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HB 1729

Education - As introduced, allows student performance on the Classic Learning Test to be used alongside the ACT and SAT for various purposes; makes various changes to home school testing requirements and opportunities available to home school students. - Amends TCA Title 49.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by William Slater

The bill allows CLT to be used alongside ACT and SAT for college readiness, admissions, and testing options, including for home-schooled students and public school reporting.

Signed by H. Speaker
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Bill Summary · HB 1729

Summary of HB 1729 (Session 114) – Tennessee

Bill intent: Expand assessment options for home school students and public schools by allowing the Classic Learning Test (CLT) to be used alongside ACT and SAT for various purposes, add CLT-related testing opportunities, and adjust testing/remedial requirements for home school students. The bill makes numerous amendments to Tennessee Code Annotated Title 49.

Key Provisions

1) Home school testing options (expanded assessments)

  • Replaces current requirement in certain grades with choice of test:
    • For home school students in grades 5, 7, and 9, the parent-teacher may administer:
    • (A) A nationally normed test in English language arts and mathematics proctored by an unrelated examiner, with results recorded by the test developer; the parent-teacher covers costs.
    • or
    • (B) The same state board–approved standardized tests required of public school students in the same grade, administered by the commissioner or designee or by a professional testing service approved by the LEA; for grade 9, the test cannot be an end-of-course exam.
  • All results from tests under this subsection must be provided to the parent-teacher, the director of schools, and the state board of education.

2) Remedial and progression provisions for underperforming home school students

  • If a home school student does not test proficient:
    • If the student scores at or above “approaching” on a test listed in (A)(ii) or below the 50th percentile but above the 25th percentile on a test in (A)(i): the parent-teacher must consult with the director of schools.
    • If the student scores “below” on a test in (A)(ii) or below the 25th percentile on a test in (A)(i):
    • The same test must be readministered within one year (if applicable to the schedule).
    • The parent-teacher must consult with a state-licensed teacher with appropriate certificate/endorsement to design remedial coursework; the remedial plan must be reported to the director of schools.
  • If a student completes the remediation in the same subject matter for two consecutive test administrations and is not diagnosed with a learning disability by a qualified medical professional, the director of schools may require enrollment in a public, private, or church-related school (parent retains rights to respond).

3) Expanded test universe and public school reporting

  • Adds CLT and CLT10 (see definitions) to the list of tests associated with advanced coursework and preparatory college entrance examinations.
  • Public schools must post on their website:
    • Dates/times for advanced courses or preparatory exams.
    • Student capacity and availability.
    • Availability of financial aid for low-income or at-risk students to take these exams.

4) Inclusion of CLT in college entrance exam preparations

  • Adds CLT and CLT10 to the set of tests that can be used for college readiness and admissions pathways, alongside ACT, SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, and others.

5) Definitions and pilot programs

  • Defines CLT and CLT10:
    • CLT: Classic Learning Test administered by Classic Learning Initiatives, LLC.
    • CLT10: A preparatory exam for CLT administered by Classic Learning Initiatives, LLC.
  • Revises language around pilot after-school programs to focus on at-risk students in grades 7–9, preparing them for ACT, SAT, or CLT pathways and related preparatory exams.

6) Data and outcomes

  • Section 49-6-6010 and related sections are updated to include CLT alongside ACT and SAT for reporting and assessment purposes (e.g., proficiency, graduation rates, and scores).

7) Effective date

  • The act takes effect upon becoming law.

Identifier Summary

  • Jurisdiction: Tennessee
  • Title: Education
  • Primary focus: Allow CLT alongside ACT/SAT; expand testing options for home school students; modify remedial pathways; require school notices regarding advanced/prep testing; incorporate CLT into definitions and reporting.

Who Is Affected

  • Home school students in grades 5, 7, and 9 (testing option changes and remediation procedures).
  • Home school parent-teachers (responsible for test selection and remediation planning).
  • Public schools (policy updates to reflect CLT options; posting requirements; offering space for CLT/CLT10 and other prep exams).
  • Students seeking advanced or preparatory college entrance examinations (CLT/CLT10 included).
  • School administrators (directors of schools) and teachers involved in remediation and course design.

Timing and Process

  • Tests administered for home school students may be chosen by the parent-teacher, with costs borne by the parent.
  • If remediation is required, timelines include readministration within one year and creation of a remedial plan.
  • Public schools must publicly post testing opportunities and financial assistance information.
  • The act is effective upon becoming law.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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