Lawmakers debate multiple bills on low-performing virtual schools

(The Center Square) – Six months after questions were raised about Tennessee’s virtual schools, the General Assembly is considering a bill that could shutter some of with low performances.

Senate Bill 2441 would require the closure of virtual schools on the Department of Education’s “priority list,” which comprises schools that are performing in the bottom 5% or that have a graduation rate of less than 67%. Four virtual schools are listed on the department’s “priority list.” Current law says virtual schools “may be closed” for performance issues.

Senate Bill 2441 requires their closure.

The bill would also close schools that perform “significantly below expectations” on the Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System for three consecutive years. It is unclear how many of those schools would be forced to close, according to the bill’s fiscal note.

The Senate Education Committee recommended the bill move to the full Senate last week. The House Education K-12 subcommittee deferred t...