Dear Education Partners,
It is with warm regard that we at A+ College Ready welcome you back to a new semester and a new calendar year. The education landscape in Alabama experienced several changes in 2014, and we are excited about the possibilities these changes create for our students.
As we reflect on the past year, it is evident that there were several bright spots that should be celebrated. Alabama was recognized for having the top growth in the nation in qualifying AP Scores on math, science, and English exams over the last six years – a testament to the dedication of our teachers and students to reaching high standards and expectations. Additionally, the state graduation rate increased to 86%, exceeding by several points the planned growth needed to reach 90% by the year 2020.
Last year brought the implementation of new assessments in Alabama like the ACT Aspire – assessments that more accurately portray where our students stand and create a new benchmark for future success. We are excited to continue working with you to use this information to inform your practice, and implement strategies that will prepare your students for future success.
A+ College Ready is responding to the need for higher standards by redesigning how we offer training and support to our schools. In the summer of 2015, in partnership with the ALSDE, we will offer NMSI’s Laying the Foundation training in four distinct locations across the state. This training will focus heavily on course-specific content in an effort to equip our teachers with the best resources and strategies possible to affect student achievement. In addition, our high schools will receive extensive support in data management and analysis, as well as access to teacher-designed curriculum materials that promote rigor, critical thinking, and essential reading and writing skills that stretch down into the 7th grade.
We enter 2015 with renewed hope and energy to ensure that every student in Alabama graduates high school ready for college or a successful career. We commit ourselves to upholding the highest of expectations, realizing that students rise to the bar that is set for them. We are grateful to you, our partners, for joining our effort to meet and exceed the goals set forth in Plan 2020 so that all of our students can have the education they so richly deserve.
Sincerely,
Mary Boehm and the A+ College Ready team
