SB1077: Require American Civics Course for Public College Degree Completion

TN Gen. Assy Bill: SB1077

Sponsor: Johnson

View Original

Bill Summary

Curricula Development: Mandates the Institute of American Civics at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, to develop materials and curricula for a baccalaureate course covering American government or American history.
Student Requirement: Requires every student enrolled in a public higher education institution to complete a course incorporating the developed curricula before earning a baccalaureate degree.
Legislative Amendments: Proposes amendments to TCA Title 49, Chapters 7, 8, and 9.

Risks & Considerations

The requirement for all students in public institutions of higher education to complete a course in American government or history could lead to increased demand for faculty and resources in these areas. This may necessitate hiring additional staff or reallocating existing resources, which could impact other programs.
There is a potential risk of curriculum standardization across public institutions, which might limit academic freedom and the ability to tailor courses to specific student needs or institutional strengths.
The implementation of this requirement could lead to logistical challenges, such as scheduling and ensuring that all students have access to the necessary courses before graduation.
Vanderbilt University, while a private institution, may need to consider how this shift in public education requirements could influence its own curriculum offerings and student expectations.

Impacted Programs

Department of History at Vanderbilt may see increased interest in its American history courses, potentially leading to opportunities for collaboration with public institutions or the development of complementary programs.
Political Science Department could experience a similar increase in demand for courses related to American government, which might necessitate adjustments in course offerings or faculty resources.
The Office of Academic Affairs may need to monitor these changes to ensure that Vanderbilt’s curriculum remains competitive and aligned with broader educational trends.

Financial Impact

While the direct financial impact on Vanderbilt University may be limited, there could be indirect effects if public institutions receive additional funding to support the development and implementation of these courses.
Vanderbilt might explore opportunities for grants or partnerships related to curriculum development in American civics, potentially enhancing its academic offerings and reputation in this field.
Changes in public education requirements could influence the applicant pool for Vanderbilt, as students may seek institutions that offer robust programs in American government and history.

Relevance Score: 3 (The bill presents moderate risks involving compliance or curriculum adjustments.)

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 Tennessee Higher Education Commission changes, including the addition of the executive director to the selection process for chief executive officers, should be monitored by Vanderbilt’s administration. Understanding these changes will be crucial for aligning the university’s leadership strategies with state policies.
Vanderbilt’s Office of Institutional Research should prepare to contribute to the required reports on tuition discounts and waivers. This will involve evaluating the utilization, state financial support, and student academic outcomes, which could influence future tuition policies and financial planning.

Opportunities

The introduction of the “Speak UP, Tennessee Scholarship Act” offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Department of English and Creative Writing to develop programs that support and attract students interested in spoken word poetry, potentially enhancing the university’s reputation in the arts.
The expanded authority of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s executive director presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt to engage more directly with state education leaders, potentially influencing higher education policy and securing support for university initiatives.
By participating in the evaluation of tuition discounts and waivers, Vanderbilt can position itself as a leader in advocating for equitable access to higher education, potentially influencing state policies to benefit its student body.

Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures due to changes in scholarship opportunities and state education commission roles.)

Average Relevance Score: 2.2

Timeline for Implementation

N/A – No specific deadlines or timelines are provided in the directive text, so an implementation deadline cannot be determined.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

University of Tennessee, Knoxville: As the designated institution for developing American civics curricula for a baccalaureate degree course, this university is directly responsible for implementing the new educational material requirements.
Public Institutions of Higher Education in Tennessee: All state public institutions are mandated to ensure that students complete a course including American government or history prior to graduation, thereby being directly impacted by the amended TCA Title 49 chapters.

Relevance Score: 1 (A small number of agencies, specifically 2, are impacted by this legislation.)

Responsible Officials

Institute of American Civics, University of Tennessee, Knoxville – Tasked with developing the requisite American civics materials and curricula as mandated by the legislation.

Relevance Score: 3 (The directive targets a director-led academic unit responsible for curriculum development, impacting deputy or director-level officials within the institution.)