reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 42 - SCHOOL SECURITY ACT OF 1981 (§§ 49-6-4201 — 49-6-4219) › Section 49-6-4215 - Activities of criminal gangs on school property - Promulgation of rules and regulations

(a)
The LEAs of this state are authorized to promulgate and adopt rules and regulations to prohibit the activities of criminal gangs on school property. The rules and regulations may prohibit students in grades six through twelve (6-12) from:
(1)
Wearing, while on school property, any type of clothing, apparel or accessory that denotes the students' membership in or affiliation with any criminal gang;
(2)
Any activity that encourages participation in a criminal gang or facilitates illegal acts of a criminal gang; and
(3)
Any conduct that is seriously disruptive to the educational process or endangers persons or property.
(b)
The local law enforcement agency shall advise the local board, upon request, of criminal gangs and associated criminal gang activity.
(c)
As used in this section, "criminal gang" means a formal or informal ongoing organization, association or group consisting of three (3) or more persons that has:
(1)
As one (1) of its activities the commission of criminal acts; and
(2)
Two (2) or more members who, individually or collectively, engage in or have engaged in a pattern of criminal gang activity.
Acts 1994, ch. 571, § 1; 2008, ch. 1195, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 42 - SCHOOL SECURITY ACT OF 1981 (§§ 49-6-4201 — 49-6-4219) › Section 49-6-4216 - [Repealed] Reserved

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248, s 68, eff. 5/2/2019.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 684, Secs.s 9, s 10 eff. 3/24/2016.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182, s 52, eff. 4/17/2015.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 375, s 1, eff. 7/1/2013.
Acts 1996, ch. 888, § 1; 1998, ch. 871, § 1; 2000, ch. 634, § 1; 2011 , ch. 297, § 4; 2011 , ch. 410, § 4 (w).
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 42 - SCHOOL SECURITY ACT OF 1981 (§§ 49-6-4201 — 49-6-4219) › Section 49-6-4217 - Employment standards for school resource officers

(a)
Training courses for school resource officers shall be designed specifically for school policing and shall be administered by an entity or organization approved by the peace officers standards and training (POST) commission.
(b)
School resource officers shall participate in forty (40) hours of basic training in school policing within twelve (12) months of assignment to a school. Every year thereafter they shall participate in a minimum of sixteen (16) hours of training specific to school policing that has been approved by the POST commission.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248,s 70, eff. 5/2/2019.
Acts 2006, ch. 797, § 1; 2007, ch. 99, § 1; 2007, ch. 341, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 42 - SCHOOL SECURITY ACT OF 1981 (§§ 49-6-4201 — 49-6-4219) › Section 49-6-4218 - Posting of speed limits on school grounds and parking lots

Each LEA is encouraged to cause proper signs to be posted on school grounds and school parking lots that prohibit any person from operating or driving a motor vehicle or truck at a rate of speed in excess of ten miles per hour (10 mph).
Acts 2007, ch. 238, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 42 - SCHOOL SECURITY ACT OF 1981 (§§ 49-6-4201 — 49-6-4219) › Section 49-6-4219 - Policy regulating use of electronic control devices

Any law enforcement agency providing a school resource officer, school security officer or other law enforcement officer providing security at a school shall have a policy regulating the use of electronic control devices, which policy shall address training in the proper use of such devices, as well as investigation, documentation and review of such use, to include final approval of any report documenting such use by the agency's chief executive officer or sheriff.
Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 741,s 1, eff. 7/1/2014.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 43 - REPORTING STUDENT OFFENSES (§§ 49-6-4301 — 49-6-4404) › Section 49-6-4401 - Students accountable for conduct

Every teacher in the special school district created by §
37-5-119
is authorized to hold every juvenile pupil strictly accountable for any disorderly conduct in school.
Acts 1980, ch. 571, § 1; Acts 1989, ch. 278, § 73.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 43 - REPORTING STUDENT OFFENSES (§§ 49-6-4301 — 49-6-4404) › Section 49-6-4402 - Corporal punishment

(a)
The chief administrative officer, or the chief administrative officer's designee, of any institution in which the schools are located, may use corporal punishment in a reasonable manner and in accordance with this part against any pupil for good cause in order to maintain discipline and order within such schools.
(b)
Corporal punishment may be administered only in a classroom situation and only in the presence of the director of schools or chief administrative officer of the school and one (1) other faculty witness.
(c)
(1)
Notwithstanding subsection (a), the chief administrative officer, or the chief administrative officer's designee, is prohibited from using corporal punishment against any student who has a disability, unless an LEA's discipline policy permits the use of corporal punishment and a parent of a child who has a disability permits, in writing, the use of corporal punishment against the parent's child. The written permission must state the type of corporal punishment that may be used and the circumstances in which the use of corporal punishment is permitted. The school's chief administrative officer must keep the written permission on file at the school. The school's chief administrative officer must notify the parent any time corporal punishment is used. The school's chief administrative officer must inform the parent, when the written permission for the use of corporal punishment is submitted, that the parent may revoke the permission to use corporal punishment at any time by giving written notice to the school's chief administrative officer that corporal punishment may no longer be used against the parent's child who has a disability.
(2)
As used in this subsection (c), "student who has a disability" means a student who has an individualized education program (IEP) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (
20 U.S.C. § 1400
et seq.), or a Section 504 plan under the Rehabilitation Act (
29 U.S.C. § 701
et seq.).
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 900,s 2, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 1980, ch. 571, § 1; T.C.A. §§
49-9-202
,
49-9-203
.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 43 - REPORTING STUDENT OFFENSES (§§ 49-6-4301 — 49-6-4404) › Section 49-6-4403 - Rules and regulations

(a)
The department of children's services shall adopt rules and regulations that specifically designate the method of imposing corporal punishment and the circumstances that warrant corporal punishment in the schools within its special school district. The rules and regulations shall provide for only corporal punishment that is reasonably necessary for the proper education of the pupil.
(b)
No corporal punishment shall be imposed until the rules and regulations have been promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
(c)
The rules and regulations shall provide for a written record to be kept of all use of corporal punishment, including the name of the person requesting the punishment and a brief description of the circumstances warranting its use.
Acts 1980, ch. 571, § 1; Acts 1989, ch. 278, § 73; 1996, ch. 1079, § 140.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 43 - REPORTING STUDENT OFFENSES (§§ 49-6-4301 — 49-6-4404) › Section 49-6-4404 - Physical examination of student - Student's remedies

(a)
Within forty-eight (48) hours of the imposition of corporal punishment within the special school district, the pupil shall have the right to be examined by a physician to determine if the punishment was excessive.
(b)
In any case in which the punishment is excessive, the pupil shall have the same civil and criminal remedies as any other pupil in the public schools.
Acts 1980, ch. 571, § 1; T.C.A. §
49-9-205
.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 45 - HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, BULLYING AND CYBER-BULLYING (§§ 49-6-4501 — 49-6-4506) › Section 49-6-4501 - Legislative findings - Safety and civility

The general assembly finds and declares that:
(1)
A safe and civil environment is necessary for students to learn and achieve high academic standards;
(2)
Harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyber-bullying, like other disruptive or violent behavior, is conduct that disrupts a student's ability to learn and a school's ability to educate its students in a safe environment;
(3)
Students learn by example. School administrators, faculty, staff and volunteers who demonstrate appropriate behavior, treating others with civility and respect and refusing to tolerate harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyber-bullying, encourage others to do so as well; and
(4)
The use of telephones, cellular phones or other wireless telecommunication devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), computers, electronic mail, instant messaging, text messaging, and websites by students in a manner that is safe and secure is essential to a safe and civil learning environment and is necessary for students to successfully use technology.
Acts 2005, ch. 202, § 1; 2011, ch. 251, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A. §
49-6-1014
; T.C.A. § 45-6-1014.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 45 - HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, BULLYING AND CYBER-BULLYING (§§ 49-6-4501 — 49-6-4506) › Section 49-6-4502 - Part definitions

As used in this part:
(1)
"Cyber-bullying" means bullying undertaken through the use of electronic devices;
(2)
"Electronic devices" include, but are not limited to, telephones, cellular phones or other wireless telecommunication devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), computers, electronic mail, instant messaging, text messaging, and websites;
(3)
"Harassment, intimidation or bullying" means any act that substantially interferes with a student's educational benefits, opportunities or performance; and:
(A)
If the act takes place on school grounds, at any school-sponsored activity, on school-provided equipment or transportation or at any official school bus stop, the act has the effect of:
(i)
Physically harming a student or damaging a student's property;
(ii)
Knowingly placing a student or students in reasonable fear of physical harm to the student or damage to the student's property;
(iii)
Causing emotional distress to a student or students; or
(iv)
Creating a hostile educational environment; or
(B)
If the act takes place off school property or outside of a school-sponsored activity, it is directed specifically at a student or students and has the effect of creating a hostile educational environment or otherwise creating a substantial disruption to the education environment or learning process.
Acts 2005, ch. 202, § 1; 2011, ch. 251, §§ 1, 3; T.C.A. §
49-6-4502
; T.C.A. § 45-6-1015.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 45 - HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, BULLYING AND CYBER-BULLYING (§§ 49-6-4501 — 49-6-4506) › Section 49-6-4504 - Adoption of policy prohibiting harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyber - bullying by LEA - Review

Each LEA shall adopt a policy prohibiting harassment, intimidation, bullying, and cyber-bullying and is encouraged to review the policy at least once every three (3) years.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 686, s 19, eff. 3/28/2022.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 783, s 6, eff. 7/1/2016.
Acts 2005, ch. 202, § 1; 2011 , ch. 251, § 1; T.C.A. § 45-6-1017.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 45 - HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, BULLYING AND CYBER-BULLYING (§§ 49-6-4501 — 49-6-4506) › Section 49-6-4505 - Reprisal or retaliation prohibited - Reporting harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyber-bullying - Immunity from damages

(a)
A school employee, student or volunteer may not engage in reprisal or retaliation against a victim of, witness to, or person with reliable information about an act of harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyber-bullying.
(b)
A school employee, student or volunteer who witnesses or has reliable information that a student has been subjected to an act of harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyber-bullying is encouraged to report the act to the appropriate school official designated by the school district's policy.
(c)
A school employee who promptly reports an act of harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyber-bullying to the appropriate school official in compliance with the procedures set forth in the school district's policy is immune from a cause of action for damages arising from any failure to remedy the reported act.
(d)
Notwithstanding subsections (b) and (c), a school employee, student or volunteer who witnesses or possesses reliable information that a student has transmitted by an electronic device any communication containing a credible threat to cause bodily injury or death to another student or school employee shall report such information to the appropriate school official designated by the policy of the school district. Such school official shall make a determination regarding the administration of the report.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248,s 69, eff. 5/2/2019.
Acts 2005, ch. 202, § 1; 2011, ch. 251, § 1; T.C.A. § 45-6-1018; Acts 2013, ch. 375, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 45 - HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, BULLYING AND CYBER-BULLYING (§§ 49-6-4501 — 49-6-4506) › Section 49-6-4506 - Task forces, programs or other initiatives

School districts are encouraged to form harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyber-bullying prevention task forces, programs and other initiatives involving school employees, students, administrators, volunteers, parents, guardians, law enforcement and community representatives.
Acts 2005, ch. 202, § 1; 2011, ch. 251, § 1; T.C.A., § 45-6-1019.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 50 - IMMUNIZATION OF SCHOOL CHILDREN (§§ 49-6-5001 — 49-6-5005) › Section 49-6-5002 - Certificate of immunization - Out-of-state immunization records

(a)
Proof of immunization shall be established by a certificate of immunization listing all immunizations that a child has received. The certificates shall be signed by a physician or a health care provider administering immunizations. All certificates of immunization shall be on forms furnished by the department of health.
(b)
(1)
Notwithstanding subsection (a), out-of-state immunization records evidencing a child's immunization against the diseases designated by the commissioner of health for purposes of §
49-6-5001(a)
are sufficient to permit a child to attend a public school, nursery school, kindergarten, preschool, or child care facility in this state.
(2)
A parent of a child immunized in another state against the diseases designated by the commissioner must provide the department of health with the child's out-of-state immunization records for the parent's child to be permitted to attend a public school, nursery school, kindergarten, preschool, or child care facility in this state.
(3)
The department shall not require a parent of a child immunized in another state to present the child for medical evaluation in this state in order for the child to obtain a certificate of immunization.
(4)
This subsection (b) only applies to a natural or adopted child or stepchild of a member of the armed forces engaged in active military service of the United States or a member of the Tennessee national guard engaged in active military service of the United States.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 169, s 1, eff. 7/1/2021.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 493, s 32, eff. 5/25/2021.
Acts 1984, ch. 839, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 50 - IMMUNIZATION OF SCHOOL CHILDREN (§§ 49-6-5001 — 49-6-5005) › Section 49-6-5003 - Hepatitis B immunization

(a)
The department of health shall create a plan to protect young Tennesseans against Hepatitis B by immunization and to prevent the spread of the disease.
(b)
The department shall also promulgate the necessary rules to add Hepatitis B to the schedule of immunizations required for kindergarten entry.
Acts 1997, ch. 306, §§ 2, 3.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 50 - IMMUNIZATION OF SCHOOL CHILDREN (§§ 49-6-5001 — 49-6-5005) › Section 49-6-5004 - Promotion of eye, hearing and dental care awareness

(a)
Upon registration or as early as is otherwise possible and appropriate, public schools, nursery schools, kindergartens, preschools or child care facilities are encouraged to make reasonable efforts to apprise parents of the health benefits of obtaining appropriate eye, hearing and dental care for children.
(b)
A health care professional is authorized to indicate the need for an eye, hearing or dental examination on any report or form used in reporting the immunization status for a child as required under this part. Health care professionals shall provide a copy of the report or form to the parents or guardians indicating the need to seek appropriate examinations for the child.
(c)
If the parent or guardian of a child with a need for an eye or hearing examination is unable to afford the examination, an LEA of a county or municipality may use revenues from gifts, grants and state and local appropriations to provide the eye or hearing examinations.
(d)
LEAs are encouraged to seek free or reduced-cost eye examinations from optometrists or ophthalmologists and free or reduced-cost hearing examinations from physicians or audiologists willing to donate their services for children who are unable to afford the eye or hearing examinations.
(e)
The commissioner shall promulgate rules and regulations in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, that are necessary to carry out this section.
Acts 2001, ch. 212, § 1; 2004, ch. 707, § 1; 2007, ch. 557, § 1; 2008, ch. 632, §§ 1 - 4.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 50 - IMMUNIZATION OF SCHOOL CHILDREN (§§ 49-6-5001 — 49-6-5005) › Section 49-6-5005 - Information about meningococcal disease and influenza and the effectiveness of vaccination

(a)
LEAs shall ensure that schools provide parents and guardians with information about meningococcal disease and the effectiveness of vaccination against meningococcal disease at the beginning of every school year. This information shall include the causes, symptoms and means by which meningococcal disease is spread and the places where parents and guardians may obtain additional information and vaccinations for their children. Nothing in this subsection (a) shall be construed to require an LEA or school to provide or purchase vaccine against meningococcal disease.
(b)
LEAs shall ensure that schools provide parents and guardians with information about influenza disease and the effectiveness of vaccination against influenza at the beginning of every school year. This information must include the causes, symptoms, and means by which influenza is spread and the places where parents and guardians may obtain additional information and vaccinations for their children. Nothing in this subsection (b) requires an LEA or school to provide or purchase vaccine against influenza. The department of education, in consultation with the department of health, shall provide information to LEAs to assist in the implementation of this subsection (b).
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 22,s 1, eff. 7/1/2017.
Acts 2005, ch. 177, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 51 - STUDENT IDENTIFICATION (§§ 49-6-5101 — 49-6-5106) › Section 49-6-5101 - Assignment of personal identification numbers - Identification and tracking of students with active duty military or reserve parents or guardians

(a)
To facilitate the identification and tracking of students from school to school and LEA to LEA, and to facilitate and make more efficient the keeping of records, all students shall be assigned a personal identification number upon entry into a Tennessee public school.
(b)
To facilitate the identification and tracking of students with active duty military or reserve component parents or guardians from school to school, LEA to LEA, and state to state, and to facilitate and make more efficient the keeping of records, the personal identification number assigned to students with active duty military or reserve component parents or guardians shall be maintained by the department of education.
(c)
The department shall:
(1)
Create a data entry point that identifies students with active duty military parents or guardians;
(2)
Disaggregate data to identify students with active duty parents and guardians and children of parents or guardians of the national guard or reserves as separate groups;
(3)
Prescribe a uniform program for the collection, maintenance, and transfer of data that each LEA must adopt;
(4)
Prescribe the format for the data; and
(5)
Prescribe the date by which each LEA shall report the data to the department.
(d)
The information collected pursuant to subsections (b) and (c) shall be utilized as cohort data as a report-only subgroup and not for the purposes of school, LEA, or teacher evaluations.
(e)
The department shall establish, to the extent authorized by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (
20 U.S.C. § 1232g
), and any regulations adopted pursuant thereto, a mechanism for a person or entity to have different types of access to the information contained in the database, to the extent that such information is necessary for the performance of a duty or that such information may be made available without posing a threat to the confidentiality of a student.
(f)
For the purposes of subsection (e), "person or entity" includes state officers who are members of the executive or legislative branch, administrators of public schools and school districts, teachers and other educational personnel, and parents and guardians.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 925,s 1, eff. 7/1/2014.
Acts 1990, ch. 708, § 1; 2007, ch. 306, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 51 - STUDENT IDENTIFICATION (§§ 49-6-5101 — 49-6-5106) › Section 49-6-5102 - Conservation of constitutional rights in the workplace - Civil liability limited

(a)
The general assembly finds that:
(1)
Teachers and employees of public schools and LEAs do not shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression while at work;
(2)
Protecting the right to free speech for teachers and employees of public schools and LEAs promotes important state interests;
(3)
The use of pronouns by teachers and employees of public schools and LEAs in an educational setting is a matter of free speech or expression; and
(4)
A teacher or employee of a public school or LEA should never be compelled to affirm a belief with which the teacher or employee disagrees.
(b)
A teacher or other employee of a public school or LEA is not:
(1)
Required to use a student's preferred pronoun when referring to the student if the preferred pronoun is not consistent with the student's biological sex;
(2)
Civilly liable for using a pronoun that is consistent with the biological sex of the student to whom the teacher or employee is referring, even if the pronoun is not the student's preferred pronoun; and
(3)
Subject to an adverse employment action for not using a student's preferred pronoun, if the student's preferred pronoun is inconsistent with the student's biological sex.
(c)
A public school or LEA is not civilly liable if a teacher or employee of the public school or LEA refers to a student using a pronoun that is consistent with the biological sex of the student to whom the teacher or employee is referring, even if the pronoun is not the student's preferred pronoun.
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 448, s 1, eff. 5/17/2023.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 51 - STUDENT IDENTIFICATION (§§ 49-6-5101 — 49-6-5106) › Section 49-6-5104 - Lists to be provided to department of education

It is the responsibility of the director of schools or chief administrative officer in every LEA to forward to the department of education a complete listing of the names and identification numbers of each student in attendance at the time and in the manner specified by the commissioner.
Acts 1990, ch. 708, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 51 - STUDENT IDENTIFICATION (§§ 49-6-5101 — 49-6-5106) › Section 49-6-5105 - Identification numbers - Limitations on use - Confidentiality

The commissioner shall use the identification numbers furnished under this part for the purpose of tracking students and for other statistical reports or surveys, but for no other purpose. Listings of student names and identification numbers shall not be public records.
Acts 1990, ch. 708, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 51 - STUDENT IDENTIFICATION (§§ 49-6-5101 — 49-6-5106) › Section 49-6-5106 - Use of name on birth certificate

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.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 60 - PROFICIENCY TESTING (§§ 49-6-6001 — 49-6-6017) › Section 49-6-6002 - Tests not to be conducted earlier than grade three (3)

(a)
No state-mandated test shall be conducted earlier than grade three (3), except that when the first and second grade tests provided for in chapter 434, § 7 of the Public Acts of 1997 are available, these tests shall be conducted.
(b)
The commissioner of education shall establish a schedule for the administration of the Tennessee comprehensive assessment program assessments and meet the provisions of §
49-1-226
. The commissioner shall have the authority to adjust the schedule for reasons including, but not limited to, natural disaster, prolonged inclement weather, or serious outbreaks of contagious illness.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 184, s 1, eff. 4/22/2015.
Acts 1997 , ch. 434, § 6; 2009 , ch. 448, § 3; 2010 , ch. 1127, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 60 - PROFICIENCY TESTING (§§ 49-6-6001 — 49-6-6017) › Section 49-6-6003 - Comprehensive writing assessment

A comprehensive writing assessment shall be conducted in at least one (1) grade within each of the following grade spans: elementary, middle grades and high school, as determined by the state board of education.
Acts 1997, ch. 434, § 6; 2002, ch. 711, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 60 - PROFICIENCY TESTING (§§ 49-6-6001 — 49-6-6017) › Section 49-6-6004 - Computer science courses - Satisfaction of elective focus requirement

Beginning with the 2016-2017 school year, the state board of education shall approve appropriate computer science courses that every candidate for a full high school diploma may enroll in and complete to satisfy the elective focus requirement for graduation. As used in this section, "computer science courses" shall include, but not be limited to, software engineering, computer programming, computer graphics and design, and computer-aided design.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 667,s 1, eff. 3/31/2016.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 60 - PROFICIENCY TESTING (§§ 49-6-6001 — 49-6-6017) › Section 49-6-6005 - Special education diplomas

A special education diploma shall be awarded to students who have satisfactorily completed an individualized education program and who have satisfactory records of attendance and conduct, but who have not met the proficiency testing requirements established under §
49-6-6001
.
Acts 2012 , ch. 772, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 60 - PROFICIENCY TESTING (§§ 49-6-6001 — 49-6-6017) › Section 49-6-6006 - Teacher endorsement for course requiring end of course examination to satisfy graduation requirements - Exception

A teacher shall not teach a course in which an end of course examination is required for students to satisfy graduation requirements established by the state board of education pursuant to §
49-6-6001(a)
if the teacher's license does not carry a subject specific endorsement for the subject area of the course, unless the teacher demonstrates sufficient content knowledge in the course material by taking and passing, at the teacher's own expense, a standardized or criterion-referenced test for the content area, or unless the teacher possesses a temporary teaching permit pursuant to§ 49-5-106.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 876,s 4, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248, s 71, eff. 5/2/2019.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 18, s 1, eff. 3/14/2013.
Acts 2012 , ch. 1020, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 60 - PROFICIENCY TESTING (§§ 49-6-6001 — 49-6-6017) › Section 49-6-6008 - Release of assessment information

(a)
Beginning with the 2016-2017 school year, the department of education shall provide LEAs with access to their students' Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP) and end-of-course assessment items and the students' answers on such assessments.
(b)
Upon request, LEAs shall provide a student and the student's parents with access to the student's Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP) and end-of-course assessment items and the student's answers on such assessments.
(c)
The release of assessment information pursuant to this section shall not include any items required by the department to validate future administrations of the assessments; items that are being field tested for future administrations of the assessments; or passages, content, or related items if the release would be in violation of copyright infringement laws.
(d)
A teacher shall have access to the teacher's students' information identified in subsection (a) to assist the teacher in determining the students' mastery of state standards; to aid in planning instruction and support for the students' learning needs; and to improve the teacher's instruction.
(e)
As used in this section, "parent" means the parent, guardian, or person who has custody of the child, or the individual who has caregiving authority under §
49-6-3001
.
(f)
The release of information pursuant to this section shall comply with the Data Accessibility, Transparency and Accountability Act, compiled in title 49, chapter 1, part 7.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 844, s 4, eff. 7/1/2016.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 60 - PROFICIENCY TESTING (§§ 49-6-6001 — 49-6-6017) › Section 49-6-6009 - Release of state assessment blueprints and scoring methodology - Testing windows for state assessments

(a)
Beginning with the 2016-2017 school year, the department of education shall annually release the Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP) and end-of-course state assessment blueprints and scoring methodology to LEAs and post such information to the department's website.
(b)
In establishing testing windows for state assessments, the department of education shall provide maximum flexibility to LEAs and issue guidance related to testing preparation and logistics to ensure the entire school year continues to be utilized for instruction. Such guidance shall focus on daily quality instruction and engaged learning as the most effective test preparation and seek to minimize time spent on preparation for specific tests.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 844, s 5, eff. 7/1/2016.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 60 - PROFICIENCY TESTING (§§ 49-6-6001 — 49-6-6017) › Section 49-6-6010 - Tennessee Tri - Star Scholar

(a)
(1)
A student who earns a composite score of nineteen (19) or higher on the ACT, or an equivalent score on the SAT, and earns a capstone industry certification as promoted by the department of education, shall be recognized as a Tennessee Tri-Star Scholar upon graduation from high school.
(2)
A student who fulfills the requirements of the Tennessee work ethic distinction program must be recognized as a Tennessee Tri-Star Scholar upon graduation from high school.
(b)
The public high school from which a student who meets the specifications of subsection (a) graduates shall recognize the student's achievement at the graduation ceremony by placing an appropriate designation on the student's diploma, or other credential, or by providing a ribbon or cord to be worn with graduation regalia. The student shall be noted as a Tennessee Tri-Star Scholar in the school's graduation program.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 702, s 1, eff. 3/18/2022.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 207, s 1, eff. 4/27/2017.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 60 - PROFICIENCY TESTING (§§ 49-6-6001 — 49-6-6017) › Section 49-6-6011 - Limitations on new statewide assessments

(a)
Notwithstanding any other law, the department of education and the state board of education are prohibited from mandating any statewide assessments for any grades or subjects beyond those assessments required as of the 2016-2017 school year until the 2020-2021 school year. The department shall ensure all data associated with existing assessments is accurate and timely.
(b)
This section does not apply to assessments required by federal law, assessments required for the implementation of response to instruction and intervention, or to required field tests, or prohibit LEAs from voluntarily participating in assessments developed by the department of education or prohibit LEAs from requiring district-approved assessments.
(c)
The department of education shall report to the education committee of the senate and the education instruction committee of the house of representatives all actions or procedures that have been implemented to ensure all data associated with existing assessments is accurate and timely.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 64, s 94, eff. 3/29/2021.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345, s 109, eff. 5/10/2019.
Acts 2018 , ch. 672, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 60 - PROFICIENCY TESTING (§§ 49-6-6001 — 49-6-6017) › Section 49-6-6012 - Adverse action based on student achievement data generated from 2017 - 2018 TNReady assessments or TCAP tests administered in 2019 - 2020 school year prohibited

(a)
Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, no adverse action may be taken against any student, teacher, school, or LEA based, in whole or in part, on student achievement, student performance, or student growth data generated from:
(1)
The 2017-2018 TNReady assessments; or
(2)
The Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP) tests, which include, but are not limited to, TNReady assessments, English learner assessments, alternate TCAP assessments, and end-of-course examinations, administered in the 2019-2020 school year.
(b)
As used in this section, "adverse action" includes, but is not limited to, employment termination decisions, adverse compensation decisions, the identification of a school as a priority school, the assignment of a school to the achievement school district, or an action taken in violation of §
49-1-228(f)
or §
49-1-617(d)
.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 652, s 11, eff. 4/2/2020.
Acts 2018 , ch. 1026, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 60 - PROFICIENCY TESTING (§§ 49-6-6001 — 49-6-6017) › Section 49-6-6013 - Administration of TCAP tests in paper format - Online verification test

Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP) tests administered in the 2019-2020 school year must be administered in paper format. Before TCAP tests are administered in the 2020-2021 school year, each LEA shall participate in an online verification test conducted by the department of education. The commissioner of education shall determine, based on the results of the online verification test, the format for TCAP tests administered in the 2020-2021 school year.
Acts 2019, ch. 475, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 60 - PROFICIENCY TESTING (§§ 49-6-6001 — 49-6-6017) › Section 49-6-6014 - TCAP tests not required in spring of 2019 - 2020 school year

Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP) tests, which include, but are not limited to, TNReady assessments, English learner assessments, alternate TCAP assessments, and end-of-course examinations, shall not be required in the spring of the 2019-2020 school year. This section does not prohibit an LEA or school from voluntarily administering TCAP tests to students in the 2019-2020 school year.
Acts 2020, ch. 652, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 60 - PROFICIENCY TESTING (§§ 49-6-6001 — 49-6-6017) › Section 49-6-6015 - Timed format for TCAP tests

(a)
Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP) tests may be administered to students in a timed format. The department of education shall establish the required time limit for each TCAP test and an optional additional time period that may be added to the required time limit for each test if requested by a student.
(b)
A test administrator may provide the additional time period at the request of the student or a parent of the student. The optional additional time period must be used consecutively to the required time limit for each test. Notwithstanding this section to the contrary, the administrator shall not provide the optional additional time period if the optional additional time period would invalidate the results of the test.
(c)
This section does not supersede an LEA or public charter school's obligation to comply with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (
20 U.S.C. § 1400
et seq.), or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (
29 U.S.C. § 794
).
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 978,s 1, eff. 5/3/2022.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 60 - PROFICIENCY TESTING (§§ 49-6-6001 — 49-6-6017) › Section 49-6-6016 - Release of assessment information - Promulgation of rules

(a)
An LEA or the department of education shall provide any testing materials or proposed testing materials that are in the LEA's or department of education's possession to a member of the general assembly upon the member's request to inspect and review the materials.
(b)
The state board of education shall promulgate rules to protect the integrity and confidentiality of materials that are disclosed pursuant to this section. The rules must be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
(c)
The release of assessment information pursuant to this section shall not include:
(1)
Items required by the department to validate future administrations of the assessments;
(2)
Items that are being field tested for future administrations of the assessments;
(3)
Passages, content, or related items if the release would be in violation of copyright infringement laws; or
(4)
Items that would that impact the validity, reliability, or cost of administering the assessment or proposed assessment.
(d)
The release of information pursuant to this section must comply with the Data Accessibility, Transparency and Accountability Act, compiled in chapter 1, part 7 of this title; the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (
20 U.S.C. 1232g
); and §
10-7-504
.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1032, s 1, eff. 7/1/2022.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 61 - BEHAVIORAL AND EMOTIONAL DISORDERS (§ 49-6-6101) › Section 49-6-6101 - Improvement and coordination of services

The state departments of education, mental health and substance abuse services, and disability and aging shall take the following actions to improve and coordinate services for behavioral/emotionally disordered children. Any policy change required as a result of these actions will be presented to the state board of education for review and approval:
(1)
Delineation of each state and local agency's responsibilities;
(2)
Development of joint agency planning and training, especially between Tennessee's state and local agencies of mental health and substance abuse services, disability and aging, and education;
(3)
Development of a systematic process for securing funding for a continuum of related service options;
(4)
Development of a definition of the target population;
(5)
Development of ongoing needs assessment process that addresses:
(A)
The complex and diverse needs of the children and their families; and
(B)
The resources of schools, mental health/intellectual and developmental disabilities providers, and public/private agencies;
(6)
Prepare an inventory of a continuum of existing services and options, known private or public agencies and families;
(7)
Development of an interagency agreement on the principles to be included in a plan of care as they relate to intervention or treatment goals. The plan of care shall have:
(A)
Child involvement if developmentally appropriate;
(B)
Measurable outcomes;
(C)
Identification of agency or agencies that shall monitor the plan of care;
(D)
Family involvement; and
(E)
Sensitivity to unique cultural needs; and
(8)
Development of interagency training plan in the area of truancy prevention.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 688,s 137, eff. 7/1/2024.
Acts 1994, ch. 985, § 4; 2010 , ch. 1100, § 79; 2012 , ch. 575, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 6 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-8106) › Part 70 - PARENT EDUCATIONAL PARTICIPATION ACT (§§ 49-6-7001 — 49-6-7009) › Section 49-6-7001 - General provisions

(a)
This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Parent Educational Participation Act."
(b)
(1)
It may be the duty of the board of education of each school district to develop a program for the voluntary participation of parents in the educational and teaching process at the school in which the parent has a child enrolled in school.
(2)
It may include, but shall not be limited to, such activities as educational assistant, library assistant, hall monitor, recreation supervisor and any other activity that enables the parent to more fully observe and understand the school, the faculty, the students and the educational and teaching activities.
(3)
The parent's participation shall be varied.
(4)
In any school having a full-time principal with no teaching duties and a school secretary, the principal may maintain records on the program at the school and submit conclusions and recommendations to the board on the effectiveness of the program as to the student and parent.
(5)
State employees with children enrolled in schools may, subject to department approval or the approval of the employees' immediate supervisor, take off up to one (1) day a month from work to voluntarily participate in the educational and teaching process described in this subsection (b). Upon request of a state employee, a school shall provide documentation verifying the employee's participation in the educational and teaching process.
(6)
Private employers, subject to the constraints and resources of their workplaces, are urged to develop programs that permit their employees with children in school to take time from work to voluntarily participate in the educational and teaching process described in this subsection (b).
(c)
The state board of education may establish guidelines for the development of programs by the local board of education and may assure that each school district has such a program.
(d)
The board of education of each school district may periodically schedule alternate meetings to the regular parent-teachers association meeting to permit working parents to attend.
Acts 1973, ch. 189, §§ 1-4; 1976, ch. 453, § 1; T.C.A., §§ 49-4801 -- 49-4804; Acts 2006, ch. 850, § 1; 2011, ch. 241, § 1.