On March 8, 2016, the Tennessee School Board Association (TSBA) hosted the 2016 Student Congress on Policies in Education (SCOPE) conference, which brings together 9th-12th grade students from across the state to discuss current topics in education. The event was held on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University – Student Union Building in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Participants explored education issues through mock school board meetings, group discussions, and debates with their peers. These events were designed to give students an understanding of how school boards operate. Students were encouraged to bring their electronic devices (cell phone, ipad, laptop, etc.) to the meeting to utilize them throughout the conference.
At the end of the day, participants met as a congress and debated four selected topics. These topics this year included, 1. Teachers shall incorporate smart phones into classroom instruction; 2. All students shall be required to participate in at least one extracurricular activity per year; 3. Prior to graduation, students shall be required to complete 48 hours of community service during their junior/senior years; and 4. The school calendar shall be increased from 180 to 200 days of instruction. Students then expressed their opinions by voting on their electronic devices regarding the debated topics. 2017 SCOPE officers were elected and announced at the close of the congress.
Those selected to attend SCOPE representing the Cannon County Board of Education were Cannon County High School Seniors Emory Larson and Kellie Payne. They were accompanied by CCHS US Government Teacher Mr. William Freddy Curtis.
