There are new laws affecting Alabama Schools. During the 2019 Alabama Legislative Session, lawmakers passed forty laws affecting schools across the state. Some of the laws will not take effect without voter approval, but several others will be in force, starting within the next two years. Alabama’s education budget of 7.1 billion dollars was record-breaking and included a 4% pay increase for education employees. Along with the increase in money, the legislature put their stamp on what they want to occur in public schools.
One impactful law, the Alabama Literacy Act, requires all third-grade students to read on grade level, which has yet to be defined, beginning in the 2021-2022 school year. This law reinforces the need for teachers to ensure students are learning how to read in the early grades equipping them with a strong reading foundation. The law requires teachers to be trained in the science of reading. It also provides additional support for schools whose reading scores are in the bottom 5% statewide. The law requires schools to provide summer learning opportunities for students who aren’t on grade level in kindergarten through third grade, and it sets a benchmark on the test third graders will be required to make to advance to fourth grade.
Lawmakers also took measures to bring the Pledge of Allegiance back to the classroom. Starting in August, all public schools are required to start the day with the Pledge. Schools must ensure there is a set time for the pledge, but cannot force students to participate.
One health-related law involves the use of EPI-Pens. Students with severe allergies at risk of anaphylaxis can possess and use a single-dose-auto-injectable container of epinephrine while at school without waiting for the nurse to administer the medication. This law is intended to speed up the delivery of the medication providing the best medical outcome for the student.
Schools will be required to implement new courses in computer science, religion, and the Bible. First, computer courses will be offered at all high schools and eventually added to middle and elementary schools. Beginning this August, students will be able to take religious courses, off-campus, during the school day that could earn them elective credit. Schools will offer new social studies courses on the Bible this school year.
One law affecting colleges protects free speech on college campuses requiring colleges and universities to establish free speech policies.
Governor Kay Ivey introduced her, “Take the Lead, Alabama”, initiative that supports a constitutional amendment that would change Alabama’s current elected State Board of Education to a governor-appointed Alabama Commission on Elementary and Secondary Education during this session. Voters will decide the outcome of the amendment in an election in March 2020. Alabama currently allows voters to elect the state school board, but it is only one of six states that provides that option.
To see the full list of laws passed visit www.legiscan.com.