State Board adopts digital literacy, appoints world‑languages committee; recognizes two schools and names January gifted-education month

The Alabama State Board of Education on Dec. 11 unanimously adopted a Digital Literacy and Computer Science State Course of Study and voted to appoint a World Languages State Course of Study Committee for 2026, the board announced during its monthly meeting in Montgomery.

Dr. Mackey, identified in the transcript as “Doctor Mackey,” told the board the digital literacy and computer science standards had been presented at last month’s work session and recommended final approval. “It’s voluntary implementation six months from now and then required implementation the year after that,” Dr. Mackey said, describing the planned rollout. The board moved, seconded and approved the resolution by unanimous voice vote.

At the same time, the board approved a resolution creating the World Languages committee, which Dr. Mackey said will be chaired by Dr. John Moore, the superintendent in Leeds. Dr. Mackey noted the committee will study standards and alternative delivery for less commonly taught languages, such as Korean and Chinese, and help address teacher shortages in critical languages.

The board also adopted several other unanimous resolutions. It recognized Meek Elementary School (Winston County) and New Bethel Elementary School (Calvert County School System) as National Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) distinguished schools and declared January 2026 Gifted Education Month in Alabama schools. Dr. Mackey said the inclusion of support for gifted educators in recent legislation was important; the transcript uses both “RAISE Act” and later “RISE Act” when referring to that legislation.

Board members approved the board’s K–12 meeting and work-session calendar for 2026, including a Jan. 8 meeting to be held in Mobile at the University of South Alabama. The board’s procedural items — adoption of the meeting agenda and approval of the Nov. 13 minutes — passed by unanimous vote at the start of the meeting.

In a brief staff report, Dr. Mackey previewed two work-session items: a newly formatted higher education report card and the first report from the teacher paperwork reduction committee. He also said discussions about textbooks — referenced in the October work session — will resume no earlier than the February 2026 work session. Dr. Mackey closed his report with a personal announcement: the birth of Rexford Jackson Moore, 6 pounds, 4 ounces.

The board announced its next meeting will be Thursday, Jan. 8 at 10 a.m. at the University of South Alabama (faculty club) in Mobile and then adjourned.