House Bill 2795: An Act Mandating Gateway and Exit Testing on Non-Public School Students

Author:
Representative G. A. Hardaway

Summary:
This bill would subject non-public school students, including homeschool students, to additional state testing. It would require them to take subject matter tests based upon state-approved textbooks. It would also require them to pass the Tennessee comprehensive assessment program tests before receiving a high school diploma. These new testing requirements would also apply to students being taught at home through extension or satellite programs of church-related schools. This is a companion bill to Senate Bill 3412.

This bill is the most threatening legislation to the freedoms of homeschooling families in many years. It should be opposed.

Status:

1/17/2008		Introduced and first consideration
1/23/2008		Refered to Education Committee
1/20/2008		Assigned to Special Initiatives Subcommittee
1/27/2008		Action deferred in Special Initiatives of Education to 3/19/2008
3/19/2008		Failed in Special Initiatives Subcommittee

HSLDA's Position:
HSLDA strongly opposes this legislation.

Action Requested:
None at this time.

Other Resources

E-lert—February 22, 2008—Tennessee: Testing Bill—Rep. Hardaway’s Contact Information

E-lert—February 29, 2008—Tennessee: More Calls Needed to Stop Testing Bill

E-lert—March 24, 2008—Tennessee: Testing Bill Dies!

Bill Text   (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)