MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama’s high school graduation rate has jumped to 89 percent, up an impressive 17 percent in the past four years, according to the Alabama Department of Education.
Governor Robert Bentley said the improvement “is a testament to hardworking teachers, principals and other school staff who encourage and help our students meet their education goals and graduate.”
“We have a long way to go,” added State School Superintendent Tommy Bice. “But we are encouraged by movement in the right direction that shows Alabama’s best days in public education are ahead. It is in the best interest of our state’s education, economy and social structure to keep moving forward along the path that has been laid for public education in Alabama.”
Republican lawmakers, who have drawn intense criticism from the Alabama Education Association — the state’s teachers union — in recent years, hailed the graduation rate as evidence they have focused on education outcomes, rather than maintaining the status quo.
“Alabama’s high school graduation rate has soared to 89 percent from below 70 percent when we took office in 2010,” noted State Senator Tom Whatley (R-Auburn).
Education leaders set a goal in 2012 to increase Alabama’s graduation rate to 90 percent by 2020. This week’s news puts them well ahead of that pace, and more education reforms are expected.
Students will have the opportunity next year to enroll in the state’s first public charter schools, which advocates say will increase education options for students who are currently mired in mediocre or failing school systems.
Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh (R-Anniston), who championed Alabama’s first school choice bill in 2013, is sponsoring another bill this year that would reform the state’s tenure laws. Under Marsh’s bill, teachers would have the option of foregoing tenure in favor of higher pay.
The Senate leader says his bill will put Alabama in position to pay teachers the most of any state in the region.
“If you strive to be the highest-paid state, you also have to make sure the teachers are held accountable,” Marsh said.
