The Alabama State Board of Education convened on May 29, 2025, to discuss significant educational achievements and ongoing initiatives within the state. The meeting commenced with a warm welcome to new board members and a recognition of the remarkable progress made by Alabama students in recent years.

The board highlighted that Alabama has seen substantial improvements in fourth-grade math and reading scores. Notably, the state has advanced from 40th to 30th in reading and from 50th to 30th in math. Alabama now ranks first among states in math recovery and third in reading from 2019 to 2024. This progress is attributed to the dedicated efforts of various stakeholders, including the Alabama State Department of Education, local education agencies, teachers, students, and parents.

Following the opening remarks, the board welcomed representatives from the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB). The visit to UAB was part of a broader initiative to engage with educational institutions across the state. The board expressed appreciation for the opportunity to learn about UAB's successes and challenges in teacher preparation and accreditation.

Dr. Leslie Shih, the assistant dean for accreditation and assessment at UAB, presented enrollment data and outlined current initiatives at the university. The board's engagement with UAB and other institutions aims to foster collaboration and enhance educational outcomes across Alabama.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the state's commitment to improving educational standards and the importance of collaboration among educational institutions. The board looks forward to continuing its efforts to support every child in Alabama, ensuring that progress in education remains a top priority.