MEMBERSHIP | PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT | ADVOCACY

Welcome Back to the 2020-2021 School Year

On behalf of the Tennessee Alternative Education Association’s Board, we would like to thank each of you for your personal commitment and compassion for our students. During these uncertain times, please take a moment to reflect on the many students you have inspired, helped graduate and succeed in life.

Just as you are there for your students; we are here for you. Should you have any questions or concerns, we encourage you to reach out to us.

Lee Farris

Vice-President/Treasurer

State of Tennessee House Bill No. 664

BILL SUMMARY
ON APRIL 30, 2019, THE HOUSE ADOPTED AMENDMENTS #2 AND #3 AND PASSED HOUSE BILL 664, AS AMENDED.

AMENDMENT #2 rewrites this bill and revises certain provisions of present law regarding alternative schools. Present law authorizes local boards of education to establish alternative schools for students in grades 1-6 who have been suspended or expelled from the regular school program and requires that at least one alternative school be established and available for students in grades 7-12 who have been suspended or expelled. Under present law, attendance in an alternative school is voluntary unless the local board of education adopts a policy mandating attendance in either instance. 

This amendment revises the above provisions to instead provide that students in grades 7-12 who have been suspended or expelled from the regular school program must be assigned to an alternative school or alternative program if there is space and staff available. Under this amendment, attendance in an alternative school will be voluntary for students in grades 1-6 who have been suspended or expelled from the regular school program unless the local board of education adopts a policy mandating attendance in either instance. 

AMENDMENT #3 clarifies that attendance in an alternative program (in addition to an alternative school) is voluntary unless the local board mandates otherwise. 

The Tennessee Alternative Education Association or TAEA is made up of people just like you!  Our association is comprised of teachers, school counselors, para-professionals, crisis workers, administrators, school resource officers, board members, and others who are interested in and committed to exemplary practice, resource sharing, research, and networking to benefit the students served in alternative and nontraditional education settings in Tennessee.