Tennessee Senate Bill SB0901

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 1 and Title 49, Chapter 6, relative to student retention.

Note

The direct modifications to existing statutes in Title 49 indicate a shift towards a more structured approach in tackling issues related to student retention, with a strong emphasis on ensuring that students are adequately supported through targeted educational interventions.

Impact

The amendments presented in SB0901 are likely to influence how educational institutions manage the retention of students. By mandating attendance at a camp designed specifically to address learning deficiencies, the bill encourages proactive measures to help students improve academically. This could result in better preparedness for students transitioning into subsequent grades and potentially reduce the number of students who face retention due to inadequate competency in essential subjects.

Summary

Senate Bill 901 (SB0901) proposes amendments to the Tennessee Code Annotated, particularly within Title 49, which pertains to education. The bill primarily addresses student retention policies, stipulating that students must attend a 'learning loss bridge camp' prior to the upcoming school year and maintain a 90% attendance rate at this camp to avoid retention. This adjusted requirement aims to ensure that students who have experienced learning loss have the opportunity to catch up before progressing to the next grade level.

Contention

While the bill aims to support at-risk students, it may be met with some opposition concerning the feasibility and accessibility of the proposed bridge camp. Concerns may arise about whether all students can attend such camps and the implications for those from varying socioeconomic backgrounds. The requirement for a 90% attendance could also raise issues regarding how attendance is monitored and managed, and some educators may question the efficacy of camps in genuinely addressing learning loss compared to other educational initiatives.