In a 7-2 vote, the State Board of Education passed a controversial resolution Thursday related to critical race theory (CRT), a college-level 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. The resolution “declaring the preservation of intellectual freedom and non-discrimination in Alabama’s public schools” prohibits teaching anything that would “indoctrinate students in social or political ideologies that promote one race or sex above another.”

The board also adopted changes to the Alabama Administrative Code rules pertaining to "certain teaching techniques," allowing disciplinary action to be taken against teachers who violate the resolution, which applies to instruction, Alabama Courses of Study standards, professional development and all other activities in the K-12 setting.

CRT is not taught in any of Alabama’s schools, nor is it included in the state’s social studies course of study, which has been hailed as exemplary by the conservative Fordham Institute. Still, on the heels of similar resolutions passed in other states, discussions at the last two board meetings about the hot-button issue have drawn significant attention from the public and the media.

Some educators have said they fear the resolution could harm educational equity initiatives and stifle important classroom discussions surrounding the nation's complex and difficult history regarding race. At a public hearing during the board meeting, proponents and opponents voiced thoughts and concerns about the proposed resolution and related changes to the Alabama administrative code.

Before the vote, Vice President Dr. Yvette Richardson (District 4) explained her opposition, stating that CRT originated as an academic discipline in the 1960s, when people of color were not being treated fairly.

“We must allow our teachers to teach history that is factual. I want them to be given the freedom and autonomy to do so,” Richardson said.

Dr. Tonya Chestnut (District 5) also expressed opposition to the resolution, explaining that she worries whether African-American history will be compromised. She questioned what she described as a sudden “increase in awareness” that has been presented as a crisis, especially with so many other pressing matters such as the ongoing pandemic and related learning loss.

Drs. Richardson and Chestnut, the only African-American members of the board, were the lone no votes.

(For more information, View AASB's statement regarding the passage of the resolution and an informative one-pager on what CRT is and isn't.)

Other SBOE Meeting News

State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey announced the appointment of Roanoke City Schools Superintendent Chuck Marcum as the ALSDE’s new chief of staff, replacing Dr. Jeff Langham who recently retired. Marcum’s start date is October 1.

In his superintendent’s report, Mackey praised the 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year Kimberly Johnson (Auburn City Schools), Alternate Teacher of the Year Alli Cahill Phelps (Homewood City Schools) and 14 district finalists and commended all of Alabama’s educators for their hard work and dedication under challenging circumstances during the pandemic.

The SBOE also adopted the following resolutions:

Commending Alabama’s 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year, alternate and district finalists

Recognizing Elementary and Secondary School Counselors of the Year for 2020

Honoring Alabama’s 2021 National Cyber Scholars

Appointing the 2021-22 Statewide Textbook Committees for ELA and CTE Clusters: Business Management and Administration; Finance; Marketing and Work Based Learning

Amending Alabama Administrative Code Rules pertaining to "certain teaching techniques," removing the prohibition on teaching yoga in schools

Updating the educator preparation section in the AAC

Announcing intent to adopt future changes to administrative rules dealing with the Apportionment of Foundation Program funds and Current Units

In other action, the board voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Anthony Overton to the Charter School Commission.

Work Session Discussion

Much of the board work session focused on Career and Technical Education (CTE), with Assistant State Superintendent Dr. Jimmy Hull providing updates about CTE and the workforce. While CTE has come a long way, Mackey told board members unequal access to career tech opportunities for all students remains an issue.

Deputy State Superintendent Andy Craig updated board members about the current ALSDE operating budget and anticipated budget for FY 2022. He indicated the main expense is personnel, with FY 2021 personnel costs totaling $24.3 million and projected FY 2022 personnel costs of $25.4 million. The next highest expense is department services (including contract services), followed by building rent and travel.

Mackey explained a $3 million increase in the ALSDE operating budget is federal pass-through money for grants to address unmet needs of Alabama's school systems.

Next month, the board will vote on a new teacher observation tool first presented in June for review. 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.

Assistant State Superintendent Terry Roller gave an overview of changes to requirements for Specialized Treatment Centers (STCs). These centers, located throughout the state, receive appropriations from the Education Trust Fund and provide treatment to students in grades K-12.

The work session ended with Mackey informing the board of the USDOE's approval of Alabama’s American Rescue Plan, which will be discussed in detail at the board retreat scheduled later this month.

Next SBOE Meeting

The next SBOE meeting will take place, Thursday, September 9 at 10 a.m. in Montgomery with a work session to follow.