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SB 506

Local Education Agencies - As introduced, exempts an LEA or public charter school from having to assign a third-grade student who is not proficient in English language arts a tutor through the Tennessee accelerating literacy and learning corps if the state does not appropriate sufficient funds to allow each LEA and public charter school to provide the required tutoring; conditions the requirement that LEAs participate in the learning loss remediation and student acceleration program on the availability of state appropriations for the program. - Amends TCA Title 49.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

SB 506 exempts Tennessee schools from mandatory third-grade literacy tutoring and learning loss remediation if state funding is insufficient, making compliance conditional on appropriations.

Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Education Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 506

Legislative bill overview

SB 506 makes Tennessee's tutoring requirements for struggling third-grade readers and learning loss remediation programs contingent on adequate state funding. Rather than mandating these services regardless of budget constraints, schools would only be required to provide them if the state appropriates sufficient funds to cover the costs.

Why this is important

Reading proficiency by third grade is a critical academic milestone that correlates with long-term educational success. This bill directly impacts whether struggling readers receive required intervention services, potentially affecting thousands of students' educational trajectories and widening achievement gaps if funding proves insufficient.

Potential points of contention

  • Accountability vs. flexibility: Critics may argue this creates an escape clause for mandatory literacy intervention, while supporters contend schools shouldn't face unfunded mandates that strain limited budgets
  • Equity concerns: Schools in lower-wealth districts may face deeper service cuts if state funding is insufficient, potentially disadvantaging students who most need intervention
  • Implementation uncertainty: Schools and families won't know with certainty whether services will be available until appropriations are finalized, complicating planning and setting expectations

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

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