As your family settles back into upcoming school routines, it’s a good time to brush up on a few new laws that could affect your child’s school day. From classroom technology and reading support to lessons on American history, several new Tennessee school laws are taking effect this school year in public and charter schools.
Here’s a look at what has changed — and what it could mean for your family this school year:
New Tennessee School Laws for the 2026–27 School Year:
What You Need to Know
Elementary Students Will Spend Less Time on Digital Devices
Tennessee now requires public school districts and public charter schools serving kindergarten through fifth grade to adopt policies that reduce unnecessary screen time during the school day.
The law encourages more teacher-led, face-to-face instruction while still allowing technology when it is needed for:
- Classroom instruction
- State testing
- Dyslexia screenings
- Special education accommodations
- Other approved educational purposes
What this means for parents: You may notice fewer lessons delivered on laptops or tablets in elementary classrooms.
Parents Must Be Notified About Classroom Evacuations
If a classroom must be evacuated because of a student’s violent, aggressive or severely disruptive behavior, schools must notify the parents or guardians of every student who was in that classroom…