Minutes of the State Board of Education

MINUTES OF THE ALABAMA STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION THE STATE OF ALABAMA MARCH 8, 2012 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA

The Alabama State Board of Education met for its regular meeting of Elementary/Secondary Education matters on Thursday, March 8, 2012, at 9:35 a.m., in the auditorium of the Gordon Persons Building, Montgomery, Alabama. The meeting was called by the Vice President of the Board in accordance with Alabama Code (1975), §16-3-7, as amended.

PRESIDING: MR. RANDY MCKINNEY, VICE PRESIDENT ALABAMA STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

The meeting was called to order by Mr. Randy McKinney. The invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance were held. The FFA Quartet from East Lawrence High School in the Lawrence County School System performed. On roll call, the following members were present:

Mrs. Ella B. Bell Mrs. Stephanie Bell Dr. Charles E. Elliott Mrs. Mary Scott Hunter Mrs. Betty Peters Dr. Yvette Richardson Mr. Randy McKinney, Vice President Mr. Gary Warren, President Pro Tem

Absent Governor Robert Bentley

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OF FEBRUARY 9, 2012

On motion by Mrs. Stephanie Bell and seconded by Mrs. Ella B. Bell, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the minutes.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Dr. Thomas R. Bice requested that the agenda be amended to add two items. Agenda Item G.2.g. pertained to personnel changes within the Department. Dr. Bice stated that on a regular basis he planned to keep the Board abreast of personnel changes within the Department. Item G.2.h. was a resolution in honor of Mrs. Sherry Key, Director, Career and Technical Education, upon her retirement effective April 1, 2012. On motion by Mrs. Stephanie Bell and seconded by Dr. Yvette Richardson, the Board voted unanimously to approve the agenda with the addition of the two items.

On motion by Mrs. Stephanie Bell and seconded by Mrs. Ella B. Bell, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the following:

RESOLUTION IN RECOGNITION OF SUZANNE B. CULBRETH, SPAIN PARK HIGH SCHOOL, HOOVER CITY SCHOOL SYSTEM, AS THE 2011 MATHEMATICS PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FINALIST

WHEREAS, now that we have entered the 21st century, proficiency in mathematics and science is more important than ever; and

WHEREAS the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, established in 1983 by the White House, are the nation’s highest honor bestowed upon K-12 mathematics and science teachers; and

WHEREAS, fewer than two hundred mathematics teachers throughout the nation, including Washington, D. C., Puerto Rico, schools of the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the United States territories, are selected each year as state finalists; and

WHEREAS, through the state selection committee, the 2011 state mathematics finalist was chosen from a number of applications in Alabama; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Suzanne B. Culbreth has demonstrated excellence in the Alabama mathematics classroom for 27 years; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Suzanne B. Culbreth of Spain Park High School, Hoover City School System, was chosen as the 2011 finalist in Alabama to receive an award for excellence in mathematics teaching: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby commend Mr. Chris Shaw, Principal of Spain Park High School, and Mr. Andy Craig, Superintendent of the Hoover City School System, for their support of Mrs. Suzanne B. Culbreth.

Done this 8th day of March 2012

On motion by Mrs. Mary Scott Hunter and seconded by Dr. Yvette Richardson, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the following:

RESOLUTION IN RECOGNITION OF CHANDA W. DAVIS, HUNTSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL, HUNTSVILLE CITY SCHOOL SYSTEM, AS THE 2011 SCIENCE PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FINALIST

WHEREAS, now that we have entered the 21ST century, proficiency in mathematics and science is more important than ever; and

WHEREAS the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, established in 1983 by the White House, are the nation’s highest honor bestowed upon K-12 mathematics and science teachers; and

WHEREAS, fewer than two hundred science teachers throughout the nation, including Washington, D. C., Puerto Rico, schools of the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the United States territories, are selected each year as state finalists; and

WHEREAS, through the state selection committee, the 2011 state science finalist was chosen from a number of applications in Alabama; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Chanda W. Davis has demonstrated excellence in the Alabama science classroom for 13 years; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Chanda W. Davis of Huntsville High School, Huntsville City School System, was chosen as the 2011 finalist in Alabama to receive an award for excellence in science teaching:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby commend Mrs. Leslie Esneault, Principal of Huntsville High School, and Dr. E. Casey Wardynski, Superintendent of the Huntsville City School System, for their support of Mrs. Chanda W. Davis.

On motion by Mr. Gary Warren and seconded by Dr. Charles Elliott, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the following:

RESOLUTION IN RECOGNITION OF ROBERT PATRICK, PHIL CAMPBELL HIGH SCHOOL, FRANKLIN COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM, 2012 NATIONAL BAND DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD RECIPIENT

WHEREAS, the Alabama State Board of Education supports efforts to reward Alabama’s outstanding educators for their contributions to the educational experiences of Alabama’s students; and

WHEREAS, the National Association for Music Education and the United States Army All-American Bowl acknowledge the contribution of music education to the development of America’s youth; and

WHEREAS, the National Association for Music Education’s National Band Director of the Year Award was first presented in 2011 to honor the band director who has been an inspiration to students and music educators and who by his or her actions embodies the United States Army’s core values; and

WHEREAS, the National Association for Music Education and the United States Army All-American Bowl Selection Committee chose Mr. Robert Patrick, a 16-year veteran, for the National Band Director of the Year Award based on the leadership and commitment he has shown during his tenure as band director at Phil Campbell High School in the Franklin County School System; and

WHEREAS, on April 27, 2011, an EF-5 tornado demolished the band room at Phil Campbell High School, resulting in the loss of the entire music library and 90 percent of the instruments and equipment; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Robert Patrick worked tirelessly to raise over $200,000 in funds to restore the band program; and

WHEREAS, under Mr. Robert Patrick’s leadership, Phil Campbell’s High School band program has received superior ratings at the Alabama State and District Concert Festival and received Best in Class and Best Overall Marching Awards:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby commend Mr. Robert Patrick for achieving this prestigious honor and becoming Alabama’s first recipient of the National Band Director of the Year Award; and

2 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby commend Mrs. Cindy Davis, Principal of Phil Campbell High School, and Mr. Gary Williams, Superintendent of the Franklin County School System, for their support of Mr. Robert Patrick.

On motion by Mrs. Stephanie Bell and seconded by Dr. Yvette Richardson, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the following:

RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING ALABAMA’S “GROW OUR OWN” INITIATIVE AND “FUTURE TEACHERS OF ALABAMA” ORGANIZATION

WHEREAS, the Alabama Department of Education and the Alabama Education Association (AEA) have formed a partnership dedicated to encouraging Alabama’s students to pursue a career in the teaching profession; and

WHEREAS, research shows there will be an even greater demand for highly qualified teachers in the next decade; and

WHEREAS, the Future Teachers of Alabama (FTA) organization and the TEACH Alabama program are innovative approaches focused on attracting more talented students to careers in the field of education; and

WHEREAS, the Future Teachers of Alabama organization and the TEACH Alabama program are rigorous, progressive, and vital parts of Alabama’s total education system; and

WHEREAS, these programs are committed to providing students with opportunities to gain valuable hands-on experiences through internships, classroom observations, and project-based learning; and

WHEREAS, Future Teachers of Alabama and TEACH Alabama started the “Grow Our Own” initiative to provide Alabama’s local school systems with additional opportunities to focus on activities that promote teaching as a career, highlight the importance of America’s educators, and encourage students to strongly consider the field of education as a future career choice; and

WHEREAS, the Alabama Education Association and the Alabama Department of Education also want to honor the service, dedication, and professionalism of Alabama’s educators:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby recognize Alabama’s “Grow Our Own” initiative and the “Future Teachers of Alabama” organization, and encourages local boards of education and all educational organizations statewide to support these special programs through activities that demonstrate the true importance of the teaching profession, and the opportunities it provides for students to achieve personal and professional success.

On motion by Mrs. Ella B. Bell and seconded by Mrs. Stephanie Bell, the Board voted unanimously to approve the following:

RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE REVIEW OF A TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY Tuskegee, Alabama

WHEREAS, the Alabama Administrative Code, Rule No. 290-3-3-.56(2)(b)2.(ii), requires that approval by the Alabama State Board of Education shall be secured before a proposal for a new program is reviewed by the Teacher Education and Certification Section of the State Department of Education; and

WHEREAS, the State Superintendent of Education has received from the Chief Administrative Officer of Tuskegee University a written request to develop a new program and submit it for review; and

WHEREAS, the request lists the specific proposed program for which the Alabama State Board of Education approval is being sought, together with information concerning the factors to be taken into account in determining the need for the program; and

WHEREAS, the Tuskegee University personnel have been advised that the proposed program may not be implemented prior to Alabama State Board of Education approval based on documentation of compliance with all applicable standards; and

WHEREAS, the State Superintendent of Education recommends that the program be reviewed by the Teacher Education and Certification Section of the State Department of Education:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education hereby authorizes a review of the following program.

Class A Elementary Education (K-6)

Done this 8th day of March 2012 3 RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE REVIEW OF A TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY Tuskegee, Alabama

WHEREAS, the Alabama Administrative Code, Rule No. 290-3-3-.56(2)(b)2.(ii), requires that approval by the Alabama State Board of Education shall be secured before a proposal for a new program is reviewed by the Teacher Education and Certification Section of the State Department of Education; and

WHEREAS, the State Superintendent of Education has received from the Chief Administrative Officer of Tuskegee University a written request to develop a new program and submit it for review; and

WHEREAS, the request lists the specific proposed program for which the Alabama State Board of Education approval is being sought, together with information concerning the factors to be taken into account in determining the need for the program; and

WHEREAS, the Tuskegee University personnel have been advised that the proposed program may not be implemented prior to Alabama State Board of Education approval based on documentation of compliance with all applicable standards; and

WHEREAS, the State Superintendent of Education recommends that the program be reviewed by the Teacher Education and Certification Section of the State Department of Education:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education hereby authorizes a review of the following program.

Class A Elementary Education (K-6)

On motion by Mrs. Mary Scott Hunter and seconded by Dr. Charles E. Elliott, the Board voted unanimously to approve the following:

APPROVAL AND RATIFICATION OF POSITIONS ESTABLISHED THROUGH REORGANIZATION

A copy of this information is filed in the Board folder dated March 8, 2012.

On motion by Mr. Gary Warren and seconded by Mrs. Ella B. Bell, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the following:

RESOLUTION COMMENDING SHERRY A. KEY UPON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT FROM THE ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

WHEREAS, Sherry A. Key, Director of Career and Technical Education, has announced her intent to retire from the Alabama Department of Education effective on April 1, 2012; and

WHEREAS, Sherry A. Key graduated from Auburn University with Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Education Science degrees; and

WHEREAS, Sherry A. Key worked as a Registered Nurse, Hospital Director of Nursing, Health Occupations Teacher and HOSA Advisor, and Career and Technical Education Director for the Troy/Pike Center of Technology; and

WHEREAS, Sherry A. Key joined the Alabama Department of Education on July 2, 2001, as an Education Administrator in the Curriculum Innovations/Special Projects Unit of the Career and Technical Education Section; and

WHEREAS, Sherry A. Key was named the Director of Career and Technical Education in July 2006; and

WHEREAS, Sherry A. Key has been instrumental in providing leadership for many reforms and initiatives affecting career and technical education in Alabama, to include developing and implementing a course of study that encompasses over 300 courses and supporting Plans of Instruction, securing the College Access Challenge Grant that has served over 100,000 students in the past two years, converting career and technical education from 5 program areas to 16 different clusters, developing the Early College Enrollment Program for the LPN program, expanding the State Advisory Council to include representatives from all Workforce Development Regions, and initiating the development and implementation of the Alabama State Scholars Initiative; and

WHEREAS, Sherry A. Key has served on various national boards to include the Southern Regional Education Board, the Future Farmers of America, and the National Association of State Career and Technical Education Directors; and

WHEREAS, Sherry A. Key is described by her coworkers as demonstrating a high level of passion for (1) student learning, (2) teacher professionalism, (3) collaborative partnerships with all segments of education and

4 business/industry, (4) changing the perception of career and technical education in Alabama, and, last but certainly not least, (5) her beloved Auburn Tigers; and

WHEREAS, the State Superintendent of Education recommends approval:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby commend Sherry A. Key for her years of service to career and technical education in Alabama and does hereby wish her a very happy, healthy, and long retirement.

Superintendent’s Report:

A presentation was made to the Board, the Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI). The report findings, by the United States Department of Education, indicated that a $3 million study over a five-year period revealed significant effectiveness of AMSTI and demonstrated significant effectiveness on student achievement. Dr. Thomas R. Bice thanked Mr. Steve Ricks, Director, and Ms. Jean Scott, SERVE Senior Education Policy Research Analyst, for their work with this project. A copy of this report is filed in the Board folder dated March 8, 2012.

Dr. Bice informed Board members of the Department’s participation in the Alabama State Employees Combined Charitable Campaign (United Way of Alabama). He reported that for 15 years, the Department has been recognized by the State Combined Campaign as the Number One large state agency, with 500 plus employees, for raising the most money over its monetary goal. The State Department of Education Accounting Section was recognized as raising the most money over its monetary goal within the Department. Dr. Bice recognized Ms. Beverly Davis, State Superintendent’s Office, for her role in this endeavor. A copy of this report is filed in the Board folder dated March 8, 2012.

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 10:34 a.m.

Vice President

Secretary and Executive Officer