New student resource site launched in TN following school choice bill passage

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Gov. Bill Lee’s school choice bill, or the Education Freedom Act, is set to be signed in mid-February following the bill’s passage during a special legislative session in January.

Now, TennesseeCAN is launching a new website to share resources for students and their families interested in the Education Freedom Act (EFA).

“We’re launching a new brand and website at TennesseeCAN for a new education era. With the 114th General Assembly’s passage of the Education Freedom Act, and $580 million in new investments proposed by Governor Bill Lee for our students, Tennessee is ensuring students have an even brighter and more promising future by both strengthening public schools and expanding school choice for families,” said Chelsea Crawford, Executive Director of TennesseeCAN. “It’s an exciting time for education policy in Tennessee, and while we have a new look, TennesseeCAN’s focus remains the same – what’s best for kids!”

TennesseeCAN aims to expand student access to high-quality schools and child literacy and continue the fight for student-first policies.

The organization says its mission is to accomplish the following:

• We hold high expectations for students and teachers, and we ensure they are well-supported to meet those expectations.
• We have high-quality and diverse school options for where and how students learn, and families are enabled and empowered to choose the education option that’s best for their students.
• We have strong measurement, performance incentives, and accountability in place for schools and systems to ensure the academic success of all students.

EFA provides 20,000 Tennessee students with around $7,000 in public funds to pay for private school tuition.