State board names Science of Reading Spotlight Schools, recognizes JAG national champions
Loading...
Summary
The board adopted a resolution naming multiple Science of Reading Spotlight Schools and recognized Jobs for Alabama Graduates (JAG) national champions; the department said spotlight schools will host professional development and serve as demonstration sites to spread Science of Reading practices under the Alabama Literacy Act.
The Alabama State Board of Education on June 9 adopted a resolution designating a group of schools as Science of Reading Spotlight Schools and publicly recognized Jobs for Alabama Graduates national champions and finalists.
The department said the Spotlight Schools designation builds on the Alabama Literacy Act and is intended to identify model sites where kindergarten-through-third-grade Science of Reading practices are implemented systemically and supported by reading coaches and school leadership. Selected schools will be asked to host professional-development sessions at the state MEGA conference, provide walk-throughs for visiting educators, and allow creation of short video vignettes demonstrating classroom practice and coaching.
Board staff named the 2022 Science of Reading Spotlight Schools and districts as follows: Russellville Elementary School (Russellville City Schools); Hackleburg Elementary School (Marion County); Cullman City Schools (district designation); Fife High School (DeKalb County); Central Elementary School (Tuscaloosa City); University Charter School; Centerpoint Elementary School (Jefferson County); Glencoe Elementary School (Etowah County); Shelby County Schools (district designation); Sophia P. Kingston (Selma City); Dadeville Elementary School (Tallapoosa County); Wetumpka Elementary School (Elmore County); Elsinore Elementary (Baldwin County); and Araton School (Dale County). The board resolution naming the spotlight schools was adopted unanimously.
Earlier in the meeting the board also recognized several students and teams from Jobs for Alabama Graduates who placed at the national Jobs for America’s Graduates Career Development Conference. The department introduced national champions including Emily Pierce (employability skills champion) representing Blount County Career Association; and the Knowledge Bowl team from Highland Home High School — Amber Majors, Savannah Edgar, Cheyenne Kinman and Diana Acosta — along with their JAG specialist, Leslie Flowers. Department presenters noted that this was the first-ever JAG national competition and celebrated the students’ results.
Why it matters: The spotlight-school network is intended to accelerate adoption of evidence-based early-reading instruction across districts by providing local demonstration sites and professional development resources. JAG recognitions highlight career-technical supports that serve students facing barriers to graduation.
What the board did not do: The transcript records the list of named schools and administrative plans for their role as demonstration sites but does not record specific follow-up funding commitments tied to the designation.
