Tennessee parents

Anika Chillis spends time with her children, Makhi 2, and Myla 9, at a playground Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn.

Health

In states that ban abortion, social safety net programs often fail families

Laura Ungar

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee has nearly total abortion ban and a porous safety net for mothers and young children. GOP state leaders in Tennessee and other states that banned abortion after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022 argue that they are bolstering services for families. Recent research and an analysis by The Associated Press has found that from the time a Tennessee woman gets pregnant, she faces greater obstacles to a healthy pregnancy, a healthy child and a financially stable family life than the average American mom.

Reading scores are under scrutiny in Tennessee, where a large percentage of third graders are at risk of being held back because of TCAP results.

Education

TCAP appeals window opens as Tennessee families of 3rd graders try to avoid being held back

Tony Gonzalez

The fallout from Tennessee’s third grade standardized testing rules enters a new phase Tuesday, as families can begin appealing to the state to ask that students be advanced to fourth grade.

Education

Parent Grading Bill Headed to Tennessee House Floor

Todd Hatton

Tennessee parents would grade themselves on how involved they are in a student's school performance under legislation headed for a state House floor vote.…