Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 0520 - Education
"Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee, Title 0520 - Education" encompasses the administrative rules governing various aspects of education in Tennessee, primarily under the purview of the Tennessee State Board of Education and, to some extent, the Tennessee Department of Education and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC).
You can find the official compilation of these rules on the Tennessee Secretary of State's website and often on legal research platforms like Cornell Law School's Legal Information Institute (LII).
Here's a general overview of the key areas typically covered under Title 0520:
Subtitle 0520-01 - State Board of Education Rules, Regulations, and Minimum Standards for the Operation of the Public School System: This is a very comprehensive section and includes rules related to:
District and School Operations: This covers how school districts are organized and operate, including fiscal accountability standards, school approval, and alternative education programs.
Academic and Instructional Requirements: Rules pertaining to curriculum standards, graduation requirements, academic assessment, and instructional practices.
School Facilities: Regulations concerning the construction, maintenance, and safety of school buildings.
Pupil Transportation: Rules for school bus operations and student transportation.
Child Nutrition Programs: Regulations for school meal programs.
Career and Technical Education: Rules governing vocational and technical education programs.
Special Education Programs and Services: Regulations for providing services to students with disabilities, including Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
Individualized Education Accounts (IEAs) and Education Savings Accounts (ESAs): Rules for these programs that provide funding for students to attend approved non-public schools or receive other educational services.
Education of Justice-Involved Students: Regulations for providing educational services to students in correctional facilities.
School and Student Health Services: Rules related to student health, including health screenings and administration of medication.
Charter Schools: Regulations for the establishment, operation, and oversight of charter schools, including the Achievement School District.
English as a Second Language Programs: Rules for supporting English language learners.
Civil Rights Compliance: Regulations ensuring non-discrimination in educational programs.
Dyslexia Individualized Learning Plans: Rules related to supporting students with dyslexia.
Interscholastic Athletics: Regulations for high school sports.
Education Freedom Scholarships: Recently implemented rules related to scholarship programs.
Subtitle 0520-02 - State Board of Education Teacher Regulations: This subtitle focuses on educators and includes rules for:
Educator Licensure: Requirements for obtaining and maintaining teaching licenses in Tennessee.
Evaluations: Procedures and standards for evaluating educators.
Educator Preparation: Rules for teacher preparation programs.
Employment Standards: General employment standards for educators.
Other Notable Subtitles/Chapters within Title 0520:
0520-05 - State Textbook Commission: Rules related to the adoption and use of textbooks and instructional materials.
0520-07 - State Board of Education Non-Public Schools: Rules for the approval and oversight of private schools.
0520-12 - Department of Education Office of the Commissioner: Includes rules for school-administered child care programs, procedures for contested cases, and public records.
0520-14 - Charter Schools: Specific rules related to charter schools, including waiver requests and the Achievement School District.
0520-15 - Public Records Requests: Procedures for requesting public records from the Department of Education.
For Higher Education:
While Title 0520 primarily covers K-12 education, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) has its own set of rules and regulations, often found under a different Title (e.g., Title 1540). These regulations govern:
Authorization of Postsecondary Institutions: Rules for institutions seeking to operate in Tennessee, including both public and private colleges and universities.
Program Registration and Approval: Requirements for academic programs offered by institutions.
Student Data and Reporting: Rules for institutions to provide student-level statistical data.
Tuition and Fees: Regulations related to tuition credits or refunds, particularly for military service members.
How to Access the Rules:
The most reliable way to access the full and up-to-date text of these regulations is through the Tennessee Secretary of State's Official Compilation of Rules and Regulations. Many legal databases also provide access to these, but always cross-reference with the official source for the most current information.
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