As your family settles back into upcoming school routines, it’s a good time to brush up on a few new laws that could affect your child’s school day. From classroom technology and reading support to lessons on American history, several new Tennessee school laws are taking effect this school year in public and charter schools.
Here’s a look at what has changed — and what it could mean for your family this school year:
New Tennessee School Laws for the 2026–27 School Year:
What You Need to Know
Elementary Students Will Spend Less Time on Digital Devices
Tennessee now requires public school districts and public charter schools serving kindergarten through fifth grade to adopt policies that reduce unnecessary screen time during the school day.
The law encourages more teacher-led, face-to-face instruction while still allowing technology when it is needed for:
- Classroom instruction
- State testing
- Dyslexia screenings
- Special education accommodations
- Other approved educational purposes
What this means for parents: You may notice fewer lessons delivered on laptops or tablets in elementary classrooms.
Parents Must Be Notified About Classroom Evacuations
If a classroom must be evacuated because of a student’s violent, aggressive or severely disruptive behavior, schools must notify the parents or guardians of every student who was in that classroom.
Under the new law:
- Parents generally must be notified by the end of the same school day.
- Notification may be delayed only if it would interfere with an active emergency or law enforcement investigation.
- Schools must also keep records documenting these incidents.
Schools May Teach More About Religion’s Role in American History
Tennessee’s Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act allows public schools and public charter schools to include instruction about the positive influence of religion — particularly Judeo-Christian values — on American history.
Teachers may use historical examples such as:
- The Pilgrims
- The Founding Fathers
- The First Great Awakening
- The abolitionist movement
- The Civil Rights Movement
- The ministry of Billy Graham
What this means for parents: The law is optional, not mandatory. It allows educators to include these topics but does not require schools to change their curriculum or teach the listed examples.
Student Attendance Records Will Follow School Transfers
Students can no longer receive a “fresh start” with attendance when they transfer to another Tennessee public or charter school during the school year.
Instead, attendance records—including unexcused absences—will transfer with the student to help schools more consistently enforce truancy laws.
Parents Will Have More Information About Student Testing
Public schools must now publish an annual list showing:
- Which tests are required by the State of Tennessee.
- Which assessments are required by the local school district.
What this means for parents: Families will have a clearer picture of the testing their children complete each school year.
New Protections for Student-Athletes Who Transfer Schools
A new Tennessee law allows middle and high school student-athletes to make a one-time summer transfer and remain immediately eligible to participate in sports, provided they meet the law’s requirements and the transfer is not related to prohibited recruiting.
Schools Can Apply for Grants to Prevent Youth Violence and Substance Abuse
Tennessee has created a three-year pilot grant program that allows selected school districts to offer educational programs focused on:
- Preventing youth violence
- The dangers of tobacco, vaping, alcohol and illegal drugs
The program will be administered through the Tennessee Department of Education.
What You Should Know
These new laws are designed to improve communication between schools and families, reduce unnecessary classroom screen time, strengthen student safety and increase transparency. If you have questions about how a law will be implemented, contact your local school district, as each district will adopt its own policies to comply with the new state requirements.
