Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-5601

The general assembly recognizes the vital position occupied by institutions of higher education in the training of teachers, the improvement in the quality of the education profession, and the impact on Tennessee students. In acting to support these functions in public institutions of higher education, the general assembly must maintain a proper balance between the academic freedom of higher education and the need to respond to the public's expectations of quality in the state's teacher training programs. Therefore, the general assembly does not seek to impose restrictions on the philosophy or course selection of teacher training programs. The general assembly does, however, reserve the authority to require of each teacher training institution reasonable admission standards, graduation standards, and outcomes for prospective teachers to ensure that teachers are effectively prepared to positively affect student achievement in accordance with this part.