The Alabama State Board of Education (SBOE) held its regular meeting and work session Thursday, discussing and / or approving the following items:  

1. State Lawmakers Meet with SBOE

In a step toward improving communications and building stronger relations with the state Legislature, the SBOE invited House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels and House Majority Leader Scott Stadthagen to Thursday’s work session. 

• Vice-President Wayne Reynolds (District 08) stressed the board’s commitment to working with the Legislature and the importance of maintaining and improving relations. 
• "Today's meeting is a big step in the right direction of working together to support our schools and students,” Stadthagen said. Daniels encouraged state board members to cultivate relationships with lawmakers throughout the year and not just before the session.
• At times, the discussion between SBOE member Stephanie Bell (District 03) and Daniels became intense. According to Bell, the legislators do not seek the input of the SBOE and have passed laws that have overridden the SBOE’s authority.  In response, Daniels emphasized legislators are not trying to take over SBOE responsibilities, but he feels compelled to take action when the same schools continue to be on the failing schools list. 

Why it matters:  A working relationship between the SBOE and the state Legislature is essential for public education and student achievement in low-performing schools. 

At the work session, Daniels and Stadthagen communicated their education priorities, addressed the pressing issue of underperforming schools and fielded questions from board members.    

• Representing both sides of the political aisle, Daniels and Stadthagen agreed the state must target underperforming schools and target funding where needed to improve student achievement in these schools.
• Daniels, a former elementary teacher, said he also would like to see a plan to improve middle school reading and expand universal pre-K. He emphasized early childhood education and underscored the dire need to expand pre-K in schools that are not performing. Pre-K programs significantly decrease the risk factors that lead to time in prison, such as the inability to read on grade level in 3rd grade, he said.  “We know that every dollar spent on early childhood education can save us $7 that is spent on corrections.”  
• Stadthagen stated his priorities as a leader also will be centered on expanding pre-K programs, especially in schools that struggle and promoting workforce development. He added that he is committed to helping students acquire the skills and training necessary for career success.  

What's next: The SBOE announced Senate Pro Tem Greg Reed and Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton will join the conversation in next month’s board work session.

The bottom line: While unclear what concrete measures have been discussed, the SBOE and Legislature are focused on additional steps to address the issue of underperforming schools. 

2. UTeach Rollout

Dr. Lee Meadows, executive director of the Alabama STEM Council, provided an update on the UTeach rollout and announced the program is expected to create 250 new STEM teachers every year once fully implemented over the next four years.  

• The UTeach program is an innovative initiative aimed at preparing college STEM majors to become teachers. 
• UTeach graduates are not traditional education majors but instead STEM majors who add a STEM education minor and a traditional Class B teaching certificate, with no added time to their degree. 

The program received $4.5 million in the FY23 Education Trust Fund (ETF) budget, allowing for expansion and implementation at seven universities across the state. 

• Known as UABTeach, UAB was the first in the state to pilot the program with great success in its implementation: 65 graduates have been produced, 58 of whom are certified, and 41 of whom are currently teaching. This has proven to be a successful model, and its expansion to other universities will help further address the shortage of STEM teachers in the state.
• What sets UTeach apart from other programs is its successful track record. Nationally, the program exists at 56 universities in 23 states, and 84% of UTeach graduates go on to become teachers. Even more impressively, 87% of these graduates are still teaching five years later, and 68% choose to teach at low-income schools.  

Why it matters: Alabama’s shortage of math and science teachers has been a major concern in recent years.  Now, the STEM Council, in partnership with the Alabama Legislature, Alabama Commission on Higher Education, and UTeach Institute, have implemented a significant initiative to address the shortage and quality of STEM teachers.

3. English Language Arts, Grades K-3 Textbook Adoption

The SBOE moved closer to the adoption of textbooks for English Language Arts, grades K-3. The textbook recommendations have been made by the State Textbook Committee and reviewed by the Alabama Literacy Task Force to ensure they meet the requirements of the Alabama Literacy Act. 

• Last year, the SBOE only approved the ELA Textbook Committee’s recommendations for grades 4-12.  A technical issue arose with the recommendation for grades K-3, which only included one option. 
• As a result, the Textbook Committee and the Literacy Task Force were asked to conduct a new review process, leading to multiple options for the SBOE to consider.  

Nine vendors submitted material but the list under SBOE consideration is much shorter. Once the SBOE approves and releases the list, local school systems will have the authority to pick the best option for their students. 

The SBOE is expected to vote on the recommendations in March, unless a majority of board members raise concerns about moving forward. 

4. Board Questions

Dr. Tonya Chestnut (District 05) asked for help in clarifying what can be discussed during Black History Month as a result of the board's ban on teaching divisive concepts and in light of a recent school protest.  Both Chestnut and Dr. Yvette Richardson (District 04) have received questions from educators and expressed concerns. State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey stated there is no set list of prohibited topics and offered to assist school systems with any concerns or plans for Black History Month.  

 5. Board Meeting Action

• Approved resolution announcing intent to adopt a new Alabama Administrative Code Rule pertaining to College and University Requirements 
• Approved resolution of Distinguished Recognition for Alabama’s 2023 School Counselor of the Year, Rebecca Johnson, Daphne Elementary School, Baldwin County 
• Approved resolution recognizing Maya Yang, a Vestavia Hills City Schools student, for the 2023 Elementary Best of Show State Superintendent’s Visual Arts Exhibit 
• Approved resolution recognizing Skylar Bush, a St. Clair County Schools student for the 2023 Secondary Division Best of Show State Superintendent’s Visual Arts Exhibit  
• Approved 2023 Annual State Superintendent’s Visual Arts Exhibit resolution  
• Approved resolution proclaiming February 6-10, 2023, as Alabama School Counseling Week 
• Approved resolution proclaiming February 2023 as Alabama Career and Technical Education Month 
• Approved resolution recognizing March 2023 as Arts Education Month in Alabama schools 

6. Next SBOE Meeting

The board’s next meeting is March 9, 2023, at 10 a.m. in Montgomery with a work session immediately following.