Alabama
News, analysis, and opinion about K-12 education in Alabama
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.
Education
Military-Style Training Brings 5th Graders to Attention
"If I can teach a 10-year-old how to march, I can surely teach an 18-year-old the same thing."
Education
Ala. School Boards Challenge Nonschool Appropriations
The Alabama Association of School Boards is asking a judge to bar the legislature from sending more than $211 million in state education dollars to charities, private colleges, and education-related programs run by state agencies other than the education department.
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Education
In Alabama, Gubernatorial Primary Sets Stage for a GOP Rematch
The outspoken school prayer proponent who is Alabama's incumbent governor hit at least a temporary roadblock last week in his quest to serve a second consecutive term in office.
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Education
Emphasis on Getting Back to the Basics in Massachusetts
Education was the focus of Acting Gov. Paul Cellucci's first State of the State Address on Jan. 15, with the Massachusetts Republican outlining plans to hire 4,000 new teachers next school year, calling for character education in schools, and mandating that 90 percent of new school funds go directly to the classroom.
Education Funding
Ala. High Court Agrees System Unconstitutional
Nearly four years after a judge struck down Alabama's school finance laws, the state supreme court has joined the cause, agreeing that the school system is unconstitutional and giving the legislature a year to fix it.
Law & Courts
Without a Prayer
Assistant Principal Michael Chandler says public schools in his Alabama county still consider pre–game prayers well within bounds.
Education Funding
Extra Aid to Poor Ala. Districts Rankles Wealthier Ones
A new school-finance plan has left Alabamas best-funded school districts struggling to make ends meet and financially strapped districts hoping the change is just the tip of the iceberg.
Early Childhood
Start and End Schooling Earlier, Ala. Chief Proposes
At the usually uneventful annual meeting of the Alabama PTA, state schools Superintendent Ed Richardson made a shocking suggestion: He said the state might be better off if children started school at age 3 and graduated after the 10th grade.
School & District Management
Budget Shortfall May Force State Takeover of Alabama District
A financially troubled school district outside Birmingham could be the first Alabama district taken over by the state under an accountability law passed last year.
Law & Courts
Suit Challenges Religious Practices in Ala. Districts
An assistant principal in Alabama filed a federal lawsuit last week challenging classroom prayers, Bible distribution, and other religious practices he contends his school district has long condoned in violation of the U.S. Constitution.
Law & Courts
Suit Challenges Religious Practices in Ala. Districts
An assistant principal in Alabama filed a federal lawsuit last week challenging classroom prayers, Bible distribution, and other religious practices he contends his school district has long condoned in violation of the U.S. Constitution.