reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 11 (§ 49-5-1101) › Section 49-5-1101 - Prohibitions on mandatory implicit bias training - Section definitions

(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.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 56 - TEACHER TRAINING (§§ 49-5-5601 — 49-5-5620) › Section 49-5-5601 - Legislative intent relative to teacher education

The general assembly recognizes the vital position occupied by institutions of higher education in the training of teachers, the improvement in the quality of the education profession, and the impact on Tennessee students. In acting to support these functions in public institutions of higher education, the general assembly must maintain a proper balance between the academic freedom of higher education and the need to respond to the public's expectations of quality in the state's teacher training programs. Therefore, the general assembly does not seek to impose restrictions on the philosophy or course selection of teacher training programs. The general assembly does, however, reserve the authority to require of each teacher training institution reasonable admission standards, graduation standards, and outcomes for prospective teachers to ensure that teachers are effectively prepared to positively affect student achievement in accordance with this part.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 402,s 1, eff. 5/18/2017.
Acts 1984 (1st E.S.), ch. 7, § 65.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 56 - TEACHER TRAINING (§§ 49-5-5601 — 49-5-5620) › Section 49-5-5602 - Tests required for entrance to approved teacher training programs

All students wishing to enter approved teacher training programs shall be required to submit a score on a secure standardized test or tests chosen by the state board of education. The board is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations listing the test or tests authorized for this purpose, minimum acceptable cutoff scores for the test or tests and any other relevant criteria necessary to meet the requirements of this part. The test or tests shall be used as part of the admission process to teacher training programs at approved teacher training institutions. The test or tests shall be made available through the regular administration offered by a national testing organization or shall be developed, validated and administered by the department of education.
Acts 1984 (1st E.S.), ch. 7, § 66; 1988, ch. 715, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 56 - TEACHER TRAINING (§§ 49-5-5601 — 49-5-5620) › Section 49-5-5603 - Licenses to teach granted only to graduates of qualifying institutions

(a)
In order to assure the public that every teacher has been adequately trained, licenses to teach shall be issued only to those students who have been graduated from a Tennessee institution certified by the department of education or from an out-of-state institution certified by the state in which it is located.
(b)
If the state in which an institution is located does not certify its institutions, then the department may do so consistent with standards applicable to Tennessee institutions.
Acts 1984 (1st E.S.), ch. 7, § 67; 1987, ch. 308, § 7.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 56 - TEACHER TRAINING (§§ 49-5-5601 — 49-5-5620) › Section 49-5-5604 - Clinical experiences required - Assignment to educator

In order to gain experience in a school and demonstrate readiness for teaching, educator preparation providers shall require clinical experiences, including field experiences and clinical practice, as defined by the state board of education. During the clinical practice, each candidate shall be assigned to an effective educator for guidance, evaluation, and instruction.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1036,s 2, eff. 1/1/2019.
Acts 1984 (1st E.S.), ch. 7, § 68.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 56 - TEACHER TRAINING (§§ 49-5-5601 — 49-5-5620) › Section 49-5-5605 - Proficiency tests

(a)
All students desiring a license to teach must pass both a test that measures professional knowledge and a standardized or criterion-referenced test for each desired area of endorsement. These tests shall be developed or acquired by the department of education, validated and administered by the department at each institution or made available through the regular administration offered by a national testing organization. These tests shall be secure. Before the tests are placed in use, the board shall submit the tests to the education committee of the senate and the education administration committee of the house of representatives for review and comment.
(b)
The department shall allow an extra year for an applicant to be administered the state teachers certification test and shall make special accommodation in administration of the tests provided for by this section under the following circumstances:
(1)
The applicant has been employed by an LEA for one (1) year or more;
(2)
The applicant has favorable recommendations from the local board and local director of schools;
(3)
The applicant has a handicapping condition, including dyslexia, that adversely affects the applicant's ability to successfully complete the test;
(4)
The applicant has previously been unsuccessful in achieving a passing score on the test; and
(5)
In previous testing, the applicant has demonstrated a probable likelihood of success in passing the test, given additional time, reading assistance, oral administration of or response to test questions or other reasonable measures that would not compromise validity of the test.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 64, s 82, eff. 3/29/2021.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345, s 95, eff. 5/10/2019.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182, s 40, eff. 4/17/2015.
Acts 1984 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 7, § 69; 1987, ch. 308, § 8; 1996, ch. 667, § 1; 1996, ch. 978, § 2; 1998, ch. 634, § 1; 2011 , ch. 410, § 4 (t).
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 56 - TEACHER TRAINING (§§ 49-5-5601 — 49-5-5620) › Section 49-5-5606 - Passing scores on exams - Eligibility for license and employment

Those students who achieve a passing score on the state teacher's examination required by §
49-5-5605
are eligible to be awarded a license by the state board of education and may apply for employment in the school system of their choice.
Acts 1984 (1st E.S.), ch. 7, § 70; 1984, ch. 829, § 32; 1990, ch. 887, § 1; 1990, ch. 948, § 10; 1999, ch. 12, §§ 1, 2; 1999, ch. 34, § 10.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 56 - TEACHER TRAINING (§§ 49-5-5601 — 49-5-5620) › Section 49-5-5607 - State board review of teacher training institutions - Probation - Revocation of state approval - Annual performance reports - Promulgation of rules

(a)
The state board of education shall review the scores on the state teachers examination from each public and private teacher training institution. Any institution that had thirty percent (30%) or more of its students fail the examination in the previous year shall be informed and placed on probationary status. Any institution that has thirty percent (30%) or more of its students fail in two (2) consecutive years shall have its state approval revoked by the state board of education.
(b)
(1)
The department of education shall develop annual performance reports for all approved educator preparation providers.
(2)
Each annual performance report must include the results of the department's review of the educator preparation provider's implementation of instruction aligned with the foundational literacy skills standards established pursuant to §
49-5-5619
.
(3)
The department shall require approved educator preparation providers to submit evidence to the department demonstrating that the instruction provided by the educator preparation provider to candidates seeking a license to teach in this state is aligned with all applicable foundational literacy skills standards, including, but not limited to, the foundational literacy skills standards established pursuant to §
49-5-5619
.
(4)
The state board of education shall publish the results of a review conducted by the department pursuant to subdivision (b)(2) in the state board of education's annual teacher preparation report card prepared pursuant to §
49-5-108
.
(5)
If the results of a review conducted pursuant to subdivision (b)(2) show that an educator preparation provider is not implementing instruction aligned with the foundational literacy skills standards, or is otherwise not meeting the state board's expectations for purposes of §
49-5-5619
, then the state board shall require the educator preparation provider to create and implement a corrective action plan. If the educator preparation provider fails to implement the corrective action plan, then the state board may revoke the state board's approval of the program.
(c)
The state board of education shall promulgate rules necessary to effectuate this section. The rules shall be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 974, s 2, eff. 5/3/2022.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1036, s 3, eff. 1/1/2019.
Acts 1984 (1st E.S.), ch. 7, § 71; 2003 , ch. 315, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 56 - TEACHER TRAINING (§§ 49-5-5601 — 49-5-5620) › Section 49-5-5608 - Training for teaching children with behavioral or emotional disorders

All teacher training institutions are encouraged to offer, and encourage all students to take, a course specifically designed for prevention and intervention strategies in behavioral/emotional disorders. This course should include information from the fields of psychology and education.
Acts 1994, ch. 985, § 5.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 56 - TEACHER TRAINING (§§ 49-5-5601 — 49-5-5620) › Section 49-5-5609 - [Repealed]

Repealed by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 686,s 11, eff. 3/28/2022.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248,s 49, eff. 5/2/2019.
Acts 1998, ch. 921, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 56 - TEACHER TRAINING (§§ 49-5-5601 — 49-5-5620) › Section 49-5-5610 - Requirements for entering teacher training programs

(a)
All students wishing to enter approved teacher training programs shall be required to:
(1)
Supply a fingerprint sample and submit to a criminal history records check to be conducted by the Tennessee bureau of investigation (TBI) and the federal bureau of investigation (FBI); and
(2)
Agree that the TBI may send to the teacher training program information indicating the results of the criminal history records check. The results will indicate whether the applicant has a criminal conviction that would result in automatic revocation of a teacher's license pursuant to this chapter and under the rules of the state board of education.
(b)
Any reasonable costs incurred by the TBI or FBI, or both, in conducting an investigation of an applicant shall be paid by the applicant. In lieu of additional criminal history records checks for subsequent applications to the selected teacher training program, the applicant may submit copies of the applicant's initial criminal history records check documentation and shall not be required to pay any additional costs.
(c)
The criminal history records check performed pursuant to this section shall meet all requirements for criminal history records checks related to observations or teaching as part of the teacher training program.
(d)
Any criminal history records check performed pursuant to this section shall not be submitted and used for the criminal history records check required under §
49-5-413
for employment by an LEA or child care program as defined in §
49-1-1102
.
Acts 2007 , ch. 454, § 1; 2008 , ch. 1180, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 56 - TEACHER TRAINING (§§ 49-5-5601 — 49-5-5620) › Section 49-5-5611 - Allowing equal access for domestic professional educators' organizations

(a)
Public institutions of higher education that provide teacher training programs shall allow equal access to any domestic professional educators' organization.
(b)
As used in this section:
(1)
"Domestic professional educators' organization" means an organization that:
(A)
Is incorporated under title 48, chapter 52;
(B)
Solicits professional membership from all certificated employees of LEAs;
(C)
Grants the same rights and privileges of membership to all its professional members; and
(D)
Provides equal services to its professional members; and
(2)
"Equal access" includes, but is not limited to, the following types of activities:
(A)
Distributing information on the campus of a public institution of higher education;
(B)
Recruiting and speaking on campus to groups of students who are in teacher training programs at a public institution of higher education;
(C)
Using meeting rooms of a public institution of higher education to meet with students in teacher training programs; and
(D)
Posting information, if permitted, on a public institution's campus bulletin boards.
(c)
Use of campus facilities by a professional educators' organization shall be governed by the rules and regulations on access and use of campus property and facilities adopted by the governing body of the public institution of higher education.
Acts 2011, ch. 135, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 56 - TEACHER TRAINING (§§ 49-5-5601 — 49-5-5620) › Section 49-5-5612 - Coursework on neurological and brain science research

Teacher training programs at public institutions of higher education are authorized and encouraged to offer coursework on neurological or brain science research.
Added by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 46,s 1, eff. 3/26/2013.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 56 - TEACHER TRAINING (§§ 49-5-5601 — 49-5-5620) › Section 49-5-5613 - Religious content in curriculum

Teacher training institutions shall provide candidates with instruction on what is constitutionally permissible when teaching religious content and strategies for dealing with religious content in curriculum that are educationally sound, fair, neutral, and objective.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 660,s 2, eff. 3/29/2016.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 56 - TEACHER TRAINING (§§ 49-5-5601 — 49-5-5620) › Section 49-5-5614 - Access to evaluation data from teacher training programs

The department of education shall provide all state board of education approved teacher training programs access to annual evaluation data for teachers and principals graduating from the programs for a minimum of five (5) years following the completion of the program. Data made available to teacher training programs shall not be a public record and shall be used only for the purpose of making improvements to the program. Each program receiving the annual evaluation data shall execute a signed data-sharing agreement with the department of education that includes provisions safeguarding the privacy and security of the data.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 143,s 1, eff. 4/17/2017.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 56 - TEACHER TRAINING (§§ 49-5-5601 — 49-5-5620) › Section 49-5-5615 - Training on teacher code of ethics required

State-approved teacher preparation programs shall require all teacher candidates to complete training on the teacher code of ethics found in part 10 of this chapter as part of the program.
Acts 2018, ch. 937, § 6.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 56 - TEACHER TRAINING (§§ 49-5-5601 — 49-5-5620) › Section 49-5-5616 - Report of state-board-of-education approved teacher preparation program

(a)
Each state-board-of-education approved teacher preparation program shall report for each school year:
(1)
The number of its program completers who, in the completer's first year of service as a teacher of record, received a score of "below expectations" or "significantly below expectations" on the completer's overall evaluation. The report shall be filed with the Tennessee higher education commission, the state board of education, and the chairs of the education committees of the senate and house of representatives. The state board of education may include this information in its annual teacher preparation report card prepared pursuant to §
49-5-108
; and
(2)
The estimated cost to the institution of providing remediation to a teacher who completed its state-board-of-education approved teacher preparation program and who, in the teacher's first year of service as a teacher of record, received a score of "below expectations" or "significantly below expectations" on the teacher's overall evaluation and who has been recommended for remediation by the teacher's director of schools, or the director's designee. The report shall detail the estimated costs of providing remediation in person, remotely, or online.
(b)
Notwithstanding subsection (a), if a state-board-of-education approved teacher preparation program reports, for any school year, no more than ten (10) program completers who, in the completer's first year of service as a teacher of record, receive a score of "below expectations" or "significantly below expectations" on the completer's overall evaluation, then that data shall not be made publicly available in order to safeguard the privacy of individual teacher data.
(c)
The general assembly encourages each state-board-of-education approved teacher preparation program to collaborate with the program's primary partnership local education agencies to support its program completers who are in the completers' first year of service as a teacher of record in kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) schools.
Acts 2018 , ch. 1036, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 56 - TEACHER TRAINING (§§ 49-5-5601 — 49-5-5620) › Section 49-5-5617 - Requirements for teacher endorsement

All courses taken toward meeting the requirement for a teacher endorsement shall be selected from those courses required for an academic major in the various fields of the arts and sciences or from colleges of business or engineering, if applicable. This requirement shall not apply to standard methods courses or other courses designed especially for training elementary teachers.
Acts 1984 (1st E.S.), ch. 7, § 73; T.C.A., § 49-5-5622.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 56 - TEACHER TRAINING (§§ 49-5-5601 — 49-5-5620) › Section 49-5-5618 - Teacher training faculty involvement in pre-kindergarten through grade twelve

(a)
All full-time educator preparation program faculty members, including academic deans or executive leaders of such educator preparation programs, who are involved in the preparation of teachers, shall further their professional development through direct personal involvement in the public school or local education agency setting of pre-kindergarten through grade twelve (pre-K-12) on an annual basis.
(b)
The faculty involvement must include:
(1)
Professional learning targeted to or led by pre-k through grade twelve (pre-K-12) educators;
(2)
Professional learning focused on local education agency specific educational initiatives;
(3)
Direct instruction to pre-k through grade twelve (pre-K-12) students;
(4)
Curriculum development;
(5)
District level strategic partnerships; or
(6)
Direct observation of pre-k through grade twelve (pre-K-12) classrooms.
(c)
In accordance with state board of education policy, all preparation providers shall establish state-recognized partnerships with each local education agency where enrolled candidates will complete any aspect of clinical practice.
(d)
Primary partnership agreements must detail how the college of education faculty detailed in subsection (a) shall engage with at least one (1) local education agency and describe faculty involvement activities listed in subsection (b).
(e)
After implementation, the state board of education shall meet at least annually for structured meetings to coordinate policy on educator preparation, including, but not limited to, collaboration between colleges of education, colleges of education faculty, and local education agencies. The Tennessee higher education commission, the state's educator preparation programs, and the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association shall be invited to participate.
(f)
The state board of education may review educator preparation programs for noncompliance with this section.
(g)
This section shall not apply to a solely online college or university.
Acts 1984 (1st E.S.), ch. 7, § 74; 2017, ch. 402, § 2; 2018, ch. 1036, § 4; T.C.A., § 49-5-5631.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 56 - TEACHER TRAINING (§§ 49-5-5601 — 49-5-5620) › Section 49-5-5620 - Annual meeting of educator preparation providers - Alignment of instruction provided to candidates with literacy standards

(a)
The department of education, in coordination with the Tennessee higher education commission, shall annually convene a meeting of all approved educator preparation providers responsible for managing, operating, or coordinating programs for the preparation and licensure of teachers, school leaders, and other school personnel. The department shall invite LEAs and public charter schools to participate.
(b)
The purpose of the meeting is to ensure that the instruction provided to candidates enrolled in an approved educator preparation provider that is aligned with the foundational literacy skills standards established pursuant to §
49-5-5619
is implemented cohesively and in coordination with the foundational literacy skills instruction provided to students pursuant to chapter 1, part 9 of this title and with all other applicable literacy standards approved by the state board.
(c)
During the meeting, participants shall review:
(1)
High-quality instructional materials adopted by approved educator preparation providers; and
(2)
Modules and any other products developed to support statewide implementation of foundational literacy skills standards and instruction.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 974, s 4, eff. 5/3/2022.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 57 - PRINCIPAL-ADMINISTRATOR ACADEMY (§§ 49-5-5701 — 49-5-5704) › Section 49-5-5701 - Principal-administrator academy created

(a)
There is created the Tennessee principal-administrator academy under the auspices of the department of education. The academy is not a single institution, but an organizational framework for a wide array of educational and training programs for school leaders, conducted at several sites in the three (3) grand divisions by the department.
(b)
The academy shall be a program of the department and shall be under the management and control of the commissioner.
Acts 1984 (1st E.S.), ch. 7, § 75.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 57 - PRINCIPAL-ADMINISTRATOR ACADEMY (§§ 49-5-5701 — 49-5-5704) › Section 49-5-5702 - Purpose and duties of academy

(a)
Training opportunities for principals and appropriate supervisory and administrative staff shall be made available through the academy within the limits of the approved budget of the department of education. The purpose of the academy is to instill and reinforce instructional leadership for educational effectiveness. The academy will consist of, but not be limited to, seminars and symposia for provisional principals and supervisors, special topic workshops, skill-building programs, advanced leadership training, appropriate programs for central office personnel and such other programs as may be devised by the department.
(b)
The academy shall also offer training to educators in evaluation techniques and procedures consistent with the evaluation processes provided for in parts 50 and 52-55 of this chapter [repealed].
(c)
The commissioner shall approve all training activities of the academy, which will be provided by department staff, university-based experts, outstanding school practitioners, the professional associations and such others as determined by the commissioner.
(d)
The academy will include summer institutes especially for school principals and administrators provided at several sites in the three (3) grand divisions.
(e)
The academy shall also offer training to educators on the various needs of children with behavioral and emotional disorders as they relate to discipline policies and procedures.
Acts 1984 (1st E.S.), ch. 7, § 76; 1994, ch. 985, § 6.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 57 - PRINCIPAL-ADMINISTRATOR ACADEMY (§§ 49-5-5701 — 49-5-5704) › Section 49-5-5703 - Principals and administrators to attend academy

(a)
Each principal and administrator shall be required to attend the principal-administrator academy for instruction at least once every five (5) years; provided, that the commissioner may, at the commissioner's discretion, grant an extension not to exceed one (1) additional year to any principal or administrator who has not satisfied the attendance requirements of this subsection (a). The commissioner shall prescribe procedures to review and evaluate the various components of the academy to ensure a high level of instruction for the participants. The requirement for attendance at the principal-administrator academy shall be optional to any principal, supervisor, or other administrator who would otherwise be required to attend, however classified, with fifteen (15) or more years of experience as a principal, supervisor or other administrator unless the local board of education requires such attendance.
(b)
In order to provide for orderly admission of principals and administrators within the requirements of subsection (a), the commissioner shall establish admission procedures for the academy.
Acts 1984 (1st E.S.), ch. 7, § 77; 1990, ch. 948, § 29; 1996, ch. 643, § 1; 1998, ch. 999, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 5 - PERSONNEL (§§ 49-5-101 — 49-5-5704) › Part 57 - PRINCIPAL-ADMINISTRATOR ACADEMY (§§ 49-5-5701 — 49-5-5704) › Section 49-5-5704 - Costs of academy attendance

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.
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 1 - PRESCHOOLS (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-110) › Section 49-6-102 - Short title for Sections 49-6-103 - 49-6-110

Sections
49-6-103
- 49-6-110 shall be known and may be cited as the "Voluntary Pre-K for Tennessee Act of 2005."
Acts 2005, ch. 312, § 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 1 - PRESCHOOLS (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-110) › Section 49-6-103 - Legislative intent - Construction - Implementation

(a)
It is the legislative intent that, based on the success of Tennessee's existing pilot pre-kindergarten programs, these programs be expanded on a voluntary basis by LEAs and the communities they serve to provide more opportunities for quality early childhood education and pre-kindergarten experiences while meeting standards for kindergarten readiness.
(b)
Nothing in this section and §§
49-6-104
- 49-6-110 shall be construed to make enrollment in these programs mandatory, nor shall anything in this section and §§
49-6-104
- 49-6-110 be construed to be an entitlement to any service or program authorized by §§
49-6-104
- 49-6-110.
(c)
Implementation of these programs by LEAs shall be voluntary.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 703, s 1, eff. 4/6/2016.
Acts 2005, ch. 312, § 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 1 - PRESCHOOLS (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-110) › Section 49-6-106 - Community pre-K advisory council - Input on application by council

(a)
Each LEA applying for programs under §§
49-6-103
- 49-6-110 shall create and appoint a community pre-K advisory council. The director of schools, or the director's designee, shall serve as chair and coordinate the activities of the council. The council shall include, but not be limited to, members representing the local school board, parents, teachers, nonprofit providers, for-profit providers, Head Start, the business community and local government funding bodies, where applicable. The council shall provide input to the local board of education in creating the board's application for programs, taking into consideration the number and type of existing programs currently serving children four (4) years of age within the geographical area served by the LEA.
(b)
While the content of the final application for programs shall be within the sole authority of the local school board, no board shall submit an application without first allowing the council to provide input, either in writing or otherwise, and without first giving due consideration to the council's input and recommendations. The board's application shall include a description of the extent to which the council was afforded an opportunity to provide input in the application process.
Acts 2005, ch. 312, § 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 1 - PRESCHOOLS (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-110) › Section 49-6-107 - Programs subject to annual appropriations - Matching funds - Fees and tuition

(a)
Programs established under §§
49-6-103
- 49-6-110 shall be subject to annual appropriations.
(b)
The commissioner of education shall annually recommend a funding amount per classroom for those classrooms established under §§
49-6-103
- 49-6-110. The commissioner shall take into account the necessary components required to operate such classrooms and, to the extent such components are also reflected in the Tennessee investment in student achievement formula (TISA), shall include the same costs per component in recommending the amount of funding per classroom.
(c)
As a condition of receiving state funds for classrooms pursuant to §§
49-6-103
- 49-6-110, the LEA shall provide a matching amount of funds based on the Tennessee investment in student achievement formula (TISA). In addition, other sources of funds, such as grants, federal funds and private funds may be used by the LEA to meet the matching funds requirement under this section. The LEA may also meet the matching funds requirement under this section through in-kind matches, including, but not limited to, the use of non-LEA owned physical facilities, instructional materials, equipment and supplies, food and nutrition services and transportation services. Funds used by the LEA to meet the matching requirements of this section, regardless of their source, shall not be used in calculating the maintenance of the local funding effort requirement, pursuant to §
49-3-314
. Any local funding shall be subject to annual appropriations by the local governing body.
(d)
No child shall be required to pay tuition or fees solely for the purpose of enrolling in or attending a pre-kindergarten program established under §§
49-6-103
- 49-6-110. Nothing in this section prohibits charging fees for childcare that is provided outside the times of the instructional day provided in these programs.
(e)
No state funds received for pre-kindergarten programs pursuant to §§
49-6-103
- 49-6-110 shall be used to supplant any other state or local funds for pre-kindergarten programs.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 50, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 49, eff. 7/1/2023.
Acts 2005, ch. 312, § 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 1 - PRESCHOOLS (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-110) › Section 49-6-108 - Office of early learning

There is established within the department of education an office of early learning. The office shall:
(1)
Administer the pre-kindergarten classroom application process;
(2)
Provide oversight, monitoring, technical assistance, coordination and training for pre-kindergarten classroom providers;
(3)
Serve as a clearinghouse for information and best practices related to pre-kindergarten programs;
(4)
Coordinate activities and promote collaboration with other departments of state government in developing and supporting pre-kindergarten programs;
(5)
Review existing regulations and standards, and recommend needed changes, to promote a consistent approval, assessment and monitoring process for providers of pre-kindergarten programs established under §§
49-6-103
- 49-6-110; and
(6)
Provide an annual report to the governor and the general assembly on the status of pre-kindergarten programs, which shall include, at a minimum, the number, location and types of providers of pre-kindergarten classrooms and the number of at-risk children served. The annual report shall be posted on the department of education, office of early learning website to provide public access to the report.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 957, s 4, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 493, s 22, eff. 5/25/2021.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 703, s 4, eff. 4/6/2016.
Acts 2005, ch. 312, § 1; 2010 , ch. 836, § 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 1 - PRESCHOOLS (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-110) › Section 49-6-109 - Establishment of Tennessee preschool task force - Pilot programs - Rules promulgation

(a)
The department of education shall conduct a statewide needs analysis of preschool education in Tennessee. The analysis must include, but is not limited to, gaps between family demand for preschool services and the availability of high-quality preschool opportunities. The department shall report the results of the statewide needs analysis on the department's website no later than March 31, 2024.
(b)
(1)
The department shall establish the Tennessee preschool task force to assist in developing a strategic plan for preschool education in this state and to provide recommendations on high-quality preschool programming.
(2)
Membership on the task force must include, but is not limited to:
(A)
A representative from the department of education;
(B)
A representative from the department of human services;
(C)
A member of the education administration committee of the house of representatives;
(D)
A member of the education instruction committee of the house of representatives;
(E)
A member of the education committee of the senate;
(F)
A community member; and
(G)
A parent.
(3)
By June 1, 2024, the Tennessee preschool task force, in conjunction with the department of education, shall develop a strategic plan for preschool education in this state with recommendations on how to expand preschool opportunities. The strategic plan and recommendations must be submitted to the education committees of the senate and house of representatives.
(c)
Subject to available funding, the department of education shall implement a pilot program to award grant funds to five (5) LEAs to implement innovative and high-quality preschool programs in the 2023-2024 school year. The department shall assess the effects of the pilot program to inform the task force's recommendations.
(d)
The state board of education, in consultation with the department of education, is authorized to promulgate rules, including emergency rules, to effectuate this section. The rules must be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 340, s 1, eff. 5/5/2023.
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 1 - PRESCHOOLS (§§ 49-6-101 — 49-6-110) › Section 49-6-110 - Lottery proceeds

For the programs authorized by §§
49-6-103
- 49-6-110, the appropriation from excess net education lottery proceeds available under title 4, chapter 51 and chapter 4, part 9 of this title shall not exceed twenty-five million dollars ($25,000,000) in any fiscal year.
Acts 2005, ch. 312, § 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 2 - KINDERGARTEN (§ 49-6-201) › Section 49-6-201 - Minimum Kindergarten Program Law

(a)
This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Minimum Kindergarten Program Law."
(b)
The minimum standards for kindergarten programs in the public school system shall be as follows:
(1)
The kindergarten program shall offer only the conventional five-day week and shall coincide as nearly as practical with the school term of the local school system;
(2)
The length of the kindergarten day shall not be less than four (4) hours; however, if one (1) individual teaches kindergarten more than one (1) session per day, the total number of students shall not exceed the number otherwise permitted by §
49-1-104
for one (1) kindergarten class;
(3)
Children entering kindergarten must be five (5) years of age on or before August 15 each school year;
(4)
Teachers of kindergarten shall hold a valid Tennessee license in accordance with the rules and regulations of the state board of education; and
(5)
The employment of adult aides or teacher's aides for kindergarten is within the discretion of the local board of education.
(c)
Each LEA operating elementary schools under the laws of this state shall establish and maintain kindergarten programs in accordance with subsection (b) and rules and regulations promulgated by the state board of education.
(d)
No child shall be eligible to enter first grade after July 1, 1993, without having attended an approved kindergarten program; provided, that a child meeting the requirements of the state board of education for transfer or admission, as determined by the commissioner, may be admitted by an LEA, notwithstanding any other provision or act to the contrary.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248, Secs.s 51, s 52, s 53 eff. 5/2/2019.
Acts 1973, ch. 193, §§ 1-3; 1974, ch. 534, § 1; 1979, ch. 244, § 1; T.C.A., §§ 49-2304 -- 49-2306; Acts 1984, ch. 870, § 1; 1987, ch. 308, § 30; 1992, ch. 535, §§ 28-30; 1993, ch. 202, §§ 1, 2; 2012 , ch. 991, § 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 3 - ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS GENERALLY (§§ 49-6-NEW — 49-6-314) › Section 49-6-NEW - [Newly enacted section not yet numbered] (§ 49-6-NEW)

(a)
Notwithstanding § 49-6-2301, this section is known and may be cited as the "Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act.
(b)
Notwithstanding another law to contrary, each local board of education and public charter school governing body may establish policies for its public schools to offer students whole milk options, which are pasteurized dairy products as defined in § 53-3-103, through bulk milk dispensers.
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 681,s 1, eff. 4/11/2024.
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 3 - ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS GENERALLY (§§ 49-6-NEW — 49-6-314) › Section 49-6-301 - "Schools" defined

(a)
"Elementary schools" are schools serving any combination of kindergarten through grade six (K-6). For purposes of federal funding, "elementary schools" are schools serving any combination of pre-kindergarten through grade six (pre-K-6).
(b)
"Middle schools" are schools designed to serve grades five through eight (5-8) only, or any combination of grades five through eight (5-8).
(c)
"Elementary and secondary" and "elementary or secondary" include elementary, middle and high school grades.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 795, s 1, eff. 4/8/2022.
Acts 1978, ch. 502, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-1002; Acts 2003 , ch. 285, § 1; 2012 , ch. 551, §§ 1 - 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 3 - ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS GENERALLY (§§ 49-6-NEW — 49-6-314) › Section 49-6-302 - Attendance and length of term

(a)
There shall be established and maintained in each local school district as many elementary schools as necessary for the instruction of all the children in the school district. This shall not be construed as to invalidate §§
49-2-501
- 49-2-503 or §
49-2-1001
.
(b)
It is the duty of the respective board of education to run all schools of the local school district as nearly as practicable the same length of time.
(c)
A school shall not be established with fewer than ten (10) students in average daily attendance.
(d)
Local school district boards of education shall designate the schools that pupils shall attend.
(e)
The board of education shall have due regard to increasing the length of the school terms for the benefit of the school district by limiting the number of schools and by consolidation whenever practicable.
(f)
Any county board of education may admit to the elementary schools pupils resident in another county, as provided in §
49-6-3104
.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248, s 54, eff. 5/2/2019.
Acts 1925, ch. 115, § 13; Shan. Supp., §§ 1487a85, 1487a87, 1487a88; Code 1932, §§ 2376, 2378, 2379; Acts 1957, ch. 9, § 2; 1957, ch. 142, § 1; 1974, ch. 654, §§ 45-47; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 49-1001, 49-1004, 49-1006.
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 3 - ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS GENERALLY (§§ 49-6-NEW — 49-6-314) › Section 49-6-304 - Toll-free number for reports of child abuse - Posting in area visible to all students - Other signage requirements

(a)
Every elementary and secondary school shall post in a clearly visible location in a public area of the school that is readily accessible to students a sign that contains the toll-free telephone number operated by the department of children's services to receive reports of child abuse or neglect.
(b)
The sign shall be written using a format and language that is clear, simple, and understandable to students. The sign shall additionally also instruct students to call 911 for emergencies and provide directions for accessing the department of children's services website for more information on reporting abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
(c)
Schools shall post the sign at each school campus in at least one (1) high-traffic, highly and clearly visible public area that is readily accessible to and widely used by students. The sign shall be on paper of eight and one-half inches (81/2") by eleven inches (11") or larger in large print and placed at eye level to the student for easy viewing. Additionally, the current toll-free department of children's services abuse telephone number shall be in bold print.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 802, s 1, eff. 4/14/2016.
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 3 - ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS GENERALLY (§§ 49-6-NEW — 49-6-314) › Section 49-6-305 - Patriotic societies

(a)
As used in this section, "patriotic society" or "society" means a group or organization listed in title 36 of the United States Code that is a youth membership organization with an educational purpose that aligns with the curriculum standards and promotes civic involvement.
(b)
Beginning with the 2016-2017 school year, the principal of each school shall allow representatives of a patriotic society the opportunity to speak with students during school hours to inform the students of how the patriotic society may further the student's educational interest and civic involvement to better their schools, communities, and themselves.
(c)
The patriotic society shall be given only one (1) day at the beginning of each academic school year, as approved by the principal, for the society to speak to the students at the school for no more than ten (10) minutes.
(d)
The patriotic society shall provide verbal or written notice to the principal of the society's intent to speak to the students. The principal shall provide verbal or written approval of the specific day and time for the society to address the students.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 807,s 1, eff. 4/14/2016.