Every few years, Alabama reviews the instructional materials used in public school classrooms. The process rarely attracts public attention, but the decisions made during this review shape what students across the state will read, study, and absorb for years to come.

Right now, Alabama is in the middle of reviewing K-12 social studies textbooks, and after spending time reviewing many of the proposed materials myself, it is clear that this process deserves far more public attention than it has received.

What becomes apparent after reviewing materials across multiple learning levels is not just a handful of isolated concerns. Instead, a clear pattern of ideological themes emerges. These materials collectively shift classroom instruction away from American civics and historical understanding and toward modern ideological narratives.

Several recurring themes appear throughout the materials being considered.

First, there is a strong emphasis on activism as a model for students. Some lessons highlight modern protest movements and activist figures as examples of civic engagement, presenting demonstrations and youth activism as central ways for students to make their voices heard. While civic participation is an important concept, repeatedly framing activism as the primary model of engagement risks encouraging students to see protest culture as a normal expectation of their role in society before they even understand the issues involved.

Second, many lessons introduce identity-based activism and political movements. For example, some sections spotlight protest imagery and slogans tied to the Chicano movement—phrases like “Brown and Proud” alongside depictions of marches and demonstrations—without providing balanced historical context about the movement, its debates, or its place within the broader sweep of American history. Teaching the history of different communities in America is important, but it should be done in a way that reinforces a core civic principle: in our constitutional system, individuals are not defined by race, and public leadership should not be judged or elevated on the basis of racial identity. Presented without that broader context, the focus can shift toward identity-centered activism rather than helping students understand the full historical context of the period being studied and the shared civic ideals that unite Americans.

Third, the materials introduce ideological political theory, including references to Karl Marx and the development of socialism. These ideas have undeniably played an important role in world history, but they are also tied to revolutionary political systems that have dramatically reshaped governments and societies across the globe. When these theories are presented without sufficient historical critique or context—particularly without acknowledging the historical outcomes and economic consequences associated with socialist systems—they risk creating the impression that socialism and capitalism produce similar results for everyday citizens, rather than encouraging students to critically examine how different economic systems have impacted societies in practice.

Fourth, some lessons encourage students to view themselves primarily as global citizens rather than as citizens of the United States. The materials frame history as preparation for participation in a “global society” and emphasize developing a global identity. While understanding the world beyond our borders is certainly valuable, civics education in American public schools should first and foremost prepare students to understand their responsibilities as citizens of the United States and the constitutional system that governs our nation.

Finally, some sections move beyond historical voting rights and introduce contemporary debates about election laws and voting policies. These passages frame modern election integrity discussions—such as voter identification requirements and other voting regulations—primarily through the lens of voting restrictions. Presenting complex and ongoing political debates in a one-sided manner risks bringing partisan policy arguments directly into the classroom rather than teaching students the historical development of voting rights in America.

The issue is not that difficult topics should be avoided. History is full of complex ideas, social movements, and political debates. Students should absolutely learn about these subjects when they are presented with appropriate historical context and when students are developmentally ready to evaluate competing perspectives.

The concern arises when instructional materials move beyond teaching about history and civics and begin encouraging students to adopt particular political perspectives or view activism itself as a central part of their role as students.

Public schools exist to educate students, not to guide them toward ideological viewpoints.

Parents send their children to school expecting them to learn the foundations of reading, writing, mathematics, science, and American history. They expect schools to teach students how our constitutional system works and how to evaluate ideas critically.

They do not expect their children to be introduced to protest culture, ideological activism, or modern partisan policy debates through classroom materials before they are developmentally prepared to understand the complexity of those issues.

When educational materials blur the line between instruction and advocacy, trust between families and schools begins to erode. That erosion of trust is one of the biggest challenges facing public education today.

That is precisely why Alabama has a textbook review process in the first place.

The State Board of Education has both the authority and the responsibility to ensure that materials placed in classrooms are academically sound, age appropriate, and focused on genuine learning rather than ideological messaging.

Parents across Alabama deserve confidence that the curriculum used in public schools reflects those priorities.

As the State Board moves forward in determining which materials will be approved for local adoption, members should take a careful and thoughtful look at whether the proposed books truly serve the educational needs of Alabama students.

If instructional materials focus more on promoting ideological activism—whether related to protest movements, identity-based politics, revolutionary political theory, global citizenship frameworks, or modern election debates—than on teaching students how to think critically about history and civics, they do not belong in Alabama classrooms.

This review process presents an opportunity for Alabama to reaffirm a simple principle: our schools should be places where students learn how to think, not where they are quietly taught what to think.

The State Board of Education is scheduled to vote on the current social studies textbooks on March 12. They should vote not to approve these materials as they currently stand. Alabama’s students deserve instructional materials that prioritize knowledge, critical thinking, and genuine civic understanding. We can—and should—do better.

Governor Ivey shared a video message to Alabama students in celebration of Read Across America Week, encouraging young people across the state to embrace the power of reading.

In the message, Governor Kay Ivey highlighted the importance of literacy and urged students to make reading a daily habit, emphasizing how strong reading skills open doors to opportunity, learning, and future success.

Ivey said a love of learning, a good education, and hard work can take you further than you can ever imagine. She also encouraged readers to read about America’s history on its 250th birthday year.

Read Across America Week is a nationwide literacy initiative organized annually by the National Education Association (NEA) to promote the joy and importance of reading among children and young adults.

Celebrated each year around March 2 — the birthday of Dr. Seuss — the week features school activities, community events, classroom read-alouds, and guest readers aimed at encouraging lifelong reading habits.

Schools and libraries across Alabama participate by hosting special programs designed to inspire students to discover new books and strengthen their literacy skills.

 Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

More than 500 schools across Alabama have been designated Semiquincentennial Schools, according to an announcement from the USA Alabama Semiquincentennial Commission and American Village.

The designation includes public, private, parochial, and home schools that have met program standards tied to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

The Semiquincentennial School program is designed to encourage schools to refocus on American history, civic responsibility, and community engagement as the nation approaches its semiquincentennial in 2026.

According to the announcement, schools receiving the designation commit to incorporating America’s heritage across core academic subjects and the arts. The program emphasizes cross-curricular instruction designed to promote collaboration among educators and higher-order thinking among students.

Participating schools are also asked to encourage both mental and physical student health, with the goal of helping students develop healthy habits that can carry into adulthood. In addition, designated schools commit to implementing at least one community service project intended to foster responsible and engaged citizenship.

American Village CEO Col. Alan Miller, USMC (Ret.), said the program is designed to ensure that civic principles are passed on to future generations.

“As we approach America’s 250th birthday, we are reminded that our freedoms were secured through sacrifice and sustained through responsibility,” Miller said. “The principles our nation was founded upon do not preserve themselves; they must be taught, understood, and lived.”

Program organizers said the initiative encourages schools to teach American history, democratic principles, and the responsibilities of citizenship across grade levels and subject areas. Suggested approaches include immersive, interactive lessons on national symbols, historical figures, and the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality.

The program also encourages civic engagement beyond the classroom, including community projects and partnerships with local veterans, public servants, and civic organizations. Organizers said these partnerships are intended to provide students with real-world perspectives on citizenship and public service.

Several Alabama school districts have received the designation Semiquincentennial School District, meaning every school within the district has earned the designation. Alabaster City Schools was the first district in the state to receive that recognition.

As Alabama communities prepare for the nation’s 250th anniversary, program organizers said the growing participation from schools statewide reflects a broader effort to connect classroom instruction with civic responsibility and community involvement.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

Alabama education officials have suspended the Bessemer City Schools Board of Education from regular meetings, a rare move that underscores the state’s expanded authority over local school systems and the ongoing intervention in the district.

The Alabama State Department of Education has suspended the elected Bessemer City Schools Board of Education from regular meetings indefinitely, citing the district’s ongoing state intervention and statutory authority granted under Alabama law.

Bessemer City Schools have been under state intervention since fall 2024, when the Alabama Board of Education assumed oversight of the district under the Educational Accountability and Intervention Act. As part of that intervention, the state appointed a Chief Administrative Officer with authority to act on behalf of the local board and superintendent in all matters.

Under state law, local board members serve in an advisory capacity during an intervention and may meet only when approved by the state superintendent or Chief Administrative Officer. State officials determined that the advisory meetings were not providing meaningful input and suspended participation in regular meetings until further notice.

State Superintendent Eric Mackey confirmed the board remains in office but no longer holds regular meetings, telling WBRC, “Meetings are suspended until further notice. They are still technically office holders subject to the law.”

Mackey has previously expressed concerns about governance in the district during the intervention. Speaking to reporters after an Alabama Board of Education meeting, he said there was still limited confidence in the local board’s leadership, adding, “We still don’t have a lot of confidence in the local board.”

Bessemer City Schools serves over 3000 students across its schools.

State officials have not indicated when, or if, the local board will regain authority to conduct regular meetings. The intervention remains in place as the state continues oversight of the district.

The Alabama House of Representatives has moved the state closer to addressing a persistent shortage of school bus drivers, advancing legislation to ensure Alabama’s most valuable resource — its children — have reliable transportation to and from school.

Lawmakers on Thursday unanimously passed House Bill 138, sponsored by State Rep. Kenneth Paschal (R-Pelham), a measure designed to help local school systems address ongoing shortages in school bus drivers.

“Reliable student transportation is foundational to education, public safety and working families,” Paschal said. “My legislation gives local school systems a practical tool to address bus driver shortages while respecting the service and earned benefits of Alabama’s retirees.”

The bill would allow certain retirees enrolled in the Employees’ Retirement System and Teachers’ Retirement System to work as full-time school bus drivers while continuing to receive their retirement benefits, provided specific statutory safeguards are met.

School districts across Alabama continue to report difficulties recruiting and retaining qualified drivers, leading to delayed routes, disrupted schedules, and transportation challenges for students and families, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

Supporters of the measure say expanding the pool of experienced public retirees could provide immediate relief for school systems while helping ensure uninterrupted and safe student transportation.

HB138 does not create new or recurring state appropriations and gives local school systems additional flexibility in hiring qualified personnel. The legislation includes a sunset provision ending December 31, 2030, allowing future legislatures to evaluate its effectiveness and make adjustments if needed.

The bill now moves to the Alabama Senate for consideration.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

Republican Tracie West announced her re-election campaign for the Alabama State Board of Education this week.

West, who has served on the board since 2020 and represents District 2, said Alabama’s K-12 system has made measurable progress by maintaining academic standards and prioritizing accountability.

“When I first ran for the state school board, I said there was no reason that Alabama couldn’t have one of the best education systems in the country,” West said. “Now, Alabama has emerged as a national leader in post-pandemic academic recovery. During one of the most challenging periods in modern education, we refused to lower expectations.”

She credited the state’s focus on core academic instruction and local leadership for recent improvements.

“Instead, we focused on what works — strong instruction in reading and math, accountability for results, and local leadership empowered to meet student needs,” West said.

West said improvements have extended beyond elementary grades. “Our high school outcomes have improved as well,” she said. “Alabama’s graduation rate has reached 91 percent, tying an all-time high, while college and career readiness indicators continue to rise. More students are earning industry credentials, dual-enrollment credits, and workforce-aligned certifications — preparing them for success after graduation. We owe it to our families to help our students have a clear plan after leaving high school.”

She said the results are consistent with conservative education priorities.

“These results show what happens when conservative principles guide education policy — high standards, fiscal responsibility, transparency, and respect for parents and local communities,” West said. “There is more work to do, but Alabama is moving in the right direction, and I remain committed to continuing this progress.”

West is a Lee County native and a 1991 graduate of Auburn University. She previously served nine years on the Auburn City Schools Board of Education, including as board president. She is a small business owner and licensed Realtor.

District 2 of the Alabama State Board of Education includes all or parts of Barbour, Chambers, Clay, Cleburne, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lee, Pike, Randolph, Russell and Tallapoosa counties.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

State Rep. Kenneth Paschal (R-Pelham) has filed legislation to address persistent school bus driver shortages across Alabama. SB138 allows certain retired educators and state employees to return to work as full-time drivers without losing their retirement benefits.

School districts statewide continue to struggle with a lack of qualified bus drivers, a problem that has led to delayed routes, disrupted schedules and transportation challenges for students and families.

“Among the most fundamental elements of providing children with a quality education is simply transporting them to school safely and on time each day because you can’t teach students if they can’t get to school,” Paschal said. “This bill provides a practical solution that helps school systems meet an urgent need while maintaining responsible limits on the retirement system.”

Under current law, most retirees in the Employees’ Retirement System or the Teachers’ Retirement System are barred from returning to permanent, full-time employment with an RSA-participating employer without first suspending their retirement benefits.

Paschal’s proposal would create a narrowly defined exception allowing eligible retirees to serve as full-time school bus drivers.

The bill includes several safeguards, including a required 12-month separation period from state-covered employment before returning to work. It also limits a retiree’s income as a bus driver to the maximum allowed under existing state law.

In addition, the legislation includes a grandfather provision for individuals who retired on or before January 1, 2026, allowing them to return to work without meeting the separation requirement, provided all other conditions are met.

A sunset date of December 31, 2030, is also included, requiring lawmakers and education stakeholders to reassess the policy based on workforce needs and outcomes.

According to Paschal, the legislation is intended to improve transportation reliability and student safety while allowing school systems to draw from a pool of experienced professionals without expanding long-term retirement liabilities.

“This is about common sense,” Paschal added. “It strengthens our schools, supports students and families, and puts experienced Alabamians back to work in a role where they are urgently needed.”

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

The North Pole meets North Alabama.

Improving student attendance has been a major focus for the Alabama State Department of Education this year, and schools across the state have been exploring creative ways to keep students in the classroom. At Forest Hills Elementary School in Florence, that creativity comes with a pointy hat, curly shoes and a knack for showing up in surprising places.

Assistant Principal Jon Ray “J.R.” Russell has taken on the role of the school’s resident elf, greeting students each morning from unexpected perches around campus. Some days he appears high above the walkway; other days he pops up near classrooms or morning drop-off areas — always in full costume and always in a new spot.

The whimsical sightings have quickly become a highlight of the school day and are drawing students in early just to see where the elf will appear next.

The festive fun is part of Forest Hills’ month-long “Arrive Early and Spot the Elf” challenge, a December initiative designed to encourage strong attendance and on-time arrival. The school invites students to start their mornings on the right foot by arriving early to find the elf before the bell.

The message behind the merry hunt is straightforward: showing up every day helps students learn more, stay connected and begin their day in a positive, engaged frame of mind.

The challenge runs throughout December and also reminds families of the broader benefits of consistent attendance. According to the school, starting the day with cheer helps students transition smoothly into classroom routines and contributes to a bright, welcoming atmosphere across campus.

Forest Hills’ approach aligns with a statewide effort to reduce chronic absenteeism. The Alabama State Department of Education notes that missing 18 or more school days per year places students at greater academic risk, and national data shows chronically absent high schoolers are significantly more likely to drop out.

The department continues to emphasize that schools, families and communities all share responsibility in helping students stay present and engaged.

With its blend of creativity and holiday spirit, Forest Hills Elementary hopes its elf-led attendance challenge will make a lasting impact — not only bringing smiles to students each morning, but building habits that keep them in school long after the decorations come down.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

The Alabama Education Association, the state’s largest teachers union, is joining a growing list of Alabama cities suing the state over the Simplified Sellers Use Tax, filing a new lawsuit that argues Alabama’s current online sales tax structure shortchanges public schools.

According to the AEA press release, the organization has formally entered litigation challenging how the state administers the SSUT.

The Simplified Sellers Use Tax is an 8% levy applied to online and remote sales made by businesses without a physical presence in Alabama. Under the existing distribution model, only one-eighth —effectively 1%— flows to the Education Trust Fund, while most of the revenue is routed elsewhere.

By comparison, nearly all state and local sales tax revenue directly supports the Education Trust Fund and local school systems.

As online commerce has expanded, SSUT collections have surged, topping $851 million in 2024, according to the Alabama Department of Revenue. Despite that growth, public schools receive only a small portion of the funds.

“The current application of the SSUT shortchanges Alabama’s local schools,” said Theron Stokes, AEA Associate Executive Director. “Allowing remote sellers to remit the SSUT instead of remitting traditional state and local sales taxes diverts millions of dollars away from the Education Trust Fund and local school systems — money our schools desperately need.”

The lawsuit challenges the Alabama Department of Revenue’s administration of the program, arguing the SSUT is being applied in a way that is inconsistent with state law.

While the tax originally functioned as a stopgap when states were barred from taxing remote sellers, the AEA says legal changes have rendered the current structure outdated and detrimental to public education funding.

The filing states that educators’ interests must be represented as courts consider the future of online sales taxation in Alabama. “When school funding is at risk, AEA will act,” Stokes said. “We will always stand for a tax system that is fair, lawful and ensures public education receives its rightful share.”

For nearly half a century, the Westervelt Warner family has played a leading role in shaping the Demopolis community.

From operating a state-of-the-art paper mill to later stewarding hundreds of thousands of acres of Alabama forestland through The Westervelt Company, the family’s presence is inextricably tied Black Belt region.

That legacy continues with Cade Warner, who has joined the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences Foundation (ASHS) Board of Directors.

Warner, a member of the family’s current generation, will help guide the future of the innovative healthcare high school planned for Demopolis.

Warner, a Tuscaloosa native, serves as president and CEO of The Westervelt Company, a 141-year-old family business formerly known as Gulf States Paper Corporation. The company manages sustainable forestry, wood products, ecological services, recreation, real estate, and conservation efforts, with much of its portfolio in western Alabama.

His leadership experience will now support the foundation behind the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences, the nation’s first free, public residential high school dedicated solely to training the next generation of healthcare professionals.

“Demopolis holds a special place in Westervelt’s history, and it is an honor to help build something so important here for Alabama’s future,” Warner said. “The Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences will not only provide high-quality education for students from across the state, but it will also create a powerful pipeline to meet critical healthcare workforce needs for our state’s rural communities.”

Scott Huffman, president and CEO of the ASHS Foundation, said Warner’s family ties and professional connections make him an ideal addition to the board.

“Cade Warner’s experience and leadership will have an immeasurable impact on our foundation and school,” Huffman said. “If I was compiling a profile on the perfect board member, I would copy and paste Cade’s resume. His love of Alabama, particularly the Black Belt region, and his desire to transform education and healthcare will serve this school and our foundation immediately.”

Warner became CEO of Westervelt in 2024 after previously serving in leadership roles including chief operating officer, chief sustainability officer, and director of business development. He also worked with Conservation Forestry, Hancock Natural Resource Group, the U.S. Senate Banking Committee, and the Alabama Forestry Association.

He holds degrees from the University of Alabama and the University of Georgia and has completed professional training through Harvard Extension. He also maintains multiple professional certifications, including CFA, CAIA, and FMVA.

Outside of his corporate work, Warner is active in civic and industry leadership. He has served with the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce, United Way of West Alabama, Rotary International, the University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Business Board of Visitors, and multiple national forestry and wood products associations.

He and his wife, April, have two children and enjoy traveling and exploring natural wonders around the globe.

The Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences will open its first freshman class in August 2026 on a mini-campus at the University of West Alabama in Livingston. A permanent 10-acre residential campus in Demopolis will break ground Oct. 14, with the first phase expected to open in fall 2027.

Final plans for healthcare career pathways and curriculum are underway, and recruitment of faculty and students will begin soon. More information is available at alhealthcarehs.org.

U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) and Edward Markey (D-Mass.), co-chairs of the United States Senate Youth Program, announced that state Departments of Education are now accepting applications for the program’s 64th annual Washington Week, scheduled for March 7-14, 2026.

Two Alabama high school students will be chosen to represent the state in Washington, D.C., during this weeklong program.

“The United States Youth Program attracts the best and brightest young leaders, and I’m thrilled to support this program as a co-chair this year. I look forward to meeting the outstanding students who are selected, including the two Alabamians who I know will represent our state exceptionally,” Senator Britt said.

“This week will surely create memories that last a lifetime and provide lessons and opportunities that will shape the futures of these young men and women in meaningful ways.”

RELATED: Katie Britt commends Alabama students on selection to 2024 U.S. Senate Youth Program

The competitive, merit-based program brings together high school juniors and seniors from every state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity.

Delegates spend a week in the nation’s capital meeting with top federal officials, including U.S. Senators, Supreme Court justices, Cabinet members, and the President.

Along with the experience, each of the 104 delegates receives a $10,000 college scholarship from The Hearst Foundations. The program, founded in 1962, has more than 6,300 alumni, many of whom have gone on to careers in public service.

Applicants must be high school juniors or seniors serving in elected or appointed student government or leadership positions for the 2025–2026 school year.

Alabama students should contact their high school principal or counselor for details on the application process and deadlines, or visit ussenateyouth.org.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

The Alabama Legislature began its 2025 regular session last week and Governor Kay Ivey outlined several priorities in her State of the State Address.

Among them was a new initiative to provide eight weeks of paid parental leave for state employees and teachers. Alabama currently lacks a state-sponsored parental leave policy.

Governor Ivey cited findings from the Governor’s Study Group on Efficiency in State Government, established in January 2023, to identify ways to improve recruitment and retention of state employees. According to the group’s report, the absence of parental leave was a key factor in employee and teacher turnover.

Soon-to-be proposed legislation would grant eight weeks of paid leave to mothers and one parent in cases of adoption. Veteran teachers have expressed support, noting that young educators with limited sick leave would benefit the most.

Currently, teachers are allocated ten days of paid sick leave annually. If they require additional leave, they must either borrow from a sick leave bank or take unpaid leave, which can significantly reduce their income.

Supporters argue that paid parental leave could improve employee retention and reduce financial stress for families.

State Sen. Vivian Figures (D-Mobile) and State Rep. Ginny Shaver (R-Leesburg) will carry the bills, which have yet to be filed. Shaver spoke to its potential to strengthen families and workplaces, stating:

“Giving parental leave to teachers and state employees will allow them to properly bond with their children and not have to worry about their jobs. So it will provide more well-adjusted children, stronger families, and better employees.”

Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sablevins@farmerstel.com.

Alabama’s education funding model may be on the verge of its most significant overhaul in decades. Lawmakers on the education budget committees in the House and Senate have been discussing a proposed shift from the current Foundation program funding system to a student-based funding model during the upcoming legislative session. 

The joint legislative committee met on Thursday to finalize a report outlining potential reforms to Alabama’s education funding system. The report, set to be delivered to lawmakers before the start of the legislative session on Feb. 4, will help shape any decisions on overhauling the state’s approach to education financing.

During the meeting, members discussed three primary options for reforming the current Foundation program funding model. The first would maintain the existing resource-based system, while the second would implement a full student-weighted formula. The third, and seemingly preferred, approach is a hybrid model that would preserve the Foundation program while adding weighted funding for specific student needs.

State Rep. Danny Garrett (R-Trussville), chairman of the House Ways and Means Education Committee acknowledged that doing nothing and keeping the current model is an option but he believes it would be short-sighted. 

“I think that’s short-sighted, but it’s certainly an option that we could continue to do that,” Garrett said. He pointed out that only 1.2% of the state’s budget is currently going toward student needs, even as lawmakers receive numerous requests for funding specific issues that a new funding formula could address.

RELATED: Record education budget advances Alabama House committee

Garrett warned that Alabama risks falling behind as other states continue to move away from resource-based models. 

“We would continue to do what we’re doing. And I would just say that states are continuing to move away from resource-based models. Mississippi is the latest that’s moved away from it. Eventually we will probably be number 46, number 47, number 48, number 50 that still hasn’t moved to some different model.”

The second option involves adopting a student-weighted funding formula to replace the current Foundation program, which has remained unchanged for nearly three decades. Proponents of a student-weighted formula argue it would give school systems more flexibility to address specific needs, departing from the ‘one size fits all’ approach.

Garrett acknowledged the challenges of such a transition, including determining appropriate funding weights and ensuring accountability. “If we were to change, every system would be empowered with greater flexibility,” Garrett said. “Accountability is important as to how that flexibility is utilized.”

The third option, a hybrid model, would retain the current Foundation program while incorporating weighted funding to address specific student needs. This approach offers a more gradual transition, providing targeted resources without requiring a full overhaul of the existing system.

“This would reduce initial complexity because we’d keep the Foundation program in place and add weights on top of it,” Garrett said, calling the hybrid model a balanced approach to reform.

He also noted that the hybrid model could allow for additional flexibility within the existing funding structure, and several committee members expressed support for the hybrid approach.

With the legislative session nearing, the committee is preparing to finalize its report on the three proposed options by February 4. Once completed, the report will be shared with all lawmakers and will direct potential legislation to reform Alabama’s education funding model.

Grace Heim is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You can email her at grace@yellowhammernews.com.

This month’s edition of State Sen. Andrew Jones’ (R-Centre) newsletter featured a top ten list of legislative and district accomplishments he was proud of in 2024. Read it in full below:

10. Senator Jones Awarded ALGOP “Defender of Freedom” Award

In recognition of his success in passing the largest tax cut in Alabama history, Andrew, along with Representative Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, was awarded with the “Defender of Freedom” Award for his work to pass legislation cutting Alabama’s grocery tax in half.

9. Page Program Hits Its Stride

This year, 19 middle school students from District 10 served as pages in the Alabama Senate. In addition to serving on the Senate floor, these young men and women toured the capital city and visited with Governor Ivey and Lt. Governor Ainsworth. These students, nominated by their schools, have bright futures ahead of them!

8. Sweet Trails Alabama Gets Sweeter

After Senator Jones authored the Sweet Trails Alabama Legislation in 2023, the Sweet Trails Team got to work on a statewide master plan to link all 67 counties in Alabama by trail. Anticipating the completion of the plan, Andrew helped secure an additional $1.2 million in the fiscal year 2025 budget to begin implementing it. The Sweet Trails team is now coordinating funding for trail feasibility studies, a trail toolkit, and other projects to begin bringing the plan to fruition.

RELATED: Sweet Trails Alabama providing a path to recreational and economic opportunities

7. Megasite Investments top $13 million

This year, an additional $4.6 million was invested in the Northeast Alabama Regional (NEAR) Megasite. This site has been a top priority for Senator Jones since his first election, and he co-sponsored the SEEDS Act which brought about this investment. To date, over $13 million, including almost $9 million through the Growing Alabama Tax Credit, has been invested in the Megasite. Andrew is hopeful that investments like these will further efforts to land a major employer at the Etowah County site.

6. $1 million in Extra School Funding

This year Senator Jones’ office funded 855 teachers with $100 classroom grants and 47 schools with $5000 special project grants for a total of $320,500. Additionally, 10 different schools across the district received over $839,000 in funding through the Lt. Governor’s Capital K-12 Grant Program funded by the legislature. These projects included:

• $100,000- Gadsden City High (Track Refurbishment)
• $100,000- Geraldine High (New Stadium Restrooms)
• $100,000- Cedar Bluff High (New Fieldhouse)
• $95,000- Etowah High (New Wellness Center)
• $121,213- Etowah Career Tech (Outdoor Classroom)
• $65,706- Etowah Career Tech (LED Lighting)
• $74,454- Sardis High (Door Replacement)
• $90,000- Duck Springs Elementary (Cafeteria Roof)
• $6,977- Ivalee Elementary (Tile Floor)
• $40,909- Southside High School (HVAC Replacement)
• $44,863- Glencoe High School (enclosure between buildings)

5. Senator Jones Selected for Prestigious Henry Toll Fellowship

Andrew was honored to receive the 2024 Henry Toll Fellowship Award along with 48 colleagues from 34 states. Toll Fellows are selected based on their demonstrated commitment to solve problems, to work collaboratively to get things done, and their belief that state government can and must be a force for good. There are over 1,400 graduates of the Toll Fellowship, including 4 sitting state/territorial house speakers, 8 sitting state supreme court justices, 10 sitting members of Congress, 3 sitting governors and more than 200 Toll alumni currently serving as state/territorial legislators.

4. $10.4 Million in Broadband Investments

Andrew is honored to serve on the Alabama Digital Expansion Authority (ADEA), the board tasked with overseeing the deployment of broadband around the state. This year, $10.4 million in broadband investments came to District 10 and bordering communities through grants to Coosa Valley Technologies, Farmers Telecommunications Corporation, and Spectrum Southeast.

3. Military Package Becomes Law

Through his work as Chairman of the Senate Military, Veterans, and Public Safety Committee, Senator Jones helped shepherd through a package of 10 bills to improve the quality of life for military service members and their families. Senator Jones personally sponsored three of these bills, including legislation to exempt deployed troops from state income tax, guarantee high school athletic eligibility for military dependents, and establish a Veterans Mental Health Steering Committee to develop a comprehensive plan for treating veterans’ mental health needs.

RELATED: Military bills signing highlights new laws benefiting Alabama servicemembers and veterans

2. $3.3 Million in Road Funding… and a new Southside Bridge?

Etowah County got a step closer to a new Southside Bridge as public meetings were held by ALDOT to solicit feedback on two different proposals. Other infrastructure investments this year were over $3.3 million, including the following:

• Town of Leesburg $350,000
• Websters Chapel Road $500,000
• Town of Glencoe $1.9 million
• Cherokee County $350,000
• Northeast Alabama Regional Airport $239,000

1. Senator Jones Receives “20 Under 40” Leadership Award

Senator Andrew Jones was one of twenty up-and-coming state officials to be selected for the 2024 Council of State Governments 20 Under 40 Leadership Award. This year’s class represented 16 U.S. states and territories across all four CSG regions. 20 Under 40 leaders must exemplify a commitment to bipartisanship and innovative solutions. This includes the ability to engage officials across party lines, provide exceptional leadership, and serve as a champion of change.

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270

School choice is the biggest civil rights breakthrough to occur in Alabama in several decades.

Years from now, historians will look back and recognize that Alabama turned a corner when it implemented the CHOOSE Act and threw open the door of opportunity to a generation of children who were trapped in failing and underperforming schools.

The CHOOSE Act, which stands for the Creating Hope. and Opportunity for Our Students’ Education Act, was passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey last year, and it allows qualifying students to receive $7,000 annually for an Education Savings Account that may be used for tuition to private, parochial or Christian schools or $2,000 in expenses related to home schooling.

During the first two years, only families whose income is under 300% of the poverty rate — which equates to $93,600 for a family of four — may apply, but in the third year, applications will open to any family that wishes to participate.

Former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, who was born in Birmingham, highlighted the lack of quality school options available to many low income families today when she said:

“We have a choice…. If you are of means, you will move to a district where the schools are good and the houses are expensive, or if you are really wealthy you send your kids to private schools. So who is stuck in failing neighborhood schools? Poor kids, a lot of them minority kids.”

Despite the fact that the CHOOSE Act offers immediate relief to low-income families and students trapped in poorly performing schools, Amy Marlowe, the director of the state teachers’ union, has falsely claimed that the program will mainly benefit children from wealthy families, and she wants to roll back its availability based upon bogus beliefs that it somehow harms education.

Rather than continuing to sentence children from low-income families to the indignity of a sub-par education, Marlowe and her union should focus instead on fixing the persistent and endemic problems that cause families to want to leave certain public schools in the first place.

According to surveys, only 44% of parents in Alabama feel satisfied with the education their children are receiving while 76% indicate they support school choice with Education Savings Plans.

Children should not be held captive in a failing school simply because they reside in a specific zip code.

Children who require a specialized learning environment should not be denied it because their zoned school is unable to fill the need.

And we must no longer ignore the fact that our public schools are too often graduating seniors who are unable to read at a proper grade level.

Several states across the country already have robust school choice programs that have been in place for years, and numerous studies have proven that public schools do not experience a mass exodus.

Alabama’s Education Trust Fund Budget, which funds K-12 public schools, community colleges, and four-year public universities, totals $9.3 billion, and the Legislature has allocated $100 million — roughly one-tenth of one percent — to school choice, but that is enough to begin rescuing students who currently have too little hope, too little opportunity, and too few chances to succeed later in life.

In the first year, CHOOSE Act funding will serve about 15,000 students, and it is my hope that parents seeking a better education for their children will claim all of the available funds so the Legislature will be forced to allocate a larger dollar amount the following year.

When CHOOSE Act applications were opened last week, several thousand families from across the state applied on the first day alone, and a steady stream has followed ever since.

The number one priority of elected officials who make decisions about public education must be determining how we can we best teach every child in every class every single day, but a one-size-fits-all approach fails to recognize that each child has unique needs and some respond better to different teaching methods or different learning environments.

That is why many of us believe that school choice offers the best outcome for students while also ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used both efficiently and effectively.

At the same time, school choice allows parents, who know their children better than anyone, to decide which educational path will prepare students to become independent and productive adults.

We must continue supporting our public schools, but we also need the children being taught there to thrive, even if charting a different pathway to success is the only option.

Public schools are making headway, and legislators and other elected officials will continue to implement policies to help all schools and students, but matching children to the best learning environment through school choice is a critical win for all and a major victory for civil rights.

State Rep. Susan DuBose represents Alabama House of Representatives District 45.

Hoover High School head football coach Drew Gilmer and defensive coordinator Adam Helms have each been placed on administrative leave, Hoover City Schools confirmed on Tuesday.

“The decision to place these two athletic coaches, Mr. Gilmer and Mr. Helms, on administrative leave was made to ensure a thorough and impartial review of recent developments,” read a statement released by the school system. “Parents, students and staff will be informed of any significant developments as the investigation progresses.”

“The safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities,” said Hoover City Schools superintendent Kevin Maddox. “We are taking this matter seriously and working diligently to resolve it promptly and fairly.”

Although no reason for the suspensions was explicitly given, the announcement comes shortly after multiple videos circulated on social media showing Hoover coaches ripping off players’ helmets at a practice.

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Gilmer and Helms were hired in January from Clay-Chalkville High School following the resignation of former head coach Wade Waldrop. In seven seasons leading the CCHS football program, Gilmer recorded 81 total wins and racked up 2 AHSAA 6A state championships.

Hoover is yet to release information on the length of the coaches’ suspensions.

Charles Vaughan is a contributing writer for Yellowhammer News.

Governor Kay Ivey sent out a message to all of Alabama’s kindergarten through eighth grade students late last week announcing this summer’s statewide reading challenge.

“As we approach the summer break, I want to remind you all that while it’s time to unwind and enjoy some well deserved relaxation, it’s also time to keep our minds active and engaged,” said Ivey. “What better way to do that than by picking up a good book?”

“Last year, many of you joined me in my summer reading challenge. I was amazed by the enthusiasm you brought to your reading adventures. Well, guess what? It’s back and I’m inviting each and every one of you to join me in my summer reading challenge once again.”

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In her remarks, the Governor then explained the challenge and emphasized that she wants to here “all about” books read by Alabama students this summer.

“So here’s the challenge,” Ivey said. “If you’re still entering grades K through eight for the upcoming school year, I want you to write me a letter this summer. Tell me about your favorite summer reading book and why it captured your imagination. I can’t wait to hear back from you and embark together throughout the summer months.”

RELATED: Ivey’s summer reading challenge inspires students 

The summer reading challenge challenge officially began on May 24 and will end on July 31. All letters should be addressed to Governor Ivey and mailed to 600 Dexter Avenue. Students should write their name, the grade they are entering and school they attend.

“Let’s get reading,” Gov. Ivey said.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

​​A Wisconsin-based atheist group, the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), is again threatening to take an Alabama public school system to court.

This time, they’ve warned the Elmore County School District about a voluntary assembly at Stanhope Elmore High School in Millbrook, Alabama, claiming it was an “inappropriate and unconstitutional Christian” school event.

“We’re calling on the district to stop gaslighting the situation and adopt clear policy disallowing religious assemblies masquerading as secular seminars,” FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor said in a statement. “Elmore School District must take action to protect its students from preying (and praying) evangelists.”

The event was led by John Eklund, Founder and CEO of Recovery ALIVE, a Christian-based program that has helped many overcome addiction and find hope. Eklund, a respected figure in the community, was invited to speak to students about mental health and resilience.

Students and attendees were drawn to prayer:

FFRF reports that two parents complained the assembly was religious and mandatory.

In response, the school district’s superintendent clarified that the assembly was not mandatory and was meant to help students with mental health issues. FFRF argued Eklund’s social media posts, which included photos of students praying and comments about faith in Jesus, suggest otherwise.

RELATED: Alabama Senator to atheist group: ‘We need more children, not less to hear the good news of God’s saving grace’ 

According to Eklund’s post, the school’s principal told him, “I’ve been doing this for 26 years. If i’m gonna get in trouble it might as well be for Jesus!”

Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth, who has a track record of being unintimidated by the FFRF, told Yellowhammer News they continue to misunderstand Alabama.

“The same fringe group targeting this voluntary school assembly has attacked me in the past for simply encouraging Alabamians to celebrate Easter and seeking prayers on behalf of law enforcement officers,” Ainsworth said.

“I believe strongly that the rise in juvenile crime and the lack of respect for human life that so many young people in high-crime areas possess today is a direct result of religion being removed from our schools and other public venues.”

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

Jacksonville State University is the first public college in Alabama to announce compliance with a new law passed in March by the Alabama Legislature and signed by Governor Kay Ivey, prohibiting state funds from being spent on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) offices and initiatives.

In a university-wide announcement, JSU President Don Killingsworth Jr. said the school will formally close its Office of Diversity and Inclusion, effective May 31.

Killingsworth wrote that the decision is rooted in compliance with the new law and “was not made lightly, but is necessary,” in his message to students, faculty and staff.

RELATED: Ivey signs ban on teaching, promoting ‘divisive concepts’ in schools, state agencies

“All current employees within the Office of Diversity and Inclusion have been offered and have accepted positions in other areas across campus,” he announced. “The decision to close the office ahead of the Oct. 1 deadline, as mandated by the state, is to ensure these employees have sufficient time to transition to their new roles before the flurry of the fall semester begins.”

“As we undergo this transition we reaffirm our commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of the Jax State community.”

The new law was championed through the Alabama Legislature this year with unanimous support of Republicans in both chambers, sponsored by State Sen. Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road), State Rep. Ed Oliver (R-Dadeville), and ultimately signed by Governor Ivey at the end of March.

It places several prohibitions into law effective October 1, 2024: State agencies, public schools, state colleges and universities cannot use taxpayer funds for DEI offices or initiatives. State institutions are also prohibited from directing or compelling a student or employee to affirm, adopt, or adhere to any of the nine divisive concepts defined under the law.

RELATED: UA System, Presidents issue update on Alabama DEI reform implementation

The law explicitly states the law will not prevent students, faculty, organizations, or associations from hosting DEI programs or discussions that may involve divisive concepts — so as long as no state funds are used.

Other states across the country are implementing similar measures, most notably Florida, which recently saw its largest public college, the University of Florida, eliminate its office of diversity, instead investing a $5 million DEI earmark into a retirement fund to benefit faculty members.

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

On Tuesday, the Alabama House of Representatives passed legislation to prevent public school teachers in the 6th through the 8th grades from teaching LGBTQ+ ideology in Alabama schools.

HB130 is sponsored by State Representative Mack Butler (R-Rainbow City).

In 2022 the Alabama Legislature and Governor Kay Ivey, signed legislation that prevents Alabama public schools from teaching gender ideology in grades K-5, grades where that is considered inappropriate. This bill originally would have originally “prohibit classroom instruction related to gender identity or sexual orientation in public K-12 schools.”

At the request of the Alabama State Department of Education, Butler agreed to an amendment that change the law to only extend to the 8th grade.

“We have documented cases where this agenda is being taught,” said Rep. Butler. “Most parents don’t want their teacher teaching this. They want the math teachers teaching math and the science teachers teaching science.”

This legislation has been held up due to a disagreement with State Department of Education (SDE) officials who wanted to continue to teach sexual orientation in health classes in high school.

RELATED: Ivey signs ban on teaching, promoting ‘divisive concepts’ in schools, state agencies

Rep. Barbara Drummond (D-Mobile) brought the SDE approved amendment to the bill.

“They were good with this as long as went to the eighth grade,” Butler said of the SDE and the legislation.

Democrats strongly opposed the bill.

“How do you feel that you here that your bill would cause children to commit suicide,” Rep. Philip Ensler (D-Montgomery). “What’s going to come out of this is that the legislature is anti-gay.” “I cannot believe that we are going to pass something that may lead a child to commit suicide.”

“If I am a school board and I hire a teacher, I want them to teach what I hire them to teach,” said Butler. “The Bible can be used as a literature book; the Bible can be used as a history book.” “The point is that the curriculum coming from the State Department of Education.”

Butler rejected the argument that this bill is targeting the LGBTQ+ community.

“Let children be children,” said Butler. “This bill is born of love: this bill is not born from hate.”

Ensler has brought a number of gun control bills that he has had difficulty moving in the Republican controlled Legislature.

“So many of our constituents want us to address the real issues that they face, yet we waste time on made up stuff like this,” Ensler said angrily.

“It is not the job of our schools to sexualize our kids,” said Rep. Ernie Yarborough (R-Trinity). “It is our job to be the adults in the room and stand for what’s right and the sooner that we do the better off our country will be.”

“I have a lot of friends who are gay – in fact my best male friend is gay,” said Rep. Juandalynn Givan (D-Birmingham). “My concern with this bill, and I hope the corporations come together because you can stop some of this foolery.”

Givan warned that there would be unintended consequences from passing this bill.

Rep. Neal Rafferty (D-Birmingham) asked, “What is the purpose of this bill?”

“To focus on academics,” answered Butler.

Rafferty asked Butler if a teacher with some personal issues could talk with their teacher.

“The student will be able to talk with the teacher, but the teacher will not be able to instruct on it,” said Butler.

“I don’t think anybody here in this body does not want to protect children,” Rafferty said.

“We want the schools preparing them for 21^st Century jobs,” said Butler. “We don’t want to indoctrinate children.”

“This bill simply extends from fifth to eighth grade the prohibitions that are already in place for grades K through fifth,” said Butler.

Rafferty offered an amendment to limit the bill to instruction on gender transition,

Butler asked the body to table the Rafferty Amendment which they did. HB130 passed largely along party lines 74 to 25. It now goes to the Senator for consideration. Wednesday is a committee day for lawmakers, and Thursday will be day 25 of the 2024 legislative session.

To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com

Governor Kay Ivey and the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education (ADECE)  announced that Alabama’s First Class Pre-K program is once again recognized for the highest quality in today’s release of the national report, The 2023 State of Preschool.

Alabama is one of only five states in the country to meet 10 of 10 research-based quality standard benchmarks for 2023 and is the only state in the nation to have achieved this distinction for 18 consecutive years, Ivey’s office announced.

The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) tracks preschool enrollment, funding and quality across states. The 2023 State of Preschool Yearbook finds Alabama is one of only five states in the country to meet 10 of 10 research-based quality benchmarks making it one of the highest quality pre-kindergarten programs in the nation.

According to the program’s website, the goal of First Class Pre-K is to ensure children are equipped with school readiness. The state defines school readiness “as a condition whereby children enter school with an enthusiasm for learning, an ability to function in a social setting, age-appropriate communication and problem-solving skills, and optimal health.”

“Alabama’s First Class Pre-K program continues to show its effectiveness in giving our youngest learners a strong start in both school and life,” said Governor Ivey. “Alabama has established itself as a national leader in early childhood education and has set a standard of excellence by making significant investments in pre-k.”

RELATED: Alabama House passes education budget package, including 2% pay raise

Acting Secretary Jan Hume said, “This recognition from NIEER reflects the dedication and hard work of our staff and partners who support high-quality learning experiences for our state’s 4-year-old children. We are honored by this recognition and recognize that we must continue the work to improve and expand quality early learning to support children and families across our state.”

“In this year’s education budget, I have requested funding to continue providing access to this program while also waving tuition and fee costs to parents,” said Governor Ivey. “We can all be proud that Alabama leads the nation in ensuring high quality while expanding program access to Alabama’s 4-year-olds.”

Alabama First Class Pre-K offers 4-year-olds in each of the state’s 67 counties access to prekindergarten programs in their communities. Research on the program’s long-term impacts shows that children who participated in First Class Pre-K are more likely to be successful throughout their school careers across multiple domains of learning. Participants in the program go on to have higher rates of college graduation, higher average salaries, and lower rates of committing crimes.

The program has grown substantially over the last decade, going from serving 5,000 Alabama 4-year-olds in 2013 to serving over 24,000 in 2023. Per the Alabama School Readiness Alliance, roughly 50% of Alabama 4-year-olds had access to the program during the 2022-2023 school year.

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

State Rep. Susan DuBose (R-Hoover) is hoping the Senate will pass her bill that expands eligibility requirements for minors who want to gets jobs after school hours.

Currently, if a person is 14 or 15 years old, the child has to get permission from the school before being allowed to get a job. DuBose’s bill would eliminate that requirement.

The legislation passed the house this week and is making its way through the Senate.

The state lawmaker discussed the bill Wednesday on WVNN’s “The Yaffee Program.”

“So of course minors can already work in the state of Alabama, 14 and up, but 14 and 15 year old are required to get a permission slip or a work permit from an administrator at their school. And I feel like that just overreach,” DuBose said. “I don’t think the government should be controlling what kids do after school hours. That should be up to the parents and students. At that age they are only allowed to work three hours a day and they can’t work past 7pm. This is by federal and state law. So there’s so many protections in place.”

DuBose said teenagers can learn some needed skills by finding a job at that age.

“I just think that what you can learn from working after school from 4 to 7pm is very valuable,” she argued. “And the social skills, the discipline, the work ethic, you learn how to make money, how to manage money, and if students and parents feel like they have time to do that, I think they should be allowed without getting a permission slip. A permission slips almost sometimes makes it feel like you’re not really supposed to be doing this and you need special permission to do it. And I just don’t think it should have that barrier to employment.”

DuBose also explained that this bill doesn’t remove all restrictions on employing minors.

RELATED: Building Alabama’s future workforce: Over 5,300 companies partner with ACCS

“So it’s passed out of the house. We had bipartisan support on that,” she said. “And I think once people understood that we still have protections in place. Students, 14 and 15 year olds cannot, even all the way up to 18, students or teenagers cannot work in unsafe or hazardous conditions. There’s 17 different types of conditions that they cannot work in. So they’re in a safe, supervised environment. And I think it’s a wonderful learning and educational opportunity for students.”

The lawmaker understands some of the pushback she received concerning the legislation, but thinks those concerns don’t really apply to this specific law.

“I understand that concern,” she said, “because it does say it’s a child labor bill, and that automatically sets off alarm. And we have had people breaking the law in Alabama where they’ve had 12 year olds working in unsafe conditions. So I completely understand people’s concern…They’re not in unsafe conditions. But we do have a situation in Alabama where we have… the lowest unemployment or the lowest work workforce participation rate in the nation between 16 and 24 year olds. So it’s just giving them an opportunity to learn about work, learn the work ethic in a state limited capacity.”

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee

Governor Kay Ivey recently signed the Parents Right to Know Act, which will give parents a better understanding of what is being taught to their children by requiring teachers to post their curriculum online for them to see.

Alabama State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric G. Mackey weighed in, saying he was able to have input to ensure teachers would not be negatively impacted by the bill.

“It does not take away from a teacher’s ability to make changes on a day to day basis as they need to,” Mackey told WSFA.

“We really need parents to be engaged in the learning process. And I think that was really the impetus behind this is how do we help parents engage in what’s going on in the child’s classroom.”

RELATED: Parents’ Right to Know: Alabama Senate passes bill requiring school curriculum be made available to parents

The bill, which passed in the Senate in early February, also allows parents to be able to examine all supplemental materials and classroom books upon request.

The original sponsor of the bill was State Sen. Greg Reed (R-Jasper), who said that the bill was a priority for him.

“This is a starting place for parents to find out what their child is being taught,” Sen. Reed said…How can we take all the information that is going on in a child’s education and put is on a website for parents and grandparents,” Reed said in February.

Michael Brauner is a Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP

On Thursday, the Alabama House of Representatives passed legislation with bipartisan support that will require teachers to post the curriculum of their classes online so that parents can be aware of what their child is learning and being presented.

The “Parents’ Right to Know” bill is sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed (R-Jasper). It was carried in the House of Representatives by Rep. Matt Woods (R-Jasper).

The bill would also require each teacher, upon request, to allow the parent of a child enrolled in the class to examine all instructional and supplemental materials and books available to students in the classroom.

“This bill requires that the curricula that will be used in each classroom of public K-12 schools be posted on the school website at the beginning of each calendar year, or within thirty days after a new or revised curriculum is adopted,” said Rep. Woods.

“The posting will be verified by the local superintendent of education and the local board of education. The goal for this bill is to provide parents and guardians with an easily accessible way to see their child’s curricula in hopes to have better engagement with their child’s education. This bill provides transparency and communication, which are both beneficial component for student success.”

RELATED: Parents’ Right to Know: Alabama Senate passes bill requiring school curriculum be made available to parents

There is a complaint process in the bill for a parent that has a concern about something that is in the curriculum.

“I have got two young daughters, so we are thinking about education. We are taking a hard look at it,” said Rep. James Lomax (R-Huntsville).

“I think this is a no-nonsense, commonsense bill. If you look at it, parents should know the curriculum that their kids are learning. They get progress report cards so they know how they are progressing — so, it would be nice to know what they are learning — what they are progressing on. This is good for the parents. It is also good for the teachers. You are working on a common trend so both parties know what is out there and the material that they are learning, so I want to thank you for bringing it. I am proud to vote for it,” Rep. Lomax said.

“I have shared with you how important educational transparency is I believe, and this bill does provide a step a movement toward the process of parents being able to guide the education of their children,” said Rep. Arnold Mooney (R-Indian Springs).

“Particularly in our public schools it provides them an opportunity for transparency they have not had before so the ability to parents to do this and ask questions about what is being taught to our children is vital in the process I believe that provides us young leaders versus people who are apathetic and looking at the voter turnout of the election we just had, it is amazing how low that turnout is among young people up to age 35 or so.”

“I don’t see a necessity for it if you don’t like how little Mary or how little Jimmy or little Alley are being educated – teach them at home,” said Rep. John Rogers (D-Birmingham). “Most parents are not educators.”

State Rep. Kenneth Paschal (R-Pelham) brought an amendment to the bill that protected the privacy of a parent or guardian making a complaint on the behalf of a child.

RELATED: Alabama leads the nation in educational freedom in 2024 after Governor Ivey signs school choice bill into law

SB48 passed the House 99 to 3 with only Democratic Reps. Mary Moore (D-Birmingham), John Rogers, and Thomas Jackson (D-Thomasville) voting against.

The Alabama Republican Party released a statement praising this legislation.

“SB48 champions parental rights through greater transparency in school curricula. This legislation ensures that parents have unrestricted access to their children’s course of study and related materials, allowing them to be in the driver’s seat of their child’s education.”

Because the bill was altered by the House, it goes back to the Senate for their review of the House’s changes. The bill’s author, State Sen. Greg Reed, says Alabama schools do an “incredible job pouring into our young students.”

“This bill provides an opportunity for educators and parents to come together and be in lockstep about what is going on in our classrooms. We want educators to continue being able to do their jobs well, and we want parents to be as invested in their children’s educations as possible,” Reed said upon the bill’s Senate passage.

“A large portion of schools across Alabama already practice this policy, and implementing similar measures uniformly statewide will help build collaboration between schools and families across our state.”

To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com