Senator Joey Hensley Speaks About the 114th General Assembly Discussions on Education

Senator Joey Hensley released details from the 114th General Assembly involving education. These details include new framework for turning around low-performing schools, expanding school turnaround program, preparing for deregulation of education at the federal level, strengthening communication between parents and schools, and notifying parents of school threats. Under the new system, local school districts will have more power to put turnaround plans into action for underperforming institutions. School turnaround initiatives were previously the responsibility of Achievement Schools Districts (ASD). The objective of improving the lowest-performing schools in Tennessee has not been continuously achieved by this program. This year, legislation was approved to replace Achievement Schools Districts (ASD) with a new structure that maintains a close relationship with the state while giving local school districts more authority. A new law makes the School Turnaround Pilot Program permanent. It is an intervention program that was first started in 2021 with the goal of enhancing student growth, success, and other appropriate metrics. The program’s legal vendor will be paid more for schools that achieve the exit requirements and successfully finish the program, which is intended to encourage favorable outcomes. The Act expands the number of participating schools from five to fifteen, adding five new schools annually on a three-year cycle, and makes the program permanent. The General Assembly is also preparing for the changes that will be made to the U.S. Department of Education. Lastly, communication clarifies when parental approval is required and updates the 2024 Family Rights and Responsibilities Act, allowing educators and school personnel to confidently administer basic, non-emergency care, such as bandaging, without worrying about facing legal repercussions. Also, informing parents if their child’s school is threatened and reporting the incident in a timely manner.