Bill to allow students to opt out of activities

Friday, February 25, 2011, Vol. 35, No. 8

NASHVILLE (AP) — A measure that would allow Tennessee parents to opt their children out of extracurricular school activities is advancing in the House.

The proposal sponsored by Republican Rep. Matthew Hill of Jonesborough passed the House Education Subcommittee on a voice vote Wednesday. The companion bill is awaiting a vote in the Senate Education Committee.

Under the legislation, schools would notify parents about the activities "by way of student handbooks or policy guidebooks."

Hill says those parents who don't want their children to participate in a certain activity can send a note to the school.

He says the proposal is also another way to encourage "more parental involvement in the education process."