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News & Press: Policy Update

TICUA Policy Update: State of the State Address, Teacher Preparation and More

Friday, February 4, 2022  

112th General Assembly
Policy Update

February 4, 2022

State of the State Address

Governor Bill Lee delivered his State of the State address on January 31, 2022 which outlined his $52.6 billion proposed budget.  Key to the Governor’s address was a revamping of the K-12 funding scheme.  He committed $1 billion in recurring funds to update the 30 year old Basic Education Plan.  

The most notable improvement impacting TICUA member campuses was the proposed increase in the Hope Scholarship Program.  Governor Lee is proposing to move the Hope Scholarship from $3,500 (FR/SO)/$4,500 (JR/SR) to $5,100 for all qualifying students - Freshmen through Seniors.  Altogether, this could result in a $13.4 million recurring improvement for students attending our member campuses.

This improvement satisfies two of TICUA's longstanding requests.  First, TICUA has been steadfast in its request for cost-of-living improvements in the scholarship program.  This comes close to making that happen.  Second, the creation of the Tennessee Promise brought with it the lowering of the Hope Scholarship amount for Freshmen and Sophomore students attending any four-year college or university. Since that occurred, TICUA has been asking that the scholarship amounts be restored. This proposal does just that. Governor Lee's proposal moves the Hope Scholarship program in the right direction.

Please click HERE to read THEC Executive Director, Emily House's memorandum which outlines additional proposed improvements in higher education recommended in the Governor's Budget.

Student “Thank You!” Email Campaign Continues

TICUA continues to encourage students to participate in the “Thank You!” email campaign to demonstrate to lawmakers how important the Hope Scholarship is to making college affordable.  Over 12,000 students attending a TICUA member college or university benefits from this important program.

The campaign will demonstrate our students’ support for Governor Lee’s proposed increase in the base Hope Scholarship program.

Campus financial aid officers continue to reach out to their students and ask that they consider emailing a note of thanks to their state lawmakers.  To date, over 500 students have participated in the effort.  Taking action in this campaign serves as a critical component of securing an increase for the program.  The campaign can be found HERE.

Teacher Preparation 

This past week marked the bill filing deadline for measures to be considered by the 112th Tennessee General Assembly.  With the deadline came several bills impacting university-based teacher preparation programs.  Some of the key measures include:

SB2369/HB1964 - As introduced, requires that educator preparation providers (EPPs) provide instruction on skills to administer virtual instruction to candidates seeking a teaching licensure.

SB2163/HB2343 - As introduced, requires EPPs approved by the state board of education to require each candidate enrolled in the provider's program to successfully complete at least one course each semester on reading instruction in order for the provider to retain state board approval.

SB2181/HB2057 - As introduced, requires the department of education to produce an annual report concerning the efficacy of training on reading instruction provided by EPPs; requires revocation of state approval for EPPs that fail to meet certain standards.

SB1864/HB1899 - As introduced, authorizes a teacher with a valid temporary teaching permit to receive a practitioner license for the course or subject area for which the temporary permit was issued. 

TICUA Annual Meeting of the Presidents

REGISTER TODAY for the upcoming 66th TICUA Annual Meeting of the Presidents! This year’s in-person meeting provides an opportunity to discuss key policy issues facing TICUA member institutions in a post-COVID environment with a focus on affordability and student access.

This year’s agenda features conversations with many Legislative leaders of the 112th Tennessee General Assembly. The updated schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, February 22, 2022 (William Snodgrass Tennessee Tower, Tennessee Room 1)

8:00 am Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:30 am Welcome and Introductions

8:45 am Senator Ken Yager

9:15 am Legal Update - Waller, LLP

10:15 am Federal and State Policy Update – Dr. Claude Pressnell, TICUA President

11:00 am House and Senate Education Chairs, Rep. Mark White and Sen. Jon Lundberg

12:00 pm Lunch Break

12:30 pm House and Senate Finance Chairs Rep. Patsy Hazlewood and Sen. Bo Watson

1:15 pm Annual Meeting of the Membership – Dr. Bill Greer, TICUA Chair presiding

2:15 pm House and Senate Speakers, Rep. Cameron Sexton and Lt. Gov. Randy McNally

3:15 pm Office of Gov. Bill Lee – Policy Director Tony Niknejad and THEC ED Emily House

5:00 pm TICUA Legislative Reception (Sheraton Grand Hotel – Legislative Terrace)

6:30 pm TICUA Sponsored Dinner

Wednesday, February 23, 2022 (Sheraton Grand Hotel)

8:00 am President’s Breakfast and roundtable discussion (private)

8:00 am TICUA Executive Leadership Institute Session (private)

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