The Alabama State Board of Education on Aug. 10 unanimously authorized reviews of educator-preparation programs at six universities, announced intent to adopt an administrative code change related to the annual apportionment of foundation program funds and adopted a resolution commending student-athlete Gabe Marsh.

The board approved motions to authorize program reviews at Alabama A&M University, Athens State University, Auburn University, Auburn University at Montgomery, the University of South Alabama and the University of West Alabama. Superintendent Eric Mackey described the reviews as part of implementing the UTeach model and Class B undergraduate programs in STEM subjects at several institutions. "UTeach is a model that was developed at the University of Texas in Austin...to marry STEM degree programs with teacher certification," Mackey said while summarizing the requests.

Nut graf: The resolutions were procedural authorizations to begin formal reviews of educator-preparation programs; board members said substantive vetting occurs during prior work sessions and that final approvals will follow recommendations arising from those reviews.

Summaries of approved reviews and actions

- Alabama A&M University: Authorized review to implement the UTeach model for STEM preparation (motion adopted unanimously).

- Athens State University: Authorized review for Class B undergraduate programs in biology, chemistry and mathematics (motion adopted unanimously).

- Auburn University: Authorized review for undergraduate programs in biology, general science, chemistry and physics (motion adopted unanimously).

- Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM): Authorized review for undergraduate courses in biology, general science, computer science and mathematics (motion adopted unanimously).

- University of South Alabama: Authorized review for undergraduate programs in biology, general science, chemistry, physics and mathematics (motion adopted unanimously).

- University of West Alabama: Authorized review for Class B undergraduate programs in biology, general science, computer science, chemistry and mathematics, and an alternate master's route in those STEM subjects (motion adopted unanimously).

Administrative rule notice

The board also voted to announce intent to adopt amended Alabama Administrative Code Rule 290-2-1-.01, which governs the annual apportionment of foundation program funds and alignment with legislative changes such as teacher pay raises. Dr. MacKenzie said the board will take three procedural steps because of timing: announce the rule now, consider an emergency adoption at the October meeting so the state can make the October payments, and adopt a permanent rule in November. "You'll actually vote on it 3 times," MacKenzie said.

Commendation for Gabe Marsh

The board adopted a resolution honoring Gabe Marsh, a student at Guntersville High School, as the 2023 recipient of the National Federation of State High School Associations Spirit of Sport award. Attorney General Steve Marshall and other guests spoke at the meeting; a video and remarks by Marsh and his adoptive mother were shown to the board. The resolution was adopted unanimously.

Votes at a glance: All items above passed by unanimous board vote.

Ending: The authorization votes send each educator-preparation program into a formal review process; final program approvals will follow staff reviews and recommendations at a later meeting.