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Tennessee bill reducing testing requirements for some students advances

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Justin Robertson, left, talks with state Rep. Greg Martin during an event at Hixson High School. Robertson testified March 17, 2026, in support of a bill sponsored by Martin that would create a pilot program allowing school districts to reduce testing for some students.
Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Justin Robertson, left, talks with state Rep. Greg Martin during an event at Hixson High School. Robertson testified March 17, 2026, in support of a bill sponsored by Martin that would create a pilot program allowing school districts to reduce testing for some students. Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Justin Robertson, left, talks with state Rep. Greg Martin during an event at Hixson High School. Robertson testified March 17, 2026, in support of a bill sponsored by Martin that would create a pilot program allowing school districts to reduce testing for some students.

By Shannon Coan 4 min read

A Tennessee bill that would create a pilot program allowing school districts to reduce testing for some students has cleared its first legislative hurdle.

House Bill 2422, which has been heavily amended since its original filing, is meant to evaluate whether administering fewer district and state-mandated tests results in students achieving greater academic success, the sponsor, state Rep. Greg Martin, R-Hixson, said at a subcommittee hearing Tuesday.

The bill would create a two-year pilot program to reduce the amount of required testing for elementary and middle school students performing above the 40th percentile on the universal reading and math screeners. Students in the participating districts who did not score above that level would still be required to take all of the state-required tests.

(READ MORE: Budget sets aside $14M for Hamilton County Schools pay boost)

Up to 10 school districts that meet certain criteria would participate in the pilot program during the 2027-28 and 2028-29 academic years if the bill is approved. Hamilton County Schools meets the requirements to participate.