Lawmakers to resume education focus in new session

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Associated Press

Story Created: Sun Jan 6, 2013 3:17 PM

Story Updated: Sun Jan 6, 2013 3:17 PM

NASHVILLE, Tenn.— Legislation that would allow parents to decide the fate of a struggling school is among several education-related proposals lawmakers are likely to discuss in the session that convenes Tuesday.
   
Officials have made reforming education a top priority since Tennessee became one of two states to receive federal Race to the Top funding about three years ago. Lawmakers expect to take up more proposals this year, including so-called parent trigger legislation, creation of school vouchers, reshaping online schools and boosting community colleges.
   
A parent trigger proposal would be modeled after a similar one in California. It would allow parents at failing schools to vote on possible turnaround models if they believe a drastic change is needed. That could include converting to a charter school or changing administrators.