State Education Board releases accountability report card showing modest growth and challenges

The Alabama Board of Education held a work session on July 15, 2025, focusing on the release of state and federal report cards, which provide critical insights into school performance across the state. The meeting highlighted the achievements and challenges faced by Alabama schools, as well as the implications of recent policy changes regarding school transfers.

Dr. Marcus Vandiver, who leads the accountability efforts for the Alabama State Department of Education, presented the federal accountability scores. The report indicated that Alabama schools earned an overall score of 83.31 points under the federal system, translating to a letter grade of B. Key indicators included academic growth, chronic absenteeism, and graduation rates. Notably, while there was a slight uptick in academic achievement and college readiness, the graduation rate saw a decline.

The state report card mirrored these findings, with a score of 83.44, also resulting in a B grade. Dr. Vandiver noted that the data would be made publicly available at 3:00 PM on the same day, allowing parents and stakeholders to access detailed information about their districts.

A significant topic of discussion was the recent change in terminology from "failing schools" to "priority schools," which was approved by the board. This change is crucial as it affects how schools notify parents about transfer opportunities for students in underperforming schools. The board emphasized the importance of timely communication, especially given the proximity to the end of the school year, which complicates the notification process.

Board members expressed concerns about the challenges districts may face in meeting the January 1 deadline for notifying parents about transfer options. They acknowledged that the transition to the new priority school designation would require careful planning and communication to ensure compliance with the new regulations.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the Alabama Board of Education's commitment to transparency and accountability in education. The release of the report cards is a vital step in providing families with the information needed to make informed decisions about their children's education, while also addressing the ongoing challenges faced by schools in the state.