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Committee unanimously backs bill to codify English‑learner testing supports
Summary
HB 30 would codify existing Tennessee guidance guaranteeing testing accommodations for English learners (extended time, bilingual support, paper testing). An educator and former English learner urged passage; the subcommittee advanced the measure unanimously.
Chairman Clemens explained that HB 30 would codify the accommodations English learners already receive under Tennessee Department of Education guidance so that the supports are statutorily guaranteed during TCAP and end‑of‑course assessments.
Melanie Tarsia Allen, an instructional coach and former English learner, testified that specialized academic language—not intelligence—can make tests a poor measure of content knowledge without accommodations. "Access is not advantage," Allen said, urging the committee to codify the supports to ensure consistent statewide implementation and protect the integrity of assessment data.
Committee members asked clarifying questions and the clerk reported the vote in favor: unanimous in the recorded board (ayes reported with no nos). HB 30 will move on in the legislative process.
