The State Board of Education adopted the Digital Literacy and Computer Science State Course of Study Thursday and received updates from the newly created Alabama Public Education Paperwork Reduction Committee. Board members got a look at a new online dashboard that tracks educator preparation program (EPP) report cards, featuring both state- and higher education institution-level data, including educator assessment pass rates, teacher shortages and more. Of the more than 5,400 students unconditionally admitted into EPPs in 2023-2024, fewer than one-third completed the program, which is less than in previous years.

State Superintendent of Education Eric Mackey said the board will likely vote after February on the adoption of recommended social studies and arts education textbooks that were removed from last month's board meeting agenda. Members raised questions about the textbook selection and review process.

Streamlining Teacher Paperwork Committee Update 

As required by the Alabama Teacher Paperwork Streamlining Act (Act 2025-410), the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) formed a committee composed primarily of classroom teachers to identify practical ways to reduce unnecessary paperwork and streamline processes to avoid duplication of efforts. Paperwork includes electronic requirements. 

The committee chair and ALSDE staff updated the board on progress toward completing the tasks outlined in the law: 

1. Identify the most burdensome paperwork tasks.
2. Eliminate redundant documentation requirements across different programs.
3. Standardize forms and reporting formats to reduce complexity/time spent. 
4. Offer realistic, teacher-informed solutions.
5. Collaborate with education leaders to design smarter systems.

The committee has met three times since convening in August and in October distributed a statewide survey to pre-K-12 educators in each SBOE district. Of more than 45,000 educators statewide, 653 completed the survey, including 549 classroom teachers. Most respondents were K-5 educators. 

Respondents identified suggestions for streamlining and reducing paperwork and repeatedly cited the redundancy of entering the same data into multiple platforms and duplicating information for lesson plans, progress monitoring and individualized education plans (IEPs).

The law requires the ALSDE to work with school boards to create a unified, user-friendly digital platform that consolidates required documentation of the Literacy Act and Numeracy Acts and other relevant educational programs, laws, and policies. The law also requires the department to develop and implement a data-sharing system to ensure information entered once can be used across multiple platforms, reducing repetitive input by teachers.

Educator Preparation Institutional Report Cards

The annual report is now an online dashboard tracking admissions, exits and completions across all 24 EPPs, along with pass rates for content and pedagogy assessments. All 24 programs now are fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. 

On the Foundations of Reading exam required by the Alabama Literacy Act, overall just 56% of teachers passed the exam on their first attempt, while EPPs at Alabama State University, Spring Hill College, and Tuskegee University boasted 100% first attempt pass rates.

The dashboard also captures educator shortage data reported by school systems. Elementary education has the most unfilled positions statewide, followed by early childhood education. Mackey noted future efforts will focus on aligning shortage areas with nearby EPPs.

View the Educator Preparation Institutional Report Cards

Resolution to Approve New EPP for Class A Certification - Visual Impairments at Auburn University at Montgomery

The new 30-hour Class A master’s program will prepare certified teachers to earn specialized certification to teach students with visual impairments. More than 1,600 students statewide are served by teachers with this certification, including about 250 at the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind. A federal grant will fund 50 additional teachers to complete the program at no cost over the next five years. 

Board Meeting Action

• Resolutions recognizing Meek Elementary School (Winston County Schools) and New Bethel Elementary School (Colbert County Schools) as National Elementary and Secondary Education Act Distinguished Schools (SBOE District 7)
• Resolution appointing World Languages State Course of Study Committee
• Resolution recognizing January 2026 as Gifted Education Month in Alabama schools

Next SBOE Meeting and Work Session

• The board’s next regular meeting will take place Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the University of South Alabama Faculty Club in Mobile, with a work session immediately following.
• The board's retreat will begin Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at 3 p.m., concluding with a visit to the new Baldwin Preparatory Academy the following morning.
• 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/ 

Ada Katherine van Wyhe, MPA
Director of Governmental Relations