Memphis, September 23, 2025
News Summary
Memphis-Shelby County Schools will start implementing a state-mandated gun safety curriculum for K-12 students. This initiative aims to educate children on firearm safety, with lessons tailored by Physical Education teachers. The curriculum addresses critical safety topics appropriate for each grade level and promotes responsible behavior regarding firearms. Community forums will be held for parents to discuss the curriculum and express their concerns. The district emphasizes a safe educational environment, with no real firearms used during instruction.
Memphis Implements New State-Mandated Gun Safety Curriculum for K-12 Students
Memphis
Starting Monday, instructors at Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) will begin teaching a new state-required gun safety curriculum for K-12 students. This initiative comes as part of a Tennessee law that mandates students complete a gun safety course each school year, aimed at reducing gun-related incidents and promoting responsible behavior regarding firearms.
The district has selected Physical Education (P.E.) teachers to deliver the curriculum across all schools. Physical Education Teacher Tammy Chapman from Berclair Elementary is customizing the curriculum specifically for the district’s needs, leveraging the strong rapport P.E. teachers have with students to effectively engage them in the material. MSCS Director of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Amy Maples has assured that the curriculum will be age-appropriate and designed to minimize student anxiety while addressing sensitive topics.
The objectives of the course differ by grade level but generally cover important themes such as safety at home and school, making smart choices, and what to do if a firearm is found. For younger students in Kindergarten to 2nd grade, the curriculum will introduce basic firearm safety terms and teach the crucial rules: Stop and Don’t Touch, Leave the Area, and Tell an Adult. Role-playing scenarios will also be utilized to help younger students effectively navigate situations involving firearms.
For students in grades 3 to 5, the training will be similar but will put an emphasis on demonstrating mature attitudes towards firearms. Students in grades 6 through 12 will receive additional training focusing on the proper storage of firearms and statistics concerning gun-related incidents in Tennessee. This comes in light of Tennesseeโs ranking as the third state in the nation for accidental shootings involving children.
This year alone, Memphis has witnessed at least 65 shootings involving individuals aged 17 or younger, highlighting the urgency behind incorporating such instruction into the school curriculum. Despite the state’s mandate, parental reactions have been mixed. Some express support for the instruction, acknowledging its importance, while others voice concerns about the necessity of such lessons for younger pupils.
As stipulated by state law, parents are not permitted to opt out of these gun safety lessons. To facilitate discussions and address any parental questions, MSCS will host two community forums on September 18 and 19. The initial community meeting will be a virtual event on Thursday at 5:30 p.m., followed by an in-person forum at Dexter Middle School on Friday at 9 a.m. The forums will include presentations from experts in the medical and law enforcement fields, along with interactive activities and resources to help parents understand the curriculum better.
Throughout the instructional sessions, MSCS assures that no real firearms will be utilized, prioritizing a safe educational environment for all students. This new mandate aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to handle firearms responsibly and promote a safer community.
Key Features of Gun Safety Curriculum
| Grade Level | Curriculum Focus | Key Safety Rules |
|---|---|---|
| K-2 | Basic firearm safety terms, identifying toy guns vs. real guns | Stop and Don’t Touch, Leave the Area, Tell an Adult |
| 3-5 | Mature attitudes towards firearms and exit exercises | Similar to K-2 |
| 6-12 | Proper firearm storage, statistics on gun-related incidents | Age-appropriate safety measures |
FAQ
What is the new curriculum implemented by Memphis-Shelby County Schools?
Starting Monday, instructors at Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) will begin teaching a new state-required gun safety curriculum for K-12 students.
Who is responsible for teaching the gun safety curriculum?
The district has selected Physical Education (P.E.) teachers to deliver the curriculum across all schools.
What are some main objectives of the gun safety course?
The objectives of the course differ by grade level but generally cover important themes such as safety at home and school, making smart choices, and what to do if a firearm is found.
What do parents think about the gun safety curriculum?
Parents have mixed reactions; some support the instruction while others are concerned about its necessity for younger students.
Will parents be able to opt out of the gun safety lessons?
State law does not permit parents to opt out of the gun safety lessons.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Memphis Schools Implement New Gun Safety Curriculum
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Concerns Mount Over Safety in Memphis-Shelby County Schools
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Armed Attack at Germantown High School Raises Security Concerns
Levi Elementary School Temporarily Locked Down After Shooting Nearby
Lockdown at Levi Elementary School in Memphis Following Gunfire
Additional Resources
- Action News 5: P.E. Teachers Instruct Required Gun Safety Courses
- Wikipedia: Gun Safety
- Fox 13 Memphis: MSCS Rolls Out Firearm Safety Curriculum
- Google Search: Gun Safety Education
- Tennessee Lookout: Memphis Voters Approve Gun Safety Measures
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Safety
- WREG: MSCS Shares Firearm Safety Curriculum with Parents
- Google News: Gun Safety Curriculum
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
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