The 114th Tennessee General Assembly has officially concluded its session, having enacted a series of initiatives designed to enhance K-12 education across the state. Among the notable changes, school districts are now permitted to seek approval for online instructional materials that do not consist of traditional textbooks, provided these resources align with state educational standards. Furthermore, students enrolled in virtual learning programs will have the opportunity to participate in sports governed by the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) or compete for their designated zoned schools.
In a move to provide greater flexibility, accredited fully-online private schools will see a relaxation of regulations concerning class sizes, scheduling, and vaccination requirements. Additionally, local school districts are empowered to offer merit-based compensation to recognize and reward high-performing teachers. To combat the ongoing teacher shortage, the Tennessee Future Teacher Scholarship program has been broadened, reducing service obligations in specific areas and extending eligibility to recipients of the HOPE Scholarship.
The legislative session also established a joint advisory committee tasked with reviewing various aspects of the educational landscape, including teacher evaluations, standardized testing protocols, teaching permits, career and technical education (CTE) course substitutions, and educator compensation structures. A comprehensive statewide study is set to be conducted to pinpoint effective practices for teacher evaluation, with the results expected to be presented to the Senate Education Committee by January 31, 2026.
In addition to these measures, elementary school students will now benefit from a mandated 40 minutes of physical activity each day. Schools are also required to implement policies that restrict the use of personal devices in classrooms, allowing exceptions only for educational or health-related purposes. Senator Joey Hensley emphasized that these new laws are designed to bolster support for educators, enhance student outcomes, and ultimately make Tennessee a more desirable place for families to live, work, and thrive.