State Rep. William Slater, R-Gallatin, has been appointed by House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, to serve on the Federal Education Deregulation Cooperation Task Force and the Advisory Committee on Innovations in K-12 Education.
“Tennessee children deserve the highest quality education and Republicans are committed to finding innovative ways to improve academic outcomes,†said Slater, who chairs the House Education Administration Subcommittee. “These important task forces will ensure students and educators in the Volunteer State have the resources and support required to excel. I’m grateful to Speaker Sexton for his confidence in me and I look forward to ensuring our state’s education system continues to work for all Tennesseans.â€
The task forces will be instrumental in providing lawmakers with information and recommendations to improve Tennessee’s education system and ensure the state is prepared for federal changes to education ahead of the second session of the 114th General Assembly.
“Chairman Slater’s background in education and leadership makes him an ideal choice for these roles,†said Speaker Sexton. “He’ll bring valuable insight as we continue to work towards better outcomes for our students.â€
The seven-member Federal Education Deregulation Cooperation Task Force, established by legislation sponsored by Slater this year, will ensure Tennessee can effectively respond to any potential deregulation or dismantling of the United States Department of Education. It will identify federal K-12 education funding, federal requirements for receiving funds, state resources needed to receive funds and the number of positions paid by federal dollars. It will also consider whether programs or resources provided by federal funds should continue.
The task force will be required to submit policy recommendations to the General Assembly by January 2026.
The ten-member Advisory Committee on Innovations in K-12 Education will analyze changes to various education requirements and policies to improve outcomes for students and educators. It will assess principal and teacher evaluations, standardized testing, screening requirements for response to intervention (RTI) in schools, health coverage and compensation for educators, expanding teacher permits and allowing CTE courses to substitute for graduation requirements.
The committee will develop strategies and suggestions to be reported to the General Assembly and the Tennessee Department of Education by January 2026.
Slater, a dean of Welch College in Gallatin and former headmaster of Hendersonville Christian Academy, began his terms upon appointment and will serve until Dec. 31, 2025.
State Rep. William Slater represents House District 35, which includes Trousdale and part of Sumner counties. He is chairman of the Education Administration Subcommittee and also serves on the Education Committee, Insurance Committee and K-12 Subcommittee.
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