The Tennessee State Board of Education is one step closer to allowing high school students to opt out of some world language graduation requirements.¶
During its meeting on Wednesday, the department’s board unanimously approved the first reading of a new policy that would allow some students to substitute elective courses for one of the two required world language credits. The board considered a related proposal earlier in the year, but this version adds new requirements and provisions to clarify its language.¶
Background
At its meeting last February, the board delayed a proposal to allow students to opt out of some world language requirements. Supporters argued that the rules for waiving fine arts or language courses need to be clearer so students can utilize the credit to focus on electives. A handful of current students and graduates attended to plead with the board to keep the world language graduation requirements in place. In turn, the board asked its staff to revise the proposal.¶
This week, Michael Deurlein, Executive Director of Policy and Research at the state Board of Education, addressed members regarding the proposed changes. Deurlein said the updates were primarily meant to increase the clarity of the rule changes.¶
“This followed nearly eight months of discussion and stakeholder engagement on this topic,” Deurlein said. “During that February meeting, members discussed the need to improve language related to the process by which students can waive world language or fine arts credits, expressing a desire to ensure that process was clear and intentional.”¶
Updates to the rule aim to make the waiver process clearer and more purposeful. While the original proposal allowed parents to sign a waiver allowing their children to opt out of world language courses in favor of more career-oriented courses, new provisions now link the waivers to each student’s High School and Beyond Plan (a personalized academic and career planning tool that evaluates a student's path to college and a career) and require input from school staff while still maintaining the requirement that parents provide written approval. The department will also create guidance and a standard waiver form for schools to use.¶
Board member Jordan Mollenhour expressed his approval of the board’s progress so far.¶
“I watched our meeting from last month just to refresh myself on the conversation that was had, and I think that we've made great progress here,” Mollenhour said. “The team's done great work, but I will commit to working with you, Michael (Derulein), to get this thing maybe polished a little bit more for second reading.”¶
Other Rule Revisions
The proposed rule revisions would also remove the requirement that world language courses must be taken in the same language and update a student’s elective focus course areas and expectations, including adding world language as an area of focus, and clarifying that students may switch focus areas if appropriate and in alignment with the student’s High School and Beyond Plan.¶
