education
Alabama’s ‘ultimate school choice’ bill gets complicated when considering race and poverty
Parents could get about $5,600 per kid in state money to use for other schooling options. The proposal is currently in a legislative study committee. But experts told WBHM school choice brings up concerns around equity.
Mississippi’s plan to stop Alabama from stealing its teachers? Pay them thousands more
As Mississippi lawmakers plot how to keep more teachers in the state, educators warn the state’s bill targeting critical race theory could drive them away.
Some parents express frustration with schools’ responses to the omicron surge
As students across Birmingham return to classrooms after the winter break, schools must contend with the COVID-19 omicron variant. With cases surging, WBHM heard from some parents who are frustrated with the response from school leaders.
Turmoil hits antipoverty group as report questions contracts
The executive director of Jefferson County's Committee for Economic Opportunity was fired after allegations of financial inconsistencies.
How a Birmingham shop owner brings memories to life through books
Jim Reed has collected books and writings for more than 40 years and believes books keep memories alive.
Alabama is last in math. Politicians look for ways to close gap
Fifth graders could be required to pass a new math test to advance to the sixth grade. One lawmaker is proposing legislation for the 2022 Alabama Session.
From Optimistic To Anxious: How College Students In The Gulf South Feel About Returning To Campus
College students from Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi share their thoughts as a new school year in the pandemic begins.
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.
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.
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.
Gambling Proposals Must Pass The ‘Smell Test’ Before Going To Voters, Ivey Tells Lawmakers
The governor recapped the challenges of 2020, particularly on schools and the economy.
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.
Budget Blows To Birmingham Schools and Transit Cushioned, Other Groups Not As Lucky
The Birmingham Public Library is among several organizations slated to take a significant financial hit next fiscal year under Mayor Randall Woodfin's proposed budget.
Health Care Disparities: Being The Target Of Racism Can Make You Physically Sick, Research Shows
The American Academy of Pediatrics has found that racial discrimination against Black children and youth can affect their health.
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.
‘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.
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.
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.
Fearing Coronavirus Spread, Many Area Schools Close Immediately
As concerns about the spread of coronavirus grow, more schools opt to close immediately.
The Big Q: Coronavirus In Alabama. What Do I Need To Know?
Experts answer your questions about coronavirus in Alabama.
Universities Prepare For COVID-19 Ahead Of Spring Break
Samford and UAB are taking precautions in the event coronavirus spreads. There are currently no confirmed cases of the disease in Alabama.
Alabama Live Election Results
Follow for live election coverage of the Alabama primary elections.
Construction, Welding, GED: The Impact Of Prison Education
Across Alabama, state inmates are getting GED certificates, learning to fix cars, and even how to code. As Alabama faces mounting pressure to reform its prison system, many state leaders want to increase funding for these educational programs.
Delayed School Start Times Tuesday Feb. 11, 2020
A number of area schools are delaying start times due to heavy rain and a flash flood watch early Tuesday morning.
‘Star-Spangled Banner’, Car-Smoking Bills Pass Committee in First Week of Legislative Session
Here's a wrap-up of the first week of the 2020 legislative session with Alabama Public Television's Don Dailey.
Ivey Proposes Education Investments, Cautious on Lottery in State of the State Address
Pay raises, new prisons, and a shift from and elected state school board to an appointed one were among the highlights of Gov. Kay Ivey's State of the State address.
Gov. Ivey to Touch on the Census, Prisons and Education in State of the State Address
Ivey offered the preview during a speech Friday at the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama’s annual meeting in Birmingham. She says this year’s federal census is “make or break” for Alabama, in part because the state is at risk of losing a congressional seat.
Small Fraction of Students Qualify for Birmingham Promise Scholarship
When it was announced recently that the Birmingham Promise would offer a full tuition scholarship to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, many praised the partnership as a way to give eligible Birmingham graduates a much-needed financial boost. But as it stands, most students wouldn't make the cut.
