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The A+ Education Partnership works for great schools for every child – and a bright future for Alabama.

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Montgomery, AL 36103

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Education News in Alabama

2009 News

May 27, 2009

Microsoft partners with Alabama on CareerForward
CareerForward training to be developed by Alabama Best Practices Center
AP Science teacher named Teacher of the Year
Elementary teacher of the year honored
Bui-Kincer participates in A+ College Ready
Montgomery schools seek lead teacher in AP science
Join Yes We Can! Alabama's online network
State School Board Highlights
And more...

April 29, 2009

200 Alabamians say "Yes We Can!" to great schools
Every student graduates, Every graduate ready to succeed
Students give up Saturdays to study for AP exams
National publication features Alabama
Revised math course of study proposed, new evaluation tool gets good reviews
And more...

April 15, 2009

Community & schools agree on joint strategic plan
How is Dothan doing it? Find out next week
RESEARCH FINDING: Alabama's pre-K tops in quality again
Huntsville-area community meeting
Masters ad promotes A+ College Ready
And more...

April 2, 2009

State School Board Highlights
Register Now ! Yes We Can! Alabama Education Summit
RESEARCH FINDING: Alabama increased graduation rate, says Johns Hopkins
Communities are the key to raising graduation rates
National spotlight shines on Trussville's approach to professional development
And more...

March 23, 2009

A+ Works for Alabama!
Yes We Can! Alabama Education Summit
Yes We Can! Dothan Presents Strategic Plan
Research Finding: Better professional development could help U.S. teachers
Harvard spotlights Alabama's Professional Pathways
Suzanne Freeman podcasts about stimulus
Alabama launches first-of-its-kind financial management program
Obama calls for merit pay, high standards

February 25, 2009

Alabama makes best-in-the-U.S. gains
7 myth-busting Torchbearer Schools prove all children can succeed
State Board of Education highlights
Alabama plan 'visionary,' 'forward-thinking,' says national expert
Education Summit April 22 in Birmingham
Research Finding: State makes progress on high school reform, national report says

February 2, 2009

10 Huntsville-Madison Co. schools join A+ College Ready
Morton says move forward on commission recommendations
Professional Pathways give room to grow
Research Finding: Higher education report card shows workforce needs
Faith leaders speak up for education
State Board of Education Update
What's Up @ A+: In the news

January 15, 2009

State commission recommends redesign of teaching profession
Alabama's math, science efforts make cover of Education Week
Dear Mr. President ...
An economic stimulus plan we know will work – more high school graduates, fewer dropouts
Learn more about aggressive dropout prevention in Alabama
A+ College Ready launches new site
And more...

2008 News

December 16, 2008

Thoughts on proration
Obama taps Duncan for education post
Alabamian among U.S.'s top 10 librarians
Research Finding: U.S. needs to redesign school finance systems to boost learning
Betsy Rogers: 5 years is not enough
How is hiring new teachers like the NFL draft?
State Board of Education Update
214 more national board teachers in Alabama
What's up @ A+
- Minority enrollment up 212 percent
- Congrats to Jennifer Dempsey
- Yes We Can! Alabama update
- A+ quoted in Montgomery Advertiser

November 18, 2008

Huntsville businesses pledge $800K to land A+ College Ready
AP enrollment jumps from 33 to 325 at one Jefferson Co. school
Trussville's Freeman named Superintendent of the Year
Research Finding: Increasing educational attainment among African-Americans stalls
School Readiness Alliance welcomes Hume
Morton wins national tech award
Yes We Can! makes quick impact in Dothan
JAG boasts 95 percent graduation rate
Election results
And more...

October 28, 2008

Governor, education and business leaders urge voters to support rainy-day amendment
Alabama dropout conference
Research Finding: U.S. students less likely than parents to earn high school diploma
Wilkerson Middle School shows how to turnaround an urban school
ISO recertifies State Department of Education
Community engagement makes difference in Birmingham
Yes We Can! Dothan announces priorities
And more

October 14, 2008

National spotlight shines on two Alabama success stories
Want to know what you can do to improve your public schools?
Amendment could turn Cat. 5 financial hurricane into a Cat. 2
Montgomery teacher wins $25,000 national teaching award
Research Finding: Stronger teaching with a strong team
New resource – Encyclopedia of Alabama online
Alabama school boards get pre-k grant

September 30, 2008

Yes We Can improve schools in our communities
Do you want to try The Community Engagement Experience?
NMSI: Alabama working hard to reverse workforce trend
Boaz boast best MS principal in nation
Learning lessons from Alabama's top rural schools
Research Finding: Coaches build teaching skills in middle schools

September 17, 2008

Closing the Gap by Making Sure All Students Learn at High Levels - George Hall Elementary (Mobile) by the numbers
Research Finding: $2 Billion Problem — Third of U.S. College Students Need Remediation
Is It Right for the Kid in the Chair?
Alabama Communities are Working for Better Schools
Recommended Reading
Alabama Teachers Say Mentoring Works for New Teachers
Alliance Seeks Executive Director

September 3, 2008

More Alabama students take AP exams – and succeed!
A+ College Ready schools increase AP enrollment 134 percent
Law enforcement says pre-k will help combat violent crime
National reformers call for more time for learning, performance pay and expanded public school choice
State's positive trends continue on ACT
Research Finding: Reshape teacher pay to boost student learning

August 7 , 2008

Alabama schools make progress
What does it take to turn around struggling schools?
Superintendents Leaders Network announced
Research Finding: Southern schools making academic gains
Alabama pre-k grows
Pre-k program to add math, science lessons
Grant opportunity

July 16, 2008

Distance learning to reach every Alabama high school
Dothan debuts community partnership with schools
"Yes We Can! Birmingham" starts foundation
Alabama pre-K advocates win national award
HIPPY helps parents support learning
Research Finding: Research-based approach to discipline benefits students, teachers
Job opening

July 2, 2008

Research Finding: Students learning more since NCLB, Achievement gaps shrinking
National survey shows strong support for pre-k
SREB says Alabama makes progress on education goals
Examples of Excellence:
Employers, higher ed can build case for demanding high school classes

June 17, 2008

Insider's look at hard work of transforming schools
New budget: as good as it gets
Research finding: State's projected graduation rate improves
100 Prospective teachers win scholarships
Leadership development opportunity for superintendents
Alabama School Readiness Alliance launches new website
RSA: 60 percent of jobs require more than HS diploma
Alabama Reading Initiative's secret ingredient?
Fast help for struggling students benefits children, school budgets

May 28, 2008

Critical need for an education budget
Worth Repeating
Top high schools ranked
Roundup: Advanced Placement buzz
Research Finding: How to strengthen learning in math

May 13, 2008

More Students Will Pursue Toughest Diploma
Alabama Moves Ahead at a Strong Pace on School Leadership, SREB Says
Education is 2nd Career for New Teacher of the Year
Research Finding: 'Teach For America' Teachers More Effective
More from Alabama Teaching & Learning Conditions Survey
Network Digs into 'Passion-Based Learning'

April 30, 2008

Mobile's George Hall Elementary wins National School Change Award
Alabama, Riley lauded in new pre-k report
Public-private partnership to strengthen science instruction
State Board of Education Update

April 17, 2008

Community leaders say 'Yes We Can!'
Research Finding: Instruction, instruction, instruction
NIEER: Alabama pre-k tops in quality again
8th graders set state record with writing scores
State Board of Education Update: Bice named new deputy state superintendent

April 1, 2008

Education Summit next week in Birmingham: Engaging Communities, the Key to Better Schools
Research Finding: Community Engagement leads to stronger schools
Learn more about how schools, school systems are doing
Proposed education budget protects K-12 progress
State Board of Education Update: More discussion of stronger graduation requirements

March 18, 2008

Boosting Grad Requirements Is Growing Trend
Book Hails Alabama as National Model
Ache: Alabama Should Coordinate Education, From Pre-K To Ph.D
Kati Haycock on APT
Results Of Take 20 Survey Released
Alabama's Teachers On Professional Development
And More.

March 4, 2008

Alabama leaders get praise, encouragement from top national expert
State Board of Education Update: Teaching and Learning Survey, Graduation Requirements
Scaling up changes in schools

February 19, 2008

A+ College Ready Names Pioneering Program Schools
RESEARCH FINDING: Program Like A+ College Ready Succeeds in Texas
How Do Alabama's Large Systems Stack Up?
Deadline Extended For Teacher Survey
Pre-K Grant Writing Workshops
Low-cost Grant Writing Workshops in East Alabama
And More...

January 29, 2008

Torchbearer Schools Light the Way
Alabama Power, Regions Invest in A+ College Ready
Mobile's Community-Driven Success
Leaders Listen to Teachers through Take 20
First Class Pre-K Coalition Grows
And More...

January 15, 2008

Communities Can Boost Their Schools, Fight Poverty
Research Finding: Alabama Makes Progress
SREB Praises Alabama's Investments in Principals
New State-Sponsored Scholarships for Prospective Teachers
Stronger Financial Accountability
And More...

2007 News

December 19, 2007

Inside Look: Struggling Schools Move Up
More National Praise for Alabama's Reading Gains
Growing 'First Class', Alabama's Pre-K Program
Alabama 12th in Nation
Research Finding: Both Quality, Equity Possible
And More...

November 14, 2007

Older Children Succeed with Alabama Reading Initiative
Alabama 'Very Competitive Nationally'
Research Finding: South leads nation in prekindergarten, more work needed to ensure all children are ready for school
State Board of Education Update: Goodbye to Katherine Mitchell
And More...

November 6, 2007

Greenville's 'Mrs. J' Makes USA Today's All-USA Teacher Team - And teaching excellence in Homewood too
Research Finding: Schools Should Change to Prepare Children for Changing World, Americans Say - Alabama schools leading the way
State Board of Education Update: Budget Pressure, Bible Textbook and Teacher Scholarships
APT's State of Our Schools

October 18, 2007

Hundreds of schools honored in second rewards phase
User-friendly data on Alabama schools
A+ College Ready seeks AP Directors
Research Finding: 'The Proficiency Illusion'
And More...

October 3, 2007

Schools for a Flat World
Alabama's 'Phenomenal' Progress in Reading
Research Finding: Common Themes in Successful High School Reforms
Why Teachers Leave Teaching & What's Being Done About It
The Power of One Demanding Class
And More...

September 25, 2007

Alabama Leads the Nation
Hard Work Pays Off
Next Steps
And More...

September 19, 2007

A+ lands $13.2 million grant to boost Advanced Placement (AP) Programs
Schools get $ rewards when children learn more
NGA showcases math, science education in Alabama
State Board of Education Update
Examples of Excellence
And More...

August 28, 2007

Alabama's Trailblazing Schools
Making Sense of Accountability & AYP
Alabama Launches Mentoring Program for Teachers
Wanted: Innovative High School
State Board of Education Update
And More...

July 18, 2007

Many Parents Would Not Urge Their Kids to Become Teachers
Research Findings: 'Much of Learning Gap Blamed on Summer' aka 'The Harry Potter Divide'
Filling the Summer Void
1 in 4 College Freshmen Need Remediation
Good Reads
And More...

July 3, 2007

Weak Courses Mean Many Good Students Aren't Ready for College-Level Work
Worth Repeating
Research Finding: Students Learning More Since NCLB
State Board of Education Update: Fiscal Accountability & Online Courses
Examples of Excellence
And More...

June 19, 2007

New Education Budget Makes Many Key Investments in Teaching, Learning
State to Borrow $ for School Facilities
Research Finding: Diplomas Count 2007
Free Access to Diplomas Count
State Board of Education Update: Special Ed & Vending Machines
Where is Education in the Presidential Campaigns?
And More...

May 30, 2007

Best High Schools Have High Expectations for All Students: Tough AP, IB Classes Build 'Academic Muscle'
Leadership Is Key Ingredient
Alabama Makes Cut for AP Grant
What's Your Vote on Performance Pay for Teachers?
State Board of Education Update: Engineering Academies, Vending Machines & Special Ed
Good Read: 'Give Students Skills for World of Work'
And More...

May 16, 2007

Harman's 'Most Amazing Journey'
State Board of Education Update
What's Up @ A+?

May 1, 2007

A+ Names Top 10 Investments in Teaching, Learning
Two Newspapers Back A+'s Top 10
Arise: Consolidating Schools Doesn't Save $
Top Teachers Urge Performance Pay
State Board of Education Update: International Baccalaureate, Hiring Elected Officials & Foundation Program
and more...

April 23, 2007

Alabamians Love Pre-K, Research Shows
National Pre-K Advocate Visits B'Ham, BCA Leaders
Davis Hears Input on NCLB, Morton Says It Has Been Good for AL
Research Finding: High-Quality Teaching Practices Rare in Elementary Schools
State Board of Education Update: School Leadership, Quality Teaching & NCLB
Announcements: Grant, Award Opportunities
and more...

March 27, 2007

Alabama's Pre-K Scores Perfect 10
Pre-K Grows Across U.S.
Research Finding: Inadequate Education More Costly to Society Than Good Schools
Advice for Community Groups
Riley, Top Teachers Want Performance Pay
The Challenge of Reducing Class Size in a Teacher Shortage
ASU Dropout Prevention Conference
and more...

March 9, 2007

U.S. Officials Tout Success of Alabama's Reading Programs
Riley Pushes Ways to Strengthen Teaching
'More Common Sense Than Magic,' Haycock Says
Research Finding: High School Seniors Ill-Prepared for Future
Grant Opportunity for School Libraries
and more...

March 1, 2007

Sessions Wants Extra Reading Help for Older Students
Building Schools of the Future
AMSTI Grows, gains Notice
Research Finding: Students Learn More with Tap Reforms
State Unveils New Tool for Teachers
Two Chances to Learn About Pre-K
Professional Development on Arts Education
School-Reform Expert Visits Birmingham
and more...

February 14, 2007

Sophisticated Teaching and Learning in Bibb, Talladega Counties
Recruiting Future Educators Through Career/Tech
Research Finding: Teachers Report Record Job Satisfaction
Timely Insight on School Facilities
Talladega County Listens to Students
5th Graders Think Nanotechnolgy Could Help Diabetics
and more...

January 30, 2007

Children Learn More When Teachers Paid Incentives Linked to Student Achievement
Teachers Wanted
Certification Does Not Guarantee Effective Teaching
Pre-K Makes a Difference
Simple Step to Help Children Develop
School Official: Mandatory Start Date Bad for Kids
and more...

January 17, 2007

'Mockingbird' Proves Rich Learning Learning Experience
Research Finding: State Reforms Promising, But Kids Face Long Odds
Access Edweek for Free
By the Numbers: National Board Certified Teachers
Research Finding: State AYP Standards Too Low
and more...

2006 News

December 21, 2006

Panel Recommends Ways to Strengthen Teaching
Research Findings: Cutting Drop Out Rate Could Save Billions on Healthcare
Future Engineers Tackle 'Laundry Quandary'
Gipson Leads Regional Panel
Some Grads Not Ready for College
Dothan Explores Career Academies
State Board of Education Update
Worth Repeating
Examples of Excellence

November 28, 2006

Listen to Students
Research Findings: U.S. Children Starved for Basic Supports
Examples of Excellence
State Partners with OSHA
Birmingham News Notices Engineering Program
Alabama Best Practices Center Update

November 14, 2006

Voters Back Stable School Funding
Davis Spotlights Alabama Schools Making a Difference
Research Findings
Examples of Excellence
Debunking the Rhetoric
State Board of Education Update
All Re-Elected to State School Board
Roundtable Recognized

November 1, 2006

Voters to Decide School Funding Issue
Top Teachers Win Cash
Maddox Named Tech Leader of the Year
Research Findings
BCA Praises State's Career/Tech Programs

October 17, 2006

Nearly 700 schools honored in second rewards phase
Austin, Calcedeaver elementaries win Blue Ribbons
Funding increases proposed
Superintendents matter

September 26, 2006

Mobile County schools earn big checks
Alabama's AP scores, participation rise
SAT scores hold steady despite changes to college entrance exam
State Board of Education update

August 29, 2006

Class of 2006's ACT scores
State Board of Education update: rewards, financial accountability and part-time teachers
Starting from scratch
Spotlight on Kinterbish Junior High School
Calcedeaver, Vestavia Hills East and Wrights Mill Road elementary schools tapped for national honor

June 12, 2006

National Report Praises Teachers and Alabama Reading Initiative
Alabama Schools Awarded $3 Million
National Report: State Standards for World History
Alabama Teacher Wins National Fellowship

May 30, 2006

2006 Alabama Teacher of the Year
2006 Torchbearer Schools
Powerful Conversations Quarterly Meeting
Year 1: ABPC's 21st Century Learning Initiative

April 6 , 2006

2006 Assessment Timelines
Update on State Distance Learning Program
Recently Released Reports

March 17 , 2005

FY07 Education Budget Sent To Governor Riley
Governor's Summit on Math & Science Education
New State Courses Of Study
Reports Highlight Importance Of Rigorous Curriculum and Student Support in High Schools
High School Dropouts - The Silent Epidemic

February 22, 2005