The Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) provides for Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to deliver the Family Life Curriculum in either of two ways: through a locally devised and implemented program1 or through the state developed program2. The Knox County Schools implements a locally devised program that adheres to the state curricular requirements and therefore is governed by Chapter 6 Part 1301 of Title 49. 

Given the sensitive nature of the material covered in the human sexuality components of the state-mandated middle and high school health and wellness curriculum, only Knox County Schools staff and Knox County Health Department personnel will deliver this important and delicate curricular material. 

The Knox County Schools instructional supervisors are responsible for ensuring the proper implementation of the family life curriculum and for regularly observing instruction and reviewing and evaluating the instruction with teachers. Teachers’ instructional practices will be assessed through the annual teacher evaluation. Additionally, curriculum and instruction supervisory personnel will annually review best instructional practices and parent notification requirements associated with the family life curriculum with all faculty members who teach this curriculum. 

School administrators will provide time associated with open house activities for faculty members who teach the family life curriculum to meet with interested parents to discuss the curriculum and to respond to any questions or concerns the parents may present. Teachers will provide a written summary of these information sessions to the school principal and the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for any action that may be appropriate. 

Legal References:  

1. T.C.A. § 49-6-1301. 
2. T.C.A. § 49-6-1302.