Doctor Maggie Thanks DRC Team for Early Data Release and Student Progress

The Alabama Board of Education held a work session on August 7, 2025, focusing on the progress of state testing and educational data release. Key discussions highlighted the commitment to improving state assessments and the timely release of data, which has been a priority since the board's inception.

Dr. Maggie, a key figure in the discussion, acknowledged the efforts of her team and partners at the Data Recognition Corporation (DRC) and ACT in achieving significant milestones. Notably, the state has successfully released educational data earlier than most states, with all school data available by August 1. This early release is seen as a remarkable achievement, especially considering the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The meeting also celebrated a notable increase in English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency, with over 50% of students achieving proficiency across all grades for the first time. While acknowledging that performance varies by school, the overall trend indicates positive progress for the state’s education system.

Looking ahead, the board discussed the upcoming Alabama Performance Assessment (APU), which will be fully computerized. This transition may delay the release of results by several months, with schools expected to provide names for testing between January and March of the following year.

In closing, the board expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of educators and administrators, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face instruction in improving student performance post-pandemic. The meeting concluded with an open discussion about ongoing questions and future initiatives, underscoring the board's commitment to transparency and continuous improvement in Alabama's educational landscape.