Alabama’s graduation rate for the 2023 class is 90.04%, a 1.83% increase, from 88.21% for the class of 2022. “We are very excited about where we are,” State Superintendent of Education Eric Mackey told State Board of Education (SBOE) members Thursday.

The 2023 College and Career Readiness (CCR) rate also has seen an increase, from 79.07% in 2022 to 84.20% in 2023, up 5.13%. ALSDE Instructional Services Coordinator Sean Stevens said the College and Career Readiness grants funded by the Legislature helped provide students with opportunities such as college tours, test preparation, industry tours, and scholarships. SBOE Vice President Tracie West (District 2) noted the Legislature's interest in "providing a pathway for younger students to work" and how it coincides with CCR. The Education Trust Fund (ETF) supplemental appropriation proposed by the Legislature currently includes $17 million for these grants, although the ETF budget package has just begun to move through the legislative process and this could change. Earning a CCR Indicator becomes a graduation requirement beginning with the 2025-2026 school year (Act 2023-365).

The SBOE approved the state’s first alternative teacher preparation program, iTeach, during Thursday's meeting. This approval signals the Board’s intent to explore and provide quality alternative teacher prep programs in the state, pursuant to Alabama law, which allows for additional pathways for teachers to earn certification (Act 2023-451). Another alternative teacher preparation program, the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence, was rejected by the SBOE.

ETF Budget Update

Mackey provided an update on the FY2025 ETF budget package moving through the Legislature. Minor changes to the ETF budget, supplemental, and the Advancement & Technology Fund appropriations bills were approved by the House Ways and Means Education Committee, which now goes to the House floor for a vote this week. Mackey highlighted ALSDE budget items and legislative priorities in the ETF, which may change as the budget moves through the legislative process:

• Struggling Readers Beyond Third Grade: The ALSDE top budget priority was a $22 million requested increase to support students in grades 4-6 in reading. The ETF currently allocates $5 million in one-time supplemental funds for this purpose, and these funds would be available prior to the beginning of the fiscal year October 1st.
• Assistant Principals: An increase of $10.8 million in the ETF budget and $7.8 million in one-time supplemental funds would cover 200 more assistant principals. These funds would provide elementary schools with half an assistant principal unit and middle schools with a full unit for schools with at least 300 students.
• Summer Reading Camps: A one-time supplemental appropriation of $15 million would replace federal ESSER funds currently being used for this purpose, as the federal funds end in 2025.
• Principal Leadership and Mentoring Act: An increase of $30 million was recommended by the governor and is maintained in the current version of the ETF budget.

Evaluation of Reading Coaches

Mackey highlighted top survey findings from an external evaluation of Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI) coaches by the ALSDE and the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA). Nine out of 10 of coaches indicated having a supportive principal, especially a principal who completed LETRS training and understands reading instruction and how to support instruction, is a key factor to success.

SBOE Resolution on Cell Phone Policy

West requested an update on responses to the SBOE resolution on cell phone policy passed in February 2024 recommending limiting or restrict usage of cell phones in schools. All school boards already have a local policy on cell phone usage in their code of conduct.

Other Board Meeting and Work Session News

Resolutions approved:

• Commending and congratulating the Alabama Purple Star Class of 2024, comprised of 11 school systems and 75 schools, committed to meeting the unique needs of military youth and supporting military personnel, their families and veterans.
• Approving Jacksonville State University and the University of Montevallo's educator preparation programs.
• Modifying the Praxis subject assessment for special education and setting new multi-state passing score.
  • Background: As reported in AASB's March 2024 FYI, the subject assessment for special education was updated by the national Educational Testing Services in September 2023 and includes changes with increased emphasis on learning environments and learning differences for students with special needs.

Upcoming Resolutions for Approval during May SBOE Meeting:

• Approving both Alabama A&M University and the University of Alabama in Huntsville educator preparation programs
• Appointing the 2024-25 State Textbook Committees for Science grades K-12 and Career Tech Education Clusters (Arts, AV Technology and Communications, Health Sciences and Human Services)
• Recognizing Alabama’s “Grow Our Own Initiative and “Future Teachers of Alabama” organizations.
• Honoring Hoover High School as the 2024 Nominee for Alabama Green Ribbon Schools Award
• Commending 2024-24 Alabama Teacher of the Year and Alternate Teacher of the Year and the 2024-25 District Teachers of the Year.
  
  

Next SBOE Meeting & Work Session

The board’s next meeting will take place Thursday, May 9 at 10 a.m. in Montgomery with a work session immediately following.

• Gordon Persons Building Auditorium
• Livestream viewing: https://www.youtube.com/user/aldeptofed/live
• Archived meeting and work session recordings: https://www.alabamaachieves.org/state-board-of-education/meeting-videos/