Alabama board adopts 2023 science course of study after yearlong review

The Alabama State Board of Education voted Dec. 14, 2023, in Montgomery to adopt the 2023 Alabama Course of Study for Science following a yearlong development and a 45-day public comment period. The board approved the resolution by voice/hand vote.

The new course of study, developed by a statewide committee of teachers and science specialists, is intended to streamline learning expectations, promote active, inquiry-based instruction and better align Alabama standards with national science standards. Board members described the work as extensive and iterative; staff and committee leaders said late technical edits were incorporated to address remaining issues.

Two public speakers told the board the draft standards would support existing education programs that provide hands-on science learning. "We encourage students to explore career paths related to water," said Mona Dominguez, who identified herself as director of the Alabama Water Watch program at the Auburn University Water Resources Center and a coordinator with Alabama 4‑H. Dominguez said Alabama 4‑H programming complements classroom teaching by training students and educators to collect credible data and think critically about environmental problems.

Toni Brunner, identified as executive director of the Educators Association of Alabama, also voiced the group's support. "The revised science course of study streamlines standards and fills in gaps to better align with the national science standards," Brunner said, adding that her organization was "100% in support." Both speakers cited hands‑on learning and preparation for scientific careers as key benefits.

Department staff described committee work and the review timeline to the board. "This has been a long process, a yearlong process to get a new science course of study," said Doctor Mackey, who briefed the board on the committee's work. Mackey said the committee comprised roughly 40 members working in subcommittees, that the board received a list of updates after the work session and that two additional technical changes were accepted by the committee late in the process. Mackey also said the department plans to follow a similar multi‑stage process for the upcoming social studies and arts course‑of‑study updates.

Board members and staff emphasized that technical changes were limited in scope and that the document represents a collaborative effort across the state. The board approved the resolution after the presentation and public comment. The vote was conducted by voice/hand; a roll‑call tally was not read into the record.

Implementation steps discussed by staff include disseminating the approved document to districts, coordinating professional development for teachers and beginning the parallel review process for social studies next year.

The board will review additional implementation details and timelines in future work sessions.