UT Knoxville Highlights Successes at House Education Summer Study
As House Education Committee members gathered for their summer study, an item of significance on their agenda was a presentation by UT Knoxville Interim Chancellor Wayne Davis about recent accomplishments of the campus, its students, and faculty. The presentation was made at the request of retiring House Education Instruction and Programs Committee Chair Rep. John … Continued
Vote to Tie Quality Assurance Funding to Teacher Preparation Programs Deferred Until Next Week
Lawmakers in the House Education Instruction & Programs Subcommittee heard testimonies from several individuals this week on a bill that would impact how higher education performance funding is awarded in Tennessee—tying part of the funding, the entire “quality assurance” portion—to outcomes from one specific academic area: Teacher Preparation Programs. A vote was ultimately deferred until … Continued
Spotlight on Teacher Prep Programs
Teacher preparation programs took center stage this week as both House Education Committees heard presentations on the topic coordinated by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) and the State Board of Education. The presentation largely focused on the results of a new state report card aimed at providing more accountability for higher education teacher preparation … Continued
Compromised Diversity Bill Passed
With the legislature rapidly approaching adjournment, sponsors of SB 1912 and its companion bill HB 2248 came to a compromise on a bill that will defund the University of Tennessee- Knoxville’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion. The bill would restrict all state funds from being expended by the University to promote the use of gender … Continued
It’s Back: Bill That Threatens Accreditation of State-Based Psychology Training Programs Added to Legislative Calendars, Vote Anticipated Soon
A bill allowing students in state university counseling, psychology, and social work programs to arbitrarily refuse treatment to certain patients has been put on notice in both the House and Senate, meaning lawmakers will likely be voting on the proposal in a matter of days. New accrediting standards issued by the American Psychological Association make … Continued