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Education committee reconfirms textbook and standards panel members; teachers' concerns on curriculum surfaced
Summary
The committee unanimously approved three nominees to textbook and standards-related panels and questioned standards committee nominees about classroom practice, fiction vs. nonfiction balance and whether students see themselves in materials.
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee House Education Committee unanimously advanced three nominees to state textbook and standards advisory bodies, moving each to the Calendar and Rules Committee after brief questioning from members.
The committee confirmed Billy Bridal (HJR170) to the Textbook and Instructional Materials Quality Commission by a 16-0 vote. Leatherwood introduced Bridal, who teaches AP macroeconomics, AP human geography and other social studies courses at Millington Central High School and recounted Bridal’s classroom experience and extracurricular coaching.
The committee also approved Lucas Hilliard (HJR196) 16-0 to the standards recommendation committee for English language arts. Hilliard, an English instructor and product of Tennessee public schools, told the committee he values rigorous, clear standards and an open process to refine them.
Britney Singletary (HJR197) was confirmed 16-0 to the same standards committee. Singletary, a fifth-grade language-arts teacher with 20 years of classroom experience, told the committee she does not see a need for wholesale overhaul of standards but would support "tweaks" to clarify wording for teachers new to the profession. She said fiction remains important for student engagement and that her classroom schedule includes fiction novels to spark discussion.
Committee members questioned nominees on whether classroom materials allow students to "see themselves" and on the balance between teaching facts and fostering discussion. Bridal, Hilliard and Singletary said academic standards drive instruction and that teachers should present material fairly and create classroom environments conducive to learning. Representative Annika Johnson asked whether materials should allow every child to see themselves; Bridal said quality materials should support meaningful engagement.
All three nominees move to the House Calendar and Rules Committee for final consideration.
