Amends TCA Title 49.

This bill prohibits a student from being promoted to the first grade unless the student:<br /> <br /> (1) Is seven years of age or older on or before August 15; or <br /> <br /> (2) Is proficient in the kindergarten academic standards, as evidenced by the student's performance on the first-grade entry assessment administered to the student.<br /> <br /> Present law provides that a state-mandated test must not be conducted earlier than grade three, except that when the first and second grade tests utilizing a diagnostic method for evaluating reading and other basic skills are available, such tests must be conducted. Notwithstanding that provision, this bill provides the following:<br /> <br /> (1) The department of education must create a first-grade entry assessment to determine whether a student is prepared to succeed in the first grade based upon the student's knowledge of the kindergarten academic standards; and<br /> <br /> (2) Each LEA and public charter school, if applicable, must administer a first-grade entry assessment developed by the department, or a first-grade entry assessment developed by the LEA or public charter school that is approved by the state board of education, to each kindergarten student enrolled in the LEA or public charter school.<br /> <br /> This bill applies to the 2024-2025 school year and each school year thereafter.<br />