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State board adopts new English language arts course of study despite dissent from one member
Summary
The Alabama State Board of Education voted to adopt a new English language arts state course of study after debate; Board member Stephanie Bell opposed the adoption, saying teachers and parents raised concerns and asking for more time and open work sessions.
The Alabama State Board of Education voted to adopt a new English language arts state course of study after discussion and a roll-call vote, with at least two members opposing the measure.
The board approved the resolution to adopt the English language arts state course of study after a motion to adopt was made by Yvette Richardson and seconded by Tracy West. Board member Stephanie Bell announced she would vote against the standards, saying teachers and parents in her district had raised concerns and asking the board to allow more time and a public work session to correct what she described as deficiencies.
Bell, who identified herself as an English major during remarks to the board, said she appreciated the work invested in the document but that “there are some problems that could be corrected if we had more time.” She said she had heard concerns from teachers and parents at every level and said the board should consider open work sessions rather than relying on email and separate individual meetings for deliberation.
Board member Yvette Richardson, who moved adoption, said the course framework reflects content standards and vertical alignment that superintendents and teachers in her district had discussed and that it allows districts to develop pacing guides and classroom materials. Richardson told the board she had spoken with superintendents and teachers and believed key issues—including phonics and alignment—had been addressed.
On the roll call, the board recorded the following votes: Stephanie Bell — No; Dr. Tanya Chestnut — Yes; Governor Ivey — Yes; Dr. Cynthia McCarty — Yes; Miss McRae — Yes; Dr. Reynolds — No; Yvette Richardson — Yes; Missus West — Yes; Missus Ziegler — No. The chair announced that the vote carried.
The board did not identify any change to implementation dates in the motion. Board members who voted for adoption said the document is a framework that local districts will use to develop curricula and pacing guides; members who opposed said they wanted additional public-facing deliberations before adoption.
The board moved on to other agenda items after the vote.
