ArtsEd Tennessee Newsletter
February 10, 2026
Legislative Update
Each year during the Tennessee Legislative Session, typically held from January through mid-April, ArtsEd Tennessee keeps our subscribers informed about legislation that could impact K-12 arts education across the state.
In a typical session, several hundred bills are introduced, including over 300 related to education. Our legislative team carefully reviews this legislation and highlights the key bills that may affect arts education, so you can stay informed about the issues that matter most.
The second year of the 114th General Assembly was convened on January 13, 2026, then later that week had to postpone its legislative work due to the snow and ice storms that impacted most of our state. The legislators began work again the last week of January, and several bills have already been filed. Highlights of the session so far include:
Education Freedom Scholarship Program:
The Lee administration is recommending a 100% increase in the number of scholarship vouchers available for students to attend private schools. This proposal would double the number of scholarships from 20,000 to 40,000 beginning in the 2026–27 school year, in response to high demand.
Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA):
The 2026–27 school year will mark the fourth year of Tennessee’s new public school funding formula, TISA. The administration is recommending an increase in TISA funding to support teacher salary increases, rising group health insurance premiums, and retirement contributions for education employees.
Elementary Recess:
Last year the state increased the required amount of time for elementary school recess. In some districts this resulted in a loss of academic instructional time, and led some schools to reduce time for elementary music and visual art classes in order to comply with the law. In early January, ArtsEd Tennessee met with the Chairman of the House Education Committee, Rep. Mark White, to explain these impacts and discuss potential solutions. Chairman White acknowledged the issue and expressed interest in pursuing a legislative fix. We will continue to keep you informed as this develops.
Historical Documents:
The House Education Committee approved a bill which would allow school systems to display historical documents such as the Ten Commandments, the Declaration of Independence, and the U.S. and Tennessee Constitutions. This legislation will now move to the Senate.
Unified Vision: The Power of the Arts Together
ArtsEd Tennessee, along with our coalition partners in theatre (TTEA), visual art (TAEA), and music (TMEA) launched a new program, Unified Vision, in 2025. The mission of the program is to bring information, professional development, and collaboration between arts content areas to arts educators in remote rural parts of Tennessee. The first year was an overwhelming success, with Unified Vision reaching arts educators in approximately 40 counties in west, middle, and east Tennessee.
Unified Vision for 2026 begins on February 16, with a workshop hosted by East Hickman High School. Learn more about this program, and to enroll in future events, by visiting the Unified Vision page on the ArtsEd Tennessee website.
Help Shape Decisions that Affect Arts Education in Your District
ArtsEd Tennessee is building a network of arts education teachers and advocates who are willing to contact their local legislators when important education legislation is nearing a vote.
These timely outreach moments, whether through emails, calls, or messages, can make a meaningful difference in how the legislators representing your district understand the impact of their decisions on arts education in your community. Your voice, shared at the right time, helps ensure arts learning remains a priority for Tennessee students.
If you want to join us in this work, sign up HERE and we will contact you with further details.
A very few minutes on your part could make all the difference!