Tuesday's annual State Board of Education business meeting lasted just long enough for the board to vote in new officers and hear a brief report from State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey. 

The board unanimously elected Dr. Yvette Richardson (District 4) as vice president and Dr. Wayne Reynolds (District 8) as president pro tem. In his superintendent's report, Mackey gave an update on the department's statewide MEGA Conference underway this week in Mobile, with more than 3,600 educators attending in person and another 1,000 participating virtually. Mackey said he is hopeful the high attendance is a good sign for the upcoming school year. 

Work Session Features Robust Discussion on CRT

The work session kicked off with Mackey reintroducing for board consideration a draft resolution addressing the hot-button topic of Critical Race Theory (CRT). 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?").

Mackey said the draft resolution had been updated to reflect last month's board member discussion on the issue. He emphasized CRT currently is not taught in any of the state's K-12 public schools nor is the theory reflected in any Alabama state course of study. He also explained passing a board resolution will not impact or alter the current social studies course of study. 

Mackey told the board the draft resolution does not specifically mention CRT but does include language prohibiting local boards of education from offering instruction that indoctrinates students in ideologies that promote one race or sex above another.

Board members recognized that while CRT is not a part of Alabama's courses of study, misinformation about the issue has led to confusion and fear among parents and communities who are questioning the transparency of school curriculum. 

Stephanie Bell (District 3) said she believes the resolution should go even further in addressing the issue, expressing concern that if the SBOE does not take a firm stand, the legislature may step in with related bills. She also indicated the lack of language regarding enforcement of the resolution and consequences for not following it are problematic. 

Tonya Chestnut (District 5) urged the board to allow more time for discussion of such a complex and controversial issue. She said she is concerned the resolution could alter the accuracy with which history is taught.

Board members agreed on the general premise that all students should feel safe, respected and valued without regard to race or gender.

Mackey said he would take board member comments through the end of July for rewording of the resolution. A vote on the resolution is expected at the  board's next meeting on August 12.

Board Member Questions Cover Range of Topics

The remainder of the work session was addressed a lengthy list of board member questions regarding a range of topics:

• FY 2023 budget - Next fiscal year's budget proposal is due to the governor by November 1. Discussions with the state board are expected to happen soon.
• Mask requirements for schools - The health order and state of emergency have expired, and there are no state requirements for the upcoming school year. Mackey said local boards could still require masks, and the state board could also implement a requirement should it choose. 
• COVID-19 Vaccines - The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) recommends getting the vaccine, but the vaccination of students will not be mandated. Schools will not be required to conduct contact tracing but must still notify ADPH of confirmed cases. If contacts are identified, those who are not vaccinated will be required to quarantine.
• TEAMS Act (incentive pay for math and science teachers) - Some contracts have been approved for TEAMS pay. There are still questions regarding teacher schedules and whether they can teach other courses besides math and science. The department is working with systems on these issues.
• ACAP (Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program) - Test data will be available mid-August but embargoed for two weeks before release. Information will be presented to the board in September.
• Alabama Literacy Act - The SBOE will vote on cut scores to be used in determining which third-grade students will be promoted. The law also includes other avenues for promotion such as secondary testing and exemption requirements.
• Cursive writing - This requirement of third grade cursive writing submittals was waived for the 2020-21 school year due to the pandemic. It will not be waived for the upcoming school year.
• ESSER funds - All school systems have submitted plans for ESSER 2 monies, while plans for ESSER 3 funds are due August 23.

In other work session news, the board received a list of nominee names from the Senate President Pro Tem's office for consideration of appointment to the Alabama Public Charter School Commission. They will vote on appointees at the next board meeting. 

Next State BOE Meeting

The next State Board of Education meeting will be held August 12 in Montgomery at 10 a.m. with a work session to follow.