Coronavirus Tennessee
Candidates hold widely divergent views on charter schools, vouchers, book bans, and third-grade retention
The recovery comes after a three-year slide
Some candidates worry that national culture wars will overshadow local education issues
In an exclusive interview with Chalkbeat, Joris Ray discusses how he has managed to stay positive amid turmoil
A House panel voted 5-4 to defeat a bill that critics said aimed to correct a voucher law overturned by judges.
While Tennessee’s largest school district continues to recommend masks, parents can now opt their children out of wearing a face covering.
Tennessee law prevents district leaders from switching to remote learning without approval from state education officials, causing desperation and disruption for school officials and families.
The proposal would target districts that don’t offer 180 days of annual in-person instruction beginning Sept. 1, 2022
Parents’ divided views on COVID safety measures may reflect the conflicting covid policies that abound in Tennessee.
Nearly 4,000 fewer students are enrolled in Memphis’ public schools, including charters, this school year, according to the district’s 60-day counts.
As of Monday, 14% of students and teachers and 29% of school support staff currently have COVID or had been exposed to the virus, the district said
Teachers and families are increasingly frustrated with Tennessee laws barring online learning amid the omicron surge.
Omicron surge prompts more remote waiver requests
Shelby County Schools is expanding testing, continuing to require masks
The health department’s announcement comes as some schools across the U.S. opt to extend winter break in preparation for omicron
The Friday ruling effectively blocks the state’s recently-passed law that’s meant to prohibit schools from enacting mask mandates
In the meantime, Shelby County Schools students will continue masking and quarantining as they have all school year
State officials blame pandemic-related disruptions to education
1,000 Memphis children ages 5-11 will be vaccinated by Saturday
Parents are taking different actions as a result of the conflict. Some even are pulling their children out of public schools.
Days after Gov. Bill Lee signed into law sweeping changes that restrict COVID safety protocols, families, teachers, and school officials remain confused.
A federal judge’s injunction allows the county to continue pursuing reasonable accommodations to ensure students with disabilities have equal access to education.
Legal challenges are likely over conflicting state and federal laws
In Thursday’s court filing, the county said it would like to continue overseeing COVID mitigation efforts, authority that the state may soon limit.
Most Americans back universal mask wearing in schools, but the issue remains hotly contested in Tennessee.
Chalkbeat wants to hear from you about recently passed legislation setting different requirements for mask mandates in public schools and private schools.
The measure heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk.
Proposals for partisan school board races advance too
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