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General Introduction

The State Board of Education is the governing and policy making body for the Tennessee system of public elementary and secondary education. Its work touches all facets of education from accountability and evaluation to curriculum and teacher education.

State Board of Education staff members provide ongoing policy research and analysis of public education issues including instruction, student assessment, and funding. The Board works closely with the Tennessee General Assembly to secure legislative support for education. The Board also coordinates its efforts with the State Department of Education, which implements law and policies established by the General Assembly and the Board.   Through its annual report on student, teacher and school performance, the Board provides the legislature and the general public with information about the status of education in Tennessee.

The Board has developed specific strategies to accomplish its vision in the Board's Master Plan. The Board develops and adopts policies and standards consistent with the plan and approves rules and regulations for the governance of public schools. In developing policy, the Board convenes broad-based task forces seeking the widest possible input from educators and the public.

The Board also has responsibility to study the use of state funds for public education. The Board reviews the Basic Education Program (BEP) and approves school system allocations annually.

2008 Updates

Updated Tennessee School Bus Specifications.
Learn about the new high school policy and the Tennessee Diploma Project.
If you are interested in teacher openings please visit the Tennessee Teacher Employment Resource.