BHB/6/12
Sponsored by Shanina Dong, James Grantham, Rae Karimian of Baylor School
This legislation was filed in the Education category
Presented as part of the YIG Volunteer 2024 conference
| 1 | BE IT ENACTED BY THE TENNESSEE YMCA YOUTH IN GOVERNMENT: |
| 2 | |
| 3 | Section 1: Terms in this act will be defined as follows: |
| 4 | Artificial Intelligence (AI): A branch of computer science dealing with the simulation of intelligent |
| 5 | behavior in computers or the capability of a machine to imitate intelligent human behavior. |
| 6 | Computer Lab: A space where computer services are provided to a defined community. |
| 7 | Professional: An individual who possesses a specialized body of knowledge and skills in a particular |
| 8 | field. |
| 9 | Computer Science Degree: A post-secondary education degree awarded to individuals who have |
| 10 | completed a college or university program in computer science, studying computers and |
| 11 | computational systems. |
| 12 | |
| 13 | Section 2: The purpose of this bill is to help students be more equipped to deal with AI as it’s one |
| 14 | of the fastest growing industries. By enacting this, students will be more prepared for the digital |
| 15 | age. |
| 16 | |
| 17 | Section 3: This act will supply all public schools with desktop computers. There will also be |
| 18 | addition of a course to teach students on how to navigate AI use in classrooms. This course will be |
| 19 | implemented to grades 6-12 and taught once a week by a professional with a computer science |
| 20 | degree. |
| 21 | Students will begin with an introductory phase, exploring AI’s definition, history, and applications. |
| 22 | Subsequently, they will advance to learning practical skills such as machine learning fundamentals, |
| 23 | programming for AI, and hands-on experience with AI tools. |
| 24 | The course will include but is not limited to: introduction to AI, applications of AI, ethical and social |
| 25 | implications of AI, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and continuous learning and |
| 26 | adaptation. |
| 27 | The curriculum will be designed to accomodate students of different grade levels and backgrounds, |
| 28 | with appropriate adjustments in complexity and depth. |
| 29 | |
| 30 | Section 4: The Tennessee State Board of Education will define clear standards and guidelines |
| 31 | outlining the objectives, content, and methods of instruction for the AI education program. These |
| 32 | standards would serve as the basis for evaluating schools’ implementation efforts. |
| 33 | The Board will conduct periodic compliance reviews and inspections of schools across the state to |
| 34 | assess their adherence to the established standards and guidelines. These reviews may include |
| 35 | site visits, interviews with administrators and teachers, and reviews of instructional materials and |
| 36 | student work. |
| 37 | Schools will also be required to collect and report data on various aspects of program |
| 38 | |
| 39 | materials used, and student outcomes (which may come from assessment grades and student |
| 40 | surveys and feedback) by school administrators. The Board would analyze this data to monitor |
| 41 | trends and identify areas for improvement. |
| 42 | The Board will also offer technical assistance and support to schools that may be facing challenges |
| 43 | in implementing the program. This assistance may include guidance on curriculum development, |
| 44 | access to instructional resources, and troubleshooting technical issues. |
| 45 | |
| 46 | Section 5: The Tennessee Department of Education shall conduct a comprehensive review of the |
| 47 | computer labs and digital education program on AI at least once every three years. This review will |
| 48 | assess the program’s effectiveness, alignment with standards, and include feedback. Updates and |
| 49 | revisions will be made to ensure ongoing relevance and effectiveness, with regular reporting to the |
| 50 | Tennessee State Board of Education. |
| 51 | Special attention will be given to support digitally illiterate students. |
| 52 | |
| 53 | Section 6: This addition of this course will cost around $100 million and will be funded through the |
| 54 | Tennessee Department of Education budget. |
| 55 | |
| 56 | Section 7: Upon passing of this bill, the Tennessee State Board of Education will oversee |
| 57 | compliance with as in the standards outlined above or different ones. |
| 58 | |
| 59 | Section 8: Failure to comply with the standards and requirements set forth in this act will result in |
| 60 | the following: |
| 61 | First Offense: Written warning and a mandate to comply within 60 days. |
| 62 | Second Offense: A fine of $2,500 to the school. |
| 63 | Continued Offenses: A fine of $5,000 to the school. |
| 64 | Exemptions for exceptional circumstances, such as teacher shortages or unexpected closures, may |
| 65 | be granted by the Tennessee State Board of Education on a case-by-case basis. This ensures |
| 66 | fairness and reduces penalties for schools facing genuine challenges. |
| 67 | |
| 68 | Section 9: All laws or parts of laws in conflict with this act are hereby repealed. |
| 69 | |
| 70 | Section 10: This act shall take effect on August 1st, 2026. |
| 71 |