House Bill 91, also known as Senate Bill 636, mandates that the Tennessee Department of Education submit a request by January 1, 2026, to the United States Department of Education to amend the state's Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan. The proposed amendment seeks to eliminate all end-of-course assessment requirements for high school students in grades nine through twelve (9-12). Instead, the bill allows for the administration of the ACT, SAT, or another postsecondary readiness assessment approved by the commissioner of education to fulfill accountability requirements for students, schools, and districts.

The bill emphasizes the shift from traditional end-of-course assessments to alternative assessments that are more aligned with postsecondary readiness. This change aims to enhance the evaluation of student performance and accountability measures within the education system in Tennessee. The act will take effect upon becoming law, prioritizing the public welfare.