Education — Page 8

Alabama students made measurable gains in reading and showed signs of improvement in math during the 2024–25 school year, according to statewide test results presented at the State Board of Education’s July 9 work session. State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey said the progress reflects the ongoing efforts of teachers and schools, while acknowledging the persistent […]

Jacksonville State University announced the passing of Ralph Burke, a proud alumnus, former state legislator, and lifelong advocate for education and public service, in a public tribute shared this week. The university extended condolences to his wife, Joy, and the many family members, friends, and colleagues mourning his loss. Burke passed away on July 3, […]

Rural Alabama students explore health care careers at UA

A dozen high school students from north Alabama participated in summer programs at the College of Community Health Sciences to learn about the need rural communities have for more doctors, dentists, and other healthcare professionals. Through the Rural Health Scholars Program, Rural Dental Health Scholars Program, and Medical Opportunities and Outreach in Rural Education Scholars Program, […]

This month marks a significant milestone for Gadsden State Community College and its surrounding communities as Chief Jay Freeman and the Gadsden State Police and Public Safety Department celebrate two years of service, progress, and purpose. Since its formation, the department has made remarkable strides across the college’s five campuses and the three counties it […]

The University of Montevallo’s student-produced newscast, Vallo Vision News, is providing an in-depth look into the school’s ongoing efforts to address a multi-million-dollar budget shortfall that began surfacing earlier this year. According to a report by Vallo Vision News, the financial issues came to light in February 2025, when university leadership acknowledged a growing gap […]

Sam Bailey Track and Field Stadium at the University of Alabama is home to several world-class student-athletes. UA’s Adapted Athletics para track and field program plans to add to that reputation and forge a legacy of its own. UA’s program joins eight other collegiate para track and field squads in the United States at schools such as Arizona, Illinois, Michigan, and San Diego State. […]

As you plan your travels to the Gulf Coast this summer, consider making a meaningful stop at the Poarch Creek Indians Museum and Welcome Center in Atmore, Alabama. Located just off I-65 at Exit 54, this inviting destination offers an educational and enriching experience for all visitors—whether you’re on a family road trip, a teacher […]

Since CHOOSE Act applications opened in January, almost 37,000 students in public schools and home education programs across the state have registered to gain access to funding as they look to further quality education on their terms. According to Governor Kay Ivey, as of today, education savings accounts (ESAs) established by the CHOOSE Act are […]

Troy University is positioning itself at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) education and implementation, not only for students but also for business and community leaders across Southeast Alabama. As part of its strategic push into emerging technology, the university has launched the Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Education within the Sorrell College of […]

With one of their own on board, Space Campers will take part in a Q&A next week with NASA astronauts on the International Space Station. At 11:40 a.m. CDT on Tuesday, astronauts Anne McClain, Jonny Kim, and Nichole Ayers will answer prerecorded questions from the campers. Ayers is a Space Camp alumna. The U.S. Space & Rocket Center will host […]

Governor Kay Ivey is calling on young Alabamians across the state to take part in her 3rd Annual Summer Reading Challenge. The initiative is open to all students K through 8th in the state and will run through September 5 of the upcoming school year. Whether receiving public, private, or homeschool instruction, rising students in […]

The Fairhope Public Library remains at odds with state officials over the placement of certain books in its teen section. The dispute has resulted in a suspension of state funding and an uncertain path toward reinstatement for the library. Yellowhammer News reported that the Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) board voted in March to freeze […]

Nearly 24,000 Alabama students have been approved to receive state-funded education savings accounts (ESAs) through the CHOOSE Act, according to data from the Alabama Department of Revenue. The program, enacted in 2024 and launched this year, enables eligible families to utilize public funds to cover private school tuition, homeschool expenses, or out-of-district public school fees. […]

Dr. Todd Freeman, superintendent of Vestavia Hills City Schools, has been named Alabama’s 2026 Superintendent of the Year by the State Superintendents of Alabama (SSA). The recognition highlights Freeman’s ongoing contributions to public education and leadership within one of the state’s high-performing school districts. Vestavia Hills City Schools congratulated Freeman on social media for being […]

From deep-space exploration to next-gen aviation systems, Alabama is a national leader in the aerospace and defense sectors. But behind the rockets, aircraft, and advanced weapons systems is a powerful network of research universities that provide the fuel for this innovation engine. Across the state, Alabama’s public universities are advancing game-changing research, training mission-critical talent, […]

Alabama’s public schools made measurable academic progress during the 2024 school year, with gains in third-grade reading proficiency, graduation rates, and college and career readiness. State education leaders say the upward trends signal that recent investments and reforms are having an impact, though achievement gaps persist in some districts. According to data released by the […]

The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees today officially named Peter Mohler, PhD, former Interim President of Ohio State University, as the 30th President of the University of Alabama, following the announced retirement of longtime President Dr. Stuart R. Bell, who will step down this July after a decade of leadership. Dr. Bell, who became the […]

New statewide data from the Alabama State Department of Education shows that 88.4% of third-grade students scored at or above the required level to be promoted to fourth grade, despite a higher benchmark implemented for the 2025 Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP) reading test. The updated cut score—the minimum score needed for promotion—was raised from […]

As students, we all remember the emphasis our teachers and administrators placed on finishing high school and getting our diplomas. Today, most people assume that everyone has a high school diploma, but the reality is that some students still drop out. We all know that dropping out of high school is truly a fork-in-the-road moment. […]

The first Walker County School Board meeting since Sheriff Nick Smith was indicted for hiring unqualified SROs to guard schools took place this week. According to a report by WBRC, a grand jury recommended that the school system revise its policies and verify that SROs meet state certification requirements. However, the matter was not addressed […]

The University of Alabama’s surge of philanthropic giving under President Stuart R. Bell has propelled the Rising Tide 2.0 capital campaign past its $1.8 billion goal. The Rising Tide 2.0 has reached its fundraising goal with more than a year remaining in the original campaign timeline. The University will continue raising funds toward scholarships, faculty […]

On Tuesday, Governor Kay Ivey announced the appointment of Ami Brooks as the new Secretary of the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education. Jan Hume, who has led the agency for two years and has worked there for nearly 14 years, will be leaving to become a Professor of Practice in Public Administration at Auburn […]

Wireless communication systems have advanced through a series of generational upgrades, each bringing significant improvements in speed, capacity, and functionality: 1G (1980s): Marked the beginning of mobile communication with analog voice services. 2G (early 1990s): Introduced digital transmission, improving voice quality and enabling text messaging. 3G (2000s): Provided faster data speeds, supporting mobile internet, video calls, and […]

As lawmakers on Capitol Hill continue to negotiate President Donald Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’,  the Senate’s version reportedly allocates millions in funding to North Alabama’s Marshall Space Flight Center and billions for projects being led by the NASA-affiliated entity. Per the legislation posted by the Senate Commerce Committee on Thursday, MSFC will receive $100 million […]