Education Secretary Defends Cuts that Could Impact Tennessee Schools
Linda McMahon fielded questions from Senators about her department’s proposed smaller budget.
Something is Missing from the Memphis School Intervention Debate
Opponents brought up union concerns this week, but didn’t mention students.
Tennessee On Pace For Record-High FAFSA Completion Numbers
The THEC announced that nearly 55,000 seniors completed a FAFSA for the 2025-2026 academic year, ranking first in the nation and the highest level of FAFSA engagement in state history.
Legislative Session Wraps with Late Drama, Key Reforms, Historic Investments
One unresolved question was whether lawmakers might further expand the number of families who can use tax dollars for private school expenses.
State Oversight of Memphis-Shelby County Schools Heads to Governor’s Desk
The House voted to adopt legislation that creates an oversight board over certain school districts, including MSCS. It now heads to Governor Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
House Members Debate Whether Charter Schools are “Real” Public Schools
Rep. Slater pushed back on Rep. Clemmons’ criticism of public charter schools.
State Oversight of Memphis-Shelby County Schools Moves Closer to Passage
The Senate voted to approve an oversight board with far-reaching powers for Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) beginning next school year.
Lawmakers Consider Late Change to Expand Education Savings Account Program
An amendment under consideration would expand the scope of who can qualify to use tax dollars for private school expenses.
Innovation Committee Chooses Not to Recommend Reductions in State Testing
Members instead provided multiple proposals to improve teacher evaluations and CTE.
Lawmakers Approve Historic Funding for Public Charter Schools
The plan passed despite Rep. Clemmons’ attempt to strip the funding that supports high-performing schools serving his district.
Senate Passes Reduced Expansion of Education Freedom Scholarship Program
The legislation now heads to Governor Bill Lee’s desk.
Education Freedom Scholarships Expansion Moves Forward
The House’s version of the legislation increases the number of available scholarships by 15,000.
Bill to Close Underperforming Virtual Schools Passes House
House Bill 2420 will require the state to close virtual schools falling “significantly below expectations” for three consecutive years.
SCORE Report Finds Academic Improvement Linked to Coaching and Grants
The report suggests that postsecondary students who receive persistent coaching and grants are more likely to return to campus for a second year.
Protecting Religious Liberty and Expression in Public Schools Act Tabled for Summer Study
The bill would require public schools to set aside a period for prayer and the reading of religious texts, namely the Bible.
Nursing Group Backs Knoxville Representative’s Proposals to Improve School Nurse Access
Rep. Elaine Davis is sponsoring three bills, including one that’s up for a vote Tuesday.
House Advances Smaller Expansion of the Education Freedom Scholarship
The amended legislation reduces the expansion of scholarships from 20,000 to 15,000.
Charlie Kirk Act Moves Past House Education Committee After Stern Discussions
The debate on the bill moved into a tense discussion about the Civil Rights Act and DEI.
Accountability Hearing Finds East Tennessee Virtual School Isn’t Taking Daily Attendance
Carter County leaders say the failing virtual school is only taking weekly attendance.
Education Freedom Scholarship Expansion Moves to Senate Floor
Supporters say the expansion is needed because the program has reached its 20,000-scholarship capacity for two consecutive years.