TDOE Releases Explainer Resources for TISA, the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement
Resources Provide Overview of Proposed Student-Based
Public Education Funding Formula
Nashville, TN— Today, the Tennessee Department of Education released Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) resources with detailed information on how the proposed student-based public school funding formula will put students at the center and update the way Tennessee funds public education for the first time in over 30 years.
Starting in the 2023-24 school year, the TISA would invest an estimated $9 billion in education funding for the state, including state and local funds, which would include an additional recurring state investment of $1 billion.
“Thanks to input from thousands of Tennesseans over the past several months, our state is in a position to update how we fund public education for the first time in over 30 years and put the focus where it belongs- on students,” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn.
The TISA is designed to empower each student to read proficiently by third grade, prepare each high school graduate for postsecondary success, and provide resources needed to all students to ensure they succeed. Under the TISA districts would receive more than they would under the BEP should enrollment remain stable.
Additional resources to explain the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) include:
- Animated Video: Putting Tennessee Students at the Center Video: Learn about why students must be at the center of the new funding formula.
- Overview of Establishing the Base: Learn more about how the base funding amount is established in a student-based funding formula.
- Unique Learning Needs Crosswalk: Learn more about the Unique Learning Needs proposed in the TISA.
- Outcomes Proposal Chart: Learn more about the outcomes section that are proposed in the TISA.
- TISA Calculator: Learn more about the calculations in the proposed student-based formula.
- Overview of Tennessee Public School Funding: Learn about the history of Tennessee public school funding and why now is the time for the state to transition to a student-based public school funding formula.
- Student-Based Funding Overview: Learn about the different components that make up a student-based funding formula.
- Overview of Public Feedback from Across Tennessee: Learn about the thousands of public comments submitted by Tennesseans during the public engagement process to shape the proposed new funding formula.
Members of the 18 funding review subcommittees have shared their excitement for the proposed student-based public education formula.
“It was a true honor and pleasure to have the opportunity to serve on the subcommittee for special education and gifted students and have the opportunity to hear from folks across the state,” said David Martin, Superintendent of Tennessee School for the Blind, Member of Students with Disabilities and Gifted Students Subcommittee. “It was clear from the feedback our communities are focused on ensuring that students with special needs have the resources they require to be successful. A student centered funding model will provide a vehicle to enhance opportunities for all students.”
“After months of subcommittee work and town hall meetings to identify stakeholder funding priorities, I am pleased to see the fruits of months of labor,” said Sarah Carpenter, Executive Director of Memphis Lift, Member of Parent Choice and Voice Funding Review Subcommittee. “As a grandparent with kids in one of the largest districts in the state, I am excited about the promise of more funding to public education because we all have to what’s right for kids.”
“As a district leader, I am excited that this new formula focuses on student-centered investments, allowing districts of all sizes to meet the specific needs of each of their students,” said Joey Vaughn, Director of Schools of Manchester City Schools, Member of School System Personnel Funding Review Subcommittee. “I was honored to serve on a funding review subcommittee and am excited for what TISA can mean for my district, our educators, our students and our state.”
“Our communities need trained and capable workers in fields that require technology expertise in a wide range of areas. The Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement will provide funding for career readiness education in middle school as well as high school and dual enrollment career training for more students,” said Christine Richards, Executive Vice President and General Counsel (retired) for FedEx, Member of Post-Secondary Readiness and the Business Community Funding Review Subcommittee. “This will enable our children to graduate from high school prepared to take advantage of these opportunities.”
Last fall, Governor Lee announced the state would review its public school funding formula. The Tennessee Department of Education and the General Assembly convened 18 funding subcommittees, organized a legislative steering committee, and provided over 1,000 opportunities for the public to engage, including 16 public town halls and local match conversations across the state. This January, Gov. Lee and Commissioner Schwinn released a draft framework for the new student-based K-12 funding formula, which incorporated input from thousands of Tennesseans.
To learn more about student-based funding, Tennessee’s recent public engagement process and subcommittee recommendations, and to access additional resources, visit the department’s website.
For Tennessee Department of Education media inquiries, contact Edu.MediaInquiries@tn.gov.
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