Alabama's eighth graders showed significant gains in science proficiency on the 2026 Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP), with improvements in every grade level tested. The 2025-26 school year was the first in which both the state's new science course of study and corresponding textbooks were implemented statewide. 

At the State Board of Education's work session on Tuesday, State Superintendent of Education Eric Mackey presented state-level ACAP data showing that more students in all grades tested achieved level 4, the highest proficiency level, compared to last year. The percentage of students achieving level 4 proficiency increased in all grades in English language arts (ELA) and math. The state's greatest proficiency gains were seen in eighth grade among all subjects tested - ELA, math, and science. Mackey attributed gains in 4th and 5th grade ELA proficiency to investments made by the legislature for struggling readers beyond third grade, in addition to RAISE Act funds targeted for specific student groups.  

The board will review system-level data at next month's work session. View the statewide overview for 2025-26 student assessment data here.

Federal Waiver
The Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) submitted a federal waiver request at the end of June to the U.S. Department of Education under the Educational Flexibility (Ed-Flex) program authorized by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). ALSDE is requesting waivers for eight ESSA provisions to remove administrative and regulatory barriers, with the goal of allowing school systems more flexibility to better align federal funding with student needs and the state's strategic plan. One is the state's high school academic achievement provision, which is currently measured by a single statewide assessment, the ACT with Writing, required for all students in 11th grade. As part of the federal waiver, Alabama would add ACT WorkKeys to the state's assessment requirement alongside the ACT with Writing. View the ALSDE proposed federal waiver request here.

The board received preliminary data results from the 2026 spring administration of the ACT with Writing given to 11th grade students and WorkKeys certificates earned by 12th grade students. It is not currently required for high school students to complete the ACT WorkKeys; this remains a local decision.

The State Board of Education took several actions during its annual business meeting:

• Educator Preparation Programs (EPP) - authorized the review of several EPPs at Athens State University; Auburn University of Montgomery; Faulkner University; The University of Alabama; University of Mobile; and University of Montevallo.
• Alternative Teacher Preparation Organization (ATPO) - approved the state's first-ever ATPO housed at a higher education institution, Troy University.
• Alabama Administrative Code - announced their intent to adopt amended rules pertaining to the FY27 apportionment of Foundation Program funds and RAISE Act funds, which must be amended annually upon enactment of the Education Trust Fund (ETF) budget.
• Board Leadership - unanimously elected Kelly Mooney as Vice President and Dr. Allen Long as Pro Tem for the upcoming 2026-27 term.

The ALSDE published the annual RAISE Act Guide with FY27 funding allocations for all school systems and public charter schools in May. View the memo and allocations here.

Next SBOE Meeting and Work Session
The board’s next regular meeting will take place Thursday, August 13, 2026, 10 a.m. in Huntsville at the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering, with a work session at 11 a.m. or immediately following.

• Location: 229 Wynn Dr. NW, Huntsville, Ala. 35805
• Livestream viewing:  https://www.youtube.com/user/aldeptofed/live
• Archived meeting and work session recordings:  https://www.alabamaachieves.org/state-board-of-education/meeting-videos/