How does TISA work? TISA sets how much funding each school receives each year based on the students in that school. TISA has four (4) funding parts: Base funding is the funding assigned to every student. TISA base funding is $6,860 per student. Weighted funding is extra funding beyond the base that is assigned to some students. Students can be assigned a “weight” based on their specific needs. Students who receive weights are: Students with disabilities English language learners Students living in rural areas Students who are experiencing poverty and/or living in high-poverty areas Students with characteristics of dyslexia These weights bring extra funding for that student ranging from 10-150% of the TISA base amount. That means anywhere from $686 - $10,290 extra dollars for that student for the year. Deciding how to define those weighted categories (like students with disabilities) is part of the current rule-making process. This is one area where your input can help! Direct funding gives set amounts of extra funding directly to the school for things like: Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs 3rd grade literacy tutoring Tests like the ACT Extra funding for K-3rd grade students Extra funding for charter school students Outcomes funding gives extra funding to schools if they meet certain goals. Deciding what those goals will be is an important part of the current rule-making process. This is another great area for your input! The Dept. of Education’s draft rules give extra funds for: 3rd grade literacy mastery (based on state testing) 4th grade literacy improvement (based on state testing) 8th grade math and literacy mastery (based on state testing) Scores of 21 or better on the ACT Career credentials (like a plumbing or hair stylist certification) High school seniors with disabilities who achieve 3 of the following 4 marks: Graduating with a general education diploma Getting certain scores on the standardized alternate assessment (state testing specifically for students with disabilities) Spending more than 80% of the school day in the general education setting Achieving certain post-secondary outcomes (like getting and keeping a job or going into a higher education program) 
Schools will be able to decide how to use all the funding they get through the TISA formula. To see how much funding different types of students will bring to their schools, download the TISA Calculator below. Your perspective matters! The TN Department of Education wants to hear from the disability community about the new funding formula. Your perspective can help steer the rules that will decide how public schools are funded for many years to come. Email your feedback to Tisa.Rules@tn.gov by August 2, 2022. Still have questions? We’re here to help! Contact any of our organizations: [contact info for all participating orgs]