National Report Draws State Superintendent's Remarks
State Superintendent of Education Dr. Joe Morton seemed pleased with Alabama's overall grade of C - also the national average - on Education Week's "Quality Counts" report card, which grades states on education performance and policy.
"I think we have turned the corner," Morton said, remarking that Alabama traditionally ranks low among the states in national comparisons. "I don't think we will ever be in the bottom 10 or 20 again."
The report ranks states in six categories, including chance for success; K-12 achievement; standards, assessments, and accountability; transitions and alignment; the teaching profession; and school finance. Alabama received an F on student achievement, compared to the national average of D-. While the achievement grade was not what he would hope for, Morton said overall the report indicates Alabama has improved.
"Our goal is to continually improve," Morton said, also noting that some of the indicators used to assess quality, such as family income and educational level, were beyond schools' control.
In other business during the monthly meeting, the board recognized two Alabama teachers receiving national recognition from the Association for Career and Technical Education. Both the Teacher of the Year and the New Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year are from Alabama. Teacher of the Year Judy Brown, formerly from Madison County, is now with the state Department of Education. Mark Raines, the new Teacher of the Year, teaches in the Tuscaloosa City school system.
The board's next meeting is a Jan. 24 work session in Montgomery.
AASB's Winter District Meetings
on E-Discovery Continue
AASB's Winter District Meetings on "E-Discovery: What it Means for How We Communicate, When We Communicate & What We Say" are well under way, but you still have time to attend this highly informative session featuring veteran school board attorneys. You'll get advice on handling your board's electronic communications and the rules that apply to turning over digitally stored e-mails if your school board is sued.
After a 30-minute social time, meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. CST. The event includes dinner and a 45-minute program. The remaining meetings include:
- District 1, Jan. 17, Bay Minette Middle School, Bay Minette;
- District 3, Jan. 14, Troy Elementary School, Troy;
- District 4, Jan. 24, Kellogg Conference Center, Tuskegee;
- District 6, Feb. 21, Classic on Noble, Anniston (which was rescheduled due to weather);
- District 7, Jan. 22, Cypress Inn, Tuscaloosa;
- District 8, Jan. 28, Muscle Shoals High School, Muscle Shoals; and
- District 9, Jan. 29, Guntersville Middle School, Guntersville.
The only cost is the meal. Registration is free and may be done online.
2008 Resolutions and Bylaws
Now Available Online
AASB has posted its 2008 Resolutions and Bylaws online. The information is now electronic for easier access.
Sims-deGraffenried in Runoff
 Congratulations to retired AASB Executive Director Dr. Sandra Sims-deGraffenried, who has made it to the runoff election for the Teachers' Retirement System Board of Control, retired position No. 2. Voting began Jan. 7 and continues through Feb. 11. Details are on the TRS Web site.
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