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 8 - SCHOOLS AGAINST VIOLENCE IN EDUCATION (SAVE) › Section 49-6-802 - State-level safety team - Template for safety and emergency response plans

(a)
The commissioner of safety shall establish a state-level safety team, which shall assist LEAs and schools with compliance with this part as reasonably necessary. As part of the assistance, the state-level safety team shall publish a template for use by districts in preparing their district-level safety plans and building-level emergency response plans, which template shall outline the responsibilities of the LEAs and individual schools in complying with this part. The state-level safety team shall regularly review and update the template.
(b)
The commissioner shall appoint the members of the state-level safety team, including:
(1)
A representative of the department of education;
(2)
A representative of the Tennessee bureau of investigation;
(3)
A representative of homeland security;
(4)
A representative of the department of mental health and substance abuse services;
(5)
A representative of the emergency medical services of the department of health;
(6)
A representative of the state board of education;
(7)
A representative of the Tennessee association of school resource officers;
(8)
A representative of the department of intellectual and developmental disabilities;
(9)
A representative of the Tennessee Sheriffs' Association; and
(10)
A representative of the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police.
(c)
The commissioner may also appoint a representative from each of the following:
(1)
Directors of schools;
(2)
Members of local boards of education;
(3)
The Tennessee alternative education association;
(4)
Public school teachers;
(5)
The Tennessee association of mental health organizations;
(6)
School counselors and psychologists;
(7)
Parents of students enrolled in public schools;
(8)
Tennessee students between sixteen (16) and twenty-four (24) years of age; and
(9)
The Tennessee school health coalition.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 367, s 3, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 367, s 2, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 367, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Acts 2007 , ch. 548, § 3; 2010 , ch. 1100, §§ 74, 75; 2011 , ch. 428, § 1; 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 8 - SCHOOLS AGAINST VIOLENCE IN EDUCATION (SAVE) › Section 49-6-803 - Direction of safety team

The state-level safety team shall be directed by the commissioner of safety.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 367,s 4, eff. 7/1/2023.
Acts 2007 , ch. 548, § 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 8 - SCHOOLS AGAINST VIOLENCE IN EDUCATION (SAVE) › Section 49-6-806 - Appointments to district - wide and building - level school safety teams

(a)
Each district-wide school safety team shall be appointed by the district's director of schools and shall include, but not be limited to, local law enforcement officials, representatives of the school board, representatives of student, teacher, administrator and parent organizations, and school personnel including school safety personnel.
(b)
Each building-level school safety team shall be appointed by the building principal, in accordance with regulations or guidelines prescribed by the district's director of schools. Such building-level teams shall include, but not be limited to, representatives of teacher, administrator and parent organizations, and school personnel including school safety personnel, as well as community members, local law enforcement officials, local ambulance or other emergency response agencies, and any other representatives the district's director of schools deems appropriate.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 864,s 1, eff. 5/1/2024.
Acts 2007 , ch. 548, § 7.
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 8 - SCHOOLS AGAINST VIOLENCE IN EDUCATION (SAVE) › Section 49-6-808 - Hearings on safety plans - Filing of plan and amendments - Confidentiality

(a)
Each LEA shall make each district-wide and building-level school safety plan available for public comment at least thirty (30) days prior to its adoption; provided, that only a summary of each building-level emergency response plan shall be made available for public comment. The district-wide and building-level plans may be adopted by the LEA only after at least one (1) public hearing that provides for the participation of school personnel, parents, students and any other interested parties.
(b)
Each LEA shall file a copy of its district-wide comprehensive safety plan and each building-level school safety plan with the commissioner and all amendments to the plan shall be filed with the commissioner no later than thirty (30) days after their adoption. A copy of each building-level safety plan and any amendments to the plan shall be filed with the appropriate local law enforcement agency and with the department of safety within thirty (30) days of its adoption.
(c)
Building-level emergency response plans and school building floor plans provided pursuant to this section and §
49-6-804
shall be confidential and shall not be subject to any open or public records requirements.
(d)
If the LEA fails to file the plan as required by subsection (b), the commissioner may withhold state funds, in an amount determined by the commissioner, from the LEA until the LEA is in compliance.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 367, s 9, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 367, s 8, eff. 7/1/2023.
Acts 2007 , ch. 548, § 9.
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 8 - SCHOOLS AGAINST VIOLENCE IN EDUCATION (SAVE) › Section 49-6-810 - Annual report to governor and general assembly

Annually on or before February 1 of each year, the commissioner of education and the commissioner of safety shall jointly report to the governor and the general assembly on implementation of and compliance with this part.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 367,s 11, eff. 7/1/2023.
Acts 2007 , ch. 548, § 11.
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 8 - SCHOOLS AGAINST VIOLENCE IN EDUCATION (SAVE) › Section 49-6-811 - Grant funding

An LEA may seek grant funding from the school safety center and use funds received pursuant to the Tennessee investment in student achievement formula (TISA) to assist with compliance with this part according to §
49-6-4302
.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 52, eff. 7/1/2023.
Acts 2007 , ch. 548, § 12.
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 8 - SCHOOLS AGAINST VIOLENCE IN EDUCATION (SAVE) › Section 49-6-812 - Consistency with harassment and bullying policies

Each LEA shall ensure that the district-wide safety plans and building-level emergency response plans required by this part are developed in such a manner as to be consistent with the district's harassment and bullying policies developed pursuant to §
49-6-4503
.
Acts 2007 , ch. 548, § 13.
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 8 - SCHOOLS AGAINST VIOLENCE IN EDUCATION (SAVE) › Section 49-6-813 - County and municipal appropriations

The legislative body of any county or municipality may appropriate funds for the purpose of providing resources for district-wide school safety plans, building-level school safety plans and district-wide school safety teams. Federal, state and local funds designated for such purposes may be used to provide funds for the purpose of providing resources for district-wide school safety plans, building-level school safety plans and district-wide school safety teams.
Acts 2007, ch. 548, § 14.
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 8 - SCHOOLS AGAINST VIOLENCE IN EDUCATION (SAVE) › Section 49-6-814 - Rules and regulations

The commissioner of education is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of this part and §
49-6-4301(c)-(e)
. All such rules and regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
Acts 2007 , ch. 548, § 16.
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 8 - SCHOOLS AGAINST VIOLENCE IN EDUCATION (SAVE) › Section 49-6-818 - School buildings constructed or remodeled after July 1, 2023

(a)
A public school building, including a public charter school building, constructed or remodeled after July 1, 2023, must, at a minimum:
(1)
Include a door-locking mechanism on each classroom door that allows the classroom door to be locked from the inside;
(2)
Have installed a clear entry-resistant film on the glass panel of each exterior entry or basement level window and door to prevent individuals from entering the school building without authorization by breaking the glass in an exterior entry or basement level window or door;
(3)
Include a camera system that continuously monitors each entrance, hallway, and communal area in the school building during regular school hours and during school-related events and activities conducted on school grounds that is accessible by a local law enforcement agency in an emergency situation; and
(4)
Include at least one (1) secure vestibule that serves as the primary entrance to the school building that contains two (2) separate sets of doors through which a person must pass to gain entrance into the school building that are each capable of being locked separately to prevent a person from entering the school building until an LEA or school employee authorizes a person to enter.
(b)
The date on which a public school building, including a public charter school building, is constructed for purposes of this section is the date on which the plans for the school building were approved by the agency having jurisdiction to approve construction of the school building or the date on which the construction permit was issued for the school building, whichever occurs first.
(c)
If a public school building, including a public charter school building, is remodeled, then the requirements specified in subsection (a) only apply to the portions of the building that are remodeled.
(d)
As used in this section, "remodeled":
(1)
Means a change to an existing building or facility, including, but not limited to, renovation, rehabilitation, reconstruction, historic restoration, changes or rearrangement in structural parts or elements, and changes or rearrangement in the plan configuration of walls and full-height partitions; and
(2)
Does not include routine maintenance, reroofing, painting or wallpapering, asbestos removal, or changes to mechanical or electrical systems so long as the changes do not affect the usability of the building or facility.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1005,s 1, eff. 5/28/2024.
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 367, s 12, eff. 7/1/2023.
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 9 - REPORT CARDS (§§ 49-6-901 — 49-6-902) › Section 49-6-901 - Copies to parents

A copy of a student's report card shall be furnished by the LEA to the parent or parents of the student.
Acts 1986, ch. 579, § 1.
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 9 - REPORT CARDS (§§ 49-6-901 — 49-6-902) › Section 49-6-902 - Copies to noncustodial or nonresident parents or department of children's services for in custody children

(a)
Any parent who does not have custody of a child, or in the case of parents having joint custody of a child, the parent not residing with the child, or in the case of a child in the custody of a legal guardian, both parents, may request in writing that a copy of the child's report card, notice of school attendance, names of teachers, class schedules, standardized test scores and any other records customarily available to parents be furnished directly to the noncustodial or nonresident parent. The request shall be accompanied by the parent's or parents' current mailing address and the LEA shall send a copy of the report card, notice of school attendance, names of teachers, class schedules, standardized test scores and any other records customarily available to parents to that address.
(b)
Any judge having jurisdiction over the custody of such a child may upon a showing of good cause deny any information concerning the residence of the child to the noncustodial or nonresident parent.
(c)
Upon written request from the department of children's services, LEAs shall provide the department of children's services all school records for a child in custody of the department of children's services or receiving foster care services. These records may include, but are not limited to, a copy of the child's report card, notice of school attendance, names of teachers, class schedules, standardized test scores, and any other records customarily available to parents. LEAs shall not charge the department of children's services any cost for the records, even in instances where a debt or restitution is owed to the school by the student. The release of the records to the department of children's services shall not waive or reduce any debt or restitution owed to the school. The student's records shall be made available to the department of children's services no later than five (5) business days from the date the LEA received the records request from the department.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 397,s 2, eff. 7/1/2013.
Acts 1986, ch. 579, § 1; 1987, ch. 372, §§ 1, 2; 1997, ch. 351, § 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 10 - CURRICULUM GENERALLY (§§ 49-6-1001 — 49-6-1035) › Section 49-6-1002 - Use of school time for athletics - Teacher salaries

(a)
It is unlawful for any president, principal or teacher of any educational institution under the control of the state board of education or any local board of education to dismiss the school or any group of students or pupils of the school for the purpose of permitting them to practice or play baseball, football, basketball or any other similar game within the regular school hours of any school day of the week, without written permission from the governing board of the institution.
(b)
Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude regular physical training lessons as a part of the daily program of the school.
(c)
A local education agency, local school board, school, educator, or employee or the employee's representative may not require a student to attend a school athletic event, or event related to participation on a school athletic team, if the event is on an official school holiday, observed day of worship, or religious holiday. The parent or legal guardian of a student participating in a school athletic event may provide written notice that the student will not be in attendance to the coach or administrator of the athletic event at least three (3) full school days prior to the event. Prior written notice to the coach or administrator of the school athletic event may not be required if the absence is due to an unforeseen emergency.
(d)
The salaries of the teachers are left to the discretion of and are to be set by the local board of education.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 260,s 1, eff. 5/2/2017.
Acts 1925, ch. 115, § 36; Shan. Supp., § 1487a197; mod. Code 1932, § 2520; Acts 1974, ch. 654, § 116; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1915.
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 10 - CURRICULUM GENERALLY (§§ 49-6-1001 — 49-6-1035) › Section 49-6-1003 - [Repealed] Reserved

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248, s 58, eff. 5/2/2019.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725, s 32, eff. 4/18/2018.
Acts 1933, ch. 61, §§ 1, 2; C. Supp. 1950, §§ 2423.1, 2423.2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 49-1916, 49-1917; Acts 1994, ch. 799, § 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 10 - CURRICULUM GENERALLY (§§ 49-6-1001 — 49-6-1035) › Section 49-6-1004 - Period of silence or prayer

(a)
In order for all students and teachers to prepare themselves for the activities of the day, a period of silence of approximately one (1) minute in duration shall be maintained in each grade in public schools at the beginning of each school day. At the opening of the first class each day, it is the responsibility of each teacher in charge of each class to call the students to order and announce that a moment of silence is to be observed. The teacher shall not indicate or suggest to the students any action to be taken by them during this time, but shall maintain silence for the full time. At the end of this time, the teacher shall indicate resumption of the class in an appropriate fashion, and may at that time make school announcements or conduct any other class business before commencing instruction.
(b)
It is lawful for any teacher in any of the schools of the state that are supported, in whole or in part, by the public funds of the state, to permit the voluntary participation by students or others in prayer. Nothing contained in this section shall authorize any teacher or other school authority to prescribe the form or content of any prayer.
(c)
Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), nonsectarian and nonproselytizing voluntary benedictions, invocations or prayers that are initiated and given by a student volunteer or student volunteers may be permitted on public school property during school-related noncompulsory student assemblies, school-related student sporting events and school-related commencement ceremonies. Such permission shall not be construed to indicate any support, approval or sanction by the state or any governmental personnel or official of the contents of the benedictions, invocations or prayers or to be the promotion or establishment of any religion, religious belief or sect.
Acts 1968, ch. 492, § 1; 1976, ch. 463, § 1; 1982, ch. 899, § 1; 1983, ch. 18, § 1; T.C.A., §§ 49-1922, 49-1923; Acts 1993, ch. 534, § 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 10 - CURRICULUM GENERALLY (§§ 49-6-1001 — 49-6-1035) › Section 49-6-1005 - Inclusion of religion for education purposes only - Adoption of policy regarding inclusion of religion in local curriculum - Publicly available syllabus - Revision of social studies standards

(a)
The inclusion of religion in textbooks, instructional materials, curriculum, or academic standards shall be for educational purposes only and shall not be used to proselytize or establish any religion or religious belief.
(b)
Prior to the 2016-2017 school year, each local school board shall adopt a policy regarding the appropriate inclusion of religion in local curriculum and instructional materials; provided, that an opportunity for public comment shall be provided by each local school board before adoption of the policy.
(c)
Each LEA shall make publicly available a syllabus for all grade six (6) through twelve (12) social studies, science, math, and English language arts courses. The syllabus shall at a minimum include:
(1)
A course calendar that includes standards, objectives, and topics covered;
(2)
Major assignments required and field trips; and
(3)
Procedures for parental access to instructional materials in accordance with §
49-6-7003
.
(d)
(1)
The state board of education shall initiate a revision process for the social studies standards adopted in 2013.
(2)
The revision process shall be in accordance with §
49-1-313
.
(3)
The state board shall ensure that the revised standards do not promote religion and do not amount to indoctrination or proselytism.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 660, s 1, eff. 3/29/2016.
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 10 - CURRICULUM GENERALLY (§§ 49-6-1001 — 49-6-1035) › Section 49-6-1006 - [Effective Until 7/1/2025] Black history and culture

The course of instruction in all public schools should include, at some appropriate grade level or levels, as determined by the local board of education, courses and content designed to educate children in black history and culture and the contribution of black people to the history and development of this country and of the world. The general assembly finds that the goal of curriculum shall include the history, heritage, culture, experience and ultimate destiny of all social, ethnic, gender and national groups and individuals, and that such are represented as interdependent, interactive and complementary. The state board of education shall include multicultural diversity when developing frameworks and curricula to be taught at appropriate grade levels kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12).
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725, Secs.s 33, s 34 eff. 4/18/2018.
Acts 1972, ch. 799, §§ 1-3; 1974, ch. 654, § 117; T.C.A., § 49-1927; Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 54.
This section is set out more than once due to postponed, multiple, or conflicting amendments.
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 10 - CURRICULUM GENERALLY (§§ 49-6-1001 — 49-6-1035) › Section 49-6-1006 - [Effective 7/1/2025] Black history and culture-Multicultural diversity

(a)
Each LEA shall include in the course of instruction for students in grades five through eight (5-8) curricula designed to educate students in:
(1)
Black history and black culture; and
(2)
The contribution of black people to the history and development of this country and of the world.
(b)
The state board of education shall include multicultural diversity when developing frameworks and curricula to be taught at appropriate grade levels for students in kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12).
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 938, s 1, eff. 7/1/2025.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725, Secs.s 33, s 34 eff. 4/18/2018.
Acts 1972, ch. 799, §§ 1-3; 1974, ch. 654, § 117; T.C.A., § 49-1927; Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 54.
This section is set out more than once due to postponed, multiple, or conflicting amendments.
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 10 - CURRICULUM GENERALLY (§§ 49-6-1001 — 49-6-1035) › Section 49-6-1007 - Character education

(a)
The course of instruction in all public schools shall include character education to help each student develop positive values and improve student conduct as students learn to act in harmony with their positive values and learn to become good citizens in their school, community and society. Public schools are urged to include the use of nonviolence as a means of conflict resolution within character education.
(b)
(1)
The department of education shall provide the appropriate method of instruction in kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12), in conformity with the elementary school curriculum provided for in subsection (c).
(2)
Local boards of education may implement additional courses and materials in character education at their discretion.
(c)
Each LEA shall provide the character education curriculum set forth in the curriculum provided by the department or a comparable program approved by the department.
(d)
Human resource agencies created pursuant to title 13, chapter 26 may serve as the service delivery system for the character education program.
(e)
Local education agencies are authorized and encouraged to adopt as their course of instruction in character education the Congressional Medal of Honor Character Development Program. This program may be adopted for the appropriate grade levels and integrated into a number of academic subjects, including, but not limited to, government, contemporary issues, history, sociology, psychology, language arts, leadership, and mathematics.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725,s 35, eff. 4/18/2018.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 251,s 1, eff. 4/24/2015.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182,s 43, eff. 4/17/2015.
Acts 1985, ch. 296, § 1; 1999, ch. 210, § 1; 1999, ch. 369, § 1; 2004, ch. 919, § 1; 2008, ch. 865, § 1; 2011, ch. 410, § 4(u).
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 10 - CURRICULUM GENERALLY (§§ 49-6-1001 — 49-6-1035) › Section 49-6-1008 - AIDS education programs - Prevention of AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases

(a)
All material that includes information pertaining to the prevention of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases that is written, published, distributed or used by any public entity or is paid for, in whole or in part, with any public moneys, and that is directed to children in kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12), shall place primary emphasis on abstinence from premarital intimacy and on the avoidance of drug abuse in controlling the spread of AIDS.
(b)
Adoption of any program of AIDS education shall be permissive and shall not be required in any LEA until adopted by the local board of education.
Acts 1989, ch. 215, § 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 10 - CURRICULUM GENERALLY (§§ 49-6-1001 — 49-6-1035) › Section 49-6-1009 - American sign language

(a)
American sign language is recognized and adopted as the official and native sign language of the deaf in this state.
(b)
It is the intent of the general assembly to:
(1)
Formally express its respect for American sign language;
(2)
Promote public awareness of and appreciation for American sign language, its use and its benefits;
(3)
Preserve the culture and heritage of American sign language; and
(4)
Encourage Tennessee schools to offer courses in American sign language and to accept these courses as satisfying foreign language requirements.
(c)
The state board of education shall adopt a policy allowing American sign language courses to satisfy the foreign language credits required for graduation.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 270,s 1, eff. 7/1/2017.
Acts 1990, ch. 659, § 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 10 - CURRICULUM GENERALLY (§§ 49-6-1001 — 49-6-1035) › Section 49-6-1011 - Historical documents, writings and records - Use in classrooms - Censorship prohibited

(a)
No teacher or administrator in an LEA shall be prohibited from using or reading from, during the course of educational instruction, or from posting in a public school building, classroom or event, any of the following or any excerpts or portions of the following:
(1)
The national motto;
(2)
The national anthem;
(3)
The Pledge of Allegiance;
(4)
The Constitution of Tennessee;
(5)
The Declaration of Independence;
(6)
The writings, speeches, documents and proclamations of the founders or presidents of the United States or the founders or governors of this state;
(7)
Opinions of the United States and Tennessee supreme courts;
(8)
Acts of the United States congress and acts of the Tennessee general assembly; and
(9)
The United States Constitution.
(b)
The list of historically significant or venerated documents, writings or records set out in subsection (a) shall not be construed to be exclusive, and the doctrine of ejusdem generis shall not be applied to prohibit the use, reading or posting of other such documents, writings or records.
(c)
The use, reading or posting of the types of documents, writings and records authorized by this section shall be undertaken for educational purposes only and shall not be used to promote or establish any religion or religious belief.
(d)
There shall be no content-based censorship of American or Tennessee history or heritage based on any religious references contained in such documents, writings or records.
(e)
Each student shall be taught the documents, writings or records set out in subsection (a).
(f)
The documents, writings or records set out in subsection (a) shall be taught at an age appropriate time prior to graduation from high school as determined by the state board of education.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 939,s 2, eff. 7/1/2014.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 939,s 1, eff. 7/1/2014.
Acts 1993, ch. 116, § 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 10 - CURRICULUM GENERALLY (§§ 49-6-1001 — 49-6-1035) › Section 49-6-1013 - Textbooks or instructional materials covering personal finance

Each LEA is encouraged when selecting textbooks or instructional materials for economics or similar courses to select those textbooks or instructional materials that contain substantive provisions on personal finance, including personal budgeting, credit and debt management and similar personal financial topics.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 981,s 29, eff. 1/1/2015.
Acts 2001, ch. 229, § 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 10 - CURRICULUM GENERALLY (§§ 49-6-1001 — 49-6-1035) › Section 49-6-1015 - Senator Douglas Henry Tennessee History Act

(a)
This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Senator Douglas Henry Tennessee History Act."
(b)
The general assembly finds that:
(1)
It is essential for all citizens to know and understand the unique heritage and history of the state of Tennessee;
(2)
A clear and full understanding of Tennessee's history is fundamental to understanding Tennessee's place in the United States and the world; and
(3)
Providing and promoting Tennessee history should be a core mission of our system of education.
(c)
Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, each LEA and public charter school shall require fifth grade students to complete one (1) semester of Tennessee history in the first semester of the students' fifth grade year.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 523,s 1, eff. 3/1/2024.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 699, s 1, eff. 4/12/2018.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 482, s 1, eff. 6/6/2017.
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 10 - CURRICULUM GENERALLY (§§ 49-6-1001 — 49-6-1035) › Section 49-6-1016 - Noncompulsory gun safety class or program for elementary school students

(a)
The departments of education and safety, in consultation with the Tennessee fish and wildlife commission, shall determine the earliest grade in which it is appropriate for students to begin receiving instruction on firearm safety. In determining the earliest appropriate grade for instruction on firearm safety, the departments shall study all relevant data and risk factors, including the earliest age at which incidents of injury involving firearms are reported and the earliest age at which children are susceptible to harm from found firearms.
(b)
Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, each LEA and public charter school shall annually provide students with age-appropriate and grade-appropriate instruction on firearm safety. The instruction must begin with the earliest appropriate grade, as determined by the departments under subsection (a), and must continue in each subsequent grade through grade twelve (12).
(c)
The instruction required under subsection (b) must:
(1)
Teach students:
(A)
Safe storage of firearms;
(B)
School safety relating to firearms;
(C)
How to avoid injury if the student finds a firearm;
(D)
To never touch a found firearm; and
(E)
To immediately notify an adult of the location of a found firearm;
(2)
Be viewpoint neutral on political topics, such as gun rights, gun violence, and the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution; and
(3)
Not include the use or presence of live ammunition, live fire, or live firearms.
(d)
(1)
The departments of education and safety, in consultation with the Tennessee fish and wildlife commission, shall develop or approve a curriculum or program of instruction on firearm safety that meets the requirements of this section and that LEAs and public charter schools are required to implement for purposes of providing the instruction required under subsection (b). The departments shall not approve a curriculum or program of instruction if the curriculum, program of instruction, or any of the instructional materials used as part of the curriculum or program of instruction bear a brand or organizational affiliation.
(2)
The instruction required under subsection (b) may be provided in a classroom setting, through the viewing of a video, or through the neview of online resources or materials, as determined by the department of education.
(3)
Each LEA and public charter school shall determine how best to incorporate the instruction required under subsection (b) into the school year.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 800,s 1, eff. 4/23/2024.
Acts 2005, ch. 202, § 1; 2009 , ch. 153, § 1; 2011 , ch. 251, § 1; 2012 , ch. 992, § 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 10 - CURRICULUM GENERALLY (§§ 49-6-1001 — 49-6-1035) › Section 49-6-1017 - Sexual violence awareness curriculum

(a)
Subject to the guidance and approval of the state board of education, local boards of education are urged to develop a sexual violence awareness curriculum for presentation at least once in grades seven (7) and eight (8) and at least once, preferably twice, in grades nine through twelve (9-12), as part of the wellness, family life, safety, or other existing curricula. The curriculum should include instruction to increase students' awareness and understanding of teen dating violence and sexual violence, including, but not limited to, date rape, acquaintance rape, stranger rape, statutory rape, rape prevention strategies, resources and support available to victims of teen dating violence and sexual violence, and prosecution of crimes associated with teen dating and sexual violence.
(b)
The curriculum should address, in age-appropriate language, topics including, but not limited to:
(1)
What teen dating violence is;
(2)
What sexual violence is, and specifically, what date rape, acquaintance rape, stranger rape, and statutory rape are and the dangers of sexual violence;
(3)
What are the methods and means of avoiding and preventing victimization from teen dating violence or sexual violence;
(4)
How alcohol and other drugs are used to facilitate date rape or acquaintance rape, and the dangers of these substances;
(5)
Why there is a need for prompt medical attention and medical evaluation of victims of sexual violence;
(6)
What is the nature and prevention of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases;
(7)
How to preserve forensic evidence of sexual violence and specifically what victims should and should not do after being sexually assaulted;
(8)
Who are the authorities to whom teen dating violence and sexual violence should be reported in a timely manner, including, but not limited to, identification of and telephone numbers for local law enforcement personnel to whom sexual crimes should be reported;
(9)
What persons, including school personnel, and organizations provide support and resources for victims of teen dating violence and sexual violence; and
(10)
What are the penalties and long-term consequences resulting from conviction of sexual crimes, including, but not limited to, rape and statutory rape.
Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248,s 10, eff. 5/2/2019.
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 10 - CURRICULUM GENERALLY (§§ 49-6-1001 — 49-6-1035) › Section 49-6-1018 - Governor's Civics Seal

(a)
There is established the Governor's Civics Seal to recognize public schools and local education agencies that implement high-quality civic education programs that prepare students for career and civic life.
(b)
The department of education shall identify on the state report card:
(1)
Each school earning the Seal as a Tennessee Excellence in Civics Education School; and
(2)
Each local education agency in which at least eighty percent (80%) of the LEA's schools earn the Seal as a Tennessee Excellence in Civics Education District.
(c)
The department shall develop, and the state board of education shall adopt, criteria that a school must meet to earn the Seal. The criteria must require the school to:
(1)
Incorporate civic learning across a broad range of grades and academic subjects that build on the Tennessee academic standards, such as the civics lesson plans and the blue book lesson plans provided by the secretary of state;
(2)
In accordance with §
49-6-1028
, provide instruction regarding our nation's democratic principles and practices, the significant events and individuals responsible for the creation of our foundational documents, and the formation of the governments of the United States and the State of Tennessee using the federal and state foundational documents;
(3)
Provide professional development opportunities or student resources that facilitate civics education, such as civics education workshops offered by the secretary of state;
(4)
Provide opportunities for students to engage in real-world learning activities, including the secretary of state's student mock election and civics essay contest;
(5)
Have fully implemented a high-quality, project-based assessment in accordance with §
49-6-1028(d)
, if applicable; and
(6)
Be recognized as a civics all-star school in accordance with §
49-6-408
, if applicable.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 375, s 2, eff. 7/1/2013.
Acts 2005, ch. 202, § 1; 2011 , ch. 251, § 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 10 - CURRICULUM GENERALLY (§§ 49-6-1001 — 49-6-1035) › Section 49-6-1020 - Recycling program

Each public school, under the guidance of the school's LEA, is encouraged to adopt a recycling program.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248,s 59, eff. 5/2/2019.
Acts 2006, ch. 797, § 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 10 - CURRICULUM GENERALLY (§§ 49-6-1001 — 49-6-1035) › Section 49-6-1022 - School health program - School health coordinator and specialist in physical education

(a)
Each LEA is authorized to implement a coordinated school health program under the guidelines developed by the commissioner of education, in consultation with the department of health, pursuant to §
49-1-1002
, during the 2006-2007 school year, and shall implement the program by the 2007-2008 school year.
(b)
To assist with the implementation and support of coordinated school health programs, there are created in the department of education the positions of school health coordinator and specialist in physical education. The school health coordinator shall coordinate and oversee the implementation of coordinated school health programs in LEAs, provide continuing support for coordinated school health programs and perform other duties that may be assigned by the commissioner. The specialist in physical education shall serve as a resource and support person for any LEA with regard to implementation of physical education programs, provide information to LEAs relating to physical education and relating to professional development for physical education instructors and perform other duties that may be assigned by the commissioner.
Acts 2006, ch. 1001, § 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 10 - CURRICULUM GENERALLY (§§ 49-6-1001 — 49-6-1035) › Section 49-6-1023 - [Repealed] Reserved

Repealed by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725, s 37, eff. 4/18/2018.
Acts 2007 , ch. 174, § 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 10 - CURRICULUM GENERALLY (§§ 49-6-1001 — 49-6-1035) › Section 49-6-1024 - Instruction in school safety issues

(a)
In reviewing the lifetime wellness standards, the department of education shall consider including instruction in current and appropriate school safety issues, to include drugs, alcohol, weapons, bomb threats, emergency evacuations and violent school incidents.
(b)
The department is encouraged to collaborate with the University of Tennessee in developing school safety instructional materials and course objectives.
(c)
The department shall review the United States department of homeland security's guidelines and other topically-relevant issues for inclusion in school safety programs.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 999,s 5, eff. 4/27/2016.
Acts 2007, ch. 238, § 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 10 - CURRICULUM GENERALLY (§§ 49-6-1001 — 49-6-1035) › Section 49-6-1025 - Art and music education

(a)
The course of instruction in all public schools for kindergarten through grade eight (K-8) shall include art and music education to help each student foster creative thinking, spatial learning, discipline, craftsmanship and the intrinsic rewards of hard work.
(b)
Local boards of education are encouraged to fully implement the art and music standards adopted by the board of education through both art and music classes, as well as integration into other core academic subjects.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 999,s 6, eff. 4/27/2016.
Acts 2008, ch. 983, § 1.
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 10 - CURRICULUM GENERALLY (§§ 49-6-1001 — 49-6-1035) › Section 49-6-1027 - [Repealed] Reserved

Repealed by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725, s 38, eff. 4/18/2018.
Acts 2008 , ch. 1195, § 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 10 - CURRICULUM GENERALLY (§§ 49-6-1001 — 49-6-1035) › Section 49-6-1029 - [Repealed] Reserved

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248, s 61, eff. 5/2/2019.
Acts 2010 , ch. 1045, §§ 1, 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 10 - CURRICULUM GENERALLY (§§ 49-6-1001 — 49-6-1035) › Section 49-6-1030 - Teaching scientific subjects in public schools

(a)
The state board of education, public elementary and secondary school governing authorities, directors of schools, school system administrators, and public elementary and secondary school principals and administrators shall endeavor to create an environment within public elementary and secondary schools that encourages students to explore scientific questions, learn about scientific evidence, develop critical thinking skills, and respond appropriately and respectfully to differences of opinion about scientific subjects required to be taught under the standards developed by the state board of education.
(b)
The state board of education, public elementary and secondary school governing authorities, directors of schools, school system administrators, and public elementary and secondary school principals and administrators shall endeavor to assist teachers to find effective ways to present the science curriculum taught under the standards developed by the state board of education as it addresses scientific subjects that may cause debate and disputation.
(c)
Neither the state board of education, nor any public elementary or secondary school governing authority, director of schools, school system administrators, or any public elementary or secondary school principal or administrators shall prohibit any teacher in a public school system of this state from helping students understand, analyze, critique, and review in an objective manner the scientific strengths and scientific weaknesses of existing scientific theories covered in the course being taught within the standards developed by the state board of education.
(d)
This section only protects the teaching of scientific information, and shall not be construed to promote any religious or nonreligious doctrine, promote discrimination for or against a particular set of religious beliefs or nonbeliefs, or promote discrimination for or against religion or nonreligion.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 999,s 9, eff. 4/27/2016.
Acts 2012, ch. 670, § 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 10 - CURRICULUM GENERALLY (§§ 49-6-1001 — 49-6-1035) › Section 49-6-1031 - Extracurricular activities

(a)
Each school shall notify the parents or legal guardians of all clubs and organizations available to students attending such school by prominently displaying the information in the school's student handbook, or other standard or policy guidebook that contains the policies and procedures of the school and is distributed annually. The list shall include:
(1)
The names of the clubs and organizations, including any abbreviations or acronyms;
(2)
The mission and purpose of the clubs and organizations;
(3)
All financial requirements associated with membership in the club or organization; and
(4)
Notification of the option set forth in subsection (b) to prohibit a student from participating in any club or organization.
(b)
(1)
A school shall not allow a minor student to become a member of a club or organization, or allow a minor student to participate in any activity of a club or organization, unless the student's parent or legal guardian first provides consent to the student's membership or participation in a dated, written consent.
(2)
As used in this subsection (b), "minor student" means a student who is not eighteen (18) years of age or older.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 353,s 4, eff. 7/1/2023.
Acts 2012 , ch. 990, § 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 10 - CURRICULUM GENERALLY (§§ 49-6-1001 — 49-6-1035) › Section 49-6-1032 - Program to promote participation of K - 12 grade students in community gardening - Elective credit permitted

In cooperation and consultation with the department of health and the department of finance and administration, the state board of education shall develop and implement a program to promote the participation of students in kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) in the development and maintenance of community gardens, as defined in §
43-24-102
. Such program may include, but is not limited to, offering elective credits for students' participation in community gardening.
Acts 2014 , ch. 556, § 2.