Tennessee's National Rankings
Even with increased investment through TISA, Tennessee continues to rank near the bottom nationally on key education funding metrics:
Critics argue that TISA, while an improvement in structure, may not provide enough overall funding to significantly lift these rankings or address systemic underfunding.
Key Concerns in the Funding Debate
👩🏫 Teacher Pay & Shortages
TISA does not directly mandate teacher salary minimums or hiring levels. Critics argue the state underfunds these needs, contributing to teacher shortages and retention challenges.
🏠 Local Tax Burden
Some worry TISA could lead to increased local tax burden for some communities if the state's share effectively decreases or if overall funding is perceived as inadequate.
🏷️ Incentive to "Label" Students
Some legislators express concern that heavily weighted formulas might incentivize schools to identify more students for certain categories (like unique learning needs) to receive more funding.
📊 Adequacy Questions
The fundamental question: Is the total investment sufficient? Equity in distribution matters, but so does whether there's enough funding in the first place.
Different Perspectives
TISA Supporters Say
- $1.16 billion in new funding is a historic investment
- All districts received more than under BEP
- Student-based model is more transparent and equitable
- Weighted funding directs resources to students who need them most
- Outcomes-based funding incentivizes improvement
- Hold harmless provision protects districts during transition
Critics Argue
- Tennessee still ranks near bottom nationally in spending
- Teacher pay remains uncompetitive with neighboring states
- Formula doesn't directly address teacher shortages
- Local districts still face budget challenges
- Overall funding may still be inadequate
- Weighted system could create perverse incentives
The Adequacy vs. Equity Debate
Two related but distinct concepts are often conflated in funding debates:
💡 Understanding the Terms
Equity: Are funds distributed fairly based on student needs? TISA's weighted system aims to address this by directing more resources to students who require more support.
Adequacy: Is the total amount of funding sufficient? Even perfectly equitable distribution can't help if the overall pool is too small. Critics argue Tennessee's total investment — not just its distribution — needs to increase.
Accountability Under TISA
TISA introduces new accountability requirements:
- Annual Reports: Districts must submit accountability reports to TDOE detailing how TISA funds support student achievement.
- Outcomes Funding: Additional dollars are tied to district performance on specific metrics like third-grade reading proficiency.
- Oversight Committees: The law establishes review committees to monitor implementation.
However, the Comptroller's Office noted that some requirements — such as annually convening an Outcomes Review Committee — were not fully met in TISA's first year, leading to recommendations for improvement.
The Path Forward
Evaluating the full effects of TISA on student achievement will require years of data. Key questions for ongoing debate include:
- Will increased funding translate to improved student outcomes?
- Can Tennessee improve its national rankings while maintaining fiscal responsibility?
- How should the state balance investment in public schools with other education initiatives like voucher programs?
- What role should local communities play in supplementing state funding?
Learn how to make your voice heard: Advocating for School Funding in Tennessee.
