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Board approves textbook waivers for Bristol K–5 and Knox County 9–12 ELA materials
Summary
The State Board approved two waiver requests allowing Bristol City Schools to adopt Great Minds (with supplemental materials) for K–5 ELA and Knox County to use McGraw Hill SOAR for grades 9–12; the waivers were approved on first and final reading and run until the next ELA textbook cycle.
The State Board of Education approved textbook and instructional materials waivers for Bristol City Schools (K–5 ELA) and Knox County Schools (grades 9–12 ELA) on first and final reading. Brianna Summers, director of policy and academics for the state board, said state law permits the board to approve waivers for materials not on the state‑approved list and that the Department reviewed alignment and other statutory criteria before recommending approval.
"They would like to use Great Minds Arts and Letters, language arts, and then they'd also like to supplement with Sounds 1st Tennessee foundational skills curriculum supplement and Handwriting Without Tears for their grades K–5 ELA instructional materials," Summers said when describing the Bristol waiver. Board members asked whether the supplement "Wit and Wisdom" was included; Summers confirmed Bristol currently uses Wit and Wisdom but is applying to replace it with Great Minds. The board approved both waivers by roll call, with seven ayes recorded; the approvals are effective through the next ELA textbook implementation cycle (2029–30 school year).
