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SB 471

Education, Curriculum - As enacted, establishes that family life curriculum must include age-appropriate instruction and evidence regarding the positive personal and societal outcomes associated with the method by which a person completes the following in sequential order: obtains a high school diploma or high school equivalency credential; enters into the workforce or pursues a postsecondary degree or credential; enters into marriage; and has children. - Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 6, Part 13.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Janice Bowling

Tennessee requires family life curriculum to teach the "success sequence" (diploma, work/college, marriage, children) as producing positive outcomes, effective July 2026.

Pub. Ch. 224
#curriculum #education
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Bill Summary · SB 471

Legislative bill overview

SB 471 mandates that Tennessee's family life curriculum include instruction on the "success sequence"—completing education, entering the workforce or pursuing further education, getting married, and having children in that specific order. The law requires schools to teach age-appropriate evidence about positive personal and societal outcomes associated with following this sequence.

Why is this important

Family life curriculum shapes how students understand life planning and social structures. This bill directly influences what values and pathways schools present as normative, potentially affecting student decision-making around education, career, relationships, and family formation. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, giving schools time to develop compliant curriculum materials.

Potential points of contention

  • Prescriptive sequencing: The law mandates a specific life order that may not reflect diverse family structures, economic circumstances, or cultural values; critics argue this narrows legitimate life pathways
  • Evidence interpretation: Disagreement exists over which research demonstrates causation versus correlation in the success sequence, and whether selective evidence presentation constitutes balanced education
  • Religious and secular values: The curriculum prioritizes marriage before childbearing, which aligns with certain religious frameworks but may conflict with secular or alternative worldview instruction some families prefer
  • Age-appropriateness concerns: Defining what constitutes "age-appropriate" instruction on this sequence for younger grades lacks objective standards and could vary by implementation

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

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