During the August 25, 2025, meeting of the State Board of Education in Tennessee, a significant focus was placed on the state's strict laws regarding instructional materials and the Common Core standards. The discussion highlighted Tennessee's 2021 law that prohibits local education agencies (LEAs) from adopting or using instructional materials that are exclusively aligned with Common Core State Standards.

The law mandates that any LEA wishing to use materials not on the state-approved list must submit a waiver, ensuring that the proposed materials do not align with or are marketed as Common Core. This requirement aims to maintain educational standards that are distinct from the Common Core framework, which has been a contentious topic in educational policy.

Key to the discussion was the emphasis on the term "intentionally," as the law stipulates that funds may be withheld from any LEA that deliberately violates this prohibition. This underscores the seriousness with which the state is approaching compliance with its educational policies.

In addition to the Common Core discussion, the meeting also touched on prohibited concepts that LEAs are not allowed to include in their instruction or materials. The specifics of these concepts were outlined, indicating a clear direction for educators as they prepare their curricula.

As Tennessee continues to navigate its educational landscape, the implications of these laws will likely shape instructional strategies and resource selection in the coming academic year. The board's commitment to these regulations reflects a broader trend in educational governance, prioritizing state-defined standards over national frameworks.