Maggie Hicks

The regular meeting addressed numerous resolutions for recognition and distinguished commendation. Key actions included recognizing schools for Legislative School Performance Program awards (Top 25 Percent and Most Improved), honoring five schools nominated for the 2025 Blue Ribbon Schools Award, recognizing Kimberly Jones as the 2026 Alabama School Counselor of the Year, and commending various school systems for top performance awards based on ACAP assessment scores (Mountain Brook City School System and Houston County School System). The Board also recognized the 2025-2026 Alabama Teacher of the Year finalist, Katie Collins, and proclaimed February 2026 as Alabama School Counseling Month and March 2026 as Arts Education Month. Additionally, the Board honored the winners of the 2026 State Superintendent's Visual Arts Exhibit and designated March 2-6, 2026, as National School Breakfast Week. The State Superintendent reported on the progress of the Science of Reading initiative and noted the regional momentum in academic achievement.

The agenda for the Elementary/Secondary Education meeting includes a call to order, invocation, and roll call, followed by action items under unfinished and new business. Key new business items involve resolutions for adopting the 2026 Comprehensive School Counseling Program Model for Alabama Public Schools, appointing the Energy and Natural Resources State Course of Study Committee, approving nominations for two open positions on the Alabama School of Fine Arts Board of Trustees, and approving recommendations from the State Textbook Committee for Arts Education and Social Studies textbooks (Grades K-12). The agenda also covers executive matters and the State Superintendent's Report. The accompanying work session agenda includes announcing intent to repeal and replace a section of the Alabama Administrative Code regarding teacher certification, and numerous resolutions recognizing various educators as Teachers of the Year and honoring an award recipient.

The Alabama State Department of Education's strategic plan, 'Alabama Achieves,' is guided by the philosophy 'Every child. Every chance. Every day.' This plan aims to prepare children to become productive, responsible citizens by ensuring access to opportunities and overcoming barriers to success. Key initiatives include the Alabama Literacy Act, Alabama Numeracy Act, STEM education, Career Technical Education, and workforce development. The overarching vision is to continuously improve education in Alabama, leading to improved student outcomes, increased graduation rates, enhanced college and career readiness, and expanded professional development for educators.

This document presents the 2025 Comprehensive School Counseling Program Model for Alabama Public Schools, developed by a task force between April and October 2025. The model defines the role of school counselors, establishes new standards across three domains (academic, career, and foundational wellness) organized by grade bands, and emphasizes collaboration among school personnel, parents, and guardians. It also provides a structural framework focused on data-driven outcomes and program effectiveness.

This document outlines strategic initiatives for career and technical education and workforce development. Key priorities include aligning course placement with evolving workforce demands, expanding student access to high-value digital competencies, and strengthening statewide readiness in emerging technology fields like AI and cybersecurity. The plan emphasizes enhancing access within business management and administration, promoting interdisciplinary fluency, and providing benefits such as increased access to advanced coursework and industry-recognized credentials, along with enhanced scheduling flexibility for Local Education Agencies (LEAs), all aligned with Alabama's economic and workforce development priorities.