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SB 1487

Local Education Agencies - As introduced, requires, with certain exceptions, each LEA and public charter school to implement a computer-based system that must be used by its teachers and school staff to collect data of early warning signs demonstrated by students enrolled in the LEA or public charter school. - Amends TCA Title 16; Title 37 and Title 49.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Tennessee schools must adopt computer systems to flag at-risk students via data collection, raising concerns about funding, privacy, and inconsistent implementation across districts.

Placed on Senate Education Committee calendar for 2/25/2026
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Bill Summary · SB 1487

Legislative bill overview

SB 1487 mandates that Tennessee's local education agencies (LEAs) and public charter schools implement computer-based early warning systems to track students showing behavioral, academic, or attendance red flags. The bill amends state education and child welfare codes to establish this data collection requirement across public schools.

Why is this important

Early warning systems can help identify struggling students before they disengage or drop out, potentially improving intervention outcomes and graduation rates. However, the bill establishes a significant new data collection and technology infrastructure requirement that schools must fund and maintain, with implications for student privacy, data security, and resource allocation.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and implementation burden: Unclear how schools will fund "computer-based systems" or which students qualify as "early warning signs," potentially creating unfunded mandates on already strained school budgets
  • Data privacy and security: Large-scale collection of student behavioral/academic data raises concerns about privacy protection, data breach risks, and potential misuse of sensitive information
  • Definitional clarity: Vague language around what constitutes "early warning signs" and the exceptions could lead to inconsistent implementation and potential over-identification of certain student populations (disabilities, minorities)

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

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