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Committee backs rewrite to phase out Achievement School District, create 3‑tier intervention system for priority schools
Summary
The committee approved an amendment rewriting the code to phase out the Achievement School District and replace it with a three‑tier intervention framework allowing local education agencies multiple intervention options for priority schools.
The House Education full committee approved a rewritten bill that phases out Tennessee’s Achievement School District (ASD) and establishes a three‑tiered intervention system for schools identified as priorities for academic performance.
Representative Johnson, carrying the measure on behalf of the Department of Education, said the ASD — created in 2010 as an intensive state intervention for the bottom-performing schools — will sunset and the state will provide a menu of tiered options for local education agencies (LEAs). The new system lets LEAs select evidence‑based interventions, contract with school turnaround experts, convert to charter operation, transfer operation to public higher‑education institutions, pursue voluntary reconstitution, or, as a last tier, face school closure or mandated reconstitution with department oversight.
Committee members asked about funding and the role of turnaround experts. Jack Powers of the Department of Education said federal funds and targeted TISA weights for economically disadvantaged students remain available for interventions and cited ongoing pilot programs that use turnaround experts. He defined “school turnaround expert” to include experienced retired superintendents or principals and noted the legislation aims to return more control to local districts while retaining state options.
Supporters said the ASD had isolated successes but the phased approach would expand intervention choices for all priority schools; opponents raised concerns about outsourcing core resources and whether funds would be used for additional staff, smaller class sizes or wraparound services.
The bill passed the committee with the clerk recording 18 ayes, 0 nays and 1 present not voting; sponsors said ASDs would phase out as remaining ASD schools return to local LEA jurisdiction.
