3~Advanced Placement Advances 4~ Arts Education Month 5~ Sherrill Parris Q & A 6~ Good News 7~ Awards and OpportunitiesINSIDE THIS AEN:

continued on next page ...

ALABAMA LAWMAKERS have untilMay 19th to determine the fate ofsignificant K-12 education programs inthe state as they consider the proposededucation budget.

Will the legislature approve theGovernor’s proposed budget for Alabama’spublic schools and keep intact theprograms that have brought nationalattention? Will the legislature approve abudget that will continue to propelAlabama to the top of the education

Approximately 743,000students attend Alabama’s

public schools and nearly50,000 teachers are

helping those studentslearn and earn a high

school diploma.

PIVOTALLEGISLATIVESESSION FOR

ALABAMAEDUCATION

ARI AMSTI ACCESS

2008 FUNDING

2009 PROPOSED FUNDING

The 2009 budget proposal thatGov. Bob Riley presented to thelegislature includes increasedfunding for the AlabamaReading Initiative(ARI),Alabama Math, Science,Technology Initiative(AMSTI)and ACCESS Distance Learning.

$64,

374,

668

$74,

400,

000

$30,

333,

000

$20,

325,

000

$45,

000,

000

$35,

783,

500

ladder – a place Alabama has never beenbefore? SSTTAATTEE SSUUPPEERRIINNTTEENNDDEENNTT OOFFEEDDUUCCAATTIIOONN DDRR.. JJOOEE MMOORRTTOONN saidcontinuing educational progress meanskeeping the programs that work in placeto not only sustain, but propel, educationin Alabama.

“We have never been in the positionthat we are in today – being an emergingleader in the nation in education. If we donot sustain those programs that got us tothis point we will drop back to thebottom. I am going to work as hard as Ican to make sure that does not happen,”Morton said.

Morton recently appeared onnumerous television programs to answerquestions about the pivotal legislativesession and its impact on the 2009education budget.

“When you talk about taking awaymoney from what is already a poorly-funded state for education, any cut hurts.If you look at how we compare to otherstates it is a pretty true statement that weare in the bottom 15 in per pupilexpenditures (according to the 2008Quality Counts Report),” said Morton.

The Quality Counts Report is anannual report card of K-12 publiceducation in all 50 states. In the 2008Quality Counts report by EducationWeek, Alabama was given a grade of Cfor the amount of funding going towardK-12 education in the state. Alabama alsoreceived an overall grade of C for all sixmajor indicators in the report.

“What that says is Alabama funds itsschools at a C level and gets C results.Out of that funding, I guess you could saywe get what we pay for. If we funded it alittle better we might get better results,”Morton said.

The 2009 budget proposal thatGGOOVV.. BBOOBB RRIILLEEYY presented to thelegislature includes increased funding forthe three primary programs that havebeen set as benchmarks for instructionalimprovement – the Alabama ReadingInitiative(ARI), Alabama Math, Science,Technology Initiative (AMSTI) andACCESS Distance Learning.

“The Governor has made a strongstand to preserve and increase funding forthe programs that change children’s lives.AMSTI, ACCESS and ARI are allprograms that have put Alabama on thenational map as an educational leader,”Morton said. “It took ARI 10 years to getfully funded. People now recognize it asthe national leader in how to reformreading in elementary schools. It would becatastrophic to lose that momentum.”

The governor’s proposed funding forthe three benchmark programs are slightlylower than the proposal from the StateBoard of Education, but still includes anincrease from 2008.

The governor’s proposal keeps twoother important programs level with 2008appropriations – graduation coaches andschool nurses.

“This budget proposal presented bythe governor protects the primary focus of

what K-12 education has been centeredon and that’s doing those things thatimprove the opportunities for kids tolearn in the classroom,” said AASSSSIISSTTAANNTTSSTTAATTEE SSUUPPEERRIINNTTEENNDDEENNTT FFOORR FFIINNAANNCCEECCRRAAIIGG PPOOUUNNCCEEYY.

Overall, the governor’s proposed2009 budget for K-12 is $6.3 billionand is slightly down from the 2008budget of $6.7 billion. The 2009 K-12proposed budget is $137 million less thanthe 2008 budget.

“We will have to dip into the ‘rainyday’ account for $430 million to allow usto meet the obligations that are already inthe 2008 budget,” said Pouncey.

Some of the programs that did notmake it into the governor’s budgetproposal include a new initiative thatwould have allowed the hiring of 390 newteachers for middle schools and a proposalthat would have guaranteed a principal inevery school regardless of school size.

Three areas that are proposed toreceive less funding in 2009 than in 2008include transportation, the At-Riskstudent program and technologycoordinators.

“I think we have to commend thegovernor on his recommendation becausehe recognized K-12 does not have theluxury of raising tuition or supplementingthe loss of state funds like highereducation or post secondary. His proposalis not cutting the classroom at the samerate that he is cutting everything else,”said Pouncey.

2

“We have never been in the position that we are in today –being an emerging leader in the nation in education. If we donot sustain those programs that got us to this point, we willdrop back to the bottom. I am going to work as hard as Ican to make sure that does not happen.”

– State Superintendent of Education Dr. Joe Morton

M A R C H 2 0 0 8

Proportion of Alabama Public School StudentsSucceeding on AP Exams Reaches All-Time High

ALABAMA ADVANCES INADVANCED PLACEMENT RANKS®

A L A B A M A E D U C A T I O N N E W S

THE COLLEGE BOARD 4th Annual AP Report to the Nation shows Alabama’s AP growth isoutpacing the nation in participation and high scores.

• Alabama’s African American students posted the biggest gains – more than doublingnational percent increases on participation and high scores.

• Alabama has eliminated achievement gaps in participation and scores among Hispanicstudents.

• 11.4 percent of Alabama’s class of 2007 took at least one AP exam.• Percentage of Alabama 12th graders earning a score of 3 or higher (3+) has increased

steadily since 2000.• Over half of AP exams taken received 3+ score (5 is highest grade).“Advanced Placement participation and scores are on the rise in Alabama’s public schools.

Alabama is extremely proud to be awarded a National Math and Science Initiative [NMSI]grant to strengthen AP programs. State support through the Alabama Advanced PlacementInitiative also increased to 2.6 million dollars in the 2007-08 school year,”said SSTTAATTEE SSUUPPEERRIINNTTEENNDDEENNTT OOFF EEDDUUCCAATTIIOONN DDRR.. JJOOEE MMOORRTTOONN.

The National Governors Association, as part of Honors State GrantProgram, provided funds to test strategies to prepare more AP teachers, expand course offeringsand increase student preparation for and success in AP courses as a means to raise standards forall students. The grant is in its final year and, according to project director Carol Crawford, isproviding a foundation for future AP expansion in Alabama.

Alabama isone of only sevenstates awarded aNMSI (funded byExxonMobil Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Michael and Susan DellFoundation) grant, administered by A+ College Ready. At $13.2 million over six years, this is thelargest private grant on record to the state’s K-12 public education.

Gov. Bob Riley, Dr. Morton, and A+ College Ready staff announced the first 12 schools –eight Jefferson County and four Montgomery County – to participate in the AP training andincentive grant.

“Expanding AP programs is critical to providing a world-class education for our childrenand making sure they are prepared to succeed in today’s global economy. We’re developing aprototype here. The AP program you design here can be exported through ACCESS to everyhigh school in Alabama, and become a state and national model,” challenged Gov. Riley.

Gov. Bob Riley discusses AP classes with students Alfred Hamilton, Byrne Norman and Shelby White,students from Loveless Academic MagnetProgram (LAMP) in Montgomery.

Advanced Placement participation and scores are on the risein Alabama’s public schools.

“Why take AP?”Gov. Riley recently asked agroup of AP students why theychose to take the advancedplacement classes.

“I want more AP math courses.I plan to major in forensicscience in college.”

– Cody Ellis, 10th grade, LeeHigh School, Montgomery

“It’s a good chance to makebetter grades on AP exams andget into a better college.”

– Shawn Kelley, 10th grade,Brewbaker TechnologyMagnet, Montgomery

“I chose AP because I neededsomething more challenging.”

– Ally Mills, 12th grade,Booker T. WashingtonMagnet, Montgomery

“I want more AP Englishand biology.”

– Raven Eldridge, 11th grade,Brewbaker TechnologyMagnet, Montgomery,plans to major in biology.

“We accept your challenge,Governor, and will do our bestto represent our schools and ourstate.”

– Alfred Hamilton, 10th grade,Loveless Academic MagnetProgram, Montgomery

3

4

T H E S C H O O L S A R E A L I V E W I T H T H E S O U N D S A N D S I G H T S O F T H E A R T S .

“All children are artists; the only problem is how to remain one when you grow up.” – Pablo Picasso

State Superintendent of Education Dr. Joe Morton and Sara Wright, Academic InnovationsCoordinator, display the Visual Arts Exhibit’s “Best of Show” by artist Michael Bridges, Alabama Schoolof Fine Arts (teacher: Darius Hill).

.. .... ..

.. ..

.. .... ..

BBAALLDDWWIINN CCOOUUNNTTYYArtist Ricky Trione demonstrates

techniques with students.

SSHHEELLBBYY CCOOUUNNTTYYChelsea Intermediate fourth-grader Claire

Wilson shows off her limestone rock paintingduring workshop led by folk artist She-Sheand sponsored by Shelby County Fine Arts

Council with Vulcan Materials grant.

BBAALLDDWWIINN CCOOUUNNTTYYEinstein recreated by Lynda Williams’

student Cleveland Mosher, one ofFairhope High School art students whocreated ceiling tiles for chemistry lab.

GGUUNNTTEERRSSVVIILLLLEE CCIITTYYDress rehearsal for Disney’s Beauty

and the Beast: Kristen Parsley (Belle),Carolyn Griffith (Wardrobe) andSamantha Moudy (Mrs. Potts).

SSHHEELLBBYY CCOOUUNNTTYYDress-Like-an-Artist Day at

Inverness Elementary... ..

EELLMMOORREE CCOOUUNNTTYYStanhope Elmore High School11th-grader Robert May plays

piano donated by Elmore County’sPlay It Forward program.

MARCH IS ARTS EDUCATION MONTH IN ALABAMA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

ARTS EXHIBIT SHOWCASES STUDENT ARTISTS AND TEACHERSTHE STATE SUPERINTENDENT’S VISUAL ARTS EXHIBIT is an annual event whichhonors K-12 student artists and their teachers. This year’s exhibit was held February 11-22in the Old Supreme Court Library in the State Capitol and was sponsored by the AlabamaDepartment of Education, BlueCross and BlueShield of Alabama, Alabama Alliance forEducation in the Arts, Alabama Institute for Arts Education and Alabama Arts License TagGrant. The exhibit featured artwork from over 400 K-12 students statewide.

M A R C H 2 0 0 8A L A B A M A E D U C A T I O N N E W S

THE ALABAMA READING INITIATIVE(ARI) has a new leader who faces newchallenges. Soon after DDRR.. KKAATTHHEERRIINNEEMMIITTCCHHEELLLL, former ARI Director, retired inDecember, SSHHEERRRRIILLLL PPAARRRRIISS was namedthe new Assistant State Superintendent ofEducation responsible for ARI and theAlabama Reading First Initiative (ARFI).We sat down with Parris for a one-on-oneinterview to ask questions about her newrole, where ARI and ARFI are headed withlooming budget cuts and what Parrisderived from United States Department ofEducation Secretary MMAARRGGAARREETT SSPPEELLLLIINNGGSS’recent visit to Montgomery.QQ:: HHooww ddiidd yyoouu aarrrriivvee aatt tthhee AAllaabbaammaaDDeeppaarrttmmeenntt ooff EEdduuccaattiioonn aanndd hhooww lloonngghhaavvee yyoouu bbeeeenn wwiitthh tthhee ddeeppaarrttmmeenntt??A: I began work at the Alabama Departmentof Education (SDE) in July 1999. I servedon the steering committee of the AlabamaReading Panel in 1997 and 1998,and was principal of one of the first16 ARI schools (1998-1999).Dr. Mitchell hired me to work withher as soon as the work was assuredof legislative funding and expansionwas imminent.QQ:: WWhhaatt iiss tthhee mmoosstt iimmppoorrttaanntt tthhiinngg yyoouuaarree wwoorrkkiinngg oonn rriigghhtt nnooww??A: The potential for great long-term impactlies in our focus on district leadership forliteracy. Closely correlated is our SDEcommitment to assuring high levels oflearning for every student. Gone are the dayswhen it was acceptable and standard practicefor teachers to document that they had“covered” the standards in the courses of studyor “finished” the textbook. The commitmentnow is the successful mastery of thosestandards by every student.

QQ:: WWhhaatt ddoo yyoouu sseeee aass yyoouurr ggrreeaatteessttcchhaalllleennggeess aahheeaadd??A: Maintaining level funding in lean budgetyears is a huge challenge. Increasing thebudget to provide for badly-needed trainingand support for Grades 4-12, withoutsacrificing K-3 support, is critical.QQ:: WWhhaatt ddiidd yyoouu ddeerriivvee ffrroomm SSeeccrreettaarryySSppeelllliinnggss’’ rreecceenntt vviissiitt??A: It was clear that Secretary Spellings seesAlabama as a leader in the national literacyeffort. She solicited comments and guidancefrom the statewide leaders assembled atthat forum, and seemed to genuinely considerthe feedback. I think her decision to visithere is evidence of the very high regard inwhich she holds Dr. Morton, Gov. Riley, andAlabama’s literacy efforts.QQ:: SSppeelllliinnggss ssppookkee ooff tthhee RReeaaddiinngg FFiirrssttIInniittiiaattiivvee ((ffeeddeerraallllyy--ffuunnddeedd rreeaaddiinnggiinniittiiaattiivvee)) bbuuddggeett ccuuttss oonn aa nnaattiioonnaall lleevveellaanndd hhooww ddoollllaarrss ffoorr AAllaabbaammaa wwiillll bbee ccuutt ––hhooww wwiillll tthhiiss iimmppaacctt wwhhaatt wwee aarree ddooiinngghheerree iinn AAllaabbaammaa??A: This huge cut in the Reading Firstfunding to Alabama will have a significantimpact, but will not be as negative inAlabama as in other states. In most states, thefederal funding for Reading First is the onlyfunding provided for a literacy initiative.

Alabama’s state funding was alreadyestablished prior to Reading First, and thefederal funding just provides supplementalsupport in schools which are simultaneouslysupported by state funds. So in Alabama, forexample, every K-3 school has state fundingfor a reading coach. In those schools facingthe greatest challenges (poverty, minoritypopulations, etc.), federal funding hasprovided additional support such asscientifically based reading programs,intensive professional development, sometimesadditional coaches and/or intervention

teachers, etc. Effective in July 2008,Alabama’s Reading First funding will beright at $7 million, rather than the current$18 million. It is critical that we not have asimultaneous decrease in state funding tosupport those schools.QQ:: SSppeeaakk aabboouutt tthhee ddiiffffeerreenncceess bbeettwweeeennAARRII aanndd AARRFFII..A: ARI is a state-funded reading program forK-3 schools while ARFI is federal funds.ARFI funds are limited to K-3 and providesupplemental services to ARI for schools thatface the greatest challenges. ARI was initiallya whole school reform effort. State-fundedexpansion was limited to Grades K-3 uponGov. Riley’s commitment to fully fund theliteracy focus in the early grades. Statewidetraining called Alabama Reading Academybegan in 2004 and targeted teachers andadministrators of K-3 schools. So, currently,very little of the $64 million provides supportto secondary schools or higher grades inelementary grades. No new schools beyondthird grade have been added in recent yearsexcept for the 14 Alabama ReadingInitiative-Project Adolescent Literacy(ARI-PAL) schools – and those 14 schoolsand districts provided all the funding forthat literacy effort. SDE provides the support.ARI’s first 16 schools were trained in the

summer of 1998, made possible throughfunding generated by private businesses andorganizations. Subsequently, state fundingwas appropriated by the State Legislature,beginning with $6 million and increasingthrough the years to the current $64 million tosupport 900 schools (794 of which are K-3). QQ:: WWhheenn ddoo yyoouu hhooppee ttoo hhaavvee AARRII--PPAALLiimmpplleemmeenntteedd iinn aallll sscchhoooollss iinn AAllaabbaammaa??WWhhaatt’’ss tthhee ttiimmeelliinnee??A: With full funding, at least all schools withGrades 4-8 can be included by 2012, and the continued on page 7

Q&Awith Alabama’s New Leader of Reading

“ARI HAS EXPERIENCED GREAT SUCCESS -- NOT ONLY IN INITIAL TRAINING,BUT IN ONGOING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT.”

> SHERRILL PARRIS, ASSISTANT STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION FOR READING

5

6

IN ALABAMA SCHOOLSgood news

Alabama Teachers NamedPresidential Award FinalistsTHE PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS for Excellence inMathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is thehighest recognition bestowed on K-12 mathematics

and science teachers for outstanding teaching in theUnited States. Alabama’s finalists are:• Mathematics Finalist – RREEBBEECCCCAA DDAARRBBYY, Central

High School, Lauderdale County Schools• Science Finalists – AASSHHLLEEYY AALLLLEENN, Oneonta High

School, Oneonta City Schools, andJJEENNNNIIFFEERR RREEEEDD--TTAAUUNNTTOONN, Alabama AvenueMiddle School, Albertville City Schools

In addition to honoring individual achievement,the goal of the PAEMST award program is toexemplify the highest standards of mathematics andscience teaching. Awardees serve as models for theircolleagues, inspiration to their communities, andleaders in the improvement of mathematics andscience education. Each finalist receives the NationalScience Foundation (NSF) Certificate of Honor inMathematics and Science Teaching. Finalists also wererecognized by the State Board of Education and at anawards luncheon in February.

“These awards are among the nation’s highesthonors for math and science teachers. The caliber ofour classroom teachers and their dedication to theirstudents brings honor to their profession and toAlabama’s public schools,” said SSTTAATTEE SSUUPPEERRIINNTTEENNDDEENNTTOOFF EEDDUUCCAATTIIOONN DDRR.. JJOOEE MMOORRTTOONN.

Enacted by Congress in 1983 and administeredby NSF on behalf of The White House Office ofScience and Technology Policy, the PAEMST programidentifies eligible K-12 teachers in the 50 states,District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, schools of theDepartment of Defense Education Activity andU.S. territories.

For more information, CLICK HERE, e-mailCCAARROOLLYYNN TTOOWWNNSSEENNDD or call 334-353-5440.

SHELBY COUNTY MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS arecoming face to face with the reality of what can happen when you don’tpractice safe driving habits. The students are participating in a four-day“Teen Safe Driving Program” designed to make students think abouttheir decisions when behind the wheel or while being a passenger.

The program is a collaborative effort between Shelby CountyDepartment of Community Services and Shelby County Schools.The idea was developed by a 2006 Leadership Shelby County classproject that focused on railroad crossings throughout the county and thefact that too many young lives were being lost in tragic traffic accidents.

The program includes a video produced by broadcasting andjournalism students from Oak Mountain High School. The videofeatures parents who have lost children in traffic accidents along withcounty officials involved in delivering services to families and teens.

CCOOUUNNTTYY MMAANNAAGGEERR AALLEEXX DDUUDDCCHHOOCCKK organized the production ofa three-vehicle mobile exhibit that travels to each school during the weekof the safe driving program. The exhibit features cars that were involvedin teen driving accidents. It illustrates accidents that were the result ofteens racing or speeding, using alcohol, playing loud music and texting.

Chelsea High School students were so moved by the program theydeveloped a special pledge to honor HHAANNNNAAHH YYEEAAGGEERR, a Chelsea studentwho was killed in a railroad crossing accident in November 2006.Students signed the pledge to not only honor Hannah, but also hermother, JJUULLIIEE YYEEAAGGEERR, who teaches at Chelsea Middle School and isfeatured on the video. Students promised to:

Shelby County officials will be offering the exhibit and materials toHoover City Schools and applicable private schools throughout ShelbyCounty. The video will also be given to the State Department ofEducation to share with other public schools across Alabama.

Rebecca Darby Ashley Allen Jennifer Reed-Taunton

Shelby County StudentsExperience Teen Driving Program

i

i

• Always buckle up and make sure there are enough seat belts for all passengers.• Maintain posted speed limits.• Wait until the car is safely parked to text or use other electronic devices.• Never drive while sleepy or drowsy.• Refrain from drinking and driving.• Follow all requirements of the graduated license allowing no more than four

occupants in the vehicle.

mailto:ctownsend@alsde.eduhttp://www.paemst.org

““EEdduuccaattiioonn NNeewwss PPaarreennttss CCaann UUssee”” The U.S. Department of Education’s next broadcast on math education, is scheduled for MMaarr.. 1188. For moreinformation, CLICK HERE.

22nndd AAnnnnuuaall RReeaacchhiinngg AAtt--PPrroommiissee SSttuuddeennttss LLeeaaddeerrss IInnssttiittuuttee:: ““EEvvoollvviinngg LLeeaaddeerrss:: IInnssppiirriinngg GGrreeaattnneessss,,”” Oct. 22-24, 2008, Manchester Grand Hyatt, SanDiego, offers expert hands-on strategies for educational leaders who are focused on addressing the needs of the at-promise population. Visit conferenceWeb site. EEAARRLLYY BBIIRRDD RREEGGIISSTTRRAATTIIOONN EENNDDSS MMaarr.. 3311

TThhee AAllaabbaammaa TTeeaacchheerr RReeccrruuiittmmeenntt IInncceennttiivvee PPrrooggrraamm ((AATTRRIIPP)) encourages students to take ATRIP into the classroom and become teachers. ATRIP willaward more than $2 million in teaching scholarships. One-hundred high school seniors will be awarded 4-year $20,000 scholarships, and additionalscholarships will be awarded to professionals seeking an alternative degree in teaching. To apply, CLICK HERE. DDEEAADDLLIINNEE:: MMaarr.. 3311

22000088 AAmmeerriiccaann SSttaarrss ooff TTeeaacchhiinngg.. The U.S. Department of Education’s Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative is calling for nominations. Parents, students,colleagues, school administrators, and others can nominate exemplary teachers who are improving student achievement, using innovative strategies in theclassroom, and making a difference in the lives of their students. Nominate HERE. DDEEAADDLLIINNEE:: MMaarr.. 3311

WWhhiitt KKiinngg PPrriizzee:: An American Free Enterprise essay contest for students in Grades 6-8. Find entry information online HERE. DDEEAADDLLIINNEE:: AApprr.. 44

TTeeaacchhiinngg AAmmbbaassssaaddoorr FFeelllloowwsshhiippss are available for currently practicing K-12 public school teachers at the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) for the2008-09 school year. Up to 20 Classroom Fellows will remain at their schools under their regular teaching contracts and will be paid to participate inadditional USDE discussions and projects throughout the school year on a part-time basis. Up to five Washington Fellows will be chosen as full-time, paidfederal employees in Washington, DC for the school year, working on education programs and participating in policy discussions. Fellows will be selectedbased on their leadership, impact on student achievement and potential for contribution to the field. Highly qualified K-12 public school teachers whohave spent at least three years in the classroom are eligible to apply. Applicants must have the full support of their school principals. Learn more HERE.DDEEAADDLLIINNEE:: AApprr.. 77

7

M A R C H 2 0 0 8A L A B A M A E D U C A T I O N N E W S

Awards, Opportunities and Professional Development

Q & A with Alabama’s New Leader of Reading (from page 5)

remaining 9-12 grades soon thereafter.Significant expansion would begin duringthe 2008-2009 school year and the summerof 2009, adding approximately 140 newschools and including over 60 school districtsnot currently participating in ARI-PAL.We are considering retaining the “ARI-PAL”designation, but with the wording becoming“Alabama Reading Initiative Plan forAdolescent Literacy.”QQ:: HHooww mmaannyy sscchhoooollss ccaann tthheeAAllaabbaammaa DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt ooff EEdduuccaattiioonnccoommffoorrttaabbllyy hhaannddllee ffoorr ttrraaiinniinngg aannddiimmpplleemmeennttiinngg AARRII?? A: Our plan for expanding ARI toeventually provide training for all schools hasa key component – SUPPORT for thoseschools. We are convinced, as experience hasshown us, that professional developmentwithout follow-up constitutes malpractice.The National Staff Development Standardsand Alabama’s own Staff DevelopmentStandards firmly support that. Rather thanhiring significant numbers of regional staff

to support best practices in ARI-PAL schools,we anticipate funding a position at thedistrict level and equipping that individualto participate fully in training and support,much as our current regional staff works.We alsoanticipatefundingschool-levelsupport,similar to thereading coach funded at each K-3 school(realizing that a full position would notalways be needed in 4th grade and above –for example, a school with Grades 3-5already receives funding for a reading coachthrough the K-3 support, and wouldn’t needtwo full-time positions with just threegrades).QQ:: WWee hhaavvee eexxppeerriieenncceedd ggrreeaatt ssuucccceesssswwiitthh AARRII –– hhooww wwiillll tthhiiss ssuucccceessss cchhaannggeeiiff bbuuddggeett ccuuttss ffoorrccee ccuuttbbaacckkss oorrsslloowwddoowwnnss iinn tthheessee ssuucccceessssffuull pprrooggrraammss??A: We have indeed experienced great success

with ARI, only since Gov. Riley andthe Legislature assured full funding.This included initial training andongoing professional development andsupport – including a school-level coach.

Minimal success was experienced wheninitial training was provided withoutfunding for ongoing support. Gains duringthat time were inconsistent and minimal.That experience and a large body of researchconfirms that initial training alone is noteffective. Without an increased budget, ARIwill only be able to expand to upper gradesin schools and districts which have thecapability and commitment to locally fundthe training and the support. Fourteenschools currently participate in that way –most will not be able to do so.

IN JULY 2008, ALABAMA’S READING FIRSTFUNDING WILL BE RIGHT AT $7 MILLION,RATHER THAN THE CURRENT $18 MILLION.

http://www.ed.gov/news/av/video/edtv/http://www.leaders.rapsa.orghttp://www.leaders.rapsa.orgwww.ATRIP.Alabama.govhttp://www.t2tweb.us/AmStar/About.asphttp://octane8.prolosity.com/websites/alcee/default.asp?ID=26http://www.ed.gov/programs/teacherfellowship

Managing EditorMitch Edwards

EditorMichael O. Sibley

Contributing EditorsEd Crenshaw l Anne P. Graham l Edith Parten

Graphic ArtistsMary Nell Shaw l Charles V. CreelA

ENED

ITORI

AL ST

AFF

Alabama Education News (USPS #387-290) is published monthlyexcept for June, July, and December by the Alabama Department ofEducation, P.O. Box 302101, Montgomery, AL 36130-2101. Periodicalspostage paid at Montgomery, AL.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Alabama Education News,P.O. Box 302101, Montgomery, AL 36130-2101.

Alabama Education News is composed by the Alabama Department ofEducation’s Communication Section and printed by Walker Printing ofMontgomery. This publication, authorized by Section 16-2-4 of the Code ofAlabama, as recompiled in 1975, is a public service of the AlabamaDepartment of Education designed to inform citizens and educators aboutprograms and goals of public education in Alabama.

No person shall be denied employment, be excluded from participationin, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in anyprogram or activity on the basis of disability, sex, race, religion, nationalorigin, color, or age. Ref: Sec. 1983, Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C.; Title VI andVII, Civil Rights Act of 1964; Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Sec. 504; AgeDiscrimination in Employment Act; Equal Pay Act of 1963; Title IX of theEducation Amendment of 1972: Title IX Coordinator, P.O. Box 302101,Montgomery, Alabama 36130-2101 or call (334) 242-8444.

Copies available in Braille or other forms upon request.

ALABAMA

EDUCATION NEWSVOLUME 31 • NO 6 MARCH 2008

President l Governor Bob Riley

District 1 l Randy McKinney, President Pro Tem, Gulf Shores

District 2 l Betty Peters, Dothan

District 3 l Stephanie W. Bell, Montgomery

District 4 l Ethel H. Hall, Vice President Emerita, Fairfield

District 5 l Ella B. Bell, Montgomery

District 6 l David F. Byers Jr., Vice President, Birmingham

District 7 l Sandra Ray, Tuscaloosa

District 8 l Mary Jane Caylor, Huntsville

State Superintendent of Education and Secretary and Executive Officer of the Alabama Board of Education l Joseph B. MortonAL

ABAM

A STA

TE BO

ARD O

F EDU

CATIO

N AB

OUTA

LABA

MAE

DUCA

TION

NEW

SFE

BRUA

RY BO

ARDB

RIEF

S

EDITORIAL OFFICE: 334-242-9950E-mail comments and story ideas to: aen@alsde.edu

PERIODICALSPOSTAGE

PAID

For a complete list of agenda items, visit the AlabamaDepartment of Education’s Web site www.alsde.eduunder “Board of Ed.”

� Resolution in Recognition of Ashley Allen andJennifer-Reed Taunton, 2007 Science PresidentialAward Finalists

� Resolution in Recognition of, 2007 SciencePresidential Award Finalist

� Resolution in Recognition of Rebecca Darby, 2007Mathematics Presidential Award Finalist

� Resolution in Recognition of Pike County Board ofEducation Transportation Department

� Resolution in Recognition of March 2008 as“Arts Education Month” in Alabama Schools

M A R C H

U P C O M I N G E V E N T S

Arts Education Month · Women’s History MonthNational Reading Month · Transition Awareness Month

March 13 - Alabama State Board of Education MeetingMarch 23 - Easter SundayMarch 27 - Alabama State Board of Education

Work Session

Child Abuse Prevention Month · Mathematics Education MonthKeep America Beautiful Month

April 10 - Alabama State Board of Education MeetingApril 13-29 - National Library Week

April 24 - Alabama State Board of EducationWork Session

April 28 - Confederate Memorial Day

A P R I L

mailto:aen@alsde.eduhttp://www.alsde.edu