Tennessee Students Tackle Education Policy at SCOPE Conference
Nashville, TN – Nearly 500 high school students from across Tennessee convened at Belmont University on March 11, 2026, for the annual Student Congress on Policies in Education (SCOPE) conference, hosted by the Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA). The event provided a platform for students to engage in critical discussions about the future of education in the state.
Student Voices in Education Debate
The SCOPE conference brings together high school students to discuss current issues in education and ensure student perspectives are included in policy conversations. This year’s conference centered on a debate regarding funding priorities within school budgets. Students grappled with the question of whether funding should be shifted from related arts programs – such as music and visual art – to Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.
Houston High Students Share Perspectives
Among the attendees were four students from Houston High School, representing the Germantown Municipal School District (GMSD). Billy Gates, GMSD’s Student Board Representative, participated in the conference, bringing his experience representing the student perspective at Germantown Board of Education meetings.
“It was cool that they want to hear what we have to say,” said Gates. “The information we gathered is being sent to school districts and superintendents across the state.”
Mock School Board and Policy Debate
The conference began with a mock school board meeting, offering students firsthand experience with the operations of school boards and the dynamics of policy discussions. Gates argued for maintaining strong funding for both arts and CTE programs, stating, “I sense like both programs are underfunded to begin with.” He noted that discussions with students from rural districts highlighted the importance of robust CTE pathways that lead to industry certifications and direct employment opportunities after graduation.
Houston High School currently offers students access to over 70 Early Postsecondary Opportunities (EPSOs) and a growing number of career pathways in fields like health sciences, technology, engineering and skilled trades.
World Language Requirements Also Discussed
Delegates also discussed a recent proposal by the Tennessee State Board of Education to reduce the number of world language credits required for graduation. After debate and feedback from educators and students, the proposal was ultimately put on hold. Gates highlighted the value of this discussion, noting, “It shows they’re really trying different things. We’re not just being complacent.”
Student Leadership and Engagement
Throughout the conference, students participated in formal policy debates, delivering opening statements and rebuttals. They also convened as a congress to debate key issues, vote on position statements, and elect the 2027 SCOPE officers, mirroring the processes used in real education policy discussions.
Gates emphasized the importance of student engagement, stating, “The state legislature and TSBA truly care about students’ opinions. They’ll probably listen to students more than adults sometimes.” He encouraged students at Houston High School to recognize the value of their voices, adding, “We have a lot of smart people in our state who care about our education. There’s someone in Nashville looking out for you.”
Looking Ahead
The SCOPE conference underscored the commitment of Tennessee’s education leaders to incorporating student perspectives into policy decisions. The event demonstrated the power of student leadership and collaboration in shaping the future of education across the state.