Education
Alabama Bans Critical Race Theory In Schools
The state board of education has now officially banned critical race theory in Alabama schools. It was never taught in the classroom, but it could impact teachers and students.
Parents Urge Vestavia Hills School District To Require Masks
The Vestavia Hills school board's decision to not require masks goes against guidance from public health agencies, including state health officials.
Echoes Of The Past As Overwhelmingly-White Mountain Brook Debates Diversity
This summer, passionate voices clashed over a teacher anti-bias training program in Mountain Brook City Schools. But the debate rests on uncomfortable history in this white pocket of racially diverse Jefferson County.
Schools Opening Short On Teachers Because Of An Increase In Retirements
Last school year, more than 3,500 school employees retired in Alabama. That's the highest number since 2010. Some credit the pandemic for the rise in retirement, while others say a growing unappreciation for school employees had caused these workers to leave the industry.
5 Things To Know About Alabama’s Back-To-School COVID Toolkit
The state's updated guidance for back-to-school has several school districts in the region changing their COVID-19 protocols.
Birmingham Teachers Welcome Students Back To School Amid COVID Surge
School starts Monday in the Birmingham City Schools. Classes are in person but with COVID protocols in place.
Gulf State Schools Had Mask Mandates Last Fall. That Isn’t The Case This Year.
The coronavirus pandemic’s fourth wave has not changed state-wide back-to-school plans in the Gulf South, where cases are rising and mask use is voluntary.
At Summer Reading Camps, Birmingham Students And Teachers Prepare For Alabama’s New Literacy Law
Alabama joins 16 other states and Washington D.C. where third graders must pass a reading test -- or risk being held back. That’s why this summer, teachers at Birmingham City Schools began coaching their students on their reading skills to get a head start on the new retention policy.
No Place Like Home As Woodlawn High Breaks Ground For New, On-Campus Football Stadium
The new stadium is expected to be ready for the 2022 football season. It'll accommodate 2,800 spectators, and it will include an artificial turf athletic field, renovated field house and a stadium lighting and sound system.
Debate Over Diversity Training Consumes Mountain Brook School Community
The controversy over diversity training is complicated by the city's demographics. The suburb is overwhelmingly white and one of the richest in Jefferson County
School Is Still In Session In This Louisiana Parish. How Is The ‘Balance Of Instruction’ Going?
Red River Parish Public Schools is the first district in Louisiana to throw out the traditional school calendar. The goal for school leaders is to provide more instruction and support throughout the year, but some parents say students are burnt out.
Children’s Well-Being In Alabama Improves, But Still Lags Behind The Country
Alabama's children are graduating on time and more children have health insurance. But the state still falls behind the rest of the country in overall well-being for children.
Second Gentlemen Doug Emhoff Visits Birmingham To Encourage COVID-19 Vaccines
Roughly 30% of Alabamians are fully vaccinated.
Birmingham Schools Will Vaccinate Students And Their Families
Birmingham City Schools and Alabama Regional Medical Services will be giving COVID-19 vaccinations to city school students and their parents over the summer in an effort to make schools and their communities safer when they reopen in the fall.
Birmingham Promise Gets $8 Million Boost From Private Companies
The Birmingham Promise Initiative has raked in $8 million in additional donations. The education scholarship offers graduates of Birmingham City Schools free college tuition, apprenticeships and paid internships.
Storms Prompt Schools To Delay Opening Thursday
More than a dozen suspected tornados raked over Alabama on Wednesday.
A Year Like No Other: COVID-19 In The Gulf States
In a special broadcast one year after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, reporters from public radio stations in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana reflect on the toll it’s taken on the region.
Samford Names New President To Replace Retiring Westmoreland
Beck A. Taylor, now president of Whitworth University, will succeed Andrew Westmoreland effective July 1.
Some Parents Worry About In-person Standardized Testing During The Pandemic
Education leaders in Alabama say there will be no virtual option despite COVID-19.
Some Schools Delay As Cold Continues To Grip Alabama
A number of schools in the Birmingham area will have delayed starts Wednesday after ice, snow and cold temperatures struck the area.
Winter Weather Brings School Closings
A number of schools are closed or adjusted schedules because of expected ice, freezing rain and sleet.
Fultondale High School Too Badly Damaged By Tornado To Use Again
Fultondale High School is permanently closed because of damage from last week's tornado.
Educators Mixed on Governor’s Push For In-Person Learning
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said the longer schools are disrupted, the more likely kids will suffer academically.
‘History Of Us’ Course Introduces Students To Their Ancestors And The Role Of Race In America’s History
'History of Us' is touted as the first Black history course of its kind taught in the Tuscaloosa public school system. The course asks students to be historians by researching major themes in Black history and framing those themes locally.
As More Students Return To School, Officials Brace For ‘Rolling Blackouts’
Following the release of a new dashboard, state education officials are optimistic about the number of coronavirus cases in Alabama schools. But challenges remain.
Birmingham City Students Return To Classrooms In November
The school system will return to a blended model of instruction, though many families still prefer virtual learning.
Birmingham City Schools Superintendent Has Lifelong Passion For Education
Longtime educator Mark Sullivan is the new leader of Birmingham City Schools. He's no stranger to the school system and many hope that will keep him around longer than his predecessors.
Board Of Education President Criticizes Woodfin’s Plan To Cut Funding For Birmingham Schools
The city of Birmingham's proposed 2021 budget has faced criticism for funding cuts including those for the city's school system, libraries and social services.
Birmingham School Board Takes The ‘Interim’ Off Sullivan’s Superintendent Title
The Birmingham Board of Education voted Monday to make Mark Sullivan the superintendent of the school district.
College Virtual Learning Rife With Technical Challenges
As the pandemic spreads on college campuses, many schools are increasingly relying on virtual instruction. That's expected to bring a host of technical troubles.
Childersburg Principal Busts A Move In Back-To-School Parody
Childersburg High School's principal has gone viral for his parody of MC Hammer's "U Can't Touch This." Quentin Lee said the video was simply a fun way to welcome students back amid the pandemic.
Students With Disabilities Face Significant Challenges As Schools Plan To Reopen
For more than 96,000 students with special needs across Alabama, the loss of in-person services could mean a decline in learning, communication or functional skills. It also takes a toll on family members.
