The hot-button issue of critical race theory (CRT) was not on the State Board of Education agenda, but State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey began the discussion at Thursday’s board work session, citing numerous questions being fielded by the ALSDE and state board members.

CRT is an academic concept based on the premise that race isn’t biological, but rather a social construct embedded in society within systems and institutions that play a role in racial inequality (see EdWeek article, “What is Critical Race Theory and Why is it Under Attack?”). National discussions about CRT have become divisive and politically charged, with some states proposing and adopting legislation prohibiting CRT being incorporated into public school instruction.

CRT is not being taught in any of Alabama’s public K-12 schools, Mackey said. The state’s social studies course of study currently is being revised for implementation in the fall of 2022, and Mackey assured board members that Alabama will continue to teach history fully and accurately – the good and the bad. He shared a recently adopted Georgia SBOE resolution and presented a draft resolution he had discussed with Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey for consideration. The board also discussed codifying a position through adoption of emergency and permanent rules in the Administrative Code.

Ultimately, the board agreed more time is needed to review the proposed resolution and will discuss the issue further at its July work session. A vote could come in August.

Alabama Literacy Act Update

The board discussed progress on implementation of the Alabama Literacy Act following the governor’s veto earlier this month of legislation that would have delayed the provision to hold back third-grade students not reading at grade level beginning in the spring of 2022. The full Act is moving forward as state law, and ALSDE staff reported strong momentum in its implementation with the development and deployment of intensive support and programs such as summer reading camps underway.

When asked whether the ALSDE can estimate how many students will be held back, staff were unable to provide numbers but said interim assessments at the beginning, middle and end of the year provide data for grades K-3. ALSDE staff stressed the state is not waiting until third grade but is using data aggressively to identify students early on who need support. Reading coaches are in place to help intervene, with the goal of no student being retained due to lack of reading proficiency. Summative assessments that were given only to third and eighth graders have been expanded to second graders as another tool to identify students needing targeted support. Professional development on the science of reading is taking place, with a fifth cohort of teachers being trained through the LETRS program (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling). There is no longer a wait list for teachers seeking LETRS training, and teacher feedback on the program remains positive.

New Teacher Observation Tool

Deputy State Superintendents Drs. Daniel Boyd and Jeff Langham discussed a new teacher observation tool to improve instruction. In development since 2019, the model incorporates research for highly effective teachers and aligns to the state’s ESSA plan as well as Alabama’s core teaching standards. The instrument has been piloted and field tested, with training set to begin in August and full implementation in fall 2022. Administrators will use the tool’s four-point scale in their teacher observations, with results used to drive instruction and targeted professional development.

PowerSchool Implementation Status

Assistant State Superintendent Dr. Angela Martin provided an update about the state’s Student Information System (SIS) transition from iNOW to PowerSchool. School systems are facing critical deadlines to ensure a smooth transition. Systems have until 5 p.m. June 18 to make data changes in iNOW, with data migration taking place June 19 to Aug. 1 and PowerSchool set to go live Aug. 2. Martin said the ALSDE has assigned an implementation specialist for each school system, and the department is closely monitoring progress as it continues training to prepare for the transition.

ESSER Funding Updates

With some $3.2 billion of federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds for Alabama, the ALSDE and school systems continue to work on plans for how to spend the one-time federal investment dollars. Each ESSER award has its own requirements and deadlines. ALSDE Director of the Office of Student Learning Shanthia Washington provided an update about the second and third rounds of ESSER funding. Only 12 systems have yet to submit applications of their ESSER II plans for ALSDE approval. All other system applications are either under review or have been approved, and the ESSER II funds must be spend by 2023. Meanwhile, the state is moving forward with next steps for the most recent relief award of $2 billion in ESSER III funds which must be spent by 2024. Part of the American Rescue Plan, ESSER III funds are intended to help schools safely return to in-person instruction, maximize instructional time, sustain safe operations, and address the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. ESSER III requires states to develop a spending plan by June 7; however, Alabama was granted an extension to June 25 to seek stakeholder input. The ALSDE has reserved some $202 million at the state level with the remainder to be distributed directly to local school systems.

In Other SBOE News

At its work session:

• Mackey shared the USDOE approval of Alabama’s accountability waiver is now final.
• Boyd presented an overview of changes to the Alabama Administrative Code regarding specialized treatment centers.

At its board meeting:

• SBOE members unanimously voted to adopt a resolution releasing the Montgomery County school system from state intervention effective Dec. 1, 2021. Board members Stephanie Bell (District 3) and Dr. Tonya Chestnut (District 5) commended the system’s progress and the work of the local board, administrators, teachers and all who pushed to meet the requirements outlined for release. Montgomery County Board President Clare Weil attended and thanked the board, saying the state intervened when the system needed it most.
• The SBOE unanimously adopted a change to the Alabama Administrative Code relating to school governance that would remove any reference to requiring Social Security numbers for school enrollment. Although providing a Social Security number is not required, some schools had continued the practice, raising concerns about student privacy and the risk of identity theft.

Next SBOE Meeting

The next SBOE meeting will take place Tuesday, July 13 at 10 a.m. in Montgomery with a work session to follow.