Update/Memo

On Friday, Jan. 22, the legislature completed its Extraordinary Session of the 112th General Assembly. During the session, lawmakers passed $160 million of education bills aimed at improving literacy rates, correcting the loss of in-person learning, and reconciling standardized testing rules disrupted by COVID-19. On Monday, Feb. 8, the assembly will gavel back into regular session and Gov. Bill Lee will deliver his State of the State address. The bill-filing deadline is Feb. 11.

Here is a summary of the bills passed:

  • SB7001/HB7003:
    • Extends hold harmless provisions from the 2019-20 school year to the 2020-21 school year so that students, teachers, schools and districts do not face any negative consequences associated with student assessments.
    • Provides parents and educators with assessment data including TCAP testing to provide an accurate picture of where Tennessee students are and what supports are needed to offset any learning losses.
  • SB7002/HB7004: “Tennessee Learning Loss Remediation and Student Acceleration Act”
    • Requires interventions for struggling students such as after-school learning programs, learning loss bridge camps and summer camps.
    • Prioritizes students who are lagging in both reading and math proficiency.
    • Creates the Tennessee Accelerated Literacy and Learning Corps to provide tutoring for the entirety of the school year.
    • Strengthens laws around a third grade reading gate so we no longer advance students who are not prepared.
  • SB7003/HB7002: “Tennessee Literacy Success Act”
    • Ensures local education agencies (LEAs) use a phonics-based approach for kindergarten through third grade reading instruction.
    • Establishes a reader screener for parents and teachers to identify when students need help, well before third grade.
    • Provides training and support for educators to teach phonics-based reading instruction.

Weekly Bill Report (View/Download/Print PDF)