[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6298633,"mediaKeyId","2503535-4c0e9bcf9cebbfd0318d58e5fed7846e","parentId",2503535,"title","Recruiters tell committee the ASVAB is a free career‑exploration tool; committee advances resolution encouraging schools to offer it","audioSeconds",345,"startMs",4865000,"endMs",5210000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2503535-4c0e9bcf9cebbfd0318d58e5fed7846e&start=4865&end=5210","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2503535-4c0e9bcf9cebbfd0318d58e5fed7846e/thumbnail_4865000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6298633/Tennessee/Recruiters-tell-committee-the-ASVAB-is-a-free-careerexploration-tool-committee-advances-resolution-encouraging-schools-to-offer-it","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298633-8310241ae5ecaf910cb088047204ac08/orig.mp4?Expires=1771256688&Signature=oU2D-LfxdD5CP-P~ZBDxyFz2yYUx9RmdfbWoE3X6alefot~2gLSBrsXVdsHJlRfLXDPXRNCAr1k15nBQ6lnsz0As~iGsPRdV4X7iQTi5-LBPx57XR83Y3i58AowNDNmLtv7zqYJqqPrtAJvlSUYw-PT~ZICkDKQrdyHf-aI5TCu20ryl9LO0KeBXGlzMvhlJKoTNMYxM1l9G9qfEMNVq534Ne1GakSp5Y3B8NIWVh7j7xlifjR9Rrzo7-tnZN83YipEFI9ViUVcY3YgpnfBuhZ1FJ9Nz62oZGWjMX7zN~pInm2NB~7FSEjrjxfSdY3maQaTH3exB1dPOyGNvzFQDvQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Tennessee House of Representatives","date","2025-03-05T07:39:15Z","article","The Full Committee of Education heard testimony from Tennessee military recruiting officials on a resolution encouraging local education agencies to make the ASVAB Career Exploration Program available to high‑school students. Recruiters urged clearer information for educators and families and defended the test as free, non‑binding and useful for career planning.

Why it matters: The ASVAB covers academic and vocational aptitudes and, according to recruiters, can guide students toward college, technical training, workforce entry or military service. The committee’s vote to move the resolution signals legislative interest in increasing student access to the career‑exploration resource.

What recruiters told the committee: Lieutenant Colonel William Blake English, Tennessee Army National Guard recruiting and retention commander, described the ASVAB as “a heavily research aptitude test” that provides information about students’ academic strengths and areas for improvement. He said the test is free to schools, offered in paper and online formats to grades 10–12, and “in no way … obligates a student to enter into the military.”

Recruiters said participation has declined in some districts and that some schools have restricted uniformed recruiters or discouraged testing after parental concerns. English told the committee that misunderstandings about the ASVAB’s purpose — particularly a belief that test‑taking equates to enlistment — have contributed to reduced uptake.

Reported test data and scoring: Committee members asked about passing rates and scoring thresholds. Recruiters reported FY23–FY24 submitted data showing 29,247 students attempted the test, with 14,283 (about 49 percent) meeting the reported minimum standard and 14,964 (about 51 percent) below that level. The recruiting officials noted the AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test) minimum qualifying score varies by branch; one recruiter said the AFQT minimum is 31 (the transcript contains a separate earlier reference to 30 as a threshold; recruiters clarified AFQT specifics during questioning). Officials also explained that higher ASVAB/line scores open more technical occupational options within the services.

What recruiters said about school visits: Recruiters described school interactions as relationship‑building with principals, guidance counselors and teachers, and said their role is to provide information so students can make informed choices. Command Sergeant Major Lloyd Bland said recruiters mainly “provide information to the students” and offer ASVAB interpretation sessions that map scores to potential training and occupational fields.

Committee action: After testimony and questioning from members, the committee advanced the resolution encouraging LEAs to make ASVAB testing available; the clerk later read a roll‑call tally of 16 ayes and 0 nays.

Discussion highlights: Members expressed support for giving students more options and for accurate outreach to parents and educators. Representative Johnson noted the test provided useful alternative measures for students with mechanical aptitudes; Representative Hakim and others praised recruiters’ service and urged better public education about the ASVAB’s nonbinding nature.

Ending: The committee moved the resolution forward. Recruiters said they will continue outreach and education efforts aimed at schools, parents and counselors to clarify how the ASVAB can be used as a career‑exploration tool rather than a recruitment obligation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Education Committee- March 4, 2025- House Hearing Room 1","oneSentenceSummary","Military recruiters told the Full Committee of Education that the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a no‑cost career exploration tool that measures multiple aptitudes, urging better educator and parent education about the test. The committee advanced a resolution encouraging local school systems to offer the ASVAB.","taxTitle","Education, House of Representatives, Committees, Legislative, Tennessee","taxId",78388,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6298638,"Dyersburg students design a dodgeball launcher so wheelchair‑bound classmate can play",462,3264000,3726000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2503535-4c0e9bcf9cebbfd0318d58e5fed7846e&start=3264&end=3726","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2503535-4c0e9bcf9cebbfd0318d58e5fed7846e/thumbnail_3264000.jpg","/articles/6298638/Tennessee/Dyersburg-students-design-a-dodgeball-launcher-so-wheelchairbound-classmate-can-play","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298638-5b0699a31c64d23df5d9cca8d6d235d4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771256688&Signature=aoVX2f-VRFmMzFSRyvsT9utDyvonE0oTZz86v-K9RAuuhlNi6Vyyp3SpDtV7BTzCRejbZlx48sMeiqMg9HUvxX2v9RLjaabrTY-Pdr~inZyDEZoOUFFh80hOIluYRM31sKf7kkuCxupNCLIGD0STaEwMpTIQxWBVozwrNkuJgjq1JoC9z4uPan2gPvk99d8GQz4FPFCN8N7V2V-n41ZWx1CgPeWHQYxLWwJJYQVQxIcyucNqibvo5lxHQ7iXoEFHHXYn55GNX7qzaljvjTnJezUAr4LZRGuEvVCBXWEInZWJpmkPxcLuog6Ytwtm5PIgPQF9ZebL3sKFgsrUPx7u1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A group of sixth‑grade STEM students from Dyersburg Middle School presented a classroom‑designed “Kellen project” to the Full Committee of Education, describing a prototype launcher intended to let a classmate who uses a wheelchair play dodgeball with peers.

Why it matters: The students’ project demonstrates classroom application of career and technical education (CTE) and science‑technology‑engineering‑math (STEM) funding and local business partnerships to produce an accessible recreation device. Committee members and visiting legislators praised the students’ work and noted it as an example of CTE investments producing practical, inclusive outcomes.

What the students presented: Teachers and students said the work grew from new STEM offerings funded by Innovative School Models (ISM) and TISA funding (funds referenced by the school). Students described design requirements that included safety, mobility, single‑ball launches, angle adjustment, a shield for the seated player and—including as a personal detail for the student being assisted—the color blue.

Student Emilia Martin said the team researched materials and “created a scale drawing and graph paper for our final product.” Student Fatou Mana summarized design priorities: “Our number one requirement is safety… Our fourth requirement is to have our lever a button. We chose this because it would be more accessible for Kellen.” Several students explained they tested compressed‑air and wheel‑and‑motor concepts and planned collaborations with the high‑school welding team and community engineers to build later prototypes.

Principal Matt Spreaker and Director of Schools Kim Worley told the committee that roughly 45 percent of the district’s students are economically disadvantaged and that ISM/TISA funds helped extend STEM programs into middle and elementary grades. Worley said the program seeks to deliver “opportunities for all students and barriers for none.”

Private‑sector support: Brad Whittle, speaking for Armco, told the committee that Armco has donated more than $500,000 over the past three years to support CTE and STEM in the region and said his company will continue to work with Dyersburg schools on design and fabrication.

Timeline and next steps: Student presenters outlined a timeline reported to the committee: prototype work began after January, with a first prototype expected by May and further collaboration with community partners and the high‑school welding team planned for the following August; the students projected the device would be operational and in use by November. The school said they had consulted Kellen’s therapist to identify that his dominant hand is left and that activation needed to be a lever or button on that side.

Committee reaction: Members praised the student work for combining engineering, teamwork and inclusive design. Representative Glenn called the presentation “a great reflection” of the district’s programs; Representative Barrett said the presentation was “way better than the best budget hearing I ever sat through.” The committee presented a commemorative state capital book to the visitors and encouraged the students to return.

Ending: The committee heard the student demonstration before returning to the remaining agenda items. The school and partners will continue prototype development and community collaboration.","Sixth‑grade STEM students from Dyersburg Middle School presented a student‑designed dodgeball‑launcher prototype to the Full Committee of Education. The project aims to let a wheelchair‑using classmate, Kellen, participate in gym activities; local industry partner Armco pledged support.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6298643,"Committee advances confirmations and school bills; unanimous votes recorded on multiple resolutions",223,1328000,1551000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2503535-4c0e9bcf9cebbfd0318d58e5fed7846e&start=1328&end=1551","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2503535-4c0e9bcf9cebbfd0318d58e5fed7846e/thumbnail_1328000.jpg","/articles/6298643/Tennessee/Committee-advances-confirmations-and-school-bills-unanimous-votes-recorded-on-multiple-resolutions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298643-bf5e59ec2c8fbeae273f7f3cb5f88e50/orig.mp4?Expires=1771256688&Signature=Q~Db6credvwICx~XA0MT~MmuLMLPki8f9khvBiUaKzd9~ulNF1kccFYyc~SCvm-gJnxJJxjTCNVe50yuLqt-QeEj4EiLYESPDXhBrDeBY63DJoNpnEyUVp4Z-iLsPZifHRuU5K7Fk68TnL4umjXToiQKbdCgbueW1cfttY2aWAWARJSaP5n6FfCOKlpaww18WkquwU0pL-MUVvHAV8RgIlaw8~1qEWukncluWL4JYDFl5CkYKdNCQv5ONlpTTbfMsynkgHY1W~6ubi3iE5XRbsIp1FmL~w5Rhqpud1m5kq1URj0uNXCHqUkdaVCeNRKkgsqtPDE01jjNmMJ6NLzPpg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Full Committee of Education advanced multiple gubernatorial appointments and approved several school-related measures in a session that combined confirmations, a student STEM presentation and brief policy votes.

Committee members voted to move a series of confirmations and resolutions out to calendar and rules without dissent. The committee recorded unanimous roll-call votes of 17‑0 on several House Joint Resolutions and subsequent confirmations, and later recorded votes of 16‑0 and 15‑1 on other items (see “Votes at a glance” below). All roll-call tallies were read aloud by the clerk during the meeting.

Why it matters: The confirmations add new members to governing boards that help shape higher education leadership and policy in the state. The bills moved by the committee—ranging from a resolution on school testing (ASVAB) to a bill allowing emergency stock inhalers in schools—affect school operations and student supports across districts.

Key outcomes and actions
- HR0009: Confirmation of Dr. Ina Maxwell to the State Board of Education — moved out to calendar and rules (roll call read as 17 ayes, 0 nays). Chairman and the sponsor introduced Maxwell and allowed her brief remarks to the committee before the recorded vote (transcript references below).
- HJR154: Confirmation of Demita/Damita Smith Knight to the Tennessee State University Board of Trustees — moved out to calendar and rules (17 ayes, 0 nays).
- HJR155: Confirmation (moved out to calendar and rules; roll call 17 ayes, 0 nays).
- HJR156: Confirmation of Jeffrey Norfleet — moved out to calendar and rules (17 ayes, 0 nays).
- HJR157: Confirmation of Terrica (Tariqa/Terrica) Smith — moved out to calendar and rules (17 ayes, 0 nays).
- HJR158: Confirmation (moved out to calendar and rules; 17‑0 recorded).
- HJR159: Confirmation of Charles Traubber — moved out to calendar and rules (17‑0 recorded).
- HJR160: Confirmation of Takasha Winton — moved out to calendar and rules (17‑0 recorded).
- HJR164: Confirmation of Todd Skelton to the UT‑Knoxville advisory board — moved out to calendar and rules (17‑0 recorded).
- House Joint Resolution 66 (ASVAB encouragement): moved out of committee 16 ayes, 0 nays after a panel of military recruiters spoke to the committee (see separate article on the ASVAB discussion for details).
- House Bill 760 (emergency stock inhalers in schools): advanced to Government Operations (roll call read as 16 ayes, 0 nays). The sponsor described the bill as enabling schools to maintain an emergency supply of rescue inhalers for students experiencing asthma attacks.
- House Bill 61 (judicial access to absenteeism data): advanced to calendar and rules with a recorded vote of 15 ayes, 1 nay. The sponsor said the bill allows juvenile court judges to access more than one year of student absenteeism records when permitted by statute and that juvenile judges’ association reviewed and supported the proposal.

Discussion vs. decision: Most confirmation items and several bills were advanced with brief introductions and no extended debate; votes were primarily voice or roll-call as recorded by the clerk. The committee held longer discussion and testimony specifically on the ASVAB resolution; other items were disposed of with little discussion.

Votes at a glance (selected items from committee minutes)
- HR0009 — Confirm Dr. Ina Maxwell to State Board of Education — Outcome: moved out to calendar & rules; Roll call: 17 ayes, 0 nays. (Introduced by Speaker Sexton; witness remarks recorded.)
- HJR154 — Confirm Demita/Damita Smith Knight (TSU trustee) — Outcome: moved out to calendar & rules; 17 ayes, 0 nays.
- HJR155 — Outcome: moved out to calendar & rules; 17 ayes, 0 nays.
- HJR156 — Confirm Jeffrey Norfleet — Outcome: moved out to calendar & rules; 17 ayes, 0 nays.
- HJR157 — Confirm Terrica Smith — Outcome: moved out to calendar & rules; 17 ayes, 0 nays.
- HJR158 — Outcome: moved out to calendar & rules; 17 ayes, 0 nays.
- HJR159 — Confirm Charles Traubber — Outcome: moved out to calendar & rules; 17 ayes, 0 nays.
- HJR160 — Confirm Takasha Winton — Outcome: moved out to calendar & rules; 17 ayes, 0 nays.
- HJR164 — Confirm Todd Skelton (UT‑Knoxville advisory board) — Outcome: moved out to calendar & rules; 17 ayes, 0 nays.
- HJR66 — Encourage LEAs to offer ASVAB career exploration testing — Outcome: moved out to calendar & rules; 16 ayes, 0 nays (testimony preceded vote).
- HB760 — Allow schools to keep emergency stock inhalers — Outcome: forwarded to Government Operations; 16 ayes, 0 nays.
- HB61 — Allow judges to look back more than one year on absenteeism records — Outcome: moved out to calendar & rules; 15 ayes, 1 nay.

Ending: Committee members said they would roll unfinished items to next week’s calendar; the session closed after the final recorded votes. For additional detail on the ASVAB testimony and the student STEM presentation that followed, see the separate articles in this package.","The Full Committee of Education advanced a slate of gubernatorial appointments to university and state education boards and passed several school-related bills and resolutions by unanimous or near‑unanimous margins during a packed session that included confirmations, presentations, and brief bill debate.","actionData","errors"]

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Recruiters tell committee the ASVAB is a free career‑exploration tool; committee advances resolution encouraging schools to offer it

Dyersburg students design a dodgeball launcher so wheelchair‑bound classmate can play

Committee advances confirmations and school bills; unanimous votes recorded on multiple resolutions