Tennessee

The proposed rule change would allow schools to move students with disabilities to a more restrictive environment before conducting a full behavioral assessment if there are disruptive behaviors. Disability advocates say decisions to move students with disabilities should be made sparingly.

A summer benefits program that helped Tennessee families pay for groceries is no longer available in most counties, so community organizations are stepping up.

The Memphis-Shelby County school board approved a $1.9 billion budget for the upcoming school year that will also resurrect school break learning academies. But the district scaled back some critical fire and safety upgrade proposals, including fire alarm upgrades in a number of schools.

For the first time in five years, most low-income Tennessee students will not receive summer grocery benefits to help bridge the gap before school starts back. Advocates warn Tennessee’s decision to reduce its program will harm students.

A forensic audit of Memphis-Shelby County Schools is set to begin in July. Tennessee lawmakers earmarked $6 million for the deep dive into the district’s finances and administration.

Penny Schwinn used to be the state schools chief in Tennessee, where some conservatives criticized her track record.

Tennessee received over 33,000 applications just hours after it launched the voucher program, which Gov. Bill Lee applauded.

Some districts invested pandemic relief money in instructional coaches and increased time spent on math. Test scores suggest that strategy’s paying off.

Lawmakers approved a cellphone ban and new turnaround model for public schools, but a bill targeting undocumented students failed.

Lawmakers approve a forensic audit and vow to keep the legislation alive.

Legislation approved Monday introduces a new intervention model for low-performing schools before the 2026-27 school year.

The legislation outlines how elected board members could be removed and replaced, and calls for prior review of large contracts and expenditures.

The legislation would introduce a new intervention model for low-performing schools before the 2026-27 school year.

The controversial ‘success sequence’ bill heads to Gov. Bill Lee for his signature. It would be required beginning in the 2026-27 school year.

Community leaders are divided about what type of intervention is needed.

Revised legislation would allow districts to charge families tuition for students who aren’t in the country legally, in a challenge to federal law.

The proposals are unconstitutional, the sponsors acknowledge. Enactment could set up a challenge to federal protections in place since 1982.

Elected board would continue in an ‘advisory capacity.’ Critics warn that the bill could open the door for the state to encroach on local control in other districts.

Following the firing of Superintendent Marie Feagins, Republican state Rep. Mark White is proposing stripping power from the district