State Board approves Houston County Schools textbook waiver for advanced math courses

The State Board of Education in Tennessee convened on December 14, 2024, to discuss several key agenda items, including a significant request from Houston County Schools regarding instructional materials.

The meeting began with a presentation by Brianna Summers, the director of policy and academics at the state board. This marked her first presentation to the board, where she addressed a waiver request for textbooks and instructional materials for multiple high school math courses, including Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Precalculus, Calculus, and Statistics.

Summers explained that Tennessee law mandates the state board to prescribe textbooks based on recommendations from the textbook commission. She noted that the board previously approved a waiver for Houston County Schools in 2021 when they opened a virtual school. The current request aims to renew the existing subjects and add Calculus and Statistics as part of the school's ongoing development of its virtual curriculum.

The state board staff recommended approval of the waiver on first and final reading, which would remain in effect until the next math textbook adoption cycle. This recommendation was based on feedback from the Department of Education and updates from Houston County Schools regarding their application.

The board members were invited to ask questions following the presentation, indicating an open dialogue about the proposal. The meeting highlighted the board's commitment to supporting educational initiatives that adapt to the needs of students in Tennessee.

In conclusion, the State Board of Education's meeting underscored the importance of flexibility in educational resources, particularly as schools continue to evolve their instructional approaches in response to changing educational landscapes. The approval of the waiver for Houston County Schools is a step towards enhancing their virtual learning offerings.