Senate Bill 1960, also known as House Bill 1857, amends Tennessee education law to require public schools, including charter schools, to provide specialized instruction on the Fourth of July during the school year. The bill emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical significance of the Fourth of July and the foundational principles of the United States. Each school is mandated to designate one instructional day to teach students in grades K-12 about the founding of the nation, the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution, ensuring that the instruction is age-appropriate and aligns with state academic standards.
The bill outlines specific educational objectives for different grade levels, focusing on foundational concepts for younger students, historical context for middle schoolers, and analytical skills for high school students. If a school fails to provide the required instruction before the last school day, it must observe the Fourth of July on that day and deliver the necessary content. The instruction must remain nonpartisan and educational, centering on historical facts and civic principles. The act is set to take effect for the 2026-2027 school year and subsequent years.