Birmingham, Alabama Sees Improvement in Public School Report Cards
Birmingham, Ala. – This past Friday, Alabama public schools received some positive news as their annual state report cards were released. The results indicate that schools and districts across the state have made progress in educational achievement, showing some encouraging trends in various areas.
Progress in the Right Direction
State Superintendent Eric Mackey expressed his pleasure with the overall direction of academic growth in Alabama schools. “Overall, I am really pleased with the direction we are going,” he remarked. The new report cards showcase year-to-year comparisons, which were difficult to make in the past.
Since Mackey stepped into the role of state superintendent in 2018, Alabama has been working to improve educational standards. The state adopted new standards in English and math, aligned with those of the Nation’s Report Card. Additionally, a new standardized test for students in grades three through eight has been implemented to gauge progress accurately against these up-to-date guidelines.
Mixed Results on Test Scores
The results of the report card reveal a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to test scores. While academic achievement has seen slight improvements, growth rates have shown a tiny dip. One particularly positive note is the reduction in chronic absenteeism. This year, only 15% of students missed 18 or more days of school, down from 18% last year. Furthermore, the graduation rates and college readiness indicators are on the rise, a testament to the hard work being put in across all demographics.
Mackey shared, “In lower and middle grades, I am especially focused on ELA (English Language Arts), and in high school mostly focused on the CCR (college and career readiness) rate. All of these are increasing in every demographic.”
Breaking Down the Numbers
This year’s report card features six measures that contribute to the overall grades assigned to schools and districts. Interestingly, Alabama’s lawmakers created two separate report cards in 2022, allowing time for English learners’ assessments to reflect progress appropriately. These measures are also detailed by groups based on factors like race, disability status, and economic status. It’s heartening to see that students from various backgrounds are making strides, even if some long-standing challenges remain.
School and District Performance
In positive news for many local communities, districts and schools are continuously earning higher grades. The number of schools receiving A’s and B’s has been increasing, while the number of schools classified as “priority schools” (those receiving D’s and F’s) is on the decline. This year, there are only 156 priority schools, decreasing significantly from 209 last year. Students in these priority schools now have better options to transition to higher-performing schools or even attend private schools through tax credits.
Transparency in Education
What’s refreshing about the reports is their transparency. Each school and district has its own report card. Parents and stakeholders can access detailed information about students’ demographics, teacher qualifications, and school leaders’ effectiveness. All of these insights can help communities stay informed and engaged about the education their children are receiving.
Understanding the Scores
As parents and educators dive into the report cards, it’s essential to understand that the scoring reflects various categories. For example, points are assigned in six areas, but not all contribute equally to the final score. Additionally, graduation and college readiness rates reflect students from the previous graduating class, illustrating an ongoing effort towards improvement.
Overall, Alabama’s schools are navigating through some intriguing changes, with many indicators suggesting a step towards better educational outcomes. While challenges still lie ahead, there is reason to be optimistic about what the future holds for our schools and students.
