Definitions

(1) “Course of instruction” means a unit of academic instruction which includes a series of lessons or meetings designed to meet specific educational goals. (2) “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Education. (3) “Curriculum and instructional program” means a set of core instructional materials including activities and textbooks designed to help students reach the learning outcomes established in state academic standards. (4) “Department” means the Tennessee Department of Education. (5) “Department review team” means a committee of Department employees appointed by the Commissioner to review and investigate, as necessary, appeals filed with the Department pursuant to these Rules with knowledge and expertise regarding curriculum, instructional standards, and school and LEA operations and administration. (6) “Eligible complainant” means a current student of the LEA or public charter school in which the allegation(s) arose, a parent of a current student of the LEA or public charter school in which the allegation(s) arose, or a current employee of the LEA or public charter school in which the allegation(s) arose. (7) “LEA” means a Tennessee local education agency and has the same meaning given in T.C.A. § 49-1-103(2). (8) “Parent” means the parent or legal guardian of the student. (9) “Privileged” means having a special advantage or right. (10) “Prohibited Concepts” are those concepts specifically enumerated in T.C.A. § 49-6-1019(a) and Section .03 of these Rules that shall not be included or promoted in a course of instruction, curriculum and instructional program, or through supplemental instructional materials. PROHIBITED CONCEPTS IN INSTRUCTION CHAPTER 0520-12-04 (11) “Public charter school” means a school authorized to operate under Tennessee Code Title 49, Chapter 13. (12) “State funds” means the State’s K-12 education funding formula funds. (13) “Supplemental instructional materials” means materials used in conjunction with the core instructional materials of a course. Supplemental instructional materials extend and support instruction and include, but are not limited to, books, periodicals, visual aids, video, sound recordings, computer software, or other digital content.