A Status Report on Alabama's Program of Excellence in Education

A STATUS REPORT ON ALABAMA'S PROGRAM OF EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION

MARCH 22, 2001

DEFINITION: To provide a system of public education which is committed to high academic standards and to providing every school student an opportunity for graduation and the opportunity to obtain the requisite skills to be prepared for the 21st century.

Alabama State Board of Education's Seven Goals and Initiatives (cross-referenced with the nine [9] criteria outlined by the Circuit Court, March 31, 1993):
High Academic Standards for All Students
Opportunities for All Children to Enter the Public School System Ready to Learn
Safe and Disciplined Learning Environments
Sufficient and Well-Qualified Teachers and Other School Personnel
Accountability and Decision Making at Appropriate Levels
Adequate Resources for Quality Education
Increased Public Confidence in Public Education

Implemented Section 16-6B-1-12, Code of Alabama (1975), "Education Accountability Plan." This included a 4 x 4 curriculum; student assistance programs; academic, financial, and safety and discipline accountability; and career/technical education.
Implemented Section 16-13-1-239, as applicable, Code of Alabama (1975). This includes the Foundation Program and Transportation.

Developed teams to assist schools and systems in Alert and Caution status (1996-2001).
Worked with Alert schools in developing School Improvement Plans to guide instructional improvement for increasing student achievement (1997-2001).

Developed formats for School Improvement Plans (SIPs).
Provided assistance in developing and monitoring SIPs.
Contracted with local school systems for Special Services Teachers (SSTs), Special Services Administrators (SSAs), and Chief Administrative and Academic Officers (CAOs) to assist Alert and Caution status schools. (Contracted during 2000-2001 with SSTs, SSA, and CAOS; approximate cost $4,102,395.)
Provided orientation for SSTs, SSAs, and CAOs.
Organized monthly inservice training for SSTs on promising practices.
Trained Alert 2 principals and selected teachers to analyze and use student achievement data to develop goals for SIPs. (Trained Alert 2 principals 2000-2001; approximate cost $21,700.)
Provided follow-up meetings for principals in Alert schools on topics such as instructional leadership and overcoming barriers to school improvement.
Provided technical assistance to Alert schools on instructional content, classroom organization and management, utilization of Stanford-9 data, preparation of students for the graduation exam, etc. (Provided technical assistance in 2000-2001; approximate cost $76,565.)
Established committees to develop a training manual for SSTs, a resource document, and guidelines for state assistance efforts.
Initiated the 21st Century Project which had as its basis the concept to make use of cross-functional teams that combine the expertise within several departmental units for the sole purpose of focusing on a need, service, or problem in either the SDE or an LEA:
Assist schools in prioritizing local school system needs.
Focus on customer service rather than regulatory functions.
Improve response time to local systems.
Provide a comprehensive range of services to local systems/schools.
Focus on improving student achievement.

Implemented the team concept which empowers individuals to assess needs and answer them without being hampered by layers of bureaucracy. It eliminates individual and small-group work silos and focuses the expertise of the team on a problem. The problem may be solved by the team or someone outside the team with the team having the authority and duty to pursue corrective action. The success of the teams will be promulgated in large part on the success of a communications strategy, both internal and external.
Involved in the 21st Century Project with SDE staff were representatives from:
Bradley Arant Rose and White
BellSouth
B E & K, Inc.
Alabama Gas Corporation
Regions Bank
Alabama Power Company
Vulcan Materials
Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama
Siemens Corporation

Provided technical assistance to teams and the alert and caution schools in the area of technology.

Provided constant on-site fiscal assistance to numerous Alabama school systems in order to prevent state intervention and control. This effort has been quite successful in eliminating many problems in local systems which, if left unattended, would result in state takeover.

Developed a technology application to process academic status as mandated by the Alabama Legislature to monitor student performance.

Implemented, through Bond Issue Act #98-373, Section 9(iv), plans to expend $20 million for career/technical education instructional equipment and capital improvements. The first priority for expenditure of these funds is equipment for program certification to industry standards. The second priority is other career/technical education program capital improvements after all equipment needs have been met. These funds assisted local career/technical education programs to meet the requirements of Standards 7 and 8 from the Business/Industry Certification Program, Alabama Administrative Code 290-6-1.-11.

Implemented the Business/Industry Certification process to certify all programs to industry standards. The third year goal of 60% completion will be met by May 2001. Facilitated certification reviews in 100% of LEAs each year (1998-2001).

Collaborated with national agencies for inclusion of standards in the business/industry certification process.

Implemented the accountability standards for the business/industry certification process and reported them on the system level report card in the form of a letter grade for meeting the required level of performance (20% minimum number of certified programs per year).

Participated in consolidated monitoring as a means to ensure accountability for federal mandated and negotiated standards of performance.

Developed a process and performed career/technical audits in LEAs upon request of the local superintendent. Audited Monroe, Chambers, St Clair, Calhoun, and Russell counties with an upcoming audit in Tallapoosa County.

Applied for and received (in 2000) $2,239,838 in federal Title I School Accountability funds. Funds are used to supplement state and local school improvement efforts in 20 LEAs in 37 schools that are identified by Title I for school improvement. Federal Programs staff provide supplemental training, technical assistance, and other resources for schools that receive Title I School Accountability funds.

Developed a model to facilitate school improvement planning so that a school identified for academic improvement that has multiple, plan-based programs can develop a single operating plan. For example, an “academically needy” school may have a single improvement plan that encompasses a combination of the following: Title I schoolwide program, state-mandated school improvement, CSRD, REA, Alabama Reading Initiative, High Hopes, and/or a school improvement plan that results from an accreditation study.

Required a 4x4 core curriculum with 4 credits each in English, mathematics (including Algebra I and Geometry), social studies, and science (including "a physical science" and Biology); 1 credit in physical education; 1/2 credit each in health, the arts, and computer applications; and 5 1/2 elective credits for the Alabama High School Diploma. (The advanced academic endorsement requires advanced-level course work, Algebra II with Trigonometry, 2 credits in a foreign language, and 3 1/2 elective credits.) (1996)
Facilitated the development of two academic diploma options—the Alabama High School Diploma and the Alabama High School Diploma with Advanced Academic Endorsement—that incorporate more demanding graduation requirements and increase the number of credits for graduation from 22 to 24. (1996)
Established two career/technical diploma options—the Alabama High School Diploma with Career/Technical Endorsement and the Alabama High School Diploma with Advanced Career/Technical Endorsement, both requiring 24 credits. (1999)

Implemented (beginning May 1997) the Alabama Occupational Diploma (AOD) program for students with disabilities as they transition from school to employment and adult life. This program of study incorporates effective instruction and transitional practices in improving post-school outcomes of students with disabilities. Since 1998, 1084 students have graduated with the AOD. For the 2000-2001 school year, 9,546 students with disabilities are participating in the AOD program.
Implemented the Alternate Adult High School Diploma. This program is a second chance for students who have passed all required coursework but are deficient in the Alabama High School Graduation Exam.

Revised and distributed state courses of study in Vocational Education (1996). Total number of documents distributed: 18,000 copies. Approximate cost of project: $153,916.00.

Revised and distributed state course of study in health (1997). Total number of documents distributed: 40,000 copies. Approximate cost of project: $76,617.00.
Revised and distributed state course of study in mathematics (1997). Total number of documents distributed: 45,000 copies. Approximate cost of project: $143,783.00.
Revised and distributed state course of study in physical education (1997). Total number of documents distributed: 25,000 copies. Approximate cost of project: $71,342.00.
Revised and distributed state course of study in arts education (1998). Total number of documents distributed: 15,000 copies. Approximate cost of project: $149,569.00.
Revised and distributed state course of study in foreign languages (1998). Total number of documents distributed: 12,000 copies. Approximate cost of project: $74,342.00.
Revised and distributed state course of study in social studies (1998). Total number of documents distributed: 55,000 copies. Approximate cost of project: $189,205.00.
Revised and distributed state course of study in English language arts (1999). Total number of documents distributed: 70,000. Approximate cost of project: $224,800.00.
Revised and distributed state course of study in driver education (1999). Total number of documents distributed: 10,000 copies. Total cost of project: $19,727.00.
Revised and distributed state course of study in science (2001). Total number of documents distributed: 70,000. Approximate cost of project: $376,000.00.
Facilitated the development and distribution of Pathways for Learning documents for Grades K-6 and 7-12 to assist teachers in teaching course of study concepts tested on the Alabama High School Graduation Exam (1998-2000). Total number of documents distributed: 450. Approximate cost of project: $125,760.00
Developed and disseminated four correlation documents (math, science, social studies, language and reading) correlating Alabama courses of study and the Stanford 9 (1996). Approximate cost of project: $1,800.00.
Provided regional summer workshops on Stanford 9 test interpretation and effective instruction, teacher professional development in course of study implementation, and graduation exam objectives (1995-1998).
Worked with regional inservice centers to provide summer workshops to acquaint teachers with the Pathways for Learning documents for Grades K-6 and 7-12 (1999-2000). Approximate cost of project: $66,000.00

Worked with APT on developing two instructional videos (math and science in progress) and one informational video (completed) about the Pathways documents (1999-2000).
Administered the curriculum alignment grants program (1996, 1997, 2000) and facilitated the development of local curriculum documents aligned with state courses of study, state assessments, and local instructional materials (1996-2000). Approximate cost of project: $149,000.00 for 1996, $74,754.00 for 1997, $121,987.00 for 2000.
Developed and distributed Courses of Study–Assessment Correlation (math, science, social studies, language and reading) to show correlations among Alabama courses of study, the Stanford 9, and the graduation exam (1999). Total number of copies distributed: 1,000. Approximate cost of project: $12,000.00.

Provided additional access to materials such as courses of study, correlation documents, and Pathwaysin the form of CDs (2000-2001). Total number of CDs distributed: 5,300. Approximate cost of project: $5,902.50
Provided additional access to materials such as the Alabama Penman award-winning student writing, correlation documents, and Pathways by developing and maintaining a Classroom Improvement link on the SDE web site (2000).

Developed and distributed to all systems tips and illustrations documents in science, social studies, mathematics, language, and reading to assist teachers in understanding the Stanford 9 (1996).
Developed and distributed to all systems Stanford 9 science, social studies, mathematics, language, and reading expansion documents and elaboration documents to assist teachers in effective instruction of Stanford 9 objectives (1997).

Developed and implemented the Alabama High School Graduation Exam, Third Edition, (AHSGE), in reading comprehension, language, mathematics, science, and social studies. (Developed in 1997-2000 for $2.2 million; approximately $2.2 million annually for implementation)
Implemented the administration of the Stanford Achievement Test, Ninth Edition, (Stanford 9), in Grades 3-11. (Implemented in 1996; approximately $600,000 annually for implementation)
Developed and implemented the early childhood assessments [the Alabama Early Learning Inventory (AELI), the Alabama Reading Assessment: Grade One (ARA: 1), and the Alabama Reading Assessment: Grade Two (ARA: 2)]. (Developed in 1998-1999 for $346,000; approximately $625,000 annually for implementation)
Developed and implemented the Alabama Alternate Assessment (AAA) for students with disabilities. (Developed in 2000-2001 for $162,000; approximately $50,000 annually for implementation)
Developed additional writing prompts and revised the scoring rubric for the writing assessments in Grades 5 and 7 [the Alabama Direct Assessment of Writing: Grade Five (ADAW: 5) and the Alabama Direct Assessment of Writing: Grade Seven (ADAW: 7)]. (Developed in 1998 for Grade 7 and in 1997 for Grade 5 for $354,000)

Maintained student assessment program already in existence [High School Basic Skills Exit Exam (Exit Exam); NAEP; investigations of testing violations; monitoring; training on administration of tests and interpretation and utilization of test results; testing of special populations; development of documents; technical assistance to LEAs, etc.].

Planned, coordinated, funded, and facilitated 32 professional development workshops in 2000 for Computer Learning Works Employability and Work Maturity Skills software. Software and training was purchased through an agreement with the federal initiative “School To Career” for every public school in Alabama serving students in Grades 7-12. Multiple copies of the software were given to every school. Schools use software for pre-assessment of career/technical students as well as for development of employability skills for all students.
Engaged the Southern Region Education Board (SREB) in the review of Alabama's state assessment program, the passing scores on the AHSGE, and academic accountability.
Appointed a Test Advisory Committee to make recommendations on revamping the state assessment program and amending the academic accountability program following the passage of Act 2000-753.

Pursued and achieved federal court approval to initiate teacher testing in Alabama (January 2000).
Developed bid document, accepted bids, and awarded contract for teacher test (2000-2001).
Initiated validation studies for aninitial teacher test.
Appointed a teacher education and certification staff member to coordinate/facilitate the work of the monitoring team and other activities related to the development of a teacher test.

Revised the State Board of Education (SBE) standards for teacher education (TE) and teacher certification (TC) in 1997. The TE standards must be met by any regionally accredited college/university in Alabama before it is authorized to prepare teachers or other school personnel. The TC standards delineate the requirements which must be met by individuals who seek professional certification (or substitute licenses) via traditional or alternative approaches.

Reviewed all teacher education programs based on the 1997 standards within three years, as requested by the SBE, and assisted in the revision of programs to eliminate inadequacies.

Revised, based on what has been learned through implementation of the Alabama Reading Initiative, the teacher education program approval standards applicable to all teaching fields, and particularly to early childhood education, elementary education, middle-level teachers, English language arts, and collaborative teachers, and required all teacher education institutions to document compliance with those standards by July 1, 2000.

Implemented procedures to hold teacher education institutions accountable for the on-the-job performance of recent graduates as indicated by Alabama Professional Education Personnel Evaluation Program scores or scores on comparable instruments.
Worked with deans of education to design a higher education report card; worked with deans and LEA superintendents, principals and teachers to gather information; and issued the state’s first higher education report card in October 2000.
Implemented a Troops To Teachers program to facilitate the transition of military personnel to the teaching force.

Implemented procedures for using the SDE web site for posting teacher vacancies statewide.

Continued to require all persons seeking admission to a Class B (undergraduate-level) teacher education program to obtain a passing score on the Alabama Basic Skills Test which measures knowledge in reading, writing and mathematics.
Processed 200-300 requests per year from local superintendents for verification of teachers’ completion of higher degrees that may or may not lead to higher levels of certification
Renewed Alabama's partnership with the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and Certification by demonstrating the quality/rigor of our standards.

Received U.S. Office of Education approval of Alabama's plan for responding to the college/university and state reporting requirements contained in Title II of the Higher Education Act of 1998.

Applied and received a 1.5 million dollar USDOE catalyst grant for Preparing Tomorrow’s Teachers to Use Technology. Goal is to implement new technology standards in the state’s 30 teacher preparation programs and highlight effective practices in K-16 classrooms. Currently implementing the grant.

Developed and implemented the New Teacher Institute, a teacher preparation program to prepare new teachers in career/technical education to deliver instruction during the first year of teaching. All technical education and healthcare science technology are required to attend. All other new teachers in career/technical education are invited to attend.

Implemented new career/technical teacher education standards in 1997 that strengthened the teacher certification process. Required industry certification for technical (formerly trade and industrial) teachers and added a required course “Teaching Special Needs Students” to the five basic course requirements.

Conducted an evaluation/validation process in January 2001 of the five basic course requirements in career/technical education. Determined that the coursework is valid and should be further enhanced by adding, at a minimum, teaching using technology.

Implemented the Teacher Education/Teacher Quality Initiative. This initiative grew out of the shortage of career/technical teachers. Activities implemented in the project include work sessions with teacher educators from across the state and across the curriculum. The five courses that are required for teachers seeking the career/technical teaching certificate have been reviewed and suggestions have been made for updating the coursework. The review committee suggested that an additional course be developed for teaching with technology. Currently working with contractor to put the five required courses on-line.

Recommended and added direction in the SDE Personnel Manual for administrators to use when employing alternative-education program staff (1998-present).