Firearm Safety Curriculum and Instruction
Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-6-1016 now requires all public and charter schools across the state to provide age-appropriate, viewpoint-neutral instruction on firearm safety. This law, passed by the Tennessee General Assembly in 2024, is designed to provide students with the knowledge necessary to avoid injury if they encounter a firearm and to foster safer practices within our community.
The curriculum was developed through a collaborative effort between the Tennessee Department of Education, the Department of Safety, and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).
The district’s implementation adheres strictly to the following legal pillars:
Mandatory Participation: Under state law, this instruction is a requirement for all K-12 students.
Strictly Safety-Focused: The primary goal is accident prevention and knowing exactly what to do if a student encounters a firearm.
Political Neutrality: The legislation mandates that all instruction remains strictly neutral. It will not cover political topics, such as gun rights, the Second Amendment, or firearm policy.
No Live Weapons: Per state requirements, the use of live firearms, live ammunition, or live fire is strictly prohibited during all classroom instruction.
See videos for grades K-12 below:
Firearms Safety K-12 Instructional Outcomes and Guidance -Tennessee Department of Education | April 2025: