Bill > SB0246

This bill requires the Tennessee Department of Education to establish a working group focused on improving educational strategies and support for English Language Learner (EL) students in K-12 public schools. The working group will include directors of EL programs, state board of education members, department of education representatives, experienced EL educators and advocates, and state legislators. Their mandate is to comprehensively study best practices for EL education, seeking input from experts and examining strategies to enhance student outcomes, such as expanding professional development for educators, creating an EL teaching endorsement, implementing instructional techniques like scaffolding and collaborative learning, providing explicit vocabulary instruction, offering regular assessments and feedback, and encouraging family involvement through multilingual resources and engagement opportunities. By January 1, 2026, the group must submit a detailed report to legislative education committees with their findings and potential legislative recommendations. Notably, working group members will serve voluntarily without compensation or travel reimbursement. The bill will take effect immediately upon becoming law, reflecting the state's commitment to supporting EL students and educators.

Education

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0246&ga=114