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MINUTES OF THE ALABAMA STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

THE STATE OF ALABAMA

DECEMBER 14, 2017

MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA

The Alabama State Board of Education met for its regular meeting of Elementary/Secondary Education matters on

Thursday, December 14, 2017, at 10 a.m. in the auditorium of the Gordon Persons Building, Montgomery,

Alabama. The meeting was called to order by the President of the Board in accordance with Alabama Code (1975),

§16-3-7, as amended.

PRESIDING: GOVERNOR KAY IVEY

Senior Minister Buddy Bell, Landmark Church of Christ, Montgomery, Alabama, did the invocation and the Pledge

of Allegiance was done in unison.

The following members were present:

Present

Mrs. Ella B. Bell

Mrs. Stephanie Bell

Mrs. Mary Scott Hunter

Governor Kay Ivey

Dr. Cynthia McCarty

Mr. Jeff Newman

Mrs. Betty Peters

Dr. Yvette M. Richardson

Mrs. Jackie Zeigler

Interim State Superintendent of Education Ed Richardson was also present.

APPROVAL OF THE NOVEMBER 9, 2017, MEETING

On motion by Mrs. Mary Scott Hunter and seconded by Mrs. Stephanie Bell, the Board voted unanimously to

approve the minutes for the meeting of November 9, 2017.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

On motion by Mrs. Stephanie Bell and seconded by Dr. Yvette M. Richardson, the Board voted unanimously to

approve the agenda.

On motion by Mrs. Mary Scott Hunter and seconded by Mrs. Stephanie Bell, the Board voted unanimously to

approve the Proposed FY2019 Budget for K-12 Programs.

APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED FY2019 BUDGET FOR K-12 PROGRAM

On motion by Mrs. Stephanie Bell and seconded by Mrs. Mary Scott Hunter, the Board voted 8-0-1 to adopt the

resolution below. Mrs. Ella B. Bell abstained.

RESOLUTION TO MODIFY CERTAIN PASSING SCORES ON PRAXIS SUBJECT ASSESSMENTS

AS A PRECONDITION FOR INITIAL CERTIFICATION

WHEREAS, by Resolutions of April 14, 2005, February 9, 2006, October 12, 2006, December 14, 2006,

March 8, 2007, July 10, 2012, July 9, 2013, and other Resolutions from time to time, the Alabama State Board of

Education has adopted certain Praxis II content knowledge assessments and minimum passing scores as conditions

for initial teacher certification in the state of Alabama; and

WHEREAS, previous validation studies were performed under the supervision of the State

Superintendent of Education in accordance with accepted psychometric principles to determine qualifying scores

for Alabama; and

WHEREAS, certain Praxis content knowledge assessments previously approved by the Alabama State

Board of Education have recently had multi-state studies conducted to establish qualifying scores; and

WHEREAS, almost all Alabama scores are lower than the scores required in other states; and

WHEREAS, the Alabama State Board of Education has expressed a desire to increase the rigor of

preparation programs and test requirements; and

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WHEREAS, as a result of such multi-state studies, such tests and recommended multi-state passing scores

have been found to be appropriate for use in the state of Alabama; and

WHEREAS, in content areas where multi-state studies have not been conducted, Alabama averaged the

scores from all states to determine an appropriate score more aligned with other states:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education hereby adopts

the following Praxis assessments’ qualifying scores as a precondition for teacher certification in the state of

Alabama, effective September 2018; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That for Mathematics Content Knowledge, scores will be increased

over a three-year period. On September 1, 2018, the score on test 5161 increases to 150. On September 1, 2019, the

score on test 5161 increases to 155. On September 1, 2020, the score on test 5161 increases to the multi-state score

of 160.

Recommended Scores Based Upon Averages and Multi-State Studies That Have Been Conducted

Test Name Test

Code

Former

Qualifying

Score

Recommended

Qualifying

Score

Effective Date

PLT K-6 5622 145 160 September 1, 2018

PLT 7-12 5624 153 157 September 1, 2018

Agriculture 5701 141 147 September 1, 2018

Art: Content Knowledge 5134 154 158 September 1, 2018

Biology: Content Knowledge a 5235 143 150 September 1, 2018

Business Education: Content Knowledge 5101 147 154 September 1, 2018

Chemistry: Content Knowledge a 5245 150 150 September 1, 2018

Early Childhood Education 5025 150 156 September 1, 2018

Earth and Space Sciences: Content Knowledge a 5571 150 150 September 1, 2018

Economics 5911 144 150 September 1, 2018

Educational Leadership: Administration and

Supervision a 5411 149 149 September 1, 2018

Elementary Education: Mathematics 5003 143 157 September 1, 2018

Elementary Education: Reading and Language 5002 154 157 September 1, 2018

Elementary Education: Science a 5005 144 158 September 1, 2018

Elementary Education: Social Studies a 5004 142 154 September 1, 2018

English Language Arts: Content Knowledge 5038 147 167 September 1, 2018

English to Speakers of Other Languages 5362 149 155 September 1, 2018

Family and Consumer Sciences b 5122 161 161 September 1, 2018

French: World Language 5174 162 162 September 1, 2018

General Science: Content Knowledge a 5435 147 152 September 1, 2018

Geography a 5921 145 153 September 1, 2018

German: World Language 5183 161 163 September 1, 2018

Gifted Education 5358 151 157 September 1, 2018

Government: Political Science 5931 143 149 September 1, 2018

Health Education a 5551 145 154 September 1, 2018

Latin 5601 149 152 September 1, 2018

Library Media Specialist a 5311 146 148 September 1, 2018

Marketing Education a 5561 135 156 September 1, 2018

Mathematics: Content Knowledge 5161 145 160 September 1, 2020

Middle School English Language Arts 5047 146 164 September 1, 2018

Middle School Mathematics 5169 148 165 September 1, 2018

Middle School Science b 5440 151 151 September 1, 2018

Middle School Social Studies a 5089 149 153 September 1, 2018

Music Content Knowledge 5113 150 161 September 1, 2018

Physical Education: Content Knowledge a 5091 141 149 September 1, 2018

Physics: Content Knowledge a 5265 138 138 September 1, 2018

Professional School Counselor 5421 151 156 September 1, 2018

Psychology 5391 149 154 September 1, 2018

Reading Specialist 5301 157 164 September 1, 2018

School Psychologist 5402 141 147 September 1, 2018

Social Studies: Content Knowledge a 5081 153 155 September 1, 2018

Sociology 5952 149 154 September 1, 2018

Spanish: World Language 5195 158 168 September 1, 2018

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Special Education: Core Knowledge and

Applications b 5354 153 153 September 1, 2018

Speech Communication: Content Knowledge a 5221 146 146 September 1, 2018

Teaching Reading 5204 155 159 September 1, 2018

Technology Education 5051 154 159 September 1, 2018

Theatre a 5641 143 154 September 1, 2018

World & U.S. History: Content Knowledge a 5941 143 148 September 1, 2018

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the State Superintendent of Education is hereby directed to take

any and all actions necessary to implement this Resolution.

Done this 14th day of December 2017

On motion by Mrs. Stephanie Bell and seconded by Dr. Yvette M. Richardson, the Board voted unanimously to

approve the following:

RESOLUTION TO APPROVE

RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE STATE TEXTBOOK COMMITTEE

FOR ADOPTION OF TEXTBOOKS FOR ARTS EDUCATION AND WORLD LANGUAGES

WHEREAS, the Alabama State Textbook Law provides that textbooks be adopted by the Alabama State

Board of Education according to a rotation cycle, and this is the year for arts education and world languages; and

WHEREAS, said law also provides that the State Textbook Committee meet to review textbooks submitted

by publishing companies and prepare recommendations for adoption and/or rejection for submission to the Alabama

State Board of Education; and

WHEREAS, the 2017 State Textbook Committee has met and has prepared such recommendations:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the attached recommendations for adoption of textbooks

made by the State Textbook Committee are hereby approved by the Alabama State Board of Education.

Done this 14th day of December 2017

CONSIDERATION OF ALABAMA PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL COMMISSION NOMINEES

The Governor explained that because Dr. Ed Richardson resigned from the position of Commissioner of the

Alabama Public Charter School Commission to become Interim State Superintendent of Education, the Board

needed to vote to appoint his replacement. The Governor nominated two individuals for the vacated

position: Ibrahim Kareem Lee and Ryan K. Cantrell. The Governor stated that she would abstain from selecting

between the candidates because both were her nominees. The Board members marked their preferences on forms

that were handed to Ms. Juliana Dean, General Counsel. Ms. Dean informed the Board members that Mr. Lee had

five preferences and Mr. Cantrell three. Upon a motion and a second to appoint Mr. Ibrahim Kareem Lee to the

Commission, the Board voted unanimously to appoint him.

On motion by Mrs. Ella B. Bell and seconded by Mrs. Stephanie Bell, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the

following:

RESOLUTION TO REMOVE SELMA CITY SCHOOL SYSTEM

FROM EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTION

WHEREAS, the Alabama State Board of Education voted on February 12, 2014, to authorize educational

intervention into the Selma City School System due to operational, supervisory, and administrative deficiencies

pursuant to the provisions of the Code of Alabama 1975, Section 16-6E-1, et seq., and the Alabama Administrative

Code, Chapter 290-4-1; and

WHEREAS, since then, the Selma City School System has made significant organizational and

managerial changes; and

WHEREAS, the Selma City School System has a fully engaged and focused superintendent and

determined Board members who are ready, willing, and able to provide leadership for the school system; and

WHEREAS, the Selma City School System has made the necessary improvements regarding the issues

for which the intervention was initiated, including addressing the conditions and deficiencies which adversely

implicated the ability of the Selma City School System to comply with mandatory financial, legal, and

programmatic standards and requirements; and

WHEREAS, the Selma City School System has made decisions that reflect the needs of its students and

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has met criteria established by the State Superintendent of Education; and

WHEREAS, the Alabama State Department of Education has conducted on-site inspections, including

multiple interviews, reviewed appropriate data, and utilized the services of an outside experienced administrator to

advance intervention goals and objectives; and

WHEREAS, the Selma City School System submitted a duly-executed and unanimous resolution dated

November 7, 2017, requesting its release from educational intervention based on compliance with mandates and

stipulations for release from intervention; and

WHEREAS, under authority of the Code of Alabama 1975, Section 16-6E-1, et seq., the Interim State

Superintendent of Education does recommend the release of Selma City School System from state intervention;

and

WHEREAS, the Alabama State Board of Education and the Interim State Superintendent of Education

are appreciative of the cooperation and assistance provided to state staff by employees and officials of the Selma

City School System during the period of state intervention:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That upon recommendation of the Interim State

Superintendent of Education, the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby release the Selma City School

System from intervention effective today, December 14, 2017.

Done this 14th day of December 2017

Governor Kay Ivey acknowledged Dr. Avis Williams, Superintendent, Selma City School System,

Mr. Johnny Moss, Board President, and Mrs. Brenda Obomanu, Board Vice President, who were present.

On motion by Mrs. Stephanie Bell and seconded by Mr. Jeff Newman, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the

following:

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RETENTION OF AN EXECUTIVE SEARCH FIRM

AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN “RFP REVIEW COMMITTEE"

WHEREAS, under Alabama law, the State Superintendent of Education “shall be a person of good moral

character, with academic and professional education equivalent to graduation from a standard university or college,

who is knowledgeable in school administration and has training and experience sufficient to qualify him to perform

the duties of his office,” Ala. Code § 16-4-1;

WHEREAS the Alabama State Board of Education will soon be seeking qualified candidates for the

position of State Superintendent of Education;

WHEREAS an executive search firm will enable the Board to administer an impartial and confidential

application-screening process;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Governor, as President of the Board, shall oversee

the issuance and management of the attached request for proposals (“RFP”) to provide executive-search services to

the Board in support of its search for a new State Superintendent of Education. This RFP shall be issued and

published on the State Department of Education’s website and as otherwise required by state law no later than

December 15, 2017, with responsive proposals due back to the Governor’s Legal Office no later than Wednesday,

January 3, 2018.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That there is hereby established an “RFP Review Committee,” to consist

of the Governor (or her designee), Mrs. Stephanie Bell, Dr. Cynthia McCarty, and Dr. Yvette M. Richardson, which

is hereby charged with evaluating responses to the above-mentioned RFP and selecting an executive search firm, in

accordance with all state laws applicable to the procurement of such services, in time for representatives of the

selected search firm to meet with the Board before the end of January 2018. The Interim Superintendent shall

provide staff assistance to the RFP Review Committee.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Governor, as President of the Board, is hereby authorized to

negotiate and enter into a contract, on behalf of the Board, with the executive search firm selected by the RFP

Review Committee.

Done this 14th day of December 2017.

On motion by Mrs. Stephanie Bell and seconded by Mr. Jeff Newman, the Board voted unanimously for the

following:

APPROVAL OF RFP FOR STATE SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH

On motion by Dr. Cynthia McCarty and seconded by Mrs. Stephanie Bell, the Board voted unanimously for the

2018 Alabama State Board of Education Meeting Dates.

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ALABAMA STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

2018

K-12 MEETING DATES AND WORK SESSION

SCHEDULE

MEETING DATES

AUDITORIUM, GORDON PERSONS

BUILDING, 10 A.M.

WORK SESSION DATES

PLAZA 104 GORDON PERSONS BUILDING,

(Immediately following the Board Meeting, 11 a.m.)

January 11 Auditorium, Gordon Persons Building January 11 Plaza 103 Gordon Persons

Building

February 8 Auditorium, Gordon Persons Building February 8 Plaza 103, Gordon Persons

Building

March 8 Auditorium, Gordon Persons Building March 8 Plaza 103, Gordon Persons Building

April 12 Auditorium, Gordon Persons Building April 12 Plaza 104, Gordon Persons Building

May 10 Auditorium, Gordon Persons Building May 10 Plaza 103, Gordon Persons Building

June 14 Auditorium, Gordon Persons Building June 14 Plaza 104, Gordon Persons Building

July 10* Auditorium, Gordon Persons

Building

July 10 Plaza 104, Gordon Persons Building

August 9 Auditorium, Gordon Persons Building August 9 Plaza 104, Gordon Persons Building

September 13 Auditorium, Gordon Persons

Building

September 13 Plaza 104, Gordon Persons Building

October 11 Auditorium, Gordon Persons Building October 11 Plaza 104, Gordon Persons Building

November 8 Auditorium, Gordon Persons

Building

November 8 Plaza 104, Gordon Persons Building

December 13 Auditorium, Gordon Persons

Building

December 13 Plaza 104, Gordon Persons Building

*Meeting Required by State Law

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On motion by Mrs. Stephanie Bell and seconded by Dr. Yvette Richardson, the Board voted unanimously for

Renewal of the Interim State Superintendent’s Contract.

RENEWAL OF STATE INTERIM STATE SUPERINTENDENT’S CONTRACT

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Interim State Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Richardson recognized Ms. Julie G. Pierce, Fairhope Elementary School, Baldwin County School System,

Alabama’s 2017-2018 National Distinguished Principal of the Year, and Mr. Van A. Phillips, Center Point High

School, Jefferson County School System, 2017 High School Principal of the Year. Due to prior commitments,

Ms. Pierce and Mr. Phillips could not attend the October 12, 2017, meeting for Board recognition. Dr. Richardson

also recognized Dr. Dee Fowler, Chief of Staff for the Department, upon his retirement from the Alabama State

Department of Education effective December 31, 2017.

On motion by Mrs. Mary Scott Hunter and seconded by Mrs. Betty Peters, the meeting adjourned at 10:40 a.m. for

the Work Session that was held in Plaza 104 of the Gordon Persons Building.

_______________________________

President

_______________________________

Secretary and Executive Officer

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