Today, you will receive a letter from us regarding HB1183 and SB0503 (Education Freedom Scholarship Accounts), which are making their way through committees on the House and Senate sides. The fiscal memo is located here. The House bill will be in the Education Administration on Wednesday, and the Senate bill will be in the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday.
House education leaders have received a lot of input from stakeholders, including Professional Educators of Tennessee, on the many additions to their bill. We have made it clear that we oppose universal vouchers. But public opinion suggests that support for universal vouchers is complicated, varying by state, program design, and how the polling questions are asked. That is why we want to go directly to our educators and get your opinion– unfiltered.
Here is a summary of the key points from the House version:
- The proposed legislation introduces Education Freedom Scholarship Accounts (EFSA), which are awarded based on priority categories like household income levels. Only U.S. citizens not enrolled in homeschooling can benefit. The award amount is $7,075. Schools must be accredited and operational in TN for three years (except Category 1 schools). Legislators and cabinet members cannot benefit from the program.
- The Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) funding formula will be revised by increasing weights for small and sparse districts and adding an infrastructure fee.
- Standardized testing would be reduced and aligned to federal minimums, adding 300+ hours of classroom time. The ACT would be used to meet federal standards. Here is what the amendment outlines:
- Grades 3-9: A standardized state assessment in English language arts and mathematics each year
- Grades 3-5: A standardized state assessment in science, administered once sometime between third and fifth grade.
- Grades 6-9: A standardized state assessment in science, administered once sometime between sixth and ninth grade.
- Grades 10-12: A standardized state assessment in science, administered once sometime between 10th and 12th grade.
- Grades 6-8: A standardized state assessment in social studies, administered once sometime between sixth and eighth grade.
- Grade 11: A postsecondary readiness test, like the ACT or SAT
- Public schools get protections like not counting transfers in 2nd semester against scores. Athletic recruiting rules would align with TSSAA.
- The Achievement School District would dissolve in 2026.
- Districts gain flexibility around retakes for struggling students, scheduling options, improvement planning frequency, and intervention/tutoring counts towards requirements.
- Teachers could opt into a state healthcare plan, with increasing state contribution.
- Evaluation frequency decreases based on performance levels.
- Teaching licenses are extended to 8 years from 5. Classroom time is prioritized over non-teaching duties.
In summary, besides statewide vouchers, the legislation aims to provide education funding options, increase district funding, reduce the standardized testing burden, increase public school and district flexibilities, and offer benefits for teachers like reduced evaluations and extended licenses.
Please let us know your thoughts.
Are you a public school educator or parent?
Do you support this legislation?
_____ YES, but only with the additions proposed by the House.
_____ NO, I am still opposed.
Please add any comments that we can share with legislators:
