The Tennessee Senate approved Senate Bill 416 last week, which ensures school districts have access to high-quality instructional materials tailored for virtual learning.
This bill, sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin), addresses an issue in state law that has made it difficult for virtual schools to use the best available educational resources.
Currently, all Tennessee schools—including virtual schools—are required to use textbooks from the state-approved textbook commission list. However, these lists do not include materials specifically designed for virtual instruction, creating a dilemma for districts striving to provide top-tier online education…