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Education News in Alabama
By Sallie Owen Our New Name – A+ Education Partnership We've added "Partnership" to our name, because we think it best conveys how we work. Since 1991 we've been the only independent organization working statewide for better schools in Alabama. And we do it in partnership with business leaders, educators, policymakers and communities. A+ Education Partnership: Great schools for every child – and a bright future for Alabama
1. GOVERNOR, EDUCATION & BUSINESS LEADERS URGE VOTERS TO SUPPORT RAINY-DAY AMENDMENT Amid global economic uncertainties, next week Alabama voters will decide an amendment that could help stabilize school funding over the next year. State Superintendent Joe Morton says severe mid-year budget cuts, called proration, could derail the academic progress students and schools are making. Morton says the amendment is a "must have," and other education leaders support the amendment. The Business Council of Alabama endorsed it too, and Gov. Bob Riley says it is essential to the state's future economic growth. The main thrust of the amendment is that it would enlarge the education budget's "rainy day" fund. These dollars would be borrowed from the Alabama Trust Fund (a state savings account for oil and gas royalties), and the money would have to be repaid within six years. In 2003, the education budget used "rainy day" funds from the Alabama Trust Fund. The loan was repaid in four years – one year ahead of the schedule set in current law Read "Top educators urge 'yes' vote for rainy-day fund," written by:
2. ALABAMA DROPOUT CONFERENCE The Southern Education Foundation has organized a one-day conference called "High School Dropouts: Alabama's No. 1 Education and Economic Problem." The conference is scheduled for Nov. 12 in Birmingham. The free conference is an opportunity to bring together everyone working to improve Alabama's graduation rate to discover how Alabama can accelerate its efforts. Guest speakers will include:
A+ is facilitating a breakout session looking at how community partnerships can help more students graduate. Free registration is closed due to space limitations, but a waiting list is available. For more information, visit
3. RESEARCH FINDING: Among industrialized nations, the United States is the only country in which today’s young people are less likely than their parents to have earned a high school diploma. The Education Trust finds that many states are setting graduation improvement targets that won’t get our young people – or our nation – ready to compete in the knowledge-driven world of the 21st century. In "Counting on Graduation," Ed Trust calls on states to ratchet up expectations for high school graduation and recommends actions for governors, school boards, and state and local school leaders. Get the report: 4. WILKERSON MS SHOWS HOW TO TURNAROUND AN URBAN SCHOOL Wilkerson Middle School in Birmingham is a great example of how to succeed at turning around a struggling school. Principal Constance Burnes has combined leadership, high expectations, research-based best practices, teacher collaboration and a rich curriculum. The fruits of that hard work make it possible for students to celebrate successes in a school game room, created with performance-based reward money from the state. "All work, no play no dice: Wilkerson Middle School's game room keeps grades up, students motivated," The Birmingham News Editorial writers at The Birmingham News think Wilkerson offers a recipe that should be repeated. http://snipurl.com/wilkersonms02 5. BE RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE & RESOURCEFUL Two Huntsville elementary schools use the "Three B's" (Be respectful, be responsible and be resourceful) as part of a research-based behavior program called Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports. The program's results include fewer disciplinary problems, improved attendance and improved academic achievement. To learn more about PBIS and how it works, check out "The Building Blocks of Positive Behavior" in the latest issue of Teaching Tolerance magazine. 6. ISO RECERTIFIES STATE DEPT. OF EDUCATION The International Organization for Standardization has recertified the Alabama Department of Education's "Business Industry Certification" process, which is used to ensure that career and technical education programs meet the rigorous standards of the international business community. “The state Department of Education’s ISO certification is a clear example of the department’s commitment to preparing Alabama’s students for the real challenges of today’s workplace,” said Business Council of Alabama President William J. Canary. “It’s especially notable that Alabama educators have taken the national lead in achieving this difficult and highly respected certification. From a business standpoint, its importance can't be overstated." 7. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MAKES DIFFERENCE IN BIRMINGHAM The Birmingham school board wants ideas collected from the community by Yes We Can! Birmingham to be incorporated in a new strategic plan for the school system. See "Birmingham school board to use Yes We Can! Birmingham ideas in strategic plan," The Birmingham News, http://snipurl.com/ywcbham09 8. YES WE CAN! DOTHAN ANNOUNCES PRIORITIES After four months and 47 community conversations, the grassroots organization Yes We Can! Dothan has unveiled citizens' priorities before the school board. The target areas are:
See "'Yes We Can!' group announces community agreement," WTVY 9. STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION UPDATE The board met in a work session on Oct. 23. All members were present except Ella Bell and the governor. The board heard progress updates on two initiatives: the First Choice diploma plan and the Middle School Initiative. Deputy State Superintendent Tommy Bice reported that Alabama would be building on an existing middle school initiative called "Making Middle Grades Work" supported by the Southern Regional Education Board. Bice also mentioned that the state's assessment system is under review. During a budget update, State Superintendent Joe Morton reminded board members that the year after proration (across-the-board, mid-year budget cuts) is usually the most harmful. The board also received recommendations from a textbook committee. 10. WHAT'S UP @ A+
What is SNIPURL? We Need You Spread the word Want to subscribe? The A+ Education Partnership, based in Montgomery, publishes Education News in Alabama twice a month. A+ is a nonprofit organization that advances policies, programs and initiatives in Alabama's K-12 education system that result in high achievement by every child. Past editions can be found at www.aplusala.org/ednews/index.asp Feedback is welcome. Send messages to comments@aplusala.org |
October 28 , 2008 (A+ Education Partnership
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