Education
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.
Jefferson County Schools To Go Virtual-Only For First Nine Weeks; Start Sept. 1
The Jefferson County Board of Education voted Tuesday to begin the 2020-2021 school year with nine weeks of online education only and no option for traditional classroom learning.
Health Officer Recommends Virtual Classes For Middle And High Schools, No Contact Sports For Now
Jefferson County's health officer issued strict guidelines about how schools should operate this fall. It's up to schools whether to adopt those recommendations.
Jefferson County Board Of Education Unanimously Approves ‘School Roadmap’
Parents can choose between traditional in-person classes, remote learning with Jefferson County teachers, or virtual learning with outsourced teachers.
Local Districts Will Decide High School Sports Plans
Recommendations around high school sports this fall largely mirror public health guidelines, but the Alabama High School Athletic Association leaves the details to schools.
Birmingham City Schools Will Begin The Year Online
BCS joins a growing list of school districts, including Tuscaloosa, Montgomery and Huntsville, that will begin the school year with remote learning only.
Birmingham Schools Discuss Plans To Reopen Aug. 24
The Birmingham Board of Education is considering four possibilities to begin the academic school year: remote learning, a hybrid model, traditional school and a virtual school option for the first nine weeks. A final decision will be made July 31.
Selma City Schools Will Begin The Year With Online Learning
Selma City Schools is the first district in the state to announce they’ll be completely virtual to start the academic year. Superintendent Avis Williams said the decision was based on coronavirus numbers plus concerns from teachers and parents.
‘Black At Samford’ Pushes For Changes In The University’s Culture, Treatment Of Black Students
Samford University is predominantly white. Now Black students are pushing for changes to procedures and culture to treat them more fairly and make the campus more multicultural.
Alabama Schools To Open In August, But Parents Have Home Education Option
Alabama public schools will reopen in August despite the COVID-19 pandemic, but parents will be given the option of continuing distance learning.
Traditional Graduation Ceremonies Back On At Some High Schools
Hoover City Schools announced it will move forward with in-person graduation ceremonies this week, and they’re not alone. Parents are divided on the issue.
Players & Coaches Prepare For Uncertain Future In College Athletics
The cancellation and delay of sporting events due to the coronavirus is creating uncertainty for student athletes. College coaches have fewer opportunities to scout new players and they face mounting financial pressure that's led some schools to cut athletic programs.
Some Alabama Graduations Saved By Going Virtual
Most spring graduations are canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. But a few groups and institutions are organizing virtual ceremonies for the class of 2020
Q&A With UAB Med School Dean Selwyn Vickers: Pandemic “Significantly” Shutting Down Clinical Trial Enterprise
BirminghamWatch spoke with the dean of UAB's Medical School about COVID-19's impact on clinical trials.
Birmingham Superintendent Lisa Herring Stepping Down To Lead Atlanta Public Schools
Birmingham school Superintendent Lisa Herring is leaving to become superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools.
Schools Faced Social Distancing Hurdles In Meal Prep And Distribution
Since schools have been out statewide, some districts have struggled to continue to provide meals. After a bumpy start, Birmingham and Jefferson County schools have opted to outsource their meal programs.
Working At Home With Kids: How The Pandemic Is Changing The Work-Life Balance
While the COVID-19 pandemic has forced people apart, it has also created a common ground for millions — by making many work from home. But many parents are now learning to manage their job and teach their kids at the same time.
Parenting Hotline Shows The Rising Stress Of Coronavirus At Home
Parenting is hard enough as it is, much less during the coronavirus crisis. A parental hotline offers help for those stressing out over their kids.
Distance Learning Begins Monday. What’s The Plan?
Closed through the end of the academic year, Alabama K-12 schools will being distance learning Monday. Jefferson County Schools released information Friday about their plan.
Alabama K-12 Students Will Finish School Year From Home
Amid growing concerns about the spread of COVID-19, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey says K-12 students will not return to classrooms to finish out the 2019-2020 school year.
Alabama Schools Chief Explores Ways To Teach Students During An ‘Incomplete Year’
State education leaders are trying to figure out how to teach students in an era of coronavirus.
