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Board discusses support for chronically low-performing schools; department outlines transformation, mentoring and monitoring steps
Summary
State education officials described a layered system of technical assistance and intensive leader development for chronically low-performing schools while board members pressed for clarity on when the state escalates interventions.
Board members pressed department leaders on supports for chronically low-performing schools and how the department determines when to escalate interventions. ALSDE staff described a set of layered supports that include in-service center resources, ARI and math-coaching initiatives, the Alabama Teacher Mentoring Program and a ''transformation academy'' that offers intensive, cohort-based leadership training for principals and district leaders.
Staff said the department is increasing regional specialist staffing and creating hubs of support to deliver coordinated technical assistance. For schools designated as Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) or targeted-support (ATSI) campuses, ALSDE staff said the department requires continuous-improvement plans aligned to four domains (instruction, leadership, talent and culture) and offers targeted programmatic supports such as instructional coaching, literacy and math interventions, and monitoring visits.
Board members asked how the department acts when supports do not produce progress. Staff said the district's commitment, local leadership continuity and full utilization of supports are pivotal; the law provides a sequence of escalating interventions culminating in more rigorous state oversight if evidence of improvement is not forthcoming, but staff emphasized that the department favors collaborative, capacity-building approaches. The board also asked about the department''s use of federal ESSER funds; staff said districts must document planned uses through December drawdown deadlines and the department posts a public dashboard showing obligations and expenditures.
Board members reiterated interest in better communicating parental options under the Alabama Accountability Act where children attend low-performing schools, and department staff said it will continue outreach and maintain forms and notice procedures that districts must provide to parents.
