House Bill 485 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 49-6-3004, by adding a new subsection (j) that allows local education agencies (LEAs) and public charter schools to provide up to four days of hybrid learning as part of the required 180 days of classroom instruction. This provision can be utilized during dangerous or extreme weather conditions or emergencies, as determined by the school directors. The bill stipulates that kindergarten students must receive at least four hours of instruction each day, while students in grades one through twelve must receive at least six and a half hours. Additionally, LEAs and public charter schools are required to implement policies for tracking student attendance and participation during remote instruction.

The bill also mandates that services outlined in a student's individualized education program (IEP) must be available on hybrid learning days. If an LEA or public charter school exhausts the four authorized hybrid learning days in a school year, they may request additional days from the commissioner in cases of natural disasters or serious health outbreaks. The definition of "hybrid learning" is provided, indicating a mix of in-person and remote instruction. This act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-6-3004