AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to artificial intelligence.
Impact
The legislation will require teachers in middle and high schools to complete at least one AI-focused professional development course by August 1, 2027, or within two years of their licensure. This reflects an ongoing trend in education to incorporate technology and AI into teaching practices, thus equipping teachers with the necessary skills to utilize such tools effectively in their instruction. It also emphasizes the importance of professional development in the context of emerging technologies in education.
Summary
Senate Bill 677 (SB0677) aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated by establishing requirements for professional development courses related to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in classrooms for teachers. The bill mandates that the Department of Education provide at least one asynchronous course at no cost for teachers in grades 6 through 12. This professional development course must be created by qualified entities experienced in relevant subjects like computer science or other STEM fields and must contribute to earning professional development points for educators.
Contention
While the bill generally promotes the incorporation of AI into educational practices, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of the training and resources provided to teachers, as well as the qualification of organizations tasked with creating these courses. Further debate may arise about the potential disparities in access to training among different local education agencies (LEAs) and public charter schools, particularly in underserved areas. Another point of contention could be the costs associated with monitoring and ensuring the quality of the mandated professional development activities.