Committee Hears Bill to Create Associate‑Level Speech‑Language Pathology Assistants

Representative Standridge, sponsor of House Bill 441, opened a public hearing saying the proposal would “establish an associate level speech language pathology assistant,” allowing a pathway through community colleges and noting that similar models exist in other states.

The bill aims to create an associate‑degree credential for speech‑language pathology assistants (SLPAs) who would work under the supervision of a licensed speech‑language pathologist (SLP). Backers said the measure is intended to address shortages of SLPs in K–12 schools and rural areas and to create a pipeline from two‑year programs into bachelor’s and master’s training.

Rodney Green, superintendent of Blount County Schools, told the committee his system serves about 8,000 students and currently supports 731 students with separate IEPs for speech services. Green said his district has been short SLPs for years, reporting it has been “down 6 speech teachers for 3 years” and “this year,…