Madison County Schools is celebrating a significant achievement in its English learner program, which could greatly impact the district's state report card. During a recent board meeting, officials highlighted a remarkable 12% improvement in the growth rate of English learners, with 46% of these students meeting their growth targets in the latest assessments.

The district has seen a doubling in the number of English learners, and last year, 16 students successfully exited the program—an impressive increase from just a handful in previous years. This progress is expected to earn the district nearly five out of five points in the Alabama State Department of Education report card category dedicated to English learners, a crucial factor in the overall evaluation of the district's performance.

Key to this success has been the leadership of Jessica Gear Cantrell, the English Learner coordinator, and the board's commitment to providing adequate support and resources for teachers. The district has expanded its staff, ensuring that all high schools and most middle schools now have full-time positions dedicated to supporting English learners.

While the district is proud of its achievements, officials acknowledge that there is still work to be done. They are focused on maintaining this upward trajectory and continuing to improve educational outcomes for all students. The commitment to growth and support for English learners is not just a statistic; it represents a transformative effort to enhance educational equity within Madison County Schools.