SB1320: Eliminate Obsolete Literacy Report Requirement in Education Law
TN Gen. Assy Bill: SB1320
Bill Summary
- Topic: Education
- Provision Removed: Eliminates the outdated requirement for the Department of Education to provide a report by July 1, 2024.
- Collaboration: Report was to be prepared in partnership with the state board and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.
- Report Focus: Implementation of legislation concerning student literacy.
- Recipients: Report aimed for legislative committees.
Risks & Considerations
- The removal of the obsolete provision regarding the report on student literacy implementation suggests a shift in legislative priorities or a completion of the intended goals. This could indicate a stabilization in the approach to student literacy, reducing the immediate need for oversight and reporting.
- While the removal of the reporting requirement may streamline processes, it could also reduce transparency and accountability in tracking the progress of student literacy initiatives. This might impact stakeholders who rely on such reports for data-driven decision-making.
- Vanderbilt University should consider how this change might affect its involvement in literacy programs and partnerships with the Tennessee Department of Education, particularly if there are shifts in funding or strategic focus.
Impacted Programs
- Peabody College of Education and Human Development may need to adjust its research focus or advocacy efforts related to literacy education, especially if there are changes in state priorities or funding allocations.
- The Office of Community Engagement might need to reassess its collaborations with local schools and literacy programs to ensure continued support and alignment with state educational goals.
Financial Impact
- The removal of the reporting requirement could lead to a reallocation of resources within the Tennessee Department of Education, potentially affecting funding for literacy initiatives. Vanderbilt may need to monitor these changes to anticipate any impacts on its programs and partnerships.
- There may be opportunities for Vanderbilt to engage in new research or pilot programs aimed at improving literacy outcomes, particularly if the state seeks alternative methods to assess and enhance literacy education.
Relevance Score: 2 (The change presents minor considerations for the university to address, primarily in terms of program alignment and potential funding shifts.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s Financial Aid Office should evaluate the implications of the “Speak UP, Tennessee Scholarship Act” which provides scholarships for students demonstrating artistic excellence in spoken word poetry. This could impact the university’s recruitment strategies and financial aid offerings, particularly for students with artistic talents.
- The Office of the Provost should consider the potential impact of the expanded quality non-degree credentials eligible for the Wilder-Naifeh technical skills grant. This may require adjustments in program offerings to align with state-supported credentials and attract students seeking these opportunities.
- Vanderbilt’s Institutional Research Office should prepare to support the Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s reporting requirements by providing data on student academic outcomes and financial support. This will ensure compliance and potentially influence state policy decisions.
- The Office of Government and Community Relations should engage with the Tennessee Higher Education Commission to understand the implications of the executive director’s expanded role in the selection process for chief executive officers of public institutions. This could affect leadership dynamics and strategic planning at Vanderbilt.
Opportunities
- The introduction of the “Speak UP, Tennessee Scholarship Act” offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Department of English to develop partnerships with high schools and community organizations to identify and nurture spoken word talent, potentially increasing the university’s visibility and appeal to prospective students.
- By aligning with the expanded non-degree credential offerings, Vanderbilt’s Career Center can enhance its support services for students pursuing technical skills, thereby improving employability and career outcomes for graduates.
- The requirement for the Tennessee Higher Education Commission to report on tuition discounts and waivers presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Policy Analysis and Research Center to contribute insights and recommendations that could shape future state education policies.
Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures to align with new scholarship opportunities and reporting requirements.)
Timeline for Implementation
N/A – No timeline is provided because the legislation merely removes an obsolete requirement (the report by July 1, 2024) without imposing a new deadline.
Relevance Score: 1
Impacted Government Organizations
- Tennessee Department of Education: The legislation removes a provision that previously required the department to submit a report on student literacy implementation.
- Tennessee State Board of Education: The state board is mentioned as a partner in providing the report.
- Tennessee Higher Education Commission: This commission is also identified as a collaborator in the report preparation process.
Relevance Score: 2 (A moderate number of state agencies are directly affected by the legislative changes.)
Responsible Officials
- N/A – The text simply removes an outdated reporting requirement without assigning any new directive or implementation responsibility to any specific official.
Relevance Score: 1 (The change does not impact any agency head or mid-level management as it removes an obsolete provision.)