News Summary
Tennessee is set to enact 177 new laws affecting schools, including a universal school voucher program that offers up to $7,000 in scholarships to low-income families. Other regulations include restrictions on social media access, new physical education mandates, and improved oversight of child advocacy services. Schools must also enhance security measures and provide a new curriculum focusing on internet safety. The laws highlight a significant shift towards promoting educational choices and student well-being in Tennessee.
New Tennessee Laws Affecting Schools Take Effect July 1
Nashville, TN – Beginning July 1, Tennessee will implement 177 new laws that significantly impact the state’s educational system. Among these regulations is a universal school voucher program, which will allow families to apply for scholarships to help cover the costs of enrolling their children in private schools.
The new universal school voucher program offers scholarships of up to $7,000, and in its first year, there are 20,000 scholarships available. These scholarships are specifically allocated to assist low-income families, providing them with options for education beyond public schools.
In addition to the voucher program, the laws impose new technology-related regulations on schools. Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, schools must adopt policies that prohibit student access to social media through the school’s internet. Furthermore, a new curriculum focusing on social media and internet safety will be required for students in grades 6-12. This curriculum is designed to educate students about acceptable online behavior, the dangers of misinformation, and general internet safety.
New Restrictions on Device Usage
Tennessee schools will now require public school districts to implement policies that restrict the use of wireless communication devices, such as smartphones, during instructional time. Teachers will have the authority to confiscate these devices if they disrupt the classroom environment.
Physical Education Mandate
The laws also introduce a mandate for physical activity within elementary schools, requiring students to engage in at least 40 minutes of exercise each school day. This measure aims to promote physical health and well-being among younger students.
Support and Safety Enhancements
Alongside educational enhancements, the new laws provide for improved oversight of child advocacy services with increased funding, ensuring better support for at-risk youth. Schools will also see an upgrade in security measures, with new regulations requiring clear window films or security glazing for buildings that are newly constructed or remodeled.
Furthermore, a new law expands foster care services, allowing support for young adults up to 23 years old. It also mandates that all employees who have close interactions with students undergo background checks, increasing safety in educational environments.
Curriculum Changes and Penalties
The legislation includes the “Success Sequence Act,” which requires family life curricula to focus on essential steps for achieving success after high school. Additionally, lawmakers have addressed child abuse with new regulations classifying it as a Class E felony for offenses involving children aged 9 to 17, thereby increasing penalties for offenders caught in such actions.
Stricter penalties are also applied to vendors selling age-restricted products, such as hemp and tobacco, to minors. This represents a significant step towards protecting children from harmful substances.
Religious Education Opportunities
Moreover, a separate bill allows local educational agencies and charter schools to incorporate Bible courses into their curriculums. This measure reinforces educational freedom by enabling the study of religious texts in a school setting.
Conclusion
Overall, the new laws set to take effect across Tennessee represent the most significant changes in education in recent years. With a focus on providing families with educational choices, improving student safety, and enhancing support services, these regulations aim to shape a supportive and effective learning environment for all students in Tennessee.
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Additional Resources
- WBIR: New Tennessee Laws in Effect
- Tennessean: Tennessee Education Laws
- Chattanooga Pulse: New Laws in Tennessee
- Fox13 Memphis: New State Laws in Tennessee
- WSMV: TN School Districts Cell Phone Rules
- Wikipedia: Education in Tennessee
Author: HERE Nashville
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