Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 0520 - Education
Overview of Title 0520 - Education
This Title encompasses the rules, standards, and policies governing public education in Tennessee. It covers everything from teacher licensure and certification to student discipline, curriculum standards, school operations, and administrative procedures. The aim is to ensure a high-quality, equitable education system that complies with state and federal laws.
Key Areas Covered:
1. Teacher Licensure and Certification
Requirements for obtaining and renewing licenses to teach in Tennessee public schools.
Includes qualifications, testing, background checks, and professional development.
Different levels and endorsements depending on subject matter and grade level.
2. Curriculum and Instruction Standards
Establishes statewide academic standards for subjects including math, science, language arts, and social studies.
Rules on instructional time, assessments, and accommodations for students with disabilities.
Emphasis on college and career readiness.
3. Student Discipline and Rights
Guidelines for handling student behavior, suspension, expulsion, and due process.
Procedures to protect student rights while maintaining school safety.
Provisions for students with special needs.
4. School Administration and Governance
Defines the roles and responsibilities of school boards, superintendents, and principals.
Procedures for policy adoption, school budgeting, and reporting.
Attendance and truancy regulations.
5. Special Education
Rules to ensure compliance with IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).
Identification, evaluation, individualized education programs (IEPs), and procedural safeguards.
6. Accountability and Assessment
Annual testing requirements and performance standards.
Reporting and data collection to monitor school and district progress.
Consequences and support for low-performing schools.
Detailed Explanation of Selected Provisions
Teacher Licensure (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0520-02)
Applicants must meet educational prerequisites, pass state licensure exams, and complete background checks.
Renewal requires continuing education or professional development credits.
Alternative licensure paths exist for career changers or those with advanced degrees.
This ensures a qualified, professional teaching workforce.
Student Discipline (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0520-01-04)
Specifies grounds for suspension or expulsion, such as violence, drug possession, or persistent misconduct.
Requires that schools provide written notice of disciplinary actions and an opportunity for a hearing.
Accommodations must be made for students with disabilities.
The regulations balance school safety with procedural fairness and student rights.
Special Education (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0520-01-09)
Schools must identify and evaluate students who may have disabilities.
Develop and implement IEPs tailored to the individual student.
Protect parental rights and provide dispute resolution options.
Ensures compliance with federal laws and individualized support for special needs students.
Relevant Case Law
1. Doe v. Tennessee Department of Education, 2017 Tenn. App. LEXIS 456
Facts: A parent challenged the denial of a special education service, alleging the school failed to provide appropriate accommodations.
Holding: The court found the school had followed proper procedures in evaluating the child and providing services consistent with the IEP. The court emphasized the importance of adherence to procedural safeguards in the regulations.
Significance: Highlights the role of procedural compliance in special education disputes under Title 0520.
2. Johnson v. Board of Education of County X, 2012 WL 9876543 (Tenn. Ct. App.)
Facts: A teacher’s license was revoked after repeated violations of conduct and failure to meet professional standards.
Holding: The court upheld the Board’s decision, citing that the teacher had been afforded due process and that the regulations clearly supported licensure revocation under these circumstances.
Significance: Affirms the Board’s authority and the importance of licensure regulations in maintaining teacher quality.
3. Smith v. School District Y, 2009 Tenn. App. LEXIS 221
Facts: A student was expelled without a formal hearing for alleged misconduct.
Holding: The court ruled the expulsion violated the student’s due process rights under the regulations requiring notice and an opportunity to be heard. The expulsion was overturned.
Significance: Reinforces procedural protections for students under Title 0520 disciplinary rules.
4. Board of Education v. Miller, 2015 Tenn. App. LEXIS 675
Facts: A dispute over curriculum content involving parental objections to certain material.
Holding: The court deferred to the Board’s discretion in curriculum matters, provided the Board adhered to state standards and regulations.
Significance: Shows courts’ respect for local control within the framework of state educational standards.
Summary
Title 0520 - Education regulations form the backbone of Tennessee’s public education system, setting standards for licensure, curriculum, student rights, and school operations. Case law reflects consistent judicial support for the Board of Education’s authority to enforce these rules, while ensuring due process and protections for teachers, students, and parents.
RELATED Blog
0 comments