State Board of Education members held a spirited discussion during Thursday’s meeting before voting to announce the board’s intent to adopt a proposed rule requiring all high school seniors to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) prior to graduation. If adopted, the new requirement in the Alabama Administrative Code would begin with the FY 2021-22 graduating class.

Several proponents of the change joined Thursday’s meeting virtually to express their support. Kimberly Walker, counselor for Mobile County schools, said helping students with FAFSA completion has enabled many students in her system to get into college.

Alabama Workforce Council Chairman Tim McCartney told board members seniors are leaving $47 million on the table in financial aid by not completing a FAFSA form. He added that Governor Ivey’s goal of adding 500,000 highly skilled workers to Alabama by 2025 can be achieved by implementing this policy.

Two other speakers, University of Alabama college student Kaila Pouncy and Alabama Possible Executive Director Chandra Scott both stressed that completing the FAFSA enables many students that otherwise would not be able to pay for college the ability to qualify for the financial aid needed to further their education.

Stephanie Bell (District 3) told fellow board members she does not agree with the proposed policy change. While in favor of FAFSA completion, Bell said mandating FAFSA as a requirement of graduation is not the way to go.

“Holding parents and students responsible in ways they may not completely understand is wrong. While people may have good intentions, putting this requirement into code just is not a good idea,” Bell said. She explained that she favors an opt-in process, which 47 states already have, including Alabama.

State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey explained the proposed rule offers an opt-out provision.

“Seniors would either have to complete the FAFSA or turn in a note they will not complete it,” he said.

Only three states require FAFSA completion for graduating seniors. The legislatures in Louisiana, Illinois, and Texas enacted state laws to require high school seniors to fill out FAFSA as a graduation requirement. Governor Ivey indicated there are 13 other states considering such as measure.

Ultimately, the board voted 6-3 to pursue the rule change, with Board Vice President Jackie Zeigler (District 1), Stephanie Bell (District 3) and Dr. Wayne Reynolds (District 8) voting no.

Any proposed rule by the board requires a 45-day public comment period before being considered for final adoption. A final vote could come as early as the April SBOE meeting.

During the State Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Eric Mackey thanked Gov. Kay Ivey and the Alabama Department of Public Health for opening up vaccines for teachers. He also informed the board of the ADPH’s plan to release new quarantine guidelines that state once teachers have received full immunity (two weeks after the second shot), they will no longer be required to quarantine due to exposure in most cases.

Teacher Quality Roundtable Update

Thursday’s board work session opened with a discussion of recommendations from Alabama’s Teacher Quantity and Quality (TQ2) Roundtable. Recommendations included career pathways for teachers, better early-career supports, advanced teacher roles and collective leadership and more. Mackey informed the board any action on the group’s recommendations will require legislative approval for additional funding.

State Recovery Plan Update

Assistant State Superintendents Dr. Elisabeth Davis and Terry Roller shared the department’s efforts to date on the state’s recovery plan to address COVID-19 related learning loss. The three pillars of the recovery plan will include high-quality instructional materials, high-quality professional development and unfinished learning supports. Davis shared a timeline that indicates school systems have until June 1, 2021, to submit their recovery plan to the department. View presentation.

English Language Arts Course of Study

Members of the English Language Arts State Course of Study Committee, chaired by Tuscaloosa City Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Daria, gave an update on their work recommending new ELA standards. The new course of study aims to ensure all Alabama’s students develop the communication and literacy skills needed for success in college, careers and the workforce. The board will vote on the course of study at next month’s meeting. View presentation.

Career and Technical Education Course of Study

Assistant State Superintendent of Education Dr. Jimmy Hull updated the board on the committee’s work on the Career and Technical Education State Course of Study. Recommendations for the CTE textbooks will be considered for approval at the board’s May meeting. View presentation.

Alabama Literacy Act Update

Alabama Reading Initiative Director Dr. Tracye Strichik presented an update on next steps for the Alabama Literacy Act. Third grade students who have been identified as having reading deficiencies are already receiving intensive intervention services. All K-3 students identified with a reading deficiency will have access to summer reading camps staffed by highly effective reading teachers. All students identified will receive a minimum of 70 hours of instruction and intervention. For K-3 schools identified in the lowest performing 5 percent, summer learning will be fully funded. ARI also is providing targeted professional development based on the science of reading. New training cohorts for teachers will begin in the summer of 2021. View presentation.

• State funding is provided for these resources:
• Regional and school level reading specialists
• Before and after school tutoring
• Professional development
• Early literacy assessment/screener
• Summer Reading Camp
• Intervention materials
• Dyslexia Learning Labs

Next State Board of Education Meeting

The next State Board of Education meeting will be held on March 11 at 10 a.m. in Montgomery, with a work session to follow.