MINUTES OF THE ALABAMA STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
THE STATE OF ALABAMA
MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2009
MONTGOMERY , ALABAMA
The Alabama State Board of Education met for its regular meeting of Elementary/Secondary Education matters on Monday, August 3, at 9:37 a.m. in the auditorium of the Gordon Persons Building, Montgomery, Alabama. The meeting was called by the Vice President of the Board in accordance with Ala bama Code (1975), §16-3-7, as amended.
PRESIDING: MR. RANDY MCKINNEY, VICE PRESIDENT
ALABAMA STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Following the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, Mr. Randy McKinney called the meeting to order. On roll call, the following members were present:
Mrs. Ella B. Bell
Dr. Mary Jane Caylor, President Pro Tem
Mr. Randy McKinney, Vice President
Mrs. Betty Peters
Mr. Gary Warren
Governor Bob Riley
Absent
Mrs. Stephanie Bell
Mr. David F. Byers, Jr.
Dr. Ethel H. Hall, Vice President Emerita
Dr. Joseph B. Morton, State Superintendent of Education and Secretary and Executive Officer of the Board, was
present.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF JULY 14, 2009
One correction was made pertaining to the Educator Code of Ethics vote to reflect a five yes vote to proceed and a four no vote to table. With this correction, motion was made by Dr. Mary Jane Caylor and seconded by Mrs. Ella B. Bell to approve the minutes of July 14, 2009.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
On motion by Dr. Mary Jane Caylor and seconded by Mrs. Ella B. Bell, the Board unanimously approved the agenda.
PUBLIC HEARING FOR ALABAMA ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT
REPEAL EXISTING ALABAMA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, CHAPTER 290-3-3, PERTAINING TO TEACHER EDUCATION AND ADOPT NEW CHAPTER 290-3-3 PERTAINING TO TEACHER EDUCATION AS A PERMANENT CHAPTER
Dr. Martha Hocutt, Dean, Division of Online Programs and Former Dean of Education, and Dr. Louis R. Smith, University of West Alabama, spoke against the proposed 600-hour requirement for counselors. Dr. Smith stated that he had talked with principals and teachers and surveyed principals. He said most teachers did not see themselves being able to do a 600-hour internship with their current responsibilities. Dr. Smith stated that he also did not see the necessity of the increase in hours since many counselors obtain jobs before they finish the program. He also voiced concern over the length of time it would take for the counselors to complete the additional hours stating that it takes 300 hours to complete a year and that states that require 600 hours do not require the two years of teaching experience that Alabama does. Dr. Hocutt requested that the Board reconsider and recommended 450 hours for internship.
Dr. Donna Jacobs, Dean, College of Education, the University of North Alabama, and Dr. Allen Wilcoxon, Professor and Coordinator of Counselor Education, The University of Alabama, spoke in favor of the proposed change requiring 600 hours’ internship in place of the 300 hours. Dr. Jacobs stated that she was pleased with the increase in hours and reported that the University of North Alabama increased its hours in 1995 and were pleased with the outcome with no complaints. She also commended Dr. Jayne Meyer, Director of Teacher Education and Certification, and staff members for informing the local school systems and deans. She stated that there had been spring and summer meetings with ample time for feedback. Dr. Wilcoxon concurred with Dr. Jacobs and stated that for 14 years The University of Alabama had the 600-hour requirement with no hardships reported. He stated that none of the school’s candidates had to forefit jobs.
Dr. Eddie R. Johnson, Deputy State Superintendent of Education, assured Board members that all procedures were followed. There had been a large engagement of teachers, and the proposed draft had been sent to superintendents and deans. The information was incorporated into what was being presented.
Dr. Meyer said that the draft standards for all programs were sent to superintendents, deans, and constituent agencies and that no negative comments were received from superintendents about the proposed standards for school counselors. Board members were informed that when many of our students complete Alabama institutions and go to other states, our standards are being questioned. Alabama’s requirements are half of “the national norm.” She affirmed that other states require 600 hours. Dr. Meyer stated that the University of North Alabama, Alabama State University, Auburn University, Auburn Montgomery, Jacksonville State University, Troy University, The University of Alabama, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, and University of Montevallo require 600 hours. Alabama A & M University plans to have the 600-hour requirement. The University of South Alabama will begin the 600-hour requirement in the fall of 2010.
On motion by Dr. Mary Jane Caylor and seconded by Governor Bob Riley, the Board voted unanimously to approve.
On motion by Dr. Mary Jane Caylor and seconded by Mrs. Ella B. Bell, the Board approved the following:
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE A TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM
Troy University
Troy, Alabama
WHEREAS, a review of a teacher education program began on July 24-27, 2005, and has continued as additional documents were provided for review by the State Department of Education in accordance with the Alabama Administrative Code, Rule No. 290-3-3-.56(2)(a)2; and
WHEREAS, compliance with the Alabama State Board of Education rules has been verified; and
WHEREAS, Alabama is a partner with the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE); and
WHEREAS, NCATE has granted accreditation of programs at the various campuses of what was Troy State University and is now Troy University;
WHEREAS, the State Superintendent of Education recommends approval of the program:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education hereby extends approval of the following program, with approval to expire on May 31, 2017:
Class AA School Counseling
Done this 3rd day of August 2009.
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE A TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM
Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama
WHEREAS, a review of a teacher education program was conducted on July 15, 2009, by the Alabama Department of Education in accordance with the Alabama State Board of Education, Alabama Department of Education, Alabama Administrative Code, Rule No. 290-3-3-.56(2)(b)2;(ii); and
WHEREAS, compliance with the Alabama State Board of Education rules has been verified; and
WHEREAS, the State Superintendent of Education recommends approval of the program:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education hereby approves the following program, with approval to expire on May 31, 2011:
Alternative Class A English as a Second Language
Done on this 3rd day of August 2009.
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS
University of North Alabama
Florence, Alabama
WHEREAS, a review of teacher education programs was conducted on July 15, 2009, by the State Department of Education in accordance with the Alabama Administrative Code, Rule No. 290-3-3-.56(2)(a)2; and
WHEREAS, compliance with Alabama State Board of Education program specific rules has been verified; and
WHEREAS, the State Superintendent of Education recommends approval of the programs;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education hereby approves the following programs, with approval to expire on May 31, 2012:
Class A English as a Second Language
Alternative Class A English as a Second Language
Done this 3rd day of August 2009.
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, Alabama
WHEREAS, a review of teacher education programs was conducted on July 15, 2009, by the State Department of Education in accordance with the Alabama State Board of Education, State Department of Education, Administrative Code, Rule No. 290-3-3-.56(2)(b)2(ii); and
WHEREAS, compliance with the Alabama State Board of Education rules has been verified; and
WHEREAS, the State Superintendent of Education recommends approval of the programs:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education hereby approves the following programs, with approval to expire on May 31, 2011:
Class A Family and Consumer Sciences Education (6-12)
Alternative A Family and Consumer Sciences Education (6-12)
Done this 3rd day of August 2009.
Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Joseph B. Morton thanked the Board for moving the meeting date for the purpose of releasing the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) reports before the beginning of the school year. This is the sixth year of AYP implementation. He stated that we will try to meet the same goal next year and release a week earlier. In comparision to other states, Alabama is ninth in releasing information and trying to get in the top ten with the results. Dr. Morton stated that even with funding cuts, we are making good progress. He attributed great success to the Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI); Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators, and Students Statewide (ACCESS); and the Alabama Reading Initiative. He stated that we will continue to stress AMSTI with anticipation of getting it in 100 percent of our schools. ACCESS offers credit for advancement and remediation. There is also anticipation of expanding the Alabama Reading Initiative in the middle grades.
Dr. Tommy Bice, Deputy State Superintendent for Instructional Services, presented the PowerPoint presentation on the 2008-2009 Statewide, School Systems, and Local Schools Accountability Reports. He thanked Communication, Assessment, and Information Systems Sections for making this possible. He stated that he was pleased with the reports and commented on what can happen when all components of the ruler come together. One thousand, one hundred ninety (1,190) schools made Adequate Yearly Progress (86.48%). This is a three percent increase over last year. One hundred eighty six (186) schools did not make AYP. One hundred nineteen (119) of these missed it by one cell. Board members were informed that the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT), Grades 3-8 (Reading and Mathematics); Alabama High School Graduation Exam (AHSGE), Grade 11 (Reading and Mathematics); and Alabama Alternate Assessment (AAA), Grades 3-8 and 11 (Reading and Mathematics) are assessments used in determining AYP. There are four academic achievement levels. Level IV, Exceeds Academic Content Standards (Exceeds Proficient); Level III, Meets Academic Content Standards (Proficient); Level II, Partially Meets Academic Content Standards; and Level 1, Does Not Meet Academic Content Standards. A copy of this report is filed in the Board folder. Dr. Bice voiced concern over the attendance rate that went down one percent and stated that our Prevention and Support Services would be monitoring this. He stated that very few elementary schools did not make AYP.
In response to Governor Bob Riley’s question pertaining to Alabama’s comparison with other states, Dr. Bice stated that this would be difficult since every state was able to set up its own accountability measure. He stated that from his experience Alabama is at or above any of those. Dr. Bice stated that he felt Alabama is where we need to be in our proactive approach. AYP is a bar that No Child Left Behind has set. ACCESS is going to open so many opportunities. Dr. Bice said that we need to set higher goals and have done so through FIRST CHOICE. Governor Riley stated that he hoped the information gets out to parents and cited as an example Lee High School in Montgomery, Alabama, that had made progress but missed making AYP by one small component. He inquired if something could be done to recognize the progress of schools such as this. Dr. Morton advised that he and the Illinois State Superintendent of Education are representing the Council of Chief State School Officers as cochairs of a committee pertaining to the Reauthorization of No Child Left Behind and hopefully some of their recommendations submitted to Congress should address some of these concerns. He stated that there have been four meetings. Governor Riley commended the superintendents, principals, and teachers on the great jobs they are doing.
The meeting adjourned at 10:21 a.m.
Vice President
Secretary and Executive Officer
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