News Summary

Tennessee lawmakers have approved new bills affecting middle and high school students, focusing on social media safety, the success sequence, and classroom distractions. These changes aim to improve the educational environment by mandating lessons on digital wellness and restricting cell phone usage. Additionally, new policies will boost recess duration in elementary schools and expand teacher scholarships. Concerns over potential stigmatization and restrictive enrollment policies have emerged as part of this evolving educational landscape.

Tennessee Schools Implement New Legislation for the 2025-2026 School Year

Nashville, Tennessee – State lawmakers in Tennessee have approved several new education-related bills that will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year, bringing significant changes to the classroom environment and curriculum for students in grades six through twelve.

A central component of the legislation mandates that all students in middle and high school receive education on social media and internet safety. This includes lessons focused on artificial intelligence and digital wellness, designed to inform young people about the long-lasting impact of their online actions.

The law, sponsored by Rep. Aron Mayberry (R-Clarksville), aims to empower students to recognize the permanence of their online footprint. Additionally, students will be introduced to a concept known as the success sequence, which emphasizes key life milestones: high school graduation, further education or employment, marriage, and then family. According to Rep. Gino Bulso (R-Brentwood), this educational sequence is based on research from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that supports its effectiveness in improving life outcomes.

However, some Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. London Lamar (D-Memphis), have raised concerns regarding the potential stigmatization of students with diverse family backgrounds who may not adhere to this traditional sequence.

In an effort to enhance focus within the classroom, another bipartisan law has been implemented to restrict cell phone usage during instructional time. With overwhelming support from both sides of the aisle, this measure aims to minimize distractions for students, promoting a better learning environment.

In elementary schools, there will also be changes to physical activity provisions, with recess time increasing from 15 to 40 minutes a day based on research suggesting that more recess can lead to fewer disruptions in the classroom.

To further support the educational workforce, legislation has been enacted to expand the Future Teacher Scholarship program, encouraging more students to consider careers in teaching.

An additional requirement now mandates that at least one school staff member at each institution undergo annual training in seizure safety and first aid, enhancing the safety protocols within schools.

The new laws are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025, which aligns with the state’s push for fostering a productive and safe educational environment for all students.

In a related context, the Metro Nashville Public Schools board unanimously voted to remove equity and diversity policies in compliance with new state mandates emerging from the “Dismantling DEI Act,” reflecting an ongoing shift in educational policy in the state.

Additionally, there is legislation under consideration that would create more restrictive enrollment policies based on students’ immigration status, leading to significant protests and debate among advocacy groups. The House Education Committee has advanced a bill that would allow districts to refuse enrollment to students who cannot verify their legal immigration status, which could also put more than $1 billion in federal education funding at risk. This measure would grant districts the option to charge tuition to students lacking sufficient paperwork.

With these legislative changes, parents and guardians in Tennessee can expect new rules and policies that will impact student engagement and behavior in classrooms across the state, highlighting a broader pivot in the approach to education and school safety dictated by current state legislation.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Shelby County Board Proposes Changes to MSCS Elections
Memphis School Board Considers New Cellphone Policy
Tennessee Lawmakers Propose Takeover of Memphis Schools
Tennessee Lawmakers Initiate $6 Million School Audit
Push for State Oversight of Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Memphis Schools Face $17 Million Federal Funding Crisis
Shelby County Commission Postpones Budget Amendments Meeting
New Laws Transform School Operations in Memphis
Senator Shane Reeves Faces Scrutiny Over Business Grants
Tennessee Expands School Choice with Education Freedom Scholarships

Additional Resources

• WKRN News: New Tennessee Education Laws
• Tennessean: Nashville Schools End DEI Compliance
• Nashville Banner: Tennessee Immigration Bill
• Google Search: Tennessee education laws
• Tennessee Lookout: GOP Bill on Education Denial

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