MINUTES OF THE ALABAMA STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
THE STATE OF ALABAMA
THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
The Alabama State Board of Education met for its regular meeting of Elementary/Secondary Education matters on Thursday, January 13, 2011, at 9:38 a.m.in the auditorium of the Gordon Persons Building, Montgomery, Alabama. The meeting was called by the Vice President of the Board in accordance with Alabama Code(1975),§16-3-7, as amended.
PRESIDING: MR. RANDY MCKINNEY, VICE PRESIDENT
ALABAMA STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Mr. Randy McKinney called the meeting to order. The invocation and Pledge of Allegiance were held.On roll call, the following members were present:
Mrs. Ella B. Bell
Mr. David F. Byers, Jr.
Dr. Mary Jane Caylor, President Pro Tem
Mr. Randy McKinney, Vice President
Mrs. Betty Peters
Mr. Gary Warren
Absent
Mrs. Stephanie Bell
Dr.Ethel H. Hall
Governor Bob Riley
Dr. Joseph B. Morton, State Superintendent of Education and Secretary and Executive Officer of the Board, was present.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF DECEMBER 9, 2010
On motion by Dr. Mary Jane Caylor and seconded by Mrs. Ella B. Bell, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the minutes of December 9, 2010.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
On motion by Mrs. Ella B. Bell and seconded by Dr. Mary Jane Caylor, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the agenda.
On motion by Mrs. Betty Peters and seconded by Mr. Gary Warren, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the following:
RESOLUTION COMMENDING JOSEPH REYNOLDS
“BARBARA FANNIN MEMORIAL EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER”
JANUARY - MARCH 2011
WHEREAS, Joseph Reynolds, a Programmer Analyst in the Information Services Section of the Alabama Department of Education, exhibits great drive and ambition; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Reynolds has extensive background knowledge in the area of information systems, allowing him to pinpoint exactly what is needed in any project; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Reynolds is always helpful, and interacts well with coworkers, colleagues, and superiors, no matter how difficult or detailed the problem; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Reynolds maintains a positive image and represents the department well:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby commend Joseph Reynolds as the recipient of the “Barbara Fannin Memorial Employee of the Quarter Award” for January – March 2011, and expresses its appreciation for exemplary service to the department, to this board, and, ultimately, to Alabama’s public schools.
Done this 13th day of January 2011
On motion by Mrs. Ella B. Bell and seconded by Mrs. Betty Peters, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the following:
RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY 19-26, 2011,
AS “ALABAMA Entrepreneurship WEEK”
WHEREAS, our state’s entrepreneurs are an important source of economic innovation – enhancing productivity, improving efficiency, and generating inventive methods for marketing new ideas; and
WHEREAS, more than 70 percent of America’s young people envision themselves starting their own businesses in the future; and
WHEREAS, according to the Department of Labor, most of the new jobs created in the United States over the past decade have been the direct result of the efforts of our nation’s entrepreneurs; and
WHEREAS,Alabama’s entrepreneurs are dedicated individuals who work hard to improve their communities by creating professional business environments, which not only promote advances in technology, but also the sharing of new ideas; and
WHEREAS, entrepreneurial education is helping students to understand and appreciate the many benefits of business ownership; and
WHEREAS,the recent increase in the amount of students interested in becoming business owners makes it more important than ever to encourage students to seriously explore their entrepreneurial potential; and
WHEREAS, through a national initiative to observe Entrepreneurship Week, organizations such as the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, and hundreds of other organizations nationwide are partnering to promote the many laudable contributions of America’s entrepreneurs; and
WHEREAS, the Alabama Cattlemen's Association, Alabama Concrete Industries Association, Alabama Farmers Federation, Alabama Funeral Directors Association, Alabama Independent Auto Dealers Association, Alabama Rural Electric Association of Cooperatives, Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants, Alabama State Nurses Association, Alabama Travel Council, Alabama’s NFIB Chapter, Automotive Aftermarket Association Southeast, Home Builders Association of Alabama, Petroleum & Convenience Marketers of Alabama, School Superintendents of Alabama, and many other state organizations are also providing students with real opportunities to fulfill their entrepreneurial goals through annual scholarship programs:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby proclaim February 19-26, 2011, as “Alabama Entrepreneurship Week” and encourages Alabama’s local boards of education, schools, and local educational organizations to support this special celebration through activities that demonstrate the importance of entrepreneurship opportunities and the benefits they provide for students to explore their dreams of academic excellence, personal achievement, and future success.
Done this 13th day of January 2011
On motion by Mr. Gary Warren and seconded by Mrs. Ella B. Bell, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the following:
RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY 1-28, 2011, AS
ALABAMA CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION MONTH
WHEREAS, the Association for Career and Technical Education and other national educational organizations have proclaimed the month of February as Career and Technical Education Month; and
WHEREAS, Alabama’s career and technical education programs have become a rigorous, progressive, and vital part of the total educational system, which is committed to providing Alabama’s students with rewarding opportunities to learn valuable career and life skills; and
WHEREAS, Alabama’s career and technical education programs are successfully partnering with domestic and international business and industry to ensure that Alabama’s students are equipped with the advanced communication, time management, and leadership skills required for lifelong career success; and
WHEREAS, Alabama’s career and technical education programs are continually providing Alabama’s students with opportunities to gain invaluable hands-on experience through apprenticeships, internships, and cooperative education programs; and
WHEREAS, profound economic and technological changes in our society are rapidly reflected in the structure and nature of work, thereby placing new and additional responsibilities on our educational system; and
WHEREAS, Alabama’s career and technical education programs have shown a genuine commitment to preparing students for “life after high school” by providing them opportunities to earn advanced diplomas, explore career options in more than 300 courses offered statewide, and receive college credit while still in high school; and
WHEREAS, two out of every three high school students in Alabama currently participate in a career and technical education program; and
WHEREAS, Alabama’s career and technical education programs are committed to recruiting highly qualified and focused educators who are fully dedicated to preparing students for their futures; and
WHEREAS, Alabama’s career and technical education program is committed to institutionalizing the core values of Integrity First, Always Professional, Loyalty in Service, and Success Through Teamwork; and
WHEREAS, the Alabama Department of Education has been awarded certification from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for its Business/Industry Certification (BIC) process, which is used to certify all Alabama career and technical education programs to industry standards; and
WHEREAS, the State Superintendent of Education recommends approval:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby proclaim February 1-28, 2011, as Career and Technical Education Month and encourages local boards of education, schools, business and industry professionals, and local educational organizations to participate in this celebration through activities that demonstrate the importance of Alabama’s career and technical education programs and the realization of students achieving their lifelong aspirations of academic excellence, personal achievement, and future career success.
Done this 13th day of January 2011.
On motion by Dr. Mary Jane Caylor and seconded by Mr. Gary Warren, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the following:
RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY 7-11, 2011, AS
ALABAMA DISTANCE LEARNING WEEK
WHEREAS, the state of Alabama provides equal access to high-quality instruction to improve student achievement through distance learning; and
WHEREAS, ACCESS Distance Learning allows students across the state to be part of a world of learning to which they would not normally have access, providing them with the opportunity to take core courses, Advanced Placement courses, and courses such as Latin and Mandarin Chinese that are not taught at their schools; and
WHEREAS, ACCESS Distance Learning is a statewide initiative that has focused on bringing true equity in instructional opportunities to all Alabama high school students regardless of where they attend school; and
WHEREAS, in just five years ACCESS Distance Learning has reached out to serve all high schools within the state, and is now widely relied upon to provide key expanded offerings to students, teachers, and schools; and
WHEREAS, ACCESS Distance Learning delivers quality instruction and coursework to Alabama students taught by Alabama teachers; provides network connectivity through the Alabama Supercomputer Authority; provides regional support centers to hire, train, and support teachers; and offers statewide coordination; and
WHEREAS, ACCESS Distance Learning is helping students to meet their individualized educational goals by using a blended delivery model of Web-based and interactive videoconferencing courses that allows schools to customize an academic program that addresses the learning styles and needs of all students; and
WHEREAS, ACCESS Distance Learning has brought positive award-winning exposure to our state through national and international visitors as well as through a number of articles in major educational and professional journals referring to it as a catalyst for progress in education and a trailblazer in distance learning national publications; and
WHEREAS, the State Superintendent of Education recommends approval:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby proclaim February 7 - 11, 2011, as Alabama Distance Learning Week and urges all local boards of education, schools, local educational organizations, students, and all Alabamians to participate in this celebration through activities demonstrating the importance and support of Distance Learning and the realization of equal access for ALL Alabama students.
Done this 13th day of January 2011.
On motion by Mr. Gary Warren and seconded by Mrs. Betty Peters, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the following:
RESOLUTION IN RECOGNITION OF FEBRUARY 7-11, 2011, AS
NATIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELING WEEK
WHEREAS, school counselors are employed in public and private schools to help students reach their full potential; and
WHEREAS, school counselors are actively committed to helping students explore their abilities, strengths, interests, and talents as these traits relate to career awareness and development; and
WHEREAS, school counselors help parents focus on ways to further the educational, personal, and social growth of their children; and
WHEREAS, school counselors work with teachers and other educators to help students explore their potential and set realistic goals for themselves; and
WHEREAS, school counselors seek to identify and utilize community resources that can enhance and complement comprehensive school counseling programs and help students become productive members of society; and
WHEREAS, comprehensive developmental school counseling programs are considered an integral part of the educational process that enables all students to achieve success in school:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby proclaim the week of February 7-11, 2011, as National School Counseling Week.
Done this 13th day of January 2011
On motion by Dr. Mary Jane Caylor and seconded by Mrs. Ella B. Bell, the Board voted unanimously to approve the following:
RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE REVIEW OF TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Faulkner University
Montgomery, Alabama
WHEREAS,Alabama Administrative Code, Rule No. 290-3-3-.56(2)(b)2.(ii), requires that approval by the Alabama State Board of Education shall be secured before a proposal for the new programs is reviewed by the Teacher Education and Certification Section of the State Department of Education; and
WHEREAS, the State Superintendent of Education has received from the Chief Administrative Officer of Faulkner University a written request for a review team to visit the institution; and
WHEREAS, the request lists the specific proposed programs for which Alabama State Board of Education approval is being sought, together with information concerning the factors to be taken into account in determining the need for such programs; and
WHEREAS, the State Superintendent of Education recommends that the programs be reviewed by the Teacher Education and Certification Section of the State Department of Education:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education hereby authorizes a review of the following programs:
Class B Music, Choral (P-12)
Class B Music, Instrumental (P-12)
Done this 13th day of January 2011
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE A TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM
University of Montevallo
Montevallo, Alabama
WHEREAS, a review of a teacher education program was conducted on July 16-20, 2010, by the State Department of Education in accordance with the Alabama State Board of Education, State Department of Education AlabamaAdministrative Code, Rule No. 290-3-3-.56(2)(b)2; and
WHEREAS, additional documentation was reviewed on September 12, 2010, and November 17, 2010; and
WHEREAS, compliance with Alabama State Board of Education rules has been verified; and
WHEREAS, the State Superintendent of Education recommends approval of the program:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education hereby approves the following program, with approval to expire on May 31, 2016:
Class AA Teacher Leader (P-12)
Done this 13th day of January 2011
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE A TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM
Huntingdon College
Montgomery, Alabama
WHEREAS, a review of a teacher education program was conducted on July 16-20, 2010, by the State Department of Education in accordance with the Alabama State Board of Education, State Department of Education Administrative Code, Rule No. 290-3-3-.56(2)(b)2; and
WHEREAS, additional documentation was reviewed on September 12, 2010, and November 17, 2010; and
WHEREAS, compliance with Alabama State Board of Education rules has been verified; and
WHEREAS, the State Superintendent of Education recommends approval of the program:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education hereby approves the following program, with approval to expire on May 31, 2013:
Class B Choral Music (P-12)
Done this 13th day of January 2011
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE A TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM
Troy University
Troy, Alabama
WHEREAS, a review of a teacher education program was conducted on July 16-20, September 28, and December 8, 2010, by the State Department of Education in accordance with the Alabama Administrative Code, Rule No. 290-3-3-.56(2)(a)2; and
WHEREAS, compliance with Alabama State Board of Education program-specific rules has been verified; and
WHEREAS, the State Superintendent of Education recommends approval of the program:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education hereby approves the following program, with approval to expire on May 31, 2017:
Class B Health Education (6-12)
Done this 13th day of January 2010
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS
University of West Alabama
Livingston, Alabama
WHEREAS, a review of teacher education programs was conducted on July 16-20, 2010, by the State Department of Education in accordance with the Alabama State Board of Education, State Department of Education Administrative Code, Rule No. 290-3-3-.56(2)(b)2; and
WHEREAS, additional documentation was reviewed on November 2, 2010; and
WHEREAS, compliance with Alabama State Board of Education rules has been verified; and
WHEREAS, the State Superintendent of Education recommends approval of the programs:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education hereby approves the following programs, with approval to expire on May 31, 2015:
Class AA Early Childhood (P-3)
Class AA Collaborative Special Education (K-6)
Class AA Collaborative Special Education (6-12)
Done this 13th day of January 2010
Superintendent’s Report:
Dr. Joseph B. Morton stated that this will be the last meeting for four of the Board members, Governor Bob Riley, President, Dr. Ethel H. Hall, Vice President Emerita, Mr. David F. Byers, Jr., and Dr. Mary Jane Caylor, President Pro Tem. He presented Board members with a memorialization of comments made during the December 9, 2010, Alabama State Board of Education meeting when Board members were presented resolutions in recognition of their years of service. Dr. Morton stated that everyone made outstanding comments and urged them to share this information with their families. He expressed the value the Board members made to this Board.
Mr. Randy McKinney expressed how much he appreciated and enjoyed the debate, work, and effort of the Board members in order to get to the right conclusion. He stated that it had been an honor and thanked members for their service.
Dr. Mary Jane Caylor informed Dr. Morton that she was grateful for his leadership and years of knowing him in his role of superintendent aswell as role of local superintendent. She expressed appreciation to the State Department of Educationstaff and felt that he was surrounded by knowledgeable individuals. She articulated thanks to the Board members and the pleasure it had been in working with them.
Mr. David F. Byers, Jr., reminisced on 16 years of service on the Board. He said it was his belief that the Board really wanted to see change for the betterment of education and felt that the Board did what had to be done. He wished continued success to the Board and Godspeed.
In closing remarks Dr. Morton informed Board members of Alabama’s ranking in the Education Week“Quality Counts” report. He described the information as a definitive report on education in America where every state is given a score. He reported Alabama’s ranking, for the first time, as 25thin the nation. Alabama is above the national average. He said this was a tribute towhat the Board has done to assist the state in achieving this goal. He reiterated that we have a lot to do; however, Alabama went from 31st to25th.
On motion by Dr. Mary Jane Caylor and secondedby Mr. David F. Byers, Jr., the meeting adjourned at 10:40 a.m.
Vice President
Secretary and Executive Officer
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