State Representative David Hawk Of Greeneville Has Filed A Bill To Modify The State’s Controversial Third-Grade Retention Law. The Law, Which Went Into Effect This School Year, Requires A Third Grader To Be Proficient In English Language Arts On The Tcap Test In Order To Move To The Next Grade Level. Exceptions Can Be Made If The Student Meets Certain Criteria. Hawk’s Bill Would Allow The Determination To Be Made By Local School Officials, Rather Than The State. Most All School Systems In Northeast Tennessee Are Opposed To The Retention Law.