House Bill 2277, also known as Senate Bill 2403, amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to education, specifically focusing on local assessments and the Tennessee universal reading screener. The bill introduces a new section requiring public schools to submit an annual list of all local assessments administered to students, including details such as the name, subject area, grade level, and administration schedule. This information must be compiled into an online database by the Department of Education, allowing for public access and comparison across schools and districts. Additionally, the bill establishes an assessment review board tasked with reviewing the Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP) tests to identify areas for instructional improvement.

The bill also makes several amendments to existing laws regarding the use of the Tennessee universal reading screener. It specifies that each local education agency (LEA) and public charter school must administer this screener to students in kindergarten through grade three and allows for its use in compliance with dyslexia screening requirements. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that results from the screener cannot be used for accountability determinations for schools or LEAs. The amendments aim to enhance transparency in assessment practices and ensure that teachers have the necessary tools to evaluate student progress effectively. The provisions of the bill will take effect on July 1, 2026, for certain sections, while others will become law immediately.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-1-302(d)(2)(B)(iii), 49-1-302, 49-1-302(d)(2)(B), 49-1-903(8)(A), 49-1-903, 49-1-905, 49-5-5619(a)(3)(F), 49-5-5619, 49-6-903(a), 49-6-903, 49-6-1502, 49-6-1508, 4-29-249(a), 4-29-249