"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it's the only thing that ever has."- Margaret Mead (Borrowed quote from Dr. Eric Mackey, Executive Director of School Superintendents of Alabama and of course Margaret Mead, Anthropologist
On Tuesday of this week, I joined 300+ others on the Capital steps in support of Alabama's College and Career Ready Standards (CCRS). Dr. Bice did an outstanding job setting the parameter and tone for the rally. After hearing from State Board Members, the Business Council of Alabama, legislators, a principal, teacher, AMSTI specialist, and a student, Dr. Bice concluded by asking "who else is left." The reality was that a small but vocal group were the only ones left. Thanks to the united front, only hours after the rally, the notion to repeal the act was removed. Onward with the CCRS! For more, click CCRS Repeal Removed.
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| Dr. Bice Addressed Crowd |
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| More than 300 Rally for CCRS on Capital Steps |
The Tim Tebow bill was put on life support Wednesday morning, however has rebounded and will be discussed today (Thursday) on the Senate floor. This act would allow for home school students to participate in high school athletic contest and a substitute bill would have virtually eliminated the Alabama High School Athletic Association.
Bill sponsor Sen. Shadrack McGill said home schooling families pay taxes that support public schools and should have access to school activities. Opponents said it was unfair to allow families, who didn't want to be a part of a public school's academic program, to join that school's athletic teams.
A revision of the Accountability Act (SB 360) is being considered.
The ETF Budget was given a favorable report in Senate F&TE committee on Wednesday. Funds were restored to OCE ($18 million), instructional support (14.5 million), and transportation. However, there was a reduction of the proposed pay raise from 2% to 1%.
- The original concept of the bill allows for students of failing public schools to enter any non-failing public or private school in the state.
- Please recall that we have current policy that governs intra- and inter-district transfers which is allowable and acceptable under the new law. There was added very good language that makes it clear that a system has supreme authority to make decisions about inter-system and intra-system transfers.
- The bill expand tax credits, expands the list of "failing" schools, and reduces the amount actually available to students for scholarships (tax credit vouchers are unlimited).
- The new special education language is extremely useful and will likely save local systems much funding.
- The "20%" clause will assure extra money for most "failing" schools, which is desperately needed in most of these pervasively underfunded schools.
The ETF Budget was given a favorable report in Senate F&TE committee on Wednesday. Funds were restored to OCE ($18 million), instructional support (14.5 million), and transportation. However, there was a reduction of the proposed pay raise from 2% to 1%.
Some contend that the
increases needed for the budget and the increase of teacher salary to 2% could be offset by limiting the private school tax
credit/vouchers. The Senate is also proposing an
additional payment to the Rainy Day account of $35 million which is the same amount
needed for an additional 1% pay increase.
The Senate may take up the budget today and the final budget is likely to be decided in Conference Committee.
