The State Board of Education in Tennessee convened on September 5, 2025, to discuss the ongoing revisions to the English Language Arts (ELA) standards. The meeting focused on public feedback regarding the draft standards developed by the educator advisory team, emphasizing the importance of clarity and progression in the educational framework.

During the session, committee members reviewed the public responses to the draft standards, which were generated from extensive outreach to educators, district leaders, and community stakeholders. The feedback highlighted a desire for clearer guidelines on what students are expected to learn at each grade level, as well as concerns about the progression of standards from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Assistant Commissioner Christy Wall introduced the meeting, underscoring the significance of the standards in shaping instructional materials and assessments across the state. She noted that the revisions are crucial for enhancing literacy outcomes for all students in Tennessee.

The committee also discussed the need for cohesion within grade bands, ensuring that skills build progressively as students advance through their education. This feedback was categorized into themes, with clarity and progression being the primary concerns raised by educators and community members alike.

As the meeting progressed, the committee members were encouraged to consider the feedback as they finalize their recommendations for the ELA standards. The session concluded with a commitment to continue collaborating with the Department of Education to support the implementation of the revised standards once approved.

The next steps involve further discussions and refinements based on the collected feedback, with the aim of enhancing the educational experience for Tennessee students. The committee plans to reconvene to address any remaining questions and finalize their recommendations in the coming weeks.