Penalties for noncompliance
Status: in_force

(a) A school, private tutor, eligible postsecondary institution, or other educational provider that serves a participating student shall not refund, rebate, or share funds from an IEA with a parent or participating student in any manner. The funds in an IEA may be used only for educational purposes. Participating schools, postsecondary institutions, and education providers that enroll participating students shall provide parents with a receipt for all qualifying expenses at the school or institution. (b) To ensure that students are treated fairly and kept safe, all participating schools shall: (1) Comply with all health and safety laws or codes that apply to nonpublic schools; (2) Certify that they shall not discriminate against students or applicants on the basis of race, color, or national origin; and (3) Conduct criminal background checks on employees. The participating school then shall: (A) Exclude from employment any person not permitted by state law to work in a nonpublic school; and (B) Exclude from employment any person who might reasonably pose a threat to the safety of students. (c) The department may suspend or terminate a school from participating in the program, if the department determines the school has failed to comply with the requirements of this section. If the department suspends or terminates a school's participation, the department shall notify affected participating students and their parents of the decision. If a participating school is suspended or if a participating school withdraws from the program, affected participating students remain eligible to participate in the program. Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 431,s 5, eff. 1/1/2016.
(a) A school, private tutor, eligible postsecondary institution, or other educational provider that serves a participating student shall not refund, rebate, or share funds from an IEA with a parent or participating student in any manner. The funds in an IEA may be used only for educational purposes. Participating schools, postsecondary institutions, and education providers that enroll participating students shall provide parents with a receipt for all qualifying expenses at the school or institution.
(b) To ensure that students are treated fairly and kept safe, all participating schools shall: (1) Comply with all health and safety laws or codes that apply to nonpublic schools; (2) Certify that they shall not discriminate against students or applicants on the basis of race, color, or national origin; and (3) Conduct criminal background checks on employees. The participating school then shall: (A) Exclude from employment any person not permitted by state law to work in a nonpublic school; and (B) Exclude from employment any person who might reasonably pose a threat to the safety of students.
(1) Comply with all health and safety laws or codes that apply to nonpublic schools;
(2) Certify that they shall not discriminate against students or applicants on the basis of race, color, or national origin; and
(3) Conduct criminal background checks on employees. The participating school then shall: (A) Exclude from employment any person not permitted by state law to work in a nonpublic school; and (B) Exclude from employment any person who might reasonably pose a threat to the safety of students.
(A) Exclude from employment any person not permitted by state law to work in a nonpublic school; and
(B) Exclude from employment any person who might reasonably pose a threat to the safety of students.
(c) The department may suspend or terminate a school from participating in the program, if the department determines the school has failed to comply with the requirements of this section. If the department suspends or terminates a school's participation, the department shall notify affected participating students and their parents of the decision. If a participating school is suspended or if a participating school withdraws from the program, affected participating students remain eligible to participate in the program.
Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 431,s 5, eff. 1/1/2016.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-4207 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-4207
Use of metal detectors
Status: in_force

To facilitate a search that is found to be necessary of students, school visitors, containers or packages, metal detectors and other devices designed to indicate the presence of dangerous weapons, drug paraphernalia or drugs may be used in searches, including hand-held models that are passed over or around a student's or visitor's body, and students, visitors, containers and packages may be required to pass through a stationary detector. Acts 1981, ch. 368, § 2; T.C.A., § 49-9-408 ; Acts 1988, ch. 727, § 8; 1994, ch. 636, §§ 8, 9.
To facilitate a search that is found to be necessary of students, school visitors, containers or packages, metal detectors and other devices designed to indicate the presence of dangerous weapons, drug paraphernalia or drugs may be used in searches, including hand-held models that are passed over or around a student's or visitor's body, and students, visitors, containers and packages may be required to pass through a stationary detector.
Acts 1981, ch. 368, § 2; T.C.A., § 49-9-408 ; Acts 1988, ch. 727, § 8; 1994, ch. 636, §§ 8, 9.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-2-204 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 49-2-204
Debts - Penalty
Status: in_force

(a) Any member of the board who votes to create debts beyond the legitimate income provided in the school budget for any school year or in any way misappropriates or misuses school funds commits a Class A misdemeanor and shall forfeit office. (b) This section does not apply to an innovative school district as defined in § 49-8-1502 . Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1053,s 6, eff. 5/28/2024, app. to the 2024-2025 school year and each school year thereafter. Acts 1925, ch. 115, § 6; Shan. Supp., § 1487a40; Code 1932, § 2329; Acts 1974, ch. 654, § 23; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-216; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 111.
(a) Any member of the board who votes to create debts beyond the legitimate income provided in the school budget for any school year or in any way misappropriates or misuses school funds commits a Class A misdemeanor and shall forfeit office.
(b) This section does not apply to an innovative school district as defined in § 49-8-1502 .
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1053,s 6, eff. 5/28/2024, app. to the 2024-2025 school year and each school year thereafter.
Acts 1925, ch. 115, § 6; Shan. Supp., § 1487a40; Code 1932, § 2329; Acts 1974, ch. 654, § 23; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-216; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 111.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-3902 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-3902
Building point of contact
Status: in_force

(a) An LEA may establish a building point of contact in each elementary school, middle school, and high school to assist in coordinating services and resources pursuant to § 49-6-3901(b) for students in foster care. These points of contact must be appointed by the director of schools of the LEA, in consultation with the school principal and the LEA foster care liaison. (b) The LEA foster care liaison is responsible for training building points of contact. (c) The department of education shall make best practices for choosing and training building points of contact available to each LEA. Acts 2022, ch. 951, § 1.
(a) An LEA may establish a building point of contact in each elementary school, middle school, and high school to assist in coordinating services and resources pursuant to § 49-6-3901(b) for students in foster care. These points of contact must be appointed by the director of schools of the LEA, in consultation with the school principal and the LEA foster care liaison.
(b) The LEA foster care liaison is responsible for training building points of contact.
(c) The department of education shall make best practices for choosing and training building points of contact available to each LEA.
Acts 2022, ch. 951, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-11-902 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 49-11-902
Maintenance of student accident insurance coverage - Making information available to LEAs and employers
Status: in_force

(a) Each LEA implementing work-based learning shall maintain student accident insurance coverage. (b) The department of education, in coordination with the department of labor and workforce development, the bureau of workers' compensation, and the department of economic and community development, shall make information available to employers and LEAs on applicable wage and hour laws, child labor laws, safety and health laws, workers' compensation, accident insurance, and liability insurance. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 468,s 7, eff. 7/1/2019. Added by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 991,s 2, eff. 5/21/2018.
(a) Each LEA implementing work-based learning shall maintain student accident insurance coverage.
(b) The department of education, in coordination with the department of labor and workforce development, the bureau of workers' compensation, and the department of economic and community development, shall make information available to employers and LEAs on applicable wage and hour laws, child labor laws, safety and health laws, workers' compensation, accident insurance, and liability insurance.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 468,s 7, eff. 7/1/2019.
Added by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 991,s 2, eff. 5/21/2018.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-9-207 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 49-9-207
Conflicts of interest
Status: in_force

It is unlawful for any member of the board of trustees to be financially interested in any contract or transaction affecting the interest of the university, or to procure or be a party in any way to procuring, the appointment of any relative to any position of trust or profit connected with the university. A violation of this section subjects the member so offending to removal by the governor or board of trustees. Acts 1909, ch. 48, § 4; Shan., § 373a4; Code 1932, § 578; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-3308.
It is unlawful for any member of the board of trustees to be financially interested in any contract or transaction affecting the interest of the university, or to procure or be a party in any way to procuring, the appointment of any relative to any position of trust or profit connected with the university. A violation of this section subjects the member so offending to removal by the governor or board of trustees.
Acts 1909, ch. 48, § 4; Shan., § 373a4; Code 1932, § 578; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-3308.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-10-101 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 10 / Section 49-10-101
Legislative intent - Application of parts 1-6
Status: in_force

(a) (1) It is the policy of this state to provide, and to require school districts to provide, as an integral part of free public education, special education services sufficient to meet the needs and maximize the capabilities of children with disabilities. (2) The timely implementation of this policy to the end that all children with disabilities actually receive the special education services necessary to their proper development is declared to be an integral part of the policy of this state. (b) This section applies to all children with disabilities regardless of the schools, institutions or programs by which those children are served. (c) The state board of education is authorized to adopt rules and regulations to effectuate this chapter. The rules must be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 107, s 1, eff. 4/11/2019. Acts 1972, ch. 839, § 1; 1978, ch. 574, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-2912; Acts 1994, ch. 768, § 2; 1995, ch. 542, § 1; 1998, ch. 832, § 1.
(a) (1) It is the policy of this state to provide, and to require school districts to provide, as an integral part of free public education, special education services sufficient to meet the needs and maximize the capabilities of children with disabilities. (2) The timely implementation of this policy to the end that all children with disabilities actually receive the special education services necessary to their proper development is declared to be an integral part of the policy of this state.
(1) It is the policy of this state to provide, and to require school districts to provide, as an integral part of free public education, special education services sufficient to meet the needs and maximize the capabilities of children with disabilities.
(2) The timely implementation of this policy to the end that all children with disabilities actually receive the special education services necessary to their proper development is declared to be an integral part of the policy of this state.
(b) This section applies to all children with disabilities regardless of the schools, institutions or programs by which those children are served.
(c) The state board of education is authorized to adopt rules and regulations to effectuate this chapter. The rules must be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 107, s 1, eff. 4/11/2019.
Acts 1972, ch. 839, § 1; 1978, ch. 574, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-2912; Acts 1994, ch. 768, § 2; 1995, ch. 542, § 1; 1998, ch. 832, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-2-1101 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 49-2-1101
Contracts authorized
Status: in_force

(a) The boards of education of any two (2) or more school systems are authorized and empowered to establish, maintain and operate a public school or schools jointly by entering into contracts for that purpose. (b) Upon the execution of contracts under this part by the respective boards of education, the contracts shall be binding upon the boards of education and upon the counties, cities and special school districts involved. (c) In cities that are authorized by their charters to operate school systems, either the board of education or the city governing body, if the city does not have a board of education, may exercise any authorities or rights granted by parts 5 and 10-13 of this chapter, specifically including contracting with the county for operation, maintenance or improvement of schools within the city. Acts 1957, ch. 12, § 1; 1974, ch. 654, § 39; 1983, ch. 166, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-410.
(a) The boards of education of any two (2) or more school systems are authorized and empowered to establish, maintain and operate a public school or schools jointly by entering into contracts for that purpose.
(b) Upon the execution of contracts under this part by the respective boards of education, the contracts shall be binding upon the boards of education and upon the counties, cities and special school districts involved.
(c) In cities that are authorized by their charters to operate school systems, either the board of education or the city governing body, if the city does not have a board of education, may exercise any authorities or rights granted by parts 5 and 10-13 of this chapter, specifically including contracting with the county for operation, maintenance or improvement of schools within the city.
Acts 1957, ch. 12, § 1; 1974, ch. 654, § 39; 1983, ch. 166, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-410.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-3008 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-3008
Truancy - Inspections and investigations
Status: in_force

(a) The director of schools of any local school system, or the director of schools' designated representative, has the right to visit and enter any office, factory or business house employing children belonging to schools within the director of schools' jurisdiction and to require properly attested certificates of attendance or employment permit of any child in a day school or a valid work permit for the child. (b) When reasonable doubt exists as to the age of any child who violates this part, the director of schools or the director of schools' designated representative shall require satisfactory proof of age. (c) Any parent, guardian or other person having charge or control of any child embraced within this part who makes a false statement concerning the age of the child or the time that the child has attended school commits a Class C misdemeanor. Acts 1947, ch. 87, §§ 14, 15; C. Supp. 1950, §§ 2442.14, 2442.15; Acts 1974, ch. 654, § 100; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 49-1721, 49-1722; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
(a) The director of schools of any local school system, or the director of schools' designated representative, has the right to visit and enter any office, factory or business house employing children belonging to schools within the director of schools' jurisdiction and to require properly attested certificates of attendance or employment permit of any child in a day school or a valid work permit for the child.
(b) When reasonable doubt exists as to the age of any child who violates this part, the director of schools or the director of schools' designated representative shall require satisfactory proof of age.
(c) Any parent, guardian or other person having charge or control of any child embraced within this part who makes a false statement concerning the age of the child or the time that the child has attended school commits a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1947, ch. 87, §§ 14, 15; C. Supp. 1950, §§ 2442.14, 2442.15; Acts 1974, ch. 654, § 100; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 49-1721, 49-1722; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-4-802 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 49-4-802
Purpose
Status: in_force

The purpose of this part is to restore the value of the Tennessee student assistance award maximum grant to provide financially needy students enrolled at Tennessee independent colleges and universities with a state grant of sufficient size to reduce the impact of institutional price on their higher education enrollment decision. Acts 1993, ch. 486, § 3; 2003, ch. 128, § 1.
The purpose of this part is to restore the value of the Tennessee student assistance award maximum grant to provide financially needy students enrolled at Tennessee independent colleges and universities with a state grant of sufficient size to reduce the impact of institutional price on their higher education enrollment decision.
Acts 1993, ch. 486, § 3; 2003, ch. 128, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-607 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-607
Noncompliance with security guidelines for TCAP or successor test
Status: in_force

A person found to have violated security guidelines for administration of the Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP) test, or a successor test, including making or distributing unauthorized copies of the test, altering a grade or answer sheet, providing copies of answers or test questions, or otherwise compromising the integrity of the testing process must be placed on immediate suspension, and such actions constitute grounds for dismissal, including dismissal of tenured employees. Such actions are grounds for revocation of state licensure. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 493, s 15, eff. 5/25/2021. Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 4.
A person found to have violated security guidelines for administration of the Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP) test, or a successor test, including making or distributing unauthorized copies of the test, altering a grade or answer sheet, providing copies of answers or test questions, or otherwise compromising the integrity of the testing process must be placed on immediate suspension, and such actions constitute grounds for dismissal, including dismissal of tenured employees. Such actions are grounds for revocation of state licensure.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 493, s 15, eff. 5/25/2021.
Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-1034 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-1034
Cursive writing to be included in public school course of instruction
Status: in_force

(a) The state board of education shall include cursive writing in the course of instruction in all public schools through the curriculum standards, at the appropriate grade level, as determined by the state board of education. The local board of education, in providing instruction in cursive writing, shall design curriculum, courses and content to enable students to create readable documents through legible cursive handwriting. (b) [Deleted by 2022 amendment.] Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 686, s 13, eff. 3/28/2022. Acts 2014 , ch. 781, § 1.
(a) The state board of education shall include cursive writing in the course of instruction in all public schools through the curriculum standards, at the appropriate grade level, as determined by the state board of education. The local board of education, in providing instruction in cursive writing, shall design curriculum, courses and content to enable students to create readable documents through legible cursive handwriting.
(b) [Deleted by 2022 amendment.]
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 686, s 13, eff. 3/28/2022.
Acts 2014 , ch. 781, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-3-308 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 49-3-308
Allocation of funds by LEA to educational facility - Prorated daily basis for student's length of stay
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section, "educational facility" or "facility" means: (1) A facility that operates as a Category I special purpose school pursuant to state board of education rules; (2) The facility provides a minimum of thirty-two (32) hours per week of educational instructional services to students admitted pursuant to this section; and (3) The facility is a recipient of a juvenile justice prevention grant. (b) An LEA shall allocate funding to an educational facility in an amount equal to the per pupil state and local funds received by the LEA on a prorated daily basis for the student's length of stay; provided, that: (1) The student admitted to the facility was enrolled in an LEA in the academic year immediately preceding admission to the facility and is enrolled at the time of admittance; (2) The student is admitted to the facility under a signed, written order of a qualified juvenile judge or magistrate of a juvenile court in this state, such order being based upon the juvenile judge or magistrate of a juvenile court's assessment that admittance is in the best interest of the student and the community; and (3) The student is not in the custody of the department of children's services. (c) An LEA may require a juvenile court order including the student's name, the dates of admission, and the signature of the juvenile judge or the magistrate of the juvenile court to be submitted to the LEA prior to disbursement of funds to the facility. (d) The funding specified in subsection (b) shall be in addition to funds allocated pursuant to federal law and regulation, including, but not limited to, Title I and ESEA funds. (e) This section shall not be used or construed to circumvent the requirements of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ( 20 U.S.C. §§ 1400 - 1482 ). (f) The state board of education shall promulgate rules that provide for the determination of the allocation of funding as provided in this section. All such rules and regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. Added by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 810, s 1, eff. 4/24/2018.
(a) As used in this section, "educational facility" or "facility" means: (1) A facility that operates as a Category I special purpose school pursuant to state board of education rules; (2) The facility provides a minimum of thirty-two (32) hours per week of educational instructional services to students admitted pursuant to this section; and (3) The facility is a recipient of a juvenile justice prevention grant.
(1) A facility that operates as a Category I special purpose school pursuant to state board of education rules;
(2) The facility provides a minimum of thirty-two (32) hours per week of educational instructional services to students admitted pursuant to this section; and
(3) The facility is a recipient of a juvenile justice prevention grant.
(b) An LEA shall allocate funding to an educational facility in an amount equal to the per pupil state and local funds received by the LEA on a prorated daily basis for the student's length of stay; provided, that: (1) The student admitted to the facility was enrolled in an LEA in the academic year immediately preceding admission to the facility and is enrolled at the time of admittance; (2) The student is admitted to the facility under a signed, written order of a qualified juvenile judge or magistrate of a juvenile court in this state, such order being based upon the juvenile judge or magistrate of a juvenile court's assessment that admittance is in the best interest of the student and the community; and (3) The student is not in the custody of the department of children's services.
(1) The student admitted to the facility was enrolled in an LEA in the academic year immediately preceding admission to the facility and is enrolled at the time of admittance;
(2) The student is admitted to the facility under a signed, written order of a qualified juvenile judge or magistrate of a juvenile court in this state, such order being based upon the juvenile judge or magistrate of a juvenile court's assessment that admittance is in the best interest of the student and the community; and
(3) The student is not in the custody of the department of children's services.
(c) An LEA may require a juvenile court order including the student's name, the dates of admission, and the signature of the juvenile judge or the magistrate of the juvenile court to be submitted to the LEA prior to disbursement of funds to the facility.
(d) The funding specified in subsection (b) shall be in addition to funds allocated pursuant to federal law and regulation, including, but not limited to, Title I and ESEA funds.
(e) This section shall not be used or construed to circumvent the requirements of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ( 20 U.S.C. §§ 1400 - 1482 ).
(f) The state board of education shall promulgate rules that provide for the determination of the allocation of funding as provided in this section. All such rules and regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
Added by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 810, s 1, eff. 4/24/2018.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-716 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-716
Leave not charged when school closed for unexpected events - Exception for virtual instruction
Status: in_force

(a) A teacher, including a teacher on preapproved leave or other type of leave, shall not be charged with a day of leave for any day on which the teacher's school or the school district is closed due to natural disaster, inclement weather, serious outbreak of contagious illness, or other unexpected event. (b) For purposes of this section, a teacher's school or school district is not closed when teachers are required to work remotely and provide virtual instruction to students. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 261, s 1, eff. 4/28/2021. Acts 2011 , ch. 284, § 1.
(a) A teacher, including a teacher on preapproved leave or other type of leave, shall not be charged with a day of leave for any day on which the teacher's school or the school district is closed due to natural disaster, inclement weather, serious outbreak of contagious illness, or other unexpected event.
(b) For purposes of this section, a teacher's school or school district is not closed when teachers are required to work remotely and provide virtual instruction to students.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 261, s 1, eff. 4/28/2021.
Acts 2011 , ch. 284, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-2-703 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 49-2-703
Designation as a high performing school district
Status: in_force

Any LEA meeting a majority of the applicable criteria in § 49-2-102 may, by action of its local board of education, declare itself to be a high performing school district. Such designation shall be in effect beginning July 1 following the local board action. The designation shall last for three (3) years, at which time the LEA shall be eligible to declare itself a high performing school district under this part again if a majority of the criteria are met. Added by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 393, s 4, eff. 5/6/2013.
Any LEA meeting a majority of the applicable criteria in § 49-2-102 may, by action of its local board of education, declare itself to be a high performing school district. Such designation shall be in effect beginning July 1 following the local board action. The designation shall last for three (3) years, at which time the LEA shall be eligible to declare itself a high performing school district under this part again if a majority of the criteria are met.
Added by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 393, s 4, eff. 5/6/2013.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-111 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-111
Educational assistants
Status: in_force

(a) Educational assistants shall have, at a minimum, a high school diploma or high school equivalency credential approved by the state board of education, and shall show demonstrable proficiency in reading and writing skills. (b) If a licensed teacher to whom an educational assistant has been assigned is required to be absent from the classroom, the educational assistant may assume responsibility for the classroom in lieu of a substitute teacher. However, no educational assistant shall assume responsibility for the classroom for more than three (3) consecutive school days. (c) This section shall not apply to educational assistants hired on or before July 1, 2006. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 114, s 24, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 493, s 20, eff. 5/25/2021. Acts 2006, ch. 680, § 1.
(a) Educational assistants shall have, at a minimum, a high school diploma or high school equivalency credential approved by the state board of education, and shall show demonstrable proficiency in reading and writing skills.
(b) If a licensed teacher to whom an educational assistant has been assigned is required to be absent from the classroom, the educational assistant may assume responsibility for the classroom in lieu of a substitute teacher. However, no educational assistant shall assume responsibility for the classroom for more than three (3) consecutive school days.
(c) This section shall not apply to educational assistants hired on or before July 1, 2006.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 114, s 24, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 493, s 20, eff. 5/25/2021.
Acts 2006, ch. 680, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-9-301 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 49-9-301
General provisions
Status: in_force

(a) There is established a department of university extension for the purpose of training citizens of the state in vocational and industrial employments, which shall be a department of the university and be administered, operated and controlled by the trustees of the university. (b) (1) The trustees are directed to set apart from the funds of the university derived from the revenues of the state sums equal to the amounts appropriated to the university by the state board for vocational education operating under the act passed by the 64th Congress of the United States, known as the Smith-Hughes Act, approved February 23, 1917 (ch. 114, 39 Stat. 929). (2) The funds set apart shall be used solely for the promotion of trade and industrial education under the supervision of the state board for vocational education and the provisions of the federal statutes. (c) (1) The extension courses shall be offered in the cities of this state having a population of more than twenty thousand (20,000) inhabitants by the 1950 federal census or any subsequent federal census and may also be offered, in the discretion of the trustees, in any industrial center of the state where classes of fifteen (15) or more shall petition the trustees for instruction in vocational and industrial training. (2) Such subjects may mean any subject given to enlarge the civic and vocational intelligence of workers over sixteen (16) years of age, which shall not include subjects known as strictly academic studies. (3) Such courses shall be such as the trustees of the university shall establish, by proper rules and regulations; and the trustees may charge a fee to be paid by those taking the courses, which fee shall not be greater than fifty cents (50¢) per week per student to defray the incidental expenses of the course, including textbooks. (4) There shall be no charge or cost of instructions other than as provided. (d) The trustees of the university, for the purposes of the extension courses, may, with the consent of the proper city or town officials or school committee, use the school buildings or other public buildings or grounds in any city or town in the state. The board of trustees may also arrange for the use of other buildings, grounds and facilities that may prove to be necessary for the conduct of its work and may expend in rents funds that may be necessary. (e) The trustees of the university shall, within thirty (30) days of the close of each calendar year, file with the commissioner of education, for the purpose of transmitting to the governor, a full report of the work done by them in the extension courses that are provided for in this section, giving a full and complete report of receipts and disbursements necessary in the conduct of the courses. (f) No part of the appropriation provided for in this section shall be available for use by the trustees in any other matters than for the expense of conducting the extension courses. Acts 1919, ch. 181, §§ 1-7; impl. am. Acts 1923, ch. 7, § 2; Shan. Supp., §§ 361a1-361a7; Code 1932, §§ 563-569; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 49-3334 -- 49-3340.
(a) There is established a department of university extension for the purpose of training citizens of the state in vocational and industrial employments, which shall be a department of the university and be administered, operated and controlled by the trustees of the university.
(b) (1) The trustees are directed to set apart from the funds of the university derived from the revenues of the state sums equal to the amounts appropriated to the university by the state board for vocational education operating under the act passed by the 64th Congress of the United States, known as the Smith-Hughes Act, approved February 23, 1917 (ch. 114, 39 Stat. 929). (2) The funds set apart shall be used solely for the promotion of trade and industrial education under the supervision of the state board for vocational education and the provisions of the federal statutes.
(1) The trustees are directed to set apart from the funds of the university derived from the revenues of the state sums equal to the amounts appropriated to the university by the state board for vocational education operating under the act passed by the 64th Congress of the United States, known as the Smith-Hughes Act, approved February 23, 1917 (ch. 114, 39 Stat. 929).
(2) The funds set apart shall be used solely for the promotion of trade and industrial education under the supervision of the state board for vocational education and the provisions of the federal statutes.
(c) (1) The extension courses shall be offered in the cities of this state having a population of more than twenty thousand (20,000) inhabitants by the 1950 federal census or any subsequent federal census and may also be offered, in the discretion of the trustees, in any industrial center of the state where classes of fifteen (15) or more shall petition the trustees for instruction in vocational and industrial training. (2) Such subjects may mean any subject given to enlarge the civic and vocational intelligence of workers over sixteen (16) years of age, which shall not include subjects known as strictly academic studies. (3) Such courses shall be such as the trustees of the university shall establish, by proper rules and regulations; and the trustees may charge a fee to be paid by those taking the courses, which fee shall not be greater than fifty cents (50¢) per week per student to defray the incidental expenses of the course, including textbooks. (4) There shall be no charge or cost of instructions other than as provided.
(1) The extension courses shall be offered in the cities of this state having a population of more than twenty thousand (20,000) inhabitants by the 1950 federal census or any subsequent federal census and may also be offered, in the discretion of the trustees, in any industrial center of the state where classes of fifteen (15) or more shall petition the trustees for instruction in vocational and industrial training.
(2) Such subjects may mean any subject given to enlarge the civic and vocational intelligence of workers over sixteen (16) years of age, which shall not include subjects known as strictly academic studies.
(3) Such courses shall be such as the trustees of the university shall establish, by proper rules and regulations; and the trustees may charge a fee to be paid by those taking the courses, which fee shall not be greater than fifty cents (50¢) per week per student to defray the incidental expenses of the course, including textbooks.
(4) There shall be no charge or cost of instructions other than as provided.
(d) The trustees of the university, for the purposes of the extension courses, may, with the consent of the proper city or town officials or school committee, use the school buildings or other public buildings or grounds in any city or town in the state. The board of trustees may also arrange for the use of other buildings, grounds and facilities that may prove to be necessary for the conduct of its work and may expend in rents funds that may be necessary.
(e) The trustees of the university shall, within thirty (30) days of the close of each calendar year, file with the commissioner of education, for the purpose of transmitting to the governor, a full report of the work done by them in the extension courses that are provided for in this section, giving a full and complete report of receipts and disbursements necessary in the conduct of the courses.
(f) No part of the appropriation provided for in this section shall be available for use by the trustees in any other matters than for the expense of conducting the extension courses.
Acts 1919, ch. 181, §§ 1-7; impl. am. Acts 1923, ch. 7, § 2; Shan. Supp., §§ 361a1-361a7; Code 1932, §§ 563-569; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 49-3334 -- 49-3340.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-211 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-211
Annual report by commissioner
Status: in_force

(a) The commissioner of education shall annually publish information on the department's website, including, but not limited to: (1) The results of state-conducted compliance and performance audits of LEAs; (2) Value-added assessment organized by grade band, school, and LEA; (3) School performance indicators including performance on the Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP), dropout rates, the number of waivers granted pursuant to § 49-1-201(d) , local financial contribution to education, attendance rates, and other indicators of school performance adopted by the state board of education; (4) School and LEA performance designations pursuant to § 49-1-602 ; (5) A comparison of expenditures by category and program for each LEA with statewide averages; (6) Student dropout rates organized by school and LEA, disaggregated by sex and race; (7) Student suspension and expulsion rates organized by school and LEA, disaggregated by sex and race; (8) High school graduation rates organized by high school and LEA, disaggregated by sex and subgroup pursuant to applicable federal law. The high school graduation information must be placed on the annual state, LEA, and school-level report cards posted on the department's website; (9) Alternative school performance indicators as reported to the department by LEAs pursuant to § 49-6-3405 ; (10) A list of the advanced placement (AP) courses offered in each LEA and a list of the AP courses offered in each of the LEA's schools serving grades in which AP courses may be taken; (11) The number of students taking AP courses and the percentage of students scoring three (3) or above on AP exams organized by each school and LEA serving grades in which AP courses may be taken; (12) A list of the dual enrollment courses offered in each school and LEA and the number of dual enrollment courses taken by students enrolled in each of the LEA's schools serving grades in which dual enrollment courses may be taken; (13) The percentage of students successfully completing dual enrollment courses, which must be reported by the LEA and by the school serving grades in which dual enrollment courses may be taken; (14) ACT academic achievement data, including the number and percentage of students with a twenty-one (21) composite score or higher and the number and percentage of students meeting the college readiness benchmark in English, mathematics, reading, and science for each LEA and high school with at least ten (10) students taking the exam. The data shall not contain private or individual student information. The data must be included on the department's website; provided, that it is received by the department from ACT; and (15) SAT college-bound seniors district profile for each LEA with at least twenty-five (25) students taking the SAT. The data shall not contain private or individual student information. The data must be included on the department's website; provided, that it is received by the department from the college board. (b) TCAP scores reported pursuant to subdivision (a)(3), or otherwise, must be disaggregated by subgroup. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 493, Secs.s5, s6 eff. 5/25/2021. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248, Secs.s 4, s 5, s 6 eff. 5/2/2019. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 792, s 1, eff. 4/25/2014. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 306, s 1, eff. 7/1/2013. Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 5; 1996, ch. 608, § 1; 1997 , ch. 215, § 1; 1997 , ch. 434, § 1; 1999, ch. 173, § 1; 2001, ch. 202, § 1; 2003 , ch. 90, § 2; 2007 , ch. 358, § 1; 2007 , ch. 517, § 3; 2009 , ch. 298, § 1; 2010 , ch. 737, § 1; 2012 , ch. 1014, § 1.
(a) The commissioner of education shall annually publish information on the department's website, including, but not limited to: (1) The results of state-conducted compliance and performance audits of LEAs; (2) Value-added assessment organized by grade band, school, and LEA; (3) School performance indicators including performance on the Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP), dropout rates, the number of waivers granted pursuant to § 49-1-201(d) , local financial contribution to education, attendance rates, and other indicators of school performance adopted by the state board of education; (4) School and LEA performance designations pursuant to § 49-1-602 ; (5) A comparison of expenditures by category and program for each LEA with statewide averages; (6) Student dropout rates organized by school and LEA, disaggregated by sex and race; (7) Student suspension and expulsion rates organized by school and LEA, disaggregated by sex and race; (8) High school graduation rates organized by high school and LEA, disaggregated by sex and subgroup pursuant to applicable federal law. The high school graduation information must be placed on the annual state, LEA, and school-level report cards posted on the department's website; (9) Alternative school performance indicators as reported to the department by LEAs pursuant to § 49-6-3405 ; (10) A list of the advanced placement (AP) courses offered in each LEA and a list of the AP courses offered in each of the LEA's schools serving grades in which AP courses may be taken; (11) The number of students taking AP courses and the percentage of students scoring three (3) or above on AP exams organized by each school and LEA serving grades in which AP courses may be taken; (12) A list of the dual enrollment courses offered in each school and LEA and the number of dual enrollment courses taken by students enrolled in each of the LEA's schools serving grades in which dual enrollment courses may be taken; (13) The percentage of students successfully completing dual enrollment courses, which must be reported by the LEA and by the school serving grades in which dual enrollment courses may be taken; (14) ACT academic achievement data, including the number and percentage of students with a twenty-one (21) composite score or higher and the number and percentage of students meeting the college readiness benchmark in English, mathematics, reading, and science for each LEA and high school with at least ten (10) students taking the exam. The data shall not contain private or individual student information. The data must be included on the department's website; provided, that it is received by the department from ACT; and (15) SAT college-bound seniors district profile for each LEA with at least twenty-five (25) students taking the SAT. The data shall not contain private or individual student information. The data must be included on the department's website; provided, that it is received by the department from the college board.
(1) The results of state-conducted compliance and performance audits of LEAs;
(2) Value-added assessment organized by grade band, school, and LEA;
(3) School performance indicators including performance on the Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP), dropout rates, the number of waivers granted pursuant to § 49-1-201(d) , local financial contribution to education, attendance rates, and other indicators of school performance adopted by the state board of education;
(4) School and LEA performance designations pursuant to § 49-1-602 ;
(5) A comparison of expenditures by category and program for each LEA with statewide averages;
(6) Student dropout rates organized by school and LEA, disaggregated by sex and race;
(7) Student suspension and expulsion rates organized by school and LEA, disaggregated by sex and race;
(8) High school graduation rates organized by high school and LEA, disaggregated by sex and subgroup pursuant to applicable federal law. The high school graduation information must be placed on the annual state, LEA, and school-level report cards posted on the department's website;
(9) Alternative school performance indicators as reported to the department by LEAs pursuant to § 49-6-3405 ;
(10) A list of the advanced placement (AP) courses offered in each LEA and a list of the AP courses offered in each of the LEA's schools serving grades in which AP courses may be taken;
(11) The number of students taking AP courses and the percentage of students scoring three (3) or above on AP exams organized by each school and LEA serving grades in which AP courses may be taken;
(12) A list of the dual enrollment courses offered in each school and LEA and the number of dual enrollment courses taken by students enrolled in each of the LEA's schools serving grades in which dual enrollment courses may be taken;
(13) The percentage of students successfully completing dual enrollment courses, which must be reported by the LEA and by the school serving grades in which dual enrollment courses may be taken;
(14) ACT academic achievement data, including the number and percentage of students with a twenty-one (21) composite score or higher and the number and percentage of students meeting the college readiness benchmark in English, mathematics, reading, and science for each LEA and high school with at least ten (10) students taking the exam. The data shall not contain private or individual student information. The data must be included on the department's website; provided, that it is received by the department from ACT; and
(15) SAT college-bound seniors district profile for each LEA with at least twenty-five (25) students taking the SAT. The data shall not contain private or individual student information. The data must be included on the department's website; provided, that it is received by the department from the college board.
(b) TCAP scores reported pursuant to subdivision (a)(3), or otherwise, must be disaggregated by subgroup.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 493, Secs.s5, s6 eff. 5/25/2021.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248, Secs.s 4, s 5, s 6 eff. 5/2/2019.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 792, s 1, eff. 4/25/2014.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 306, s 1, eff. 7/1/2013.
Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 5; 1996, ch. 608, § 1; 1997 , ch. 215, § 1; 1997 , ch. 434, § 1; 1999, ch. 173, § 1; 2001, ch. 202, § 1; 2003 , ch. 90, § 2; 2007 , ch. 358, § 1; 2007 , ch. 517, § 3; 2009 , ch. 298, § 1; 2010 , ch. 737, § 1; 2012 , ch. 1014, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-16-214 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 16 / Section 49-16-214
Contracting for services
Status: in_force

An establisher may contract for services with nonprofit and for-profit entities in the operation and management of the virtual school. Acts 2011 , ch. 492, § 1.
An establisher may contract for services with nonprofit and for-profit entities in the operation and management of the virtual school.
Acts 2011 , ch. 492, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-154 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-154
[Repealed effective 7/1/2028] Confidentiality of application and materials submitted with application for position of chief executive officer of public institution of higher education - Records of finalists
Status: repealed

(a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, an application for a position of chief executive officer of a public institution of higher education, materials submitted with an application, letters of recommendation or references concerning an applicant, and any other records or information relating to or arising out of the process of searching for and selecting an individual for a position of chief executive officer of a public institution of higher education shall be treated as confidential and shall not be open for public inspection, if the records could be used to identify a candidate for the position; provided, however, that after a search committee has selected candidates as finalists for a position of chief executive officer of a public institution of higher education, which shall occur no later than fifteen (15) calendar days before the final vote of the governing board to appoint or elect a person to fill the position, a record relating exclusively to the candidates selected as finalists shall not be confidential and shall be open for public inspection, except for a record otherwise confidential under state or federal law. This section shall not apply to information relating to a candidate who did not expressly request that the candidate's information be kept confidential. (b) As used in this section: (1) "Chief executive officer of a public institution of higher education" includes: (A) The president of the University of Tennessee system; (B) The chancellor of the state university and community college system; (C) A chancellor of a University of Tennessee campus or institute; and (D) A president or director of an institution of the state university and community college system; and (2) "Finalists" means no less than three (3) candidates selected by a search committee as the group from which one (1) or more candidates shall be recommended to the governing board of the public institution of higher education. (c) [Repealed effective July 1, 2028; see (c)(7).] (1) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), a search committee may select up to three (3) candidates to be recommended to the governing board of the public institution of higher education for the following positions: (A) A president of a locally governed state university; (B) The president of the University of Tennessee system; (C) A chancellor of a University of Tennessee campus or institute; (D) The chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents; (E) A president of a community college; or (F) A president or director of a Tennessee college of applied technology. (2) Prior to initiating a search to fill a position listed in subdivision (c)(1), a meeting that is open to the public and subject to the requirements of title 8, chapter 44, part 1, shall be held by the governing board to establish the search process, a timeline, and a statement of qualifications for the position. (3) No later than fifteen (15) calendar days before the final vote of the governing board to appoint or elect a person to fill a position listed in subdivision (c)(1), records relating exclusively to the candidates identified pursuant to subdivision (c)(1) shall not be treated as confidential and shall be open for public inspection, except for a record otherwise confidential under state or federal law. (4) No later than seven (7) calendar days before a meeting at which the governing board will vote to appoint or approve the appointment of a candidate to fill a position listed in subdivision (c)(1), the governing board shall hold at least one (1) public forum with the candidate. (5) A meeting at which the governing board will vote to appoint or approve the appointment of an individual to fill a position identified in subdivision (c)(1) shall be open to the public and subject to the requirements of title 8, chapter 44, part 1. (6) No later than November 1, 2020, the advisory committee on open government shall submit a report to the governor, the speaker of the senate, and the speaker of the house of representatives evaluating the impact and effectiveness of this subsection (c) and identifying considerations and recommendations relative to its continuation, revision, or expiration. (7) This subsection (c) shall be repealed on July 1, 2028. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 92, Secs.s 1, s 2 eff. 4/7/2021. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 770, s 1, eff. 4/19/2018. Acts 2012 , ch. 956, § 1.
(a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, an application for a position of chief executive officer of a public institution of higher education, materials submitted with an application, letters of recommendation or references concerning an applicant, and any other records or information relating to or arising out of the process of searching for and selecting an individual for a position of chief executive officer of a public institution of higher education shall be treated as confidential and shall not be open for public inspection, if the records could be used to identify a candidate for the position; provided, however, that after a search committee has selected candidates as finalists for a position of chief executive officer of a public institution of higher education, which shall occur no later than fifteen (15) calendar days before the final vote of the governing board to appoint or elect a person to fill the position, a record relating exclusively to the candidates selected as finalists shall not be confidential and shall be open for public inspection, except for a record otherwise confidential under state or federal law. This section shall not apply to information relating to a candidate who did not expressly request that the candidate's information be kept confidential.
(b) As used in this section: (1) "Chief executive officer of a public institution of higher education" includes: (A) The president of the University of Tennessee system; (B) The chancellor of the state university and community college system; (C) A chancellor of a University of Tennessee campus or institute; and (D) A president or director of an institution of the state university and community college system; and (2) "Finalists" means no less than three (3) candidates selected by a search committee as the group from which one (1) or more candidates shall be recommended to the governing board of the public institution of higher education.
(1) "Chief executive officer of a public institution of higher education" includes: (A) The president of the University of Tennessee system; (B) The chancellor of the state university and community college system; (C) A chancellor of a University of Tennessee campus or institute; and (D) A president or director of an institution of the state university and community college system; and
(A) The president of the University of Tennessee system;
(B) The chancellor of the state university and community college system;
(C) A chancellor of a University of Tennessee campus or institute; and
(D) A president or director of an institution of the state university and community college system; and
(2) "Finalists" means no less than three (3) candidates selected by a search committee as the group from which one (1) or more candidates shall be recommended to the governing board of the public institution of higher education.
(c) [Repealed effective July 1, 2028; see (c)(7).] (1) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), a search committee may select up to three (3) candidates to be recommended to the governing board of the public institution of higher education for the following positions: (A) A president of a locally governed state university; (B) The president of the University of Tennessee system; (C) A chancellor of a University of Tennessee campus or institute; (D) The chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents; (E) A president of a community college; or (F) A president or director of a Tennessee college of applied technology. (2) Prior to initiating a search to fill a position listed in subdivision (c)(1), a meeting that is open to the public and subject to the requirements of title 8, chapter 44, part 1, shall be held by the governing board to establish the search process, a timeline, and a statement of qualifications for the position. (3) No later than fifteen (15) calendar days before the final vote of the governing board to appoint or elect a person to fill a position listed in subdivision (c)(1), records relating exclusively to the candidates identified pursuant to subdivision (c)(1) shall not be treated as confidential and shall be open for public inspection, except for a record otherwise confidential under state or federal law. (4) No later than seven (7) calendar days before a meeting at which the governing board will vote to appoint or approve the appointment of a candidate to fill a position listed in subdivision (c)(1), the governing board shall hold at least one (1) public forum with the candidate. (5) A meeting at which the governing board will vote to appoint or approve the appointment of an individual to fill a position identified in subdivision (c)(1) shall be open to the public and subject to the requirements of title 8, chapter 44, part 1. (6) No later than November 1, 2020, the advisory committee on open government shall submit a report to the governor, the speaker of the senate, and the speaker of the house of representatives evaluating the impact and effectiveness of this subsection (c) and identifying considerations and recommendations relative to its continuation, revision, or expiration. (7) This subsection (c) shall be repealed on July 1, 2028.
(1) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), a search committee may select up to three (3) candidates to be recommended to the governing board of the public institution of higher education for the following positions: (A) A president of a locally governed state university; (B) The president of the University of Tennessee system; (C) A chancellor of a University of Tennessee campus or institute; (D) The chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents; (E) A president of a community college; or (F) A president or director of a Tennessee college of applied technology.
(A) A president of a locally governed state university;
(B) The president of the University of Tennessee system;
(C) A chancellor of a University of Tennessee campus or institute;
(D) The chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents;
(E) A president of a community college; or
(F) A president or director of a Tennessee college of applied technology.
(2) Prior to initiating a search to fill a position listed in subdivision (c)(1), a meeting that is open to the public and subject to the requirements of title 8, chapter 44, part 1, shall be held by the governing board to establish the search process, a timeline, and a statement of qualifications for the position.
(3) No later than fifteen (15) calendar days before the final vote of the governing board to appoint or elect a person to fill a position listed in subdivision (c)(1), records relating exclusively to the candidates identified pursuant to subdivision (c)(1) shall not be treated as confidential and shall be open for public inspection, except for a record otherwise confidential under state or federal law.
(4) No later than seven (7) calendar days before a meeting at which the governing board will vote to appoint or approve the appointment of a candidate to fill a position listed in subdivision (c)(1), the governing board shall hold at least one (1) public forum with the candidate.
(5) A meeting at which the governing board will vote to appoint or approve the appointment of an individual to fill a position identified in subdivision (c)(1) shall be open to the public and subject to the requirements of title 8, chapter 44, part 1.
(6) No later than November 1, 2020, the advisory committee on open government shall submit a report to the governor, the speaker of the senate, and the speaker of the house of representatives evaluating the impact and effectiveness of this subsection (c) and identifying considerations and recommendations relative to its continuation, revision, or expiration.
(7) This subsection (c) shall be repealed on July 1, 2028.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 92, Secs.s 1, s 2 eff. 4/7/2021.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 770, s 1, eff. 4/19/2018.
Acts 2012 , ch. 956, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-9-1305 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 49-9-1305
Transfer of assets
Status: in_force

At least sixty (60) days prior to any transfer of assets under this part, the board of trustees shall notify the attorney general and reporter, the state building commission and the majority and minority leaders of both houses of the general assembly. In deciding whether to approve a transfer of assets under this part, the attorney general and reporter and the state building commission shall consider whether the transfer of assets will comply with § 49-9-1303 , whether any illegal or improper conflicts of interest exist and whether the transaction is otherwise consistent with laws governing the transfer of state-owned assets. Acts 1997 , ch. 418, § 1.
At least sixty (60) days prior to any transfer of assets under this part, the board of trustees shall notify the attorney general and reporter, the state building commission and the majority and minority leaders of both houses of the general assembly. In deciding whether to approve a transfer of assets under this part, the attorney general and reporter and the state building commission shall consider whether the transfer of assets will comply with § 49-9-1303 , whether any illegal or improper conflicts of interest exist and whether the transaction is otherwise consistent with laws governing the transfer of state-owned assets.
Acts 1997 , ch. 418, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-11-407 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 49-11-407
Utilization of existing centers
Status: in_force

The board of regents is authorized to accept any state college of applied technology already established and to utilize the center as one (1) of the state colleges of applied technology that the board may establish under this part. Acts 1963, ch. 229, § 7; 1983, ch. 181, § 5; T.C.A., § 49-2615; Acts 1994, ch. 685, § 3.
The board of regents is authorized to accept any state college of applied technology already established and to utilize the center as one (1) of the state colleges of applied technology that the board may establish under this part.
Acts 1963, ch. 229, § 7; 1983, ch. 181, § 5; T.C.A., § 49-2615; Acts 1994, ch. 685, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-4203 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-4203
Legislative intent
Status: in_force

(a) It is the intent of the general assembly in enacting this part to secure a safe environment in which the education of the students of this state may occur. (b) The general assembly recognizes the position of the schools in loco parentis and the responsibility this places on principals and teachers within each school to secure order and to protect students from harm while in their custody. (c) It is the intent of this part to extend further, rather than limit, the authority of principals and teachers to secure order and provide protection of students within each school. (d) The general assembly further recognizes that a rising level of violent activity and use of drugs is occurring in some public schools, especially in urban areas, and that these activities threaten the well-being of all students in those schools. (e) The general assembly further finds that: (1) The removal of dangerous weapons, drug paraphernalia and drugs from school property is necessary to lessen hazards to students and that removal can only be accomplished by searches of areas of the school buildings or grounds where those materials may be stored; (2) On occasions when the use of dangerous weapons or drugs has reached a life or health threatening level, searches of students themselves may be necessary to protect the larger student body, and that often the searches must be conducted in emergency situations; (3) Individual circumstances and local particularities require that individual principals must be relied on to exercise their professionally trained judgments in determining what action is appropriate within this part; and (4) The presence on school property of students with drugs in their bodies may pose a threat to the safety and well-being of that student and other students, may be disruptive of school classes and other programs and may interfere with the educational opportunities and progress of all students. Acts 1981, ch. 368, § 2; 1983, ch. 397, § 2; T.C.A., § 49-9-403 ; Acts 1988, ch. 727, § 2; 1988, ch. 940, § 2.
(a) It is the intent of the general assembly in enacting this part to secure a safe environment in which the education of the students of this state may occur.
(b) The general assembly recognizes the position of the schools in loco parentis and the responsibility this places on principals and teachers within each school to secure order and to protect students from harm while in their custody.
(c) It is the intent of this part to extend further, rather than limit, the authority of principals and teachers to secure order and provide protection of students within each school.
(d) The general assembly further recognizes that a rising level of violent activity and use of drugs is occurring in some public schools, especially in urban areas, and that these activities threaten the well-being of all students in those schools.
(e) The general assembly further finds that: (1) The removal of dangerous weapons, drug paraphernalia and drugs from school property is necessary to lessen hazards to students and that removal can only be accomplished by searches of areas of the school buildings or grounds where those materials may be stored; (2) On occasions when the use of dangerous weapons or drugs has reached a life or health threatening level, searches of students themselves may be necessary to protect the larger student body, and that often the searches must be conducted in emergency situations; (3) Individual circumstances and local particularities require that individual principals must be relied on to exercise their professionally trained judgments in determining what action is appropriate within this part; and (4) The presence on school property of students with drugs in their bodies may pose a threat to the safety and well-being of that student and other students, may be disruptive of school classes and other programs and may interfere with the educational opportunities and progress of all students.
(1) The removal of dangerous weapons, drug paraphernalia and drugs from school property is necessary to lessen hazards to students and that removal can only be accomplished by searches of areas of the school buildings or grounds where those materials may be stored;
(2) On occasions when the use of dangerous weapons or drugs has reached a life or health threatening level, searches of students themselves may be necessary to protect the larger student body, and that often the searches must be conducted in emergency situations;
(3) Individual circumstances and local particularities require that individual principals must be relied on to exercise their professionally trained judgments in determining what action is appropriate within this part; and
(4) The presence on school property of students with drugs in their bodies may pose a threat to the safety and well-being of that student and other students, may be disruptive of school classes and other programs and may interfere with the educational opportunities and progress of all students.
Acts 1981, ch. 368, § 2; 1983, ch. 397, § 2; T.C.A., § 49-9-403 ; Acts 1988, ch. 727, § 2; 1988, ch. 940, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-1206 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-1206
Civil action for damages by employee
Status: in_force

(a) An employee may file a civil action for damages against any person eighteen (18) years of age or older who acts with the specific intent to cause harm by making an accusation of criminal activity the person knows or should know is false against that employee to law enforcement authorities, school district officials, or school district personnel. (b) An employee may file a civil action for damages against the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of a student of the employee, if the student, who is under eighteen (18) years of age, acts with specific intent to cause harm to another by making an accusation of criminal activity the person knows or should know is false against that employee to law enforcement authorities, school district officials, or school district personnel. (c) Any student found by a court with jurisdiction over an action filed pursuant to subsection (a) or (b) to have acted with the specific intent to cause harm by making an accusation of criminal activity the person knows or should have known is false against an employee to law enforcement authorities, school district officials, or school district personnel may be subject to one (1) or more of the following disciplinary actions, to be determined by the student's school: (1) Expulsion; (2) Suspension for a period of time; (3) Community service; or (4) Any other disciplinary action deemed appropriate by the school. (d) This section does not apply to statements made regarding individuals elected or appointed to a local board of education. (e) This section does not limit the civil or criminal liability of any person who makes a statement the person knows or should know is false alleging criminal activity by others. Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 407,s 1, eff. 7/1/2017.
(a) An employee may file a civil action for damages against any person eighteen (18) years of age or older who acts with the specific intent to cause harm by making an accusation of criminal activity the person knows or should know is false against that employee to law enforcement authorities, school district officials, or school district personnel.
(b) An employee may file a civil action for damages against the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of a student of the employee, if the student, who is under eighteen (18) years of age, acts with specific intent to cause harm to another by making an accusation of criminal activity the person knows or should know is false against that employee to law enforcement authorities, school district officials, or school district personnel.
(c) Any student found by a court with jurisdiction over an action filed pursuant to subsection (a) or (b) to have acted with the specific intent to cause harm by making an accusation of criminal activity the person knows or should have known is false against an employee to law enforcement authorities, school district officials, or school district personnel may be subject to one (1) or more of the following disciplinary actions, to be determined by the student's school: (1) Expulsion; (2) Suspension for a period of time; (3) Community service; or (4) Any other disciplinary action deemed appropriate by the school.
(1) Expulsion;
(2) Suspension for a period of time;
(3) Community service; or
(4) Any other disciplinary action deemed appropriate by the school.
(d) This section does not apply to statements made regarding individuals elected or appointed to a local board of education.
(e) This section does not limit the civil or criminal liability of any person who makes a statement the person knows or should know is false alleging criminal activity by others.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 407,s 1, eff. 7/1/2017.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-16-101 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 16 / Section 49-16-101
Purpose of chapter
Status: in_force

The purpose of this chapter is to provide school districts and students in all grades with a broader range of educational opportunities through effective use of technology. Acts 2008, ch. 1096, § 2.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide school districts and students in all grades with a broader range of educational opportunities through effective use of technology.
Acts 2008, ch. 1096, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-408 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-408
Administration of United States civics test
Status: in_force

(a) Beginning January 1, 2017, except as provided in subsection (c), a student, during the student's high school career, shall be given a United States civics test composed of questions from the one hundred (100) questions that are set forth within the civics test administered by the United States citizenship and immigration services to persons seeking to become naturalized citizens. (b) An LEA shall prepare a test for its students composed of at least fifty (50) questions from those questions described in subsection (a). The test must be composed of at least twenty-nine (29) questions on American government, at least sixteen (16) questions on American history, and at least seven (7) questions on integrated civics. The LEA may prepare multiple versions of the test for use in different schools and at different times. (c) A public high school may provide each student with the opportunity to take the test as many times as necessary for the student to pass the test. (d) A student must correctly answer at least seventy percent (70%) of the questions to receive a passing score on the test. (e) The department shall recognize a school on the department's website as a United States civics all-star school for any school year in which all of the school's seniors receiving a regular diploma make a passing grade of eighty-five percent (85%) or more on the United States civics test required under subsection (a). (f) Notwithstanding § 49-6-6001(a) , a student must take and pass the civics test required by this section in order to meet the social studies course credit requirements to earn a full diploma upon graduation from high school. A passing score on the civics test must be noted on a student's transcript. (g) Notwithstanding subsection (f), for the 2019-2020 school year, a student is not required to take and pass the civics test required in this section to meet the social studies course credit requirements to earn a full diploma upon graduation from high school. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 652, s 7, eff. 4/2/2020. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 442, Secs.s 2, s 3, s 4, s 5 eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 442, s 1, eff. 7/1/2019. Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 499, s 1, eff. 1/1/2017.
(a) Beginning January 1, 2017, except as provided in subsection (c), a student, during the student's high school career, shall be given a United States civics test composed of questions from the one hundred (100) questions that are set forth within the civics test administered by the United States citizenship and immigration services to persons seeking to become naturalized citizens.
(b) An LEA shall prepare a test for its students composed of at least fifty (50) questions from those questions described in subsection (a). The test must be composed of at least twenty-nine (29) questions on American government, at least sixteen (16) questions on American history, and at least seven (7) questions on integrated civics. The LEA may prepare multiple versions of the test for use in different schools and at different times.
(c) A public high school may provide each student with the opportunity to take the test as many times as necessary for the student to pass the test.
(d) A student must correctly answer at least seventy percent (70%) of the questions to receive a passing score on the test.
(e) The department shall recognize a school on the department's website as a United States civics all-star school for any school year in which all of the school's seniors receiving a regular diploma make a passing grade of eighty-five percent (85%) or more on the United States civics test required under subsection (a).
(f) Notwithstanding § 49-6-6001(a) , a student must take and pass the civics test required by this section in order to meet the social studies course credit requirements to earn a full diploma upon graduation from high school. A passing score on the civics test must be noted on a student's transcript.
(g) Notwithstanding subsection (f), for the 2019-2020 school year, a student is not required to take and pass the civics test required in this section to meet the social studies course credit requirements to earn a full diploma upon graduation from high school.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 652, s 7, eff. 4/2/2020.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 442, Secs.s 2, s 3, s 4, s 5 eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 442, s 1, eff. 7/1/2019.
Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 499, s 1, eff. 1/1/2017.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-1105 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-1105
STEM partner organizations
Status: in_force

TSIN shall seek STEM partner organizations, such as the American Chemical Society, to find ways to collaborate on STEM education programs and opportunities. Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 489,s 1, eff. 5/20/2015.
TSIN shall seek STEM partner organizations, such as the American Chemical Society, to find ways to collaborate on STEM education programs and opportunities.
Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 489,s 1, eff. 5/20/2015.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-2-305 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 49-2-305
Development and adoption of program to promote involvement of parents and guardians
Status: in_force

(a) The LEA, in consultation with parents, teachers and administrators, shall develop and adopt a policy to promote the involvement of parents and guardians of children enrolled in the schools within the school district. The plan shall be submitted to the commissioner of education as part of the district's school improvement plans and shall be consistent with the Tennessee parent/family involvement policy of the state board of education. The plan shall include: (1) A plan for parent participation in the schools which is designed to improve parent and teacher cooperation in such areas as homework, attendance, discipline, and planning for higher education opportunities for students; and (2) Procedures by which parents may learn about the course of study for their children and have access to all learning materials. (b) The policy adopted by the LEA pursuant to this section may also include the following components: (1) A plan by which parents will be made aware of the district's parental involvement policy and this section, including: (A) Rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 ( 20 U.S.C. § 1232 et seq.), relating to access to children's official records; and (B) Information through which parents may access LEA policies and curriculum; (2) Efforts to encourage the development of parenting skills; (3) The communication to parents of techniques designed to assist the child's learning experience in the home; (4) Efforts to encourage access to community and support services for children and families; (5) The promotion of communication between the school and parents concerning school programs and the academic progress of the parents' children; (6) Identifying opportunities for parents to participate in and support classroom instruction in the school, including: (A) Organizing fundraising initiatives; (B) Volunteering as a field trip chaperone; (C) Assisting in the library, computer lab or on the playground; (D) Offering after school clubs; and (E) Recycling clothes; (7) Efforts to support parents as shared decision-makers and to encourage membership on school advisory committees; (8) The recognition of the diversity of parents and the development of guidelines that promote widespread parental participation and involvement in the school at various levels; (9) The development of preparation programs and specialized courses for certified employees and administrators that promote parental involvement; and (10) The development of strategies and programmatic structures at schools to encourage and enable parents to participate actively in their children's education. (c) For the purposes of this section, "parent" means the parent, guardian, person who has custody of the child or individual who has caregiving authority under § 49-6-3001 . Acts 2004, ch. 706, § 1; 2008 , ch. 1097, § 1; 2010 , ch. 878, § 1.
(a) The LEA, in consultation with parents, teachers and administrators, shall develop and adopt a policy to promote the involvement of parents and guardians of children enrolled in the schools within the school district. The plan shall be submitted to the commissioner of education as part of the district's school improvement plans and shall be consistent with the Tennessee parent/family involvement policy of the state board of education. The plan shall include: (1) A plan for parent participation in the schools which is designed to improve parent and teacher cooperation in such areas as homework, attendance, discipline, and planning for higher education opportunities for students; and (2) Procedures by which parents may learn about the course of study for their children and have access to all learning materials.
(1) A plan for parent participation in the schools which is designed to improve parent and teacher cooperation in such areas as homework, attendance, discipline, and planning for higher education opportunities for students; and
(2) Procedures by which parents may learn about the course of study for their children and have access to all learning materials.
(b) The policy adopted by the LEA pursuant to this section may also include the following components: (1) A plan by which parents will be made aware of the district's parental involvement policy and this section, including: (A) Rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 ( 20 U.S.C. § 1232 et seq.), relating to access to children's official records; and (B) Information through which parents may access LEA policies and curriculum; (2) Efforts to encourage the development of parenting skills; (3) The communication to parents of techniques designed to assist the child's learning experience in the home; (4) Efforts to encourage access to community and support services for children and families; (5) The promotion of communication between the school and parents concerning school programs and the academic progress of the parents' children; (6) Identifying opportunities for parents to participate in and support classroom instruction in the school, including: (A) Organizing fundraising initiatives; (B) Volunteering as a field trip chaperone; (C) Assisting in the library, computer lab or on the playground; (D) Offering after school clubs; and (E) Recycling clothes; (7) Efforts to support parents as shared decision-makers and to encourage membership on school advisory committees; (8) The recognition of the diversity of parents and the development of guidelines that promote widespread parental participation and involvement in the school at various levels; (9) The development of preparation programs and specialized courses for certified employees and administrators that promote parental involvement; and (10) The development of strategies and programmatic structures at schools to encourage and enable parents to participate actively in their children's education.
(1) A plan by which parents will be made aware of the district's parental involvement policy and this section, including: (A) Rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 ( 20 U.S.C. § 1232 et seq.), relating to access to children's official records; and (B) Information through which parents may access LEA policies and curriculum;
(A) Rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 ( 20 U.S.C. § 1232 et seq.), relating to access to children's official records; and
(B) Information through which parents may access LEA policies and curriculum;
(2) Efforts to encourage the development of parenting skills;
(3) The communication to parents of techniques designed to assist the child's learning experience in the home;
(4) Efforts to encourage access to community and support services for children and families;
(5) The promotion of communication between the school and parents concerning school programs and the academic progress of the parents' children;
(6) Identifying opportunities for parents to participate in and support classroom instruction in the school, including: (A) Organizing fundraising initiatives; (B) Volunteering as a field trip chaperone; (C) Assisting in the library, computer lab or on the playground; (D) Offering after school clubs; and (E) Recycling clothes;
(A) Organizing fundraising initiatives;
(B) Volunteering as a field trip chaperone;
(C) Assisting in the library, computer lab or on the playground;
(D) Offering after school clubs; and
(E) Recycling clothes;
(7) Efforts to support parents as shared decision-makers and to encourage membership on school advisory committees;
(8) The recognition of the diversity of parents and the development of guidelines that promote widespread parental participation and involvement in the school at various levels;
(9) The development of preparation programs and specialized courses for certified employees and administrators that promote parental involvement; and
(10) The development of strategies and programmatic structures at schools to encourage and enable parents to participate actively in their children's education.
(c) For the purposes of this section, "parent" means the parent, guardian, person who has custody of the child or individual who has caregiving authority under § 49-6-3001 .
Acts 2004, ch. 706, § 1; 2008 , ch. 1097, § 1; 2010 , ch. 878, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-5704 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-5704
Costs of academy attendance
Status: in_force

The institutes shall be provided without cost to those attending; however, participant travel, living and incidental costs may be at the expense of the participant; or if the LEA so determines, it may reimburse from school funds its participants for their reasonable expenses, not exceeding amounts authorized for state employees in the comprehensive travel regulations as promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter. Acts 1984 (1st E.S.), ch. 7, § 78; 1986, ch. 933, § 17.
The institutes shall be provided without cost to those attending; however, participant travel, living and incidental costs may be at the expense of the participant; or if the LEA so determines, it may reimburse from school funds its participants for their reasonable expenses, not exceeding amounts authorized for state employees in the comprehensive travel regulations as promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter.
Acts 1984 (1st E.S.), ch. 7, § 78; 1986, ch. 933, § 17.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-1508 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-1508
Innovative benchmark assessment pilot program
Status: in_force

(a) The department shall establish, fund, and implement an innovative benchmark assessment pilot program to provide the Tennessee universal math screener, the Tennessee universal reading screener, and a series of state-adopted benchmark assessments to LEAs and public charter schools to allow teachers to more frequently measure student learning and address student learning loss. The results of the pilot program may be used to determine alternative ways to utilize real-time data to measure student proficiency and to inform instructional practices. (b) LEAs and public charter schools may use the state-adopted benchmark assessments, the Tennessee universal math screener, the Tennessee universal reading screener, or a universal reading screener approved by the state board of education to measure the academic proficiency of students and to identify priority students for after-school learning mini-camps, learning loss bridge camps, and summer learning camps. (c) The state-adopted benchmark assessments established under this pilot program must be administered as the post-tests required as part of after-school learning mini-camps, learning loss bridge camps, or summer learning camps. (d) Beginning with the 2021-2022 school year, LEAs and public charter schools may authorize teachers in the non-tested grades pre-kindergarten through two (pre-K-2) to use the results of the Tennessee universal math screener, the Tennessee universal reading screener, or a universal reading screener approved by the state board of education, as described in subsection (b), as an alternative growth model for purposes of §§ 49-1-302(d)(2)(B)(ix) and 49-6-105(e) to generate individual growth scores for teachers pursuant to the evaluation guidelines developed by the department. The department shall not base the Tennessee universal math screener, the Tennessee universal reading screener, or a universal reading screener approved by the state board of education used to evaluate teachers pursuant to this subsection (d) on the pre-k/kindergarten portfolio growth model. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 639,s 5, eff. 4/4/2024. Added by 2021EX1 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1, s 1, eff. 2/3/2021.
(a) The department shall establish, fund, and implement an innovative benchmark assessment pilot program to provide the Tennessee universal math screener, the Tennessee universal reading screener, and a series of state-adopted benchmark assessments to LEAs and public charter schools to allow teachers to more frequently measure student learning and address student learning loss. The results of the pilot program may be used to determine alternative ways to utilize real-time data to measure student proficiency and to inform instructional practices.
(b) LEAs and public charter schools may use the state-adopted benchmark assessments, the Tennessee universal math screener, the Tennessee universal reading screener, or a universal reading screener approved by the state board of education to measure the academic proficiency of students and to identify priority students for after-school learning mini-camps, learning loss bridge camps, and summer learning camps.
(c) The state-adopted benchmark assessments established under this pilot program must be administered as the post-tests required as part of after-school learning mini-camps, learning loss bridge camps, or summer learning camps.
(d) Beginning with the 2021-2022 school year, LEAs and public charter schools may authorize teachers in the non-tested grades pre-kindergarten through two (pre-K-2) to use the results of the Tennessee universal math screener, the Tennessee universal reading screener, or a universal reading screener approved by the state board of education, as described in subsection (b), as an alternative growth model for purposes of §§ 49-1-302(d)(2)(B)(ix) and 49-6-105(e) to generate individual growth scores for teachers pursuant to the evaluation guidelines developed by the department. The department shall not base the Tennessee universal math screener, the Tennessee universal reading screener, or a universal reading screener approved by the state board of education used to evaluate teachers pursuant to this subsection (d) on the pre-k/kindergarten portfolio growth model.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 639,s 5, eff. 4/4/2024.
Added by 2021EX1 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1, s 1, eff. 2/3/2021.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-50-103 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 50 / Section 49-50-103
Funding
Status: in_force

(a) In order to cooperate with the United States department of agriculture and the University of Tennessee in making available to boys, girls, men and women in the rural communities practical and useful instruction in agriculture, home economics and marketing as referred to in § 49-50-102 , there is appropriated from moneys in the general treasury, not otherwise appropriated, for each fiscal year one hundred sixty thousand dollars ($160,000) to be used to match and supplement allotments of federal appropriations available to the state for carrying on this work under the Smith-Lever Act ( 7 U.S.C. §§ 341 - 349 ), and made conditional on similar sums of money being appropriated by the state. (b) The moneys so appropriated shall be paid each year in semiannual payments and applied and disbursed as provided in subsections (c) and (d), and in accordance with the plans and under the direction of the United States department of agriculture and the board of trustees of the University of Tennessee. On July 1 and January 1 of each year, the commissioner of finance and administration is authorized and directed to issue warrants in favor of the treasurer of the University of Tennessee for the amount due on those dates. (c) The entire amount of this appropriation shall be known as the cooperative agricultural extension fund, and a separate accounting for its expenditure shall be made by the board of trustees of the University of Tennessee in the biennial report to the governor and the general assembly. Full and complete vouchers of all such expenditures shall be kept for auditing by proper national and state officials. (d) If there should remain in any year a balance of the state appropriation after matching the federal allotments, it, together with interest earned on the unexpended balance, shall be added to the amount available for the ensuing year. Acts 1929, ch. 81, §§ 3, 6, 7; mod. Code 1932, §§ 2543, 2546, 2547; impl. am. Acts 1937, ch. 33, §§ 24, 29; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1961, ch. 93, § 3; modified; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 49-3403 -- 49-3405.
(a) In order to cooperate with the United States department of agriculture and the University of Tennessee in making available to boys, girls, men and women in the rural communities practical and useful instruction in agriculture, home economics and marketing as referred to in § 49-50-102 , there is appropriated from moneys in the general treasury, not otherwise appropriated, for each fiscal year one hundred sixty thousand dollars ($160,000) to be used to match and supplement allotments of federal appropriations available to the state for carrying on this work under the Smith-Lever Act ( 7 U.S.C. §§ 341 - 349 ), and made conditional on similar sums of money being appropriated by the state.
(b) The moneys so appropriated shall be paid each year in semiannual payments and applied and disbursed as provided in subsections (c) and (d), and in accordance with the plans and under the direction of the United States department of agriculture and the board of trustees of the University of Tennessee. On July 1 and January 1 of each year, the commissioner of finance and administration is authorized and directed to issue warrants in favor of the treasurer of the University of Tennessee for the amount due on those dates.
(c) The entire amount of this appropriation shall be known as the cooperative agricultural extension fund, and a separate accounting for its expenditure shall be made by the board of trustees of the University of Tennessee in the biennial report to the governor and the general assembly. Full and complete vouchers of all such expenditures shall be kept for auditing by proper national and state officials.
(d) If there should remain in any year a balance of the state appropriation after matching the federal allotments, it, together with interest earned on the unexpended balance, shall be added to the amount available for the ensuing year.
Acts 1929, ch. 81, §§ 3, 6, 7; mod. Code 1932, §§ 2543, 2546, 2547; impl. am. Acts 1937, ch. 33, §§ 24, 29; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1961, ch. 93, § 3; modified; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 49-3403 -- 49-3405.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-6017 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-6017
Section definitions - LEA or public charter school credit exams - Credit requirements - Credit exams - Reporting requirements
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section: (1) "Credit exam" means a comprehensive assessment designed by an LEA or public charter school that is aligned to the Tennessee academic standards for an eligible course; (2) "Eligible course" means a course identified by the department of education, and approved by the state board of education, for which there is no end-of-course assessment; and (3) "Qualifying score" means the score set by an LEA or public charter school that a student must achieve on a credit exam to demonstrate proficiency and earn credit for the eligible course for which the credit exam is administered. (b) An LEA or public charter school that serves students in any of the grades nine through twelve (9-12) may grant a high school student credit for an eligible course offered by the student's high school in which the student is not enrolled, but for which the student attains a qualifying score on the eligible course's credit exam. An LEA or public charter school that serves students in any of the grades nine through twelve (9-12) shall provide each high school student the opportunity to take a credit exam for an eligible course each semester in which the LEA or public charter school offers an eligible course for which the LEA has developed a credit exam. A student may only take a credit exam once per eligible course for purposes of this section. (c) The department of education shall recommend to the state board of education for approval a list of eligible courses for which an LEA or public charter school may develop a credit exam for purposes of this section. The list of eligible courses must include courses in math, English language arts, science, and social studies. The department may recommend eligible courses in additional subject areas. (d) High school credit earned pursuant to this section must count toward the high school graduation requirements established pursuant to § 49-6-6001(a) . A student may earn a maximum of four (4) graduation credits pursuant to this section. If a student receives a qualifying score on a credit exam, then the student's score must be included in the student's overall grade point average pursuant to local board policy. (e) A credit exam developed by an LEA or public charter school pursuant to this section must cover the entirety of the Tennessee course standards for the course for which the student may receive credit. (f) A credit exam administered for purposes of this section shall not affect the evaluation of a teacher, principal, school, or LEA. (g) Each local board of education and charter school governing body that serves students in any of the grades nine through twelve (9-12) shall adopt a policy on the implementation of this section. The policy must include, at a minimum: (1) When and how credit exams are to be administered to students seeking course credit pursuant to this section; (2) The qualifying score for each credit exam administered to students pursuant to this section; and (3) The grade that will be included in a student's overall grade point average for the student's achieving the qualifying score on each credit exam administered to the student pursuant to this section. (h) An LEA or public charter school that serves students in any of the grades nine through twelve (9-12) shall provide the following information to the department of education at the end of each school year: (1) A copy of each credit exam developed by the LEA or public charter school pursuant to this section; (2) The number of credit exams administered during the school year; (3) The eligible courses for which credit exams were administered; and (4) The number of students that did and did not receive a qualifying score on each credit exam administered for purposes of this section. (i) (1) Upon the request of the education committee of the senate, the education administration committee of the house of representatives, or the education instruction committee of the house of representatives, the department of education shall submit a report regarding the implementation of this section. (2) The information reported pursuant to this subsection (i) must comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) ( 20 U.S.C. § 1232g ); § 10-7-504 ; the Data Accessibility, Transparency, and Accountability Act, compiled in chapter 1, part 7 of this title; and all other relevant privacy laws. Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 269, s 1, eff. 4/28/2023.
(a) As used in this section: (1) "Credit exam" means a comprehensive assessment designed by an LEA or public charter school that is aligned to the Tennessee academic standards for an eligible course; (2) "Eligible course" means a course identified by the department of education, and approved by the state board of education, for which there is no end-of-course assessment; and (3) "Qualifying score" means the score set by an LEA or public charter school that a student must achieve on a credit exam to demonstrate proficiency and earn credit for the eligible course for which the credit exam is administered.
(1) "Credit exam" means a comprehensive assessment designed by an LEA or public charter school that is aligned to the Tennessee academic standards for an eligible course;
(2) "Eligible course" means a course identified by the department of education, and approved by the state board of education, for which there is no end-of-course assessment; and
(3) "Qualifying score" means the score set by an LEA or public charter school that a student must achieve on a credit exam to demonstrate proficiency and earn credit for the eligible course for which the credit exam is administered.
(b) An LEA or public charter school that serves students in any of the grades nine through twelve (9-12) may grant a high school student credit for an eligible course offered by the student's high school in which the student is not enrolled, but for which the student attains a qualifying score on the eligible course's credit exam. An LEA or public charter school that serves students in any of the grades nine through twelve (9-12) shall provide each high school student the opportunity to take a credit exam for an eligible course each semester in which the LEA or public charter school offers an eligible course for which the LEA has developed a credit exam. A student may only take a credit exam once per eligible course for purposes of this section.
(c) The department of education shall recommend to the state board of education for approval a list of eligible courses for which an LEA or public charter school may develop a credit exam for purposes of this section. The list of eligible courses must include courses in math, English language arts, science, and social studies. The department may recommend eligible courses in additional subject areas.
(d) High school credit earned pursuant to this section must count toward the high school graduation requirements established pursuant to § 49-6-6001(a) . A student may earn a maximum of four (4) graduation credits pursuant to this section. If a student receives a qualifying score on a credit exam, then the student's score must be included in the student's overall grade point average pursuant to local board policy.
(e) A credit exam developed by an LEA or public charter school pursuant to this section must cover the entirety of the Tennessee course standards for the course for which the student may receive credit.
(f) A credit exam administered for purposes of this section shall not affect the evaluation of a teacher, principal, school, or LEA.
(g) Each local board of education and charter school governing body that serves students in any of the grades nine through twelve (9-12) shall adopt a policy on the implementation of this section. The policy must include, at a minimum: (1) When and how credit exams are to be administered to students seeking course credit pursuant to this section; (2) The qualifying score for each credit exam administered to students pursuant to this section; and (3) The grade that will be included in a student's overall grade point average for the student's achieving the qualifying score on each credit exam administered to the student pursuant to this section.
(1) When and how credit exams are to be administered to students seeking course credit pursuant to this section;
(2) The qualifying score for each credit exam administered to students pursuant to this section; and
(3) The grade that will be included in a student's overall grade point average for the student's achieving the qualifying score on each credit exam administered to the student pursuant to this section.
(h) An LEA or public charter school that serves students in any of the grades nine through twelve (9-12) shall provide the following information to the department of education at the end of each school year: (1) A copy of each credit exam developed by the LEA or public charter school pursuant to this section; (2) The number of credit exams administered during the school year; (3) The eligible courses for which credit exams were administered; and (4) The number of students that did and did not receive a qualifying score on each credit exam administered for purposes of this section.
(1) A copy of each credit exam developed by the LEA or public charter school pursuant to this section;
(2) The number of credit exams administered during the school year;
(3) The eligible courses for which credit exams were administered; and
(4) The number of students that did and did not receive a qualifying score on each credit exam administered for purposes of this section.
(i) (1) Upon the request of the education committee of the senate, the education administration committee of the house of representatives, or the education instruction committee of the house of representatives, the department of education shall submit a report regarding the implementation of this section. (2) The information reported pursuant to this subsection (i) must comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) ( 20 U.S.C. § 1232g ); § 10-7-504 ; the Data Accessibility, Transparency, and Accountability Act, compiled in chapter 1, part 7 of this title; and all other relevant privacy laws.
(1) Upon the request of the education committee of the senate, the education administration committee of the house of representatives, or the education instruction committee of the house of representatives, the department of education shall submit a report regarding the implementation of this section.
(2) The information reported pursuant to this subsection (i) must comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) ( 20 U.S.C. § 1232g ); § 10-7-504 ; the Data Accessibility, Transparency, and Accountability Act, compiled in chapter 1, part 7 of this title; and all other relevant privacy laws.
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 269, s 1, eff. 4/28/2023.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-808 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-808
Educational investment plan
Status: in_force

(a) An educational investment plan is established whereby an account owner may participate to create an account in such plan and shall allow any contributor to make contributions to such an account intending for such contributions and any earnings thereon to be applied toward the qualified higher education expenses of a beneficiary. (b) The account owner retains ownership of all amounts on deposit in such account unless otherwise provided herein. Earnings accrued to the account shall be considered to be held in trust in the same manner as contributions. Amounts on deposit therein shall be available for expenses and penalties imposed by the plan. An educational investment trust account created on behalf of a beneficiary under this part shall entitle the beneficiary to an amount equal to the funds on deposit in the account during the academic term in which the funds are needed to cover the beneficiary's tuition and other qualified higher education expenses at the eligible educational institution at which the beneficiary is enrolled, not to exceed the redemption value of the account. (c) The board may develop one (1) or more plans for offering educational investment trust accounts. The plans shall include, but shall not be limited to, the investment vehicles for investing the contributions made to such accounts. The board may cause the imposition and collection of reasonable administrative fees and charges in connection with the creation and maintenance of such educational investment trust accounts. (d) The funds from the small and minority-owned business assistance program that are transferred to the board pursuant to § 65-5-113(c) shall be used for the administration and marketing of the program, including, but not limited to, the establishment, marketing, and administration of an incentive plan or plans for the benefit of low-income individuals as authorized in § 49-7-805(4) . The board shall have the authority to promulgate rules relative to the implementation and administration of the incentive plan or plans. The state treasurer shall be responsible for the day-to-day administration of such incentive plan or plans as established by the board. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 780, s 1, eff. 4/19/2018. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 910, s 16, eff. 5/13/2014. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 359, s 2, eff. 7/1/2013. Acts 1999, ch. 233, § 37.
(a) An educational investment plan is established whereby an account owner may participate to create an account in such plan and shall allow any contributor to make contributions to such an account intending for such contributions and any earnings thereon to be applied toward the qualified higher education expenses of a beneficiary.
(b) The account owner retains ownership of all amounts on deposit in such account unless otherwise provided herein. Earnings accrued to the account shall be considered to be held in trust in the same manner as contributions. Amounts on deposit therein shall be available for expenses and penalties imposed by the plan. An educational investment trust account created on behalf of a beneficiary under this part shall entitle the beneficiary to an amount equal to the funds on deposit in the account during the academic term in which the funds are needed to cover the beneficiary's tuition and other qualified higher education expenses at the eligible educational institution at which the beneficiary is enrolled, not to exceed the redemption value of the account.
(c) The board may develop one (1) or more plans for offering educational investment trust accounts. The plans shall include, but shall not be limited to, the investment vehicles for investing the contributions made to such accounts. The board may cause the imposition and collection of reasonable administrative fees and charges in connection with the creation and maintenance of such educational investment trust accounts.
(d) The funds from the small and minority-owned business assistance program that are transferred to the board pursuant to § 65-5-113(c) shall be used for the administration and marketing of the program, including, but not limited to, the establishment, marketing, and administration of an incentive plan or plans for the benefit of low-income individuals as authorized in § 49-7-805(4) . The board shall have the authority to promulgate rules relative to the implementation and administration of the incentive plan or plans. The state treasurer shall be responsible for the day-to-day administration of such incentive plan or plans as established by the board.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 780, s 1, eff. 4/19/2018.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 910, s 16, eff. 5/13/2014.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 359, s 2, eff. 7/1/2013.
Acts 1999, ch. 233, § 37.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-50-1307 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 50 / Section 49-50-1307
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 932, s 1, eff. 7/1/2018. Acts 1986, ch. 801, § 7.
Repealed by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 932, s 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1986, ch. 801, § 7.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-11-203 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 49-11-203
Funding - Compensation - Staff
Status: in_force

(a) Funds necessary to accomplish the mandates of federal legislation affecting career and technical education shall be provided from either federal or state funds, or both, through appropriation by the general assembly. (b) Members of the council shall be entitled to receive per diem at the rate of fifty dollars ($50.00) per day for each day engaged in carrying out their responsibilities under this part, if funds are available. (c) Members of the council are entitled to reimbursement for all actual reasonable and necessary expenses incurred for meals and lodging while attending to the official business of the council and mileage for attending council meetings and conducting other business of the council. Funds appropriated for the work of the council may be used to pay for meals of the members of the council and other persons authorized by the council to participate in meetings that assist the council to fulfill its obligations under state and federal legislation. The council is authorized to disburse funds for out-of-state travel as prescribed by state law. (d) (1) In carrying out the purpose of the council, the governor may appoint an executive director to support the administrative functions of the council. (2) The executive director serves at the pleasure of the governor. (3) The governor shall set the salary for the executive director. (4) The executive director is authorized to obtain the services of professional, technical and clerical personnel necessary to carry out the council's functions under this part and to contract for services necessary for the council to carry out its evaluation functions. (5) The expenditure of funds paid pursuant to subdivision (d)(4) is to be determined solely by the state council, and these funds may not be diverted or reprogrammed for any other purpose by any state board, agency, or individual. The council is administratively attached to the board of regents to receive funds pursuant to either federal or state law and to act as its fiscal agent for purposes of disbursement, accounting and auditing. (e) The funds appropriated to the council by the general assembly shall remain with the council as long as the council complies with the purposes of this part. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 433,s 3, eff. 7/1/2017. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 433,s 2, eff. 7/1/2017. Acts 1980, ch. 791, § 3; T.C.A., § 49-27-203; Acts 1985, ch. 129, § 3; 1994, ch. 763, § 3; 2006, ch. 1016, § 4; 2012, ch. 986, § 22.
(a) Funds necessary to accomplish the mandates of federal legislation affecting career and technical education shall be provided from either federal or state funds, or both, through appropriation by the general assembly.
(b) Members of the council shall be entitled to receive per diem at the rate of fifty dollars ($50.00) per day for each day engaged in carrying out their responsibilities under this part, if funds are available.
(c) Members of the council are entitled to reimbursement for all actual reasonable and necessary expenses incurred for meals and lodging while attending to the official business of the council and mileage for attending council meetings and conducting other business of the council. Funds appropriated for the work of the council may be used to pay for meals of the members of the council and other persons authorized by the council to participate in meetings that assist the council to fulfill its obligations under state and federal legislation. The council is authorized to disburse funds for out-of-state travel as prescribed by state law.
(d) (1) In carrying out the purpose of the council, the governor may appoint an executive director to support the administrative functions of the council. (2) The executive director serves at the pleasure of the governor. (3) The governor shall set the salary for the executive director. (4) The executive director is authorized to obtain the services of professional, technical and clerical personnel necessary to carry out the council's functions under this part and to contract for services necessary for the council to carry out its evaluation functions. (5) The expenditure of funds paid pursuant to subdivision (d)(4) is to be determined solely by the state council, and these funds may not be diverted or reprogrammed for any other purpose by any state board, agency, or individual. The council is administratively attached to the board of regents to receive funds pursuant to either federal or state law and to act as its fiscal agent for purposes of disbursement, accounting and auditing.
(1) In carrying out the purpose of the council, the governor may appoint an executive director to support the administrative functions of the council.
(2) The executive director serves at the pleasure of the governor.
(3) The governor shall set the salary for the executive director.
(4) The executive director is authorized to obtain the services of professional, technical and clerical personnel necessary to carry out the council's functions under this part and to contract for services necessary for the council to carry out its evaluation functions.
(5) The expenditure of funds paid pursuant to subdivision (d)(4) is to be determined solely by the state council, and these funds may not be diverted or reprogrammed for any other purpose by any state board, agency, or individual. The council is administratively attached to the board of regents to receive funds pursuant to either federal or state law and to act as its fiscal agent for purposes of disbursement, accounting and auditing.
(e) The funds appropriated to the council by the general assembly shall remain with the council as long as the council complies with the purposes of this part.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 433,s 3, eff. 7/1/2017.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 433,s 2, eff. 7/1/2017.
Acts 1980, ch. 791, § 3; T.C.A., § 49-27-203; Acts 1985, ch. 129, § 3; 1994, ch. 763, § 3; 2006, ch. 1016, § 4; 2012, ch. 986, § 22.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-161 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-161
Handgun carry policy of private institutions of higher education - Establishment - Rules and limitations
Status: in_force

(a) (1) The board or governing entity of each private institution of higher education, whether for-profit or nonprofit, or the chief administrative officer if the institution does not have a board or governing entity, may establish a policy for the carrying of handguns on the campus and grounds of any property owned or operated by the institution, and in any building or structure located on property owned or operated by the institution. (2) Any handgun carry policy adopted by the board or governing entity, or the chief administrative officer when appropriate, may: (A) Prohibit the carrying or possession of a handgun on all property owned or operated by the institution, and in any building or structure located on property owned or operated by the institution; (B) Permit the carrying of handguns by persons qualified under subsection (b) on all property owned or operated by the institution, and in any building or structure located on property owned or operated by the institution; or (C) Permit the carrying of handguns by persons qualified under subsection (b) in certain areas on the property of the institution or in certain buildings, and prohibit the carrying in other areas or buildings. (b) If the board or governing entity, or the chief administrative officer when appropriate, permits the possession of handguns at the private institution, the following rules and limitations shall apply: (1) No person who is otherwise prohibited from possessing a handgun is permitted to carry a handgun on property owned or operated by the institution; (2) The person must have a valid Tennessee handgun carry permit, pursuant to § 39-17-1351 ; and (3) No private institution that permits the possession of handguns on the property owned or operated by the institution pursuant to this section shall be required to post signs as required by § 39-17-1309(d) . (c) (1) The handgun carry policy for each private institution shall be reduced to writing and disseminated in a manner most likely to ensure that it is known by students attending the institution; the parent or guardian of each student; the faculty, staff, and employees of the institution; and others who may go upon the grounds or enter a building on property owned or operated by the institution. The policy shall be made available in the administration building to anyone desiring a copy, distributed to all interested parties, including parents of minor students enrolled at the institution, and others by a method or methods reasonably likely to ensure dissemination of the policy, such as e-mails, text messaging, or posting on the institution's website. (2) The policy shall go into effect thirty (30) days after it is adopted and disseminated as provided in this subsection (c). (d) If a private institution does not adopt a handgun carry policy in accordance with subsection (a), then the carrying or possession of a firearm is prohibited in accordance with § 39-17-1309 . (e) The chief administrative officer shall submit a copy of the handgun carry policy for the institution to the sheriff's department and, if applicable, police department with jurisdiction over the institution. Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 698, s 2, eff. 4/6/2016.
(a) (1) The board or governing entity of each private institution of higher education, whether for-profit or nonprofit, or the chief administrative officer if the institution does not have a board or governing entity, may establish a policy for the carrying of handguns on the campus and grounds of any property owned or operated by the institution, and in any building or structure located on property owned or operated by the institution. (2) Any handgun carry policy adopted by the board or governing entity, or the chief administrative officer when appropriate, may: (A) Prohibit the carrying or possession of a handgun on all property owned or operated by the institution, and in any building or structure located on property owned or operated by the institution; (B) Permit the carrying of handguns by persons qualified under subsection (b) on all property owned or operated by the institution, and in any building or structure located on property owned or operated by the institution; or (C) Permit the carrying of handguns by persons qualified under subsection (b) in certain areas on the property of the institution or in certain buildings, and prohibit the carrying in other areas or buildings.
(1) The board or governing entity of each private institution of higher education, whether for-profit or nonprofit, or the chief administrative officer if the institution does not have a board or governing entity, may establish a policy for the carrying of handguns on the campus and grounds of any property owned or operated by the institution, and in any building or structure located on property owned or operated by the institution.
(2) Any handgun carry policy adopted by the board or governing entity, or the chief administrative officer when appropriate, may: (A) Prohibit the carrying or possession of a handgun on all property owned or operated by the institution, and in any building or structure located on property owned or operated by the institution; (B) Permit the carrying of handguns by persons qualified under subsection (b) on all property owned or operated by the institution, and in any building or structure located on property owned or operated by the institution; or (C) Permit the carrying of handguns by persons qualified under subsection (b) in certain areas on the property of the institution or in certain buildings, and prohibit the carrying in other areas or buildings.
(A) Prohibit the carrying or possession of a handgun on all property owned or operated by the institution, and in any building or structure located on property owned or operated by the institution;
(B) Permit the carrying of handguns by persons qualified under subsection (b) on all property owned or operated by the institution, and in any building or structure located on property owned or operated by the institution; or
(C) Permit the carrying of handguns by persons qualified under subsection (b) in certain areas on the property of the institution or in certain buildings, and prohibit the carrying in other areas or buildings.
(b) If the board or governing entity, or the chief administrative officer when appropriate, permits the possession of handguns at the private institution, the following rules and limitations shall apply: (1) No person who is otherwise prohibited from possessing a handgun is permitted to carry a handgun on property owned or operated by the institution; (2) The person must have a valid Tennessee handgun carry permit, pursuant to § 39-17-1351 ; and (3) No private institution that permits the possession of handguns on the property owned or operated by the institution pursuant to this section shall be required to post signs as required by § 39-17-1309(d) .
(1) No person who is otherwise prohibited from possessing a handgun is permitted to carry a handgun on property owned or operated by the institution;
(2) The person must have a valid Tennessee handgun carry permit, pursuant to § 39-17-1351 ; and
(3) No private institution that permits the possession of handguns on the property owned or operated by the institution pursuant to this section shall be required to post signs as required by § 39-17-1309(d) .
(c) (1) The handgun carry policy for each private institution shall be reduced to writing and disseminated in a manner most likely to ensure that it is known by students attending the institution; the parent or guardian of each student; the faculty, staff, and employees of the institution; and others who may go upon the grounds or enter a building on property owned or operated by the institution. The policy shall be made available in the administration building to anyone desiring a copy, distributed to all interested parties, including parents of minor students enrolled at the institution, and others by a method or methods reasonably likely to ensure dissemination of the policy, such as e-mails, text messaging, or posting on the institution's website. (2) The policy shall go into effect thirty (30) days after it is adopted and disseminated as provided in this subsection (c).
(1) The handgun carry policy for each private institution shall be reduced to writing and disseminated in a manner most likely to ensure that it is known by students attending the institution; the parent or guardian of each student; the faculty, staff, and employees of the institution; and others who may go upon the grounds or enter a building on property owned or operated by the institution. The policy shall be made available in the administration building to anyone desiring a copy, distributed to all interested parties, including parents of minor students enrolled at the institution, and others by a method or methods reasonably likely to ensure dissemination of the policy, such as e-mails, text messaging, or posting on the institution's website.
(2) The policy shall go into effect thirty (30) days after it is adopted and disseminated as provided in this subsection (c).
(d) If a private institution does not adopt a handgun carry policy in accordance with subsection (a), then the carrying or possession of a firearm is prohibited in accordance with § 39-17-1309 .
(e) The chief administrative officer shall submit a copy of the handgun carry policy for the institution to the sheriff's department and, if applicable, police department with jurisdiction over the institution.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 698, s 2, eff. 4/6/2016.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-8105 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-8105
Eligibility for Tennessee HOPE scholarship
Status: in_force

A student who meets the requirements of the early high school graduation program under this part shall be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship; provided, that the student meets all nonacademic requirements for the scholarship of chapter 4, part 9 of this title that are applicable to the student. Acts 2011, ch. 488, § 6; T.C.A., § 49-6-8305.
A student who meets the requirements of the early high school graduation program under this part shall be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship; provided, that the student meets all nonacademic requirements for the scholarship of chapter 4, part 9 of this title that are applicable to the student.
Acts 2011, ch. 488, § 6; T.C.A., § 49-6-8305.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-4-929 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 49-4-929
Hope scholarship - Eligibility of transfer students from postsecondary institutions outside of state
Status: in_force

(a) To be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship as a transfer student from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution located outside of this state, a student shall: (1) Not be ineligible for the scholarship under § 49-4-904 ; (2) Meet the requirements of § 49-4-905 ; (3) Be admitted to and enroll in a regionally accredited postsecondary institution located outside of this state; (4) Maintain satisfactory progress in a course of study, in accordance with the standards and practices used for federal Title IV programs by the regionally accredited postsecondary institution in which the student is enrolled; (5) Apply for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship; and (6) Be admitted to and enroll in an eligible postsecondary institution. (b) This section shall only apply to a student who is eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship as an entering freshman, but who chooses to attend a regionally accredited postsecondary institution located outside of this state without a HOPE scholarship; provided, that the student enrolls in the regionally accredited postsecondary institution located outside of this state no later than sixteen (16) months after graduating from an eligible high school, graduating from a high school located in this state, completing high school in a Tennessee home school program or obtaining a high school equivalency credential approved by the state board of education. (c) If the student transfers to an eligible postsecondary institution, then the student shall be eligible academically for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship if the student meets the requirements of: (1) Section 49-4-911(a)(1) and the student transfers before attempting forty-eight (48) semester hours; or (2) Section 49-4-911(a)(1) or (a)(2) and the student transfers after attempting forty-eight (48) or more semester hours. (d) To continue to receive a Tennessee HOPE scholarship, the student shall meet the requirements of § 49-4-911 . A HOPE scholarship awarded under this section shall be subject to § 49-4-913 . (e) A student who is eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship under this section and who also meets the qualifications for a general assembly merit scholar supplemental award shall be eligible for the supplemental award. A student whose adjusted gross income does not exceed the amount set in § 49-4-915(a)(2) shall be eligible for an ASPIRE award for need. Pursuant to § 49-4-917 , a student may not receive both the ASPIRE award for need and the supplemental award as a general assembly merit scholar. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 114,s 22, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 495, s 8, eff. 7/1/2015. Acts 2005, ch. 481, § 14; 2008 , ch. 1142, § 6.
(a) To be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship as a transfer student from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution located outside of this state, a student shall: (1) Not be ineligible for the scholarship under § 49-4-904 ; (2) Meet the requirements of § 49-4-905 ; (3) Be admitted to and enroll in a regionally accredited postsecondary institution located outside of this state; (4) Maintain satisfactory progress in a course of study, in accordance with the standards and practices used for federal Title IV programs by the regionally accredited postsecondary institution in which the student is enrolled; (5) Apply for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship; and (6) Be admitted to and enroll in an eligible postsecondary institution.
(1) Not be ineligible for the scholarship under § 49-4-904 ;
(2) Meet the requirements of § 49-4-905 ;
(3) Be admitted to and enroll in a regionally accredited postsecondary institution located outside of this state;
(4) Maintain satisfactory progress in a course of study, in accordance with the standards and practices used for federal Title IV programs by the regionally accredited postsecondary institution in which the student is enrolled;
(5) Apply for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship; and
(6) Be admitted to and enroll in an eligible postsecondary institution.
(b) This section shall only apply to a student who is eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship as an entering freshman, but who chooses to attend a regionally accredited postsecondary institution located outside of this state without a HOPE scholarship; provided, that the student enrolls in the regionally accredited postsecondary institution located outside of this state no later than sixteen (16) months after graduating from an eligible high school, graduating from a high school located in this state, completing high school in a Tennessee home school program or obtaining a high school equivalency credential approved by the state board of education.
(c) If the student transfers to an eligible postsecondary institution, then the student shall be eligible academically for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship if the student meets the requirements of: (1) Section 49-4-911(a)(1) and the student transfers before attempting forty-eight (48) semester hours; or (2) Section 49-4-911(a)(1) or (a)(2) and the student transfers after attempting forty-eight (48) or more semester hours.
(1) Section 49-4-911(a)(1) and the student transfers before attempting forty-eight (48) semester hours; or
(2) Section 49-4-911(a)(1) or (a)(2) and the student transfers after attempting forty-eight (48) or more semester hours.
(d) To continue to receive a Tennessee HOPE scholarship, the student shall meet the requirements of § 49-4-911 . A HOPE scholarship awarded under this section shall be subject to § 49-4-913 .
(e) A student who is eligible for a Tennessee HOPE scholarship under this section and who also meets the qualifications for a general assembly merit scholar supplemental award shall be eligible for the supplemental award. A student whose adjusted gross income does not exceed the amount set in § 49-4-915(a)(2) shall be eligible for an ASPIRE award for need. Pursuant to § 49-4-917 , a student may not receive both the ASPIRE award for need and the supplemental award as a general assembly merit scholar.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 114,s 22, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 495, s 8, eff. 7/1/2015.
Acts 2005, ch. 481, § 14; 2008 , ch. 1142, § 6.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-15-104 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 15 / Section 49-15-104
Duties of consortium - Development of plan for the establishment of statewide early postsecondary credit opportunities
Status: in_force

(a) By July 1, 2013, the consortium shall review existing dual credit pilot projects established under this chapter, determine the viability of those courses for statewide implementation and implement statewide those courses determined to be viable. Additionally, the consortium shall develop and implement statewide postsecondary courses, with accompanying challenge examinations, that reflect common learning outcomes established among the postsecondary institutions that have the course already in the individual institution's academic inventory. The initial statewide early postsecondary credit opportunities and their assessments shall be piloted on a statewide basis in the 2013-2014 school year in those high schools that choose to integrate the postsecondary curriculum into their secondary programs of study. In succeeding years additional early postsecondary credit opportunities, including dual enrollment, shall be developed as funds are made available for this purpose. (b) (1) The consortium, in cooperation with the office of postsecondary coordination and alignment, shall develop a plan for the establishment of statewide early postsecondary credit opportunities through dual enrollment and dual credit, and for the other purposes of § 49-15-101 . This plan shall not prevent an individual postsecondary institution from initiating dual credit or dual enrollment opportunities with individual high schools. Participating high schools and postsecondary institutions developing unique dual credit or dual enrollment opportunities shall notify students prior to such dual credit course being taught of the availability of transfer of the course. (2) For the purpose of dual credit, the plan shall establish a process for the development of challenge examinations consistent with the most current "Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing" developed jointly by the American Educational Research Association, American Psychological Association and National Council on Measurement in Education and shall result in a statewide challenge examination program for designated postsecondary courses. Those dual credit courses identified within the plan that are part of the Tennessee transfer pathways shall be developed in alignment with the Complete College Act of 2010, codified in § 49-7-202(r)(1) and (2) . (3) Dual enrollment opportunities under this plan shall demonstrate equivalent postsecondary course learning outcomes and equivalent faculty preparation in order for the course to be taught in the high school. (4) The chancellor of the board of regents and the president of the University of Tennessee, or their designees, shall be responsible for the convocation of postsecondary faculty to develop statewide early postsecondary credit opportunities within the plan developed under this section. (c) The office of postsecondary coordination and alignment shall: (1) Make recommendations to the consortium for the development of specific early postsecondary credit opportunities. Each recommendation shall demonstrate how the opportunity is integrated within a secondary college-and-career pathway of study; (2) Provide such funds as are necessary for the implementation of the plan of the consortium; (3) Develop a secure database to maintain escrowed assessment scores resulting from dual credit course challenge examinations. Additionally, the office shall provide a process for furnishing postsecondary institutions access to a student's score, for the purpose of evaluating the score for possible postsecondary credit; and (4) Make available to students, their parents, and other stakeholders, prior to students enrolling in an early postsecondary credit course, the requirements for receipt of credit at each postsecondary institution and the transferability of credits among public postsecondary institutions. (d) The state board of education, the board of regents and the board of trustees of the University of Tennessee shall have final approval of statewide early postsecondary credit initiatives relevant to their individual institutions. (e) Funds appropriated prior to July 1, 2012, to the state board of education to fund the consortium that are unexpended shall be transferred by the state board of education to the department to fund activities of the office of postsecondary coordination and alignment and the consortium under this chapter. Acts 2007 , ch. 459, § 1; 2012 , ch. 967, § 4.
(a) By July 1, 2013, the consortium shall review existing dual credit pilot projects established under this chapter, determine the viability of those courses for statewide implementation and implement statewide those courses determined to be viable. Additionally, the consortium shall develop and implement statewide postsecondary courses, with accompanying challenge examinations, that reflect common learning outcomes established among the postsecondary institutions that have the course already in the individual institution's academic inventory. The initial statewide early postsecondary credit opportunities and their assessments shall be piloted on a statewide basis in the 2013-2014 school year in those high schools that choose to integrate the postsecondary curriculum into their secondary programs of study. In succeeding years additional early postsecondary credit opportunities, including dual enrollment, shall be developed as funds are made available for this purpose.
(b) (1) The consortium, in cooperation with the office of postsecondary coordination and alignment, shall develop a plan for the establishment of statewide early postsecondary credit opportunities through dual enrollment and dual credit, and for the other purposes of § 49-15-101 . This plan shall not prevent an individual postsecondary institution from initiating dual credit or dual enrollment opportunities with individual high schools. Participating high schools and postsecondary institutions developing unique dual credit or dual enrollment opportunities shall notify students prior to such dual credit course being taught of the availability of transfer of the course. (2) For the purpose of dual credit, the plan shall establish a process for the development of challenge examinations consistent with the most current "Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing" developed jointly by the American Educational Research Association, American Psychological Association and National Council on Measurement in Education and shall result in a statewide challenge examination program for designated postsecondary courses. Those dual credit courses identified within the plan that are part of the Tennessee transfer pathways shall be developed in alignment with the Complete College Act of 2010, codified in § 49-7-202(r)(1) and (2) . (3) Dual enrollment opportunities under this plan shall demonstrate equivalent postsecondary course learning outcomes and equivalent faculty preparation in order for the course to be taught in the high school. (4) The chancellor of the board of regents and the president of the University of Tennessee, or their designees, shall be responsible for the convocation of postsecondary faculty to develop statewide early postsecondary credit opportunities within the plan developed under this section.
(1) The consortium, in cooperation with the office of postsecondary coordination and alignment, shall develop a plan for the establishment of statewide early postsecondary credit opportunities through dual enrollment and dual credit, and for the other purposes of § 49-15-101 . This plan shall not prevent an individual postsecondary institution from initiating dual credit or dual enrollment opportunities with individual high schools. Participating high schools and postsecondary institutions developing unique dual credit or dual enrollment opportunities shall notify students prior to such dual credit course being taught of the availability of transfer of the course.
(2) For the purpose of dual credit, the plan shall establish a process for the development of challenge examinations consistent with the most current "Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing" developed jointly by the American Educational Research Association, American Psychological Association and National Council on Measurement in Education and shall result in a statewide challenge examination program for designated postsecondary courses. Those dual credit courses identified within the plan that are part of the Tennessee transfer pathways shall be developed in alignment with the Complete College Act of 2010, codified in § 49-7-202(r)(1) and (2) .
(3) Dual enrollment opportunities under this plan shall demonstrate equivalent postsecondary course learning outcomes and equivalent faculty preparation in order for the course to be taught in the high school.
(4) The chancellor of the board of regents and the president of the University of Tennessee, or their designees, shall be responsible for the convocation of postsecondary faculty to develop statewide early postsecondary credit opportunities within the plan developed under this section.
(c) The office of postsecondary coordination and alignment shall: (1) Make recommendations to the consortium for the development of specific early postsecondary credit opportunities. Each recommendation shall demonstrate how the opportunity is integrated within a secondary college-and-career pathway of study; (2) Provide such funds as are necessary for the implementation of the plan of the consortium; (3) Develop a secure database to maintain escrowed assessment scores resulting from dual credit course challenge examinations. Additionally, the office shall provide a process for furnishing postsecondary institutions access to a student's score, for the purpose of evaluating the score for possible postsecondary credit; and (4) Make available to students, their parents, and other stakeholders, prior to students enrolling in an early postsecondary credit course, the requirements for receipt of credit at each postsecondary institution and the transferability of credits among public postsecondary institutions.
(1) Make recommendations to the consortium for the development of specific early postsecondary credit opportunities. Each recommendation shall demonstrate how the opportunity is integrated within a secondary college-and-career pathway of study;
(2) Provide such funds as are necessary for the implementation of the plan of the consortium;
(3) Develop a secure database to maintain escrowed assessment scores resulting from dual credit course challenge examinations. Additionally, the office shall provide a process for furnishing postsecondary institutions access to a student's score, for the purpose of evaluating the score for possible postsecondary credit; and
(4) Make available to students, their parents, and other stakeholders, prior to students enrolling in an early postsecondary credit course, the requirements for receipt of credit at each postsecondary institution and the transferability of credits among public postsecondary institutions.
(d) The state board of education, the board of regents and the board of trustees of the University of Tennessee shall have final approval of statewide early postsecondary credit initiatives relevant to their individual institutions.
(e) Funds appropriated prior to July 1, 2012, to the state board of education to fund the consortium that are unexpended shall be transferred by the state board of education to the department to fund activities of the office of postsecondary coordination and alignment and the consortium under this chapter.
Acts 2007 , ch. 459, § 1; 2012 , ch. 967, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-217 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-217
State library coordinator
Status: in_force

(a) The commissioner of education shall employ within the department a certified school librarian to serve as the Tennessee state library coordinator. (b) The Tennessee state library coordinator shall: (1) Assist school librarians in implementing the department's strategic plan and student literacy and digital citizenship initiatives; (2) Consult, guide, and train school librarians to strengthen school library programs for students in grades kindergarten through twelve (K-12); (3) Provide input on revisions to the school librarian evaluation model; (4) Work with the state library and archives to provide school libraries with equal access to high-quality educational reading materials and resources; (5) Support the department's work by promoting best practices among school librarians and technology coordinators; and (6) Develop and promote strategies for school librarians to partner with classroom instructors to support school and district-level instructional programs. Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1048,s 1, eff. 5/25/2022.
(a) The commissioner of education shall employ within the department a certified school librarian to serve as the Tennessee state library coordinator.
(b) The Tennessee state library coordinator shall: (1) Assist school librarians in implementing the department's strategic plan and student literacy and digital citizenship initiatives; (2) Consult, guide, and train school librarians to strengthen school library programs for students in grades kindergarten through twelve (K-12); (3) Provide input on revisions to the school librarian evaluation model; (4) Work with the state library and archives to provide school libraries with equal access to high-quality educational reading materials and resources; (5) Support the department's work by promoting best practices among school librarians and technology coordinators; and (6) Develop and promote strategies for school librarians to partner with classroom instructors to support school and district-level instructional programs.
(1) Assist school librarians in implementing the department's strategic plan and student literacy and digital citizenship initiatives;
(2) Consult, guide, and train school librarians to strengthen school library programs for students in grades kindergarten through twelve (K-12);
(3) Provide input on revisions to the school librarian evaluation model;
(4) Work with the state library and archives to provide school libraries with equal access to high-quality educational reading materials and resources;
(5) Support the department's work by promoting best practices among school librarians and technology coordinators; and
(6) Develop and promote strategies for school librarians to partner with classroom instructors to support school and district-level instructional programs.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1048,s 1, eff. 5/25/2022.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-10-108 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 10 / Section 49-10-108
Identification, location, and evaluation of children with disabilities
Status: in_force

(a) Every LEA shall identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities, or who are suspected of having a disability, within its boundaries, ages three (3) through twenty-one (21), both inclusive, who need special education and related services, including all children with disabilities who are enrolled by their parents in private schools located within the boundaries of the LEA. (b) A parent or legal guardian may request the LEA to conduct a full and individualized evaluation of the parent's or legal guardian's child to determine if the child has a disability and is eligible for special education services. (c) The identification, location, and evaluation of children with disabilities must be conducted in accordance with the IDEA, the state's special education laws, and the state board of education's rules. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 107,s 10, eff. 4/11/2019. Acts 1972, ch. 839, § 6; 1978, ch. 574, § 4; T.C.A., § 49-2941; Acts 1994, ch. 768, § 2.
(a) Every LEA shall identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities, or who are suspected of having a disability, within its boundaries, ages three (3) through twenty-one (21), both inclusive, who need special education and related services, including all children with disabilities who are enrolled by their parents in private schools located within the boundaries of the LEA.
(b) A parent or legal guardian may request the LEA to conduct a full and individualized evaluation of the parent's or legal guardian's child to determine if the child has a disability and is eligible for special education services.
(c) The identification, location, and evaluation of children with disabilities must be conducted in accordance with the IDEA, the state's special education laws, and the state board of education's rules.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 107,s 10, eff. 4/11/2019.
Acts 1972, ch. 839, § 6; 1978, ch. 574, § 4; T.C.A., § 49-2941; Acts 1994, ch. 768, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-8-1505 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 8 / Section 49-8-1505
Special education requirements
Status: in_force

Programs for special education, as defined in § 49-10-102 , offered by an innovative school district must be informed by the research and evaluation goals of the district. Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1053,s 1, eff. 5/28/2024, app. to the 2024-2025 school year and each school year thereafter.
Programs for special education, as defined in § 49-10-102 , offered by an innovative school district must be informed by the research and evaluation goals of the district.
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1053,s 1, eff. 5/28/2024, app. to the 2024-2025 school year and each school year thereafter.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-4-502 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 49-4-502
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, s 16, eff. 8/1/2020. Acts 1977, ch. 282, § 1; 1980, ch. 711, § 16; 1983, ch. 338, § 6; T.C.A., § 49-5402.
Repealed by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, s 16, eff. 8/1/2020.
Acts 1977, ch. 282, § 1; 1980, ch. 711, § 16; 1983, ch. 338, § 6; T.C.A., § 49-5402.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-1101 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-1101
Prohibitions on mandatory implicit bias training - Section definitions
Status: in_force

(a) An LEA or public charter school shall not: (1) Require an educator or other employee of the LEA or public charter school to complete or participate in implicit bias training; or (2) Take an adverse employment action against an educator or other employee of the LEA or public charter school for the educator's or employee's failure or refusal to complete or participate in implicit bias training. (b) The state board of education and the department of education shall not require an educator to complete or participate in implicit bias training as a requirement for educator licensure, professional development, program participation, or otherwise. (c) As used in this section, "implicit bias training" means a training or other educational program designed to expose an individual to biases that the training's or educational program's developer or designer presumes the individual to unconsciously, subconsciously, or unintentionally possess that predispose the individual to be unfairly prejudiced in favor of or against a thing, person, or group to adjust the individual's patterns of thinking in order to eliminate the individual's unconscious bias or prejudice. Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 438, s 1, eff. 5/17/2023.
(a) An LEA or public charter school shall not: (1) Require an educator or other employee of the LEA or public charter school to complete or participate in implicit bias training; or (2) Take an adverse employment action against an educator or other employee of the LEA or public charter school for the educator's or employee's failure or refusal to complete or participate in implicit bias training.
(1) Require an educator or other employee of the LEA or public charter school to complete or participate in implicit bias training; or
(2) Take an adverse employment action against an educator or other employee of the LEA or public charter school for the educator's or employee's failure or refusal to complete or participate in implicit bias training.
(b) The state board of education and the department of education shall not require an educator to complete or participate in implicit bias training as a requirement for educator licensure, professional development, program participation, or otherwise.
(c) As used in this section, "implicit bias training" means a training or other educational program designed to expose an individual to biases that the training's or educational program's developer or designer presumes the individual to unconsciously, subconsciously, or unintentionally possess that predispose the individual to be unfairly prejudiced in favor of or against a thing, person, or group to adjust the individual's patterns of thinking in order to eliminate the individual's unconscious bias or prejudice.
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 438, s 1, eff. 5/17/2023.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-9-1605 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 49-9-1605
Annual report
Status: in_force

(a) By October 1, 2023, and by each October 1 thereafter, the president of the University of Tennessee shall, in consultation with the director of the institute, the board of fellows, and the chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, submit an annual report to the governor, the speaker of the senate, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the chairs of the finance committees of the senate and house of representatives. (b) The report must include: (1) The total amount of funding received by the institute in the previous year; (2) A description of current faculty positions and the names and qualifications of the faculty members currently holding such positions; (3) The names and titles of the members of the board of fellows; (4) The total undergraduate and graduate student enrollment of the institute; (5) A description of the courses and degrees offered by the institute; (6) A description of significant community events, initiatives, and publications provided by the institute during the previous year; (7) A description of programs at the University of Tennessee supported by the institute; and (8) A copy of the institute's most recently issued strategic plan. Acts 2022, ch. 963, § 1.
(a) By October 1, 2023, and by each October 1 thereafter, the president of the University of Tennessee shall, in consultation with the director of the institute, the board of fellows, and the chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, submit an annual report to the governor, the speaker of the senate, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the chairs of the finance committees of the senate and house of representatives.
(b) The report must include: (1) The total amount of funding received by the institute in the previous year; (2) A description of current faculty positions and the names and qualifications of the faculty members currently holding such positions; (3) The names and titles of the members of the board of fellows; (4) The total undergraduate and graduate student enrollment of the institute; (5) A description of the courses and degrees offered by the institute; (6) A description of significant community events, initiatives, and publications provided by the institute during the previous year; (7) A description of programs at the University of Tennessee supported by the institute; and (8) A copy of the institute's most recently issued strategic plan.
(1) The total amount of funding received by the institute in the previous year;
(2) A description of current faculty positions and the names and qualifications of the faculty members currently holding such positions;
(3) The names and titles of the members of the board of fellows;
(4) The total undergraduate and graduate student enrollment of the institute;
(5) A description of the courses and degrees offered by the institute;
(6) A description of significant community events, initiatives, and publications provided by the institute during the previous year;
(7) A description of programs at the University of Tennessee supported by the institute; and
(8) A copy of the institute's most recently issued strategic plan.
Acts 2022, ch. 963, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-1203 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-1203
Coordination of efforts in developing, administering and implementing a LEAP - Priorities
Status: in_force

The higher education commission shall coordinate efforts with the department of labor and workforce development and the department of economic and community development in developing, administering, and implementing a LEAP pursuant to this part. The higher education commission shall make specific efforts to encourage colleges of applied technology and community colleges in this state to offer a LEAP under this part, in an effort to train students in needed high-skill and high-technology industries in this state. The higher education commission shall coordinate the following priorities to the extent possible: (1) Creating a LEAP at community colleges and colleges of applied technology in this state with students having the opportunity to participate; (2) Planning and partnership with business, labor, education, government, community-based organizations, employers, and students; (3) [Deleted by 2021 amendment.] (4) Career preparation and guidance incorporated in the curriculum and materials; (5) Job placement and job retention support services; (6) Applied learning experiences, including prior learning assessments; (7) Integration of basic skills and work-readiness training with occupational skills training; (8) Performance assessment of the programs created under this initiative; (9) Actual or simulated learning at the worksite; (10) Curriculum and employment training for industries that promote high-skill jobs in high-technology areas, emerging occupations, or skilled manufacturing jobs, including, but not limited to, the following: (A) Advanced manufacturing; (B) Electronics; (C) Information technology; (D) Infrastructure engineering; and (E) Transportation and logistics. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 183, s 6, eff. 7/1/2021. Added by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 338, s 4, eff. 1/1/2014.
The higher education commission shall coordinate efforts with the department of labor and workforce development and the department of economic and community development in developing, administering, and implementing a LEAP pursuant to this part. The higher education commission shall make specific efforts to encourage colleges of applied technology and community colleges in this state to offer a LEAP under this part, in an effort to train students in needed high-skill and high-technology industries in this state. The higher education commission shall coordinate the following priorities to the extent possible:
(1) Creating a LEAP at community colleges and colleges of applied technology in this state with students having the opportunity to participate;
(2) Planning and partnership with business, labor, education, government, community-based organizations, employers, and students;
(3) [Deleted by 2021 amendment.]
(4) Career preparation and guidance incorporated in the curriculum and materials;
(5) Job placement and job retention support services;
(6) Applied learning experiences, including prior learning assessments;
(7) Integration of basic skills and work-readiness training with occupational skills training;
(8) Performance assessment of the programs created under this initiative;
(9) Actual or simulated learning at the worksite;
(10) Curriculum and employment training for industries that promote high-skill jobs in high-technology areas, emerging occupations, or skilled manufacturing jobs, including, but not limited to, the following: (A) Advanced manufacturing; (B) Electronics; (C) Information technology; (D) Infrastructure engineering; and (E) Transportation and logistics.
(A) Advanced manufacturing;
(B) Electronics;
(C) Information technology;
(D) Infrastructure engineering; and
(E) Transportation and logistics.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 183, s 6, eff. 7/1/2021.
Added by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 338, s 4, eff. 1/1/2014.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-4-205 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 4 / Section 49-4-205
[Repealed] Reserved
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, s 11, eff. 8/1/2020. Acts 1974, ch. 620, § 12; T.C.A., §§ 49-5012, 49-50-112.
Repealed by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 794, s 11, eff. 8/1/2020.
Acts 1974, ch. 620, § 12; T.C.A., §§ 49-5012, 49-50-112.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-2-127 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 49-2-127
Creation of city school system by municipality - Referendum
Status: in_force

(a) If a municipality seeks to create a city school system; and if the municipality is authorized by its charter, as set forth by statute or private act, to operate a city school system; and if the proposed city school system would possess a student population of sufficient size to comply with state requirements; then the governing body of the municipality may request the county election commission to conduct a referendum pursuant to § 49-2-106 ; however, if a special election is requested, then the municipality shall pay the costs of the election. (b) If a majority of the voters participating in the referendum elect to raise local funds to support the proposed city school system, then the governing body of the municipality shall, by ordinance, establish a city board of education in compliance with § 49-2-201 ; however, there shall be not less than three (3) nor more than eleven (11) members, and the members may be elected in the same manner, either from districts or at large, or a combination of both, used to elect members of the governing body of the municipality. In order to comply with the § 49-2-201 requirement for staggered four-year terms, the governing body of the municipality shall establish initial terms that vary in length; however, all subsequently elected members, other than members elected to fill a vacancy, shall be elected to four-year terms. If a special election is requested to elect members of the initial board of education, then the municipality shall pay the costs of the election. The members shall take office on the first day of the first month following certification of the election results. (c) The initial board of education shall plan and manage the formation of the new city school system and, subsequently, shall manage and operate the system when student instruction commences. The board shall possess all powers and duties granted to or required of boards of education as set forth by § 49-2-203 or other statute, including, but not limited to, employment of a full-time director of schools and other personnel; and construction, acquisition, lease, or modification of buildings and facilities. (d) The new city school system shall commence student instruction no earlier than August 1 following the commissioner's determination that: (1) Rights and privileges protected by § 49-5-203 will not be impaired, interrupted or diminished; (2) There is, or will be, timely compliance with state law pertaining to creation of city school systems, including § 49-2-106 and state board of education rules promulgated pursuant thereto; and (3) The system has demonstrated, to the commissioner's satisfaction, its general readiness to commence student instruction. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 256, Secs.s 2, s 3 eff. 4/24/2013. Acts 2012 , ch. 905, § 2.
(a) If a municipality seeks to create a city school system; and if the municipality is authorized by its charter, as set forth by statute or private act, to operate a city school system; and if the proposed city school system would possess a student population of sufficient size to comply with state requirements; then the governing body of the municipality may request the county election commission to conduct a referendum pursuant to § 49-2-106 ; however, if a special election is requested, then the municipality shall pay the costs of the election.
(b) If a majority of the voters participating in the referendum elect to raise local funds to support the proposed city school system, then the governing body of the municipality shall, by ordinance, establish a city board of education in compliance with § 49-2-201 ; however, there shall be not less than three (3) nor more than eleven (11) members, and the members may be elected in the same manner, either from districts or at large, or a combination of both, used to elect members of the governing body of the municipality. In order to comply with the § 49-2-201 requirement for staggered four-year terms, the governing body of the municipality shall establish initial terms that vary in length; however, all subsequently elected members, other than members elected to fill a vacancy, shall be elected to four-year terms. If a special election is requested to elect members of the initial board of education, then the municipality shall pay the costs of the election. The members shall take office on the first day of the first month following certification of the election results.
(c) The initial board of education shall plan and manage the formation of the new city school system and, subsequently, shall manage and operate the system when student instruction commences. The board shall possess all powers and duties granted to or required of boards of education as set forth by § 49-2-203 or other statute, including, but not limited to, employment of a full-time director of schools and other personnel; and construction, acquisition, lease, or modification of buildings and facilities.
(d) The new city school system shall commence student instruction no earlier than August 1 following the commissioner's determination that: (1) Rights and privileges protected by § 49-5-203 will not be impaired, interrupted or diminished; (2) There is, or will be, timely compliance with state law pertaining to creation of city school systems, including § 49-2-106 and state board of education rules promulgated pursuant thereto; and (3) The system has demonstrated, to the commissioner's satisfaction, its general readiness to commence student instruction.
(1) Rights and privileges protected by § 49-5-203 will not be impaired, interrupted or diminished;
(2) There is, or will be, timely compliance with state law pertaining to creation of city school systems, including § 49-2-106 and state board of education rules promulgated pursuant thereto; and
(3) The system has demonstrated, to the commissioner's satisfaction, its general readiness to commence student instruction.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 256, Secs.s 2, s 3 eff. 4/24/2013.
Acts 2012 , ch. 905, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-13-124 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 13 / Section 49-13-124
Charter school powers
Status: in_force

(a) The governing body of a public charter school may sue and be sued. The governing body may not levy taxes or issue bonds except in accordance with state law. A public charter school may conduct activities necessary and appropriate to carry out its responsibilities such as: (1) Contract for services, except for the management or operation of the charter school by a for-profit entity; (2) Buy, sell or lease property; (3) Borrow funds as needed; and (4) Pledge its assets as security; provided, however, that those assets are not leased or loaned by the state or local government. (b) The authorizer may endorse the submission of the school credit bond application to the local taxing authority, if the project is a qualified project under § 54E(c)(2) or § 54F(d)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 ( 26 U.S.C. § 54E(c)(2) and 26 U.S.C. § 54F(d)(1) , respectively), and the Tennessee State School Bond Authority Act, compiled in chapter 3, part 12 of this title, and with respect to § 54E(c)(2), the applicant can demonstrate that the applicant meets the ten percent (10%) matching funds requirement, as prescribed by § 54E(c)(2). Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219, s 77, eff. 4/26/2019. Acts 2002, ch. 850, § 25; 2005, ch. 414, §8; 2009 , ch. 601, § 9.
(a) The governing body of a public charter school may sue and be sued. The governing body may not levy taxes or issue bonds except in accordance with state law. A public charter school may conduct activities necessary and appropriate to carry out its responsibilities such as: (1) Contract for services, except for the management or operation of the charter school by a for-profit entity; (2) Buy, sell or lease property; (3) Borrow funds as needed; and (4) Pledge its assets as security; provided, however, that those assets are not leased or loaned by the state or local government.
(1) Contract for services, except for the management or operation of the charter school by a for-profit entity;
(2) Buy, sell or lease property;
(3) Borrow funds as needed; and
(4) Pledge its assets as security; provided, however, that those assets are not leased or loaned by the state or local government.
(b) The authorizer may endorse the submission of the school credit bond application to the local taxing authority, if the project is a qualified project under § 54E(c)(2) or § 54F(d)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 ( 26 U.S.C. § 54E(c)(2) and 26 U.S.C. § 54F(d)(1) , respectively), and the Tennessee State School Bond Authority Act, compiled in chapter 3, part 12 of this title, and with respect to § 54E(c)(2), the applicant can demonstrate that the applicant meets the ten percent (10%) matching funds requirement, as prescribed by § 54E(c)(2).
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219, s 77, eff. 4/26/2019.
Acts 2002, ch. 850, § 25; 2005, ch. 414, §8; 2009 , ch. 601, § 9.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-9-1405 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 49-9-1405
Employment agreements
Status: in_force

Entities described in § 49-9-1402(a) may enter into agreements for the services of university employees and employees of other entities. Acts 2000, ch. 784, § 1.
Entities described in § 49-9-1402(a) may enter into agreements for the services of university employees and employees of other entities.
Acts 2000, ch. 784, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-227 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-227
Compilation of list of laws related to rights of students, parents, or legal guardians - Posting of list on department website
Status: in_force

(a) The department of education shall survey this title and other relevant acts of the general assembly to compile a list of all laws that are related to the rights of students and their parents or legal guardians. The department shall update the list annually within sixty (60) days after the adjournment of the general assembly. (b) The list shall be posted on the website of the department. Each LEA shall prominently display a link to the list on its website. Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 644,s 1, eff. 3/23/2016.
(a) The department of education shall survey this title and other relevant acts of the general assembly to compile a list of all laws that are related to the rights of students and their parents or legal guardians. The department shall update the list annually within sixty (60) days after the adjournment of the general assembly.
(b) The list shall be posted on the website of the department. Each LEA shall prominently display a link to the list on its website.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 644,s 1, eff. 3/23/2016.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-50-1202 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 50 / Section 49-50-1202
Part definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this part, unless the content otherwise requires: (1) "Art supplies" means any raw or processed material or manufactured product marketed or being represented by the manufacturer or repackager as being suitable for use in the demonstration or the creation of any work of visual or graphic art of any medium. These media may include, but shall not be limited to, paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture, ceramics, enamels, jewelry, stained glass, plastic sculpture, photographs and leather and textile goods; and (2) "Toxic substance" means any substance that has the capacity to produce personal injury or illness to humans through ingestion, inhalation or absorption through any body surface. Acts 1985, ch. 348, § 2.
As used in this part, unless the content otherwise requires:
(1) "Art supplies" means any raw or processed material or manufactured product marketed or being represented by the manufacturer or repackager as being suitable for use in the demonstration or the creation of any work of visual or graphic art of any medium. These media may include, but shall not be limited to, paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture, ceramics, enamels, jewelry, stained glass, plastic sculpture, photographs and leather and textile goods; and
(2) "Toxic substance" means any substance that has the capacity to produce personal injury or illness to humans through ingestion, inhalation or absorption through any body surface.
Acts 1985, ch. 348, § 2.