Alabama Board approves revised educator preparation code for improved flexibility and standards

The Alabama State Board of Education convened on May 29, 2025, to discuss significant changes to the administrative code governing educator preparation programs (EPPs). This meeting highlighted the collaborative efforts between educational institutions and state agencies to enhance teacher training and certification processes in Alabama.

Dr. Beth Quick, Dean of the College of Education at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, opened the discussion by emphasizing the importance of the proposed administrative code. She noted that the new version offers greater flexibility for EPPs and aligns with the implementation of the Alabama Numeracy Act. Quick stressed the need for ongoing dialogue between colleges and the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) to ensure effective implementation and improvement of educator preparation programs.

Robin McGill, Deputy Director for Academic Affairs at the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, echoed Quick's sentiments, praising the streamlined regulations that reduce the documentation from 200 pages to 100. McGill highlighted the importance of these changes in facilitating timely graduation for education students, thereby increasing the number of qualified teachers entering the classroom.

Dr. Jeremy Ziolkowski, a mathematics educator, raised concerns regarding the balance of preparation for middle and high school teachers, advocating for clearer definitions of field experiences to ensure comprehensive training. Similarly, Dr. Sarah McDaniel, a Special Education professor, pointed out the inadequacies in the current special education standards, suggesting revisions to better reflect the specific skills required for future educators in this critical area.

Dr. David Crowe from Auburn University supported the revisions, noting improvements in faculty qualifications and program offerings, while Dr. June Priest, a school psychology program coordinator, called for increased internship hours to better prepare school psychologists for their roles.

The board also addressed several resolutions, including the approval of educator preparation programs at the University of Alabama in Birmingham and the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence as an alternative teacher preparation organization. Additionally, the board recognized March 2025 as National School Breakfast Week and Child and Adult Care Food Program Week in Alabama schools.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored a commitment to enhancing educator preparation in Alabama through collaborative efforts and regulatory improvements. The board's adoption of the revised administrative code marks a significant step towards addressing the evolving needs of the education system, with ongoing discussions anticipated to refine and implement these changes effectively.