The Alabama State Board of Education held a work session on May 29, 2025, focusing on collaboration with other states regarding educational policies and upcoming initiatives. The meeting highlighted ongoing communication with state education leaders across the country, particularly in response to recent directives from the U.S. Department of Education.

During the session, the board discussed the importance of protecting the constitutional civil rights of students in Alabama. The superintendent emphasized that all children should be treated fairly in schools, regardless of the complexities involved in implementing new regulations. The board is preparing for the conclusion of spring testing, with results expected to indicate how many third graders may be retained for the next school year due to reading proficiency standards.

Additionally, the board is gearing up for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. Plans include collaboration with the American Village to create "semi quincentennial schools" across Alabama, similar to the bicentennial schools established in the past. The initiative aims to integrate special programming into U.S. and Alabama history courses, culminating in a year-long celebration leading to July 4, 2026.

The meeting concluded with a reminder of the importance of publicizing educational events and initiatives to ensure community engagement and awareness. The board plans to provide updates on these topics in future meetings, reinforcing their commitment to educational excellence and student rights in Alabama.