Alabama
News, analysis, and opinion about K-12 education in Alabama
Special Education
Disparately Disabled
With African-American students showing up in classrooms for children with mental retardation at 3.3 times the rate of white students, it was obvious in 1997 that Alabama had an equity problem with its special education programs. Ordered by a federal court that year to fix it, the state set to work.
Budget & Finance
As Promised, Cuts Follow Failed Alabama Tax Vote
Less than a month after Alabama voters rejected a tax referendum that promised a windfall for education, Gov. Bob Riley has signed a new budget that cuts funding for textbooks, teacher professional development, and several other school-related items.
Budget & Finance
Alabama Voters Reject Gov. Riley's Tax Plan
With voters in Alabama offering a resounding "no" to Gov. Bob Riley's $1.2 billion tax referendum last week, state leaders are warning of looming spending cuts for education and other government services.
Education
Alabama Voters Reject Tax Referendum
Alabama voters have resoundingly shot down Gov. Bob Riley’s $1.2 billion tax referendum, a plan the governor had promised would dramatically improve the state’s education system and the state along with it.
Alabama voters have resoundingly shot down Gov. Bob Riley’s $1.2 billion tax referendum, a plan the governor had promised would dramatically improve the state’s education system and the state along with it.
Budget & Finance
Ala. Measure Would Raise Taxes and Hopes
Increased school funding and new programs for teachers and students are at the heart of a proposed tax package in Alabama. But distrust of state government may doom the measure.
Education
Rocket Kids
At Space Camp, kids of all ages—from elementary school through adulthood—get a hint of what it's like to be an astronaut. While they're at it, they get lasting lessons in science and history.
School & District Management
Making the Connection
A rural school's newspaper gives the townsfolk of Millerville, Ala., a voice of its own. But that voice may soon be silenced under a school-consolidation plan.
Equity & Diversity
Civil Rights Tour Takes Students Over a Bridge Into Nation's Past
Fifteen students from Massachusetts participated in a ACLU-sponsored tour of the South this summer, visiting many of the most important stops on the on civil rights map.
Recruitment & Retention
Ala. Lawmakers Reach Deal On Principal Tenure, Teacher Salaries
Alabama Gov. Donald Siegelman claimed victory last week as the state legislature hammered out an 11th-hour deal to gradually increase teacher salaries to the national average and to end tenure for new principals. He is expected to sign the measures into law this week.
School Climate & Safety
State Journal
Paying their respects
Taking his cue from a new Louisiana law, Alabama's governor is proposing legislation to require students to address teachers with courtesy titles such as "sir" or "ma'am."
Education Funding
Alabamians Vote Down Lottery Plan
Alabama voters surprised many observers last week by rejecting their governor's plan to create a new state lottery to pay for education initiatives.
Alabama voters surprised many observers last week by rejecting their governor's plan to create a new state lottery to pay for education initiatives.
Education
Debate Grows As Alabama Lottery Vote Nears
As an Oct. 12 vote nears on whether to create a state lottery for Alabama, both advocates and foes of the plan are looking no farther than neighboring Georgia to make their case.
Education Funding
Group Helps Troubled Schools Find Answers
Three years ago, Selma Middle School was a dismal place to be.
School Choice & Charters
Bush Pushes Voucher Plan Linked to Failing Fla. Schools
Outlining an agenda that includes both more money for schools and tax breaks for Florida residents, Gov. Jeb Bush urged legislators last week to support what could become the first statewide voucher program in the country.