Tennessee’s top education official is stepping down from her post. Penny Schwinn has served as education commissioner since 2019, implementing major logistical and academic changes.
How a Tennessee law could limit students from classroom books as teachers scramble to catalog each one
A new state law requires all public schools in Tennessee to post a list of materials available in their libraries. But not all districts realized the rule also applies to classroom libraries.
Despite slow school voucher rollout, some Tennessee families have been scrambling to get them
Not a single Nashville or Memphis family has been approved to participate in Tennessee’s Education Savings Account program, also referred to as school vouchers. The controversial program received the go-ahead from a panel of judges just this month.
Critical race theory was one of the hottest topics in Tennessee’s legislative session, but only one complaint made it to the state’s education chief
Tennessee lawmakers have been smack dab in the middle of the national hoopla about bans limiting what can be discussed about race and gender in public schools. But during the most recent school years, only one complaint was filed, and it was denied.
Tennessee’s embattled school voucher program gets the go-ahead from a panel of judges
A three-judge panel has given the green light to Tennessee’s controversial Education Savings Account program. The decision came down after a lengthy court hearing Friday.
Tennessee’s new vouchers could shake up public schools, but as classes resume it’s still wait-and-see
It’s unlikely that Nashville public schools will face an exodus of students because of Tennessee’s Education Savings Account Program anytime soon. In addition to Metro Schools, ESAs are open to students in Memphis-Shelby County Schools and the Achievement School District.
Help wanted: Tennessee boosts teacher apprenticeship program with $20M
Tennessee’s program to develop and train more teachers is expanding its reach. The state is investing $20 million in the Grow Your Own initiative, with the goal of increasing the number of teachers in the state.
Tennessee Senate confirms State Board of Education pick, whose online store sold ammunition used in a school shooting
Gov. Bill Lee nominated Knoxville businessman Jordan Mollenhour last year to the board that creates policies for the state’s K-12 public schools. Critics say Mollenhour’s ammunition business clouds his resume.
Tennessee Officials Propose How They’re Going To Enforce The New State Law That Limits Teaching Of Race In Schools
The Tennessee Department of Education put out proposed rules Monday on a new state law that limits teaching race in schools. It spells out how people can file complaints, and what enforcement of the vague law will actually look like.
Tennessee Targets $100M In Federal Money As Lagging Literacy Rates Worsen From COVID
This week, the state is launching a program meant to improve the literacy of Tennessee’s school students. Reading 360 is a $100 million initiative from the state Department of Education.
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM