Montgomery (AL) –Governor Kay Ivey signed four executive orders focusing on education this week and sent a memo to Department of Early Childhood Education. Governor Ivey consistently states that improving education outcomes for Alabama’s students is the top priority. These executive orders are the first step in a series of steps to help Alabama rank among the top 30 states for literacy and numeracy by the end her term.
Governor Ivey stated, “I am proud that these executive orders were signed and will provide a foundation for making sure every student in Alabama receives a quality education.” “This is just one of many steps that I will take during this term to improve Alabama’s math and reading performance. We are investing in our children’s future. By investing in their education we are investing in a better Alabama.
Executive Order No. Executive Order No. 729: Promoting early literacy through the establishment of a state-wide Dolly Parton’s Imagination library network
- Governor Ivey approved $4.1 million to roll out the program. This will ensure that every Alabamian receives age-appropriate books via mail every month from the time they turn five years old until they turn five.
- Parents have the right at any moment to opt out of their children.
Executive Order No. 730: Establishing Governor’s Commission on Teaching and Learning
- This commission is made up of diverse subject matter experts and will look at ways to improve the quality of elementary and secondary education in Alabama. It will then produce a report by December 1, 2023.
The following members are members of the commission:
- Former State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Joe Morton (Chair), President of Business Education Alliance
- Eric Mackey, State Superintendent of Education
- State Sen. Donnie Chesteen (R-SD29)
- Rep. Alan Baker (R-HD66)
- Rep. Barbara Drummond, D-HD103
- Dr. Melvin Brown, Superintendent of Montgomery City Schools
- Kyle Futral, Principal of Holtville High School
- Mountain Brook Schools Superintendent Dr. Dicky Barlow
- Booker T. Washington K-8 teacher Reggie White
- Donna McCurry, President of the Alabama Parent Teacher Association
- Derek Henderson, Alabaster City Schools Schoolboard member
- Retired Mississippi State Superintendent Dr. Carey Wright
- Ben Wallerstein is the co-founder and chief executive officer of Whiteboard Advisors.
Executive Order No. 731: Ensuring Progress towards Full Implementation of Vital Education Initiatives
- The state of Alabama launched many education-focused initiatives during Governor Ivey’s tenure in office. These include the Literacy Act (2019), Numeracy Act (2022), and the Computer Science for Alabama Act 2019 (2019). Additionally, a civics test requirement (2017) and the State Board of Education requirement that all high school graduates obtain a college- and career-ready indicator (2022).
- Executive Order No. Executive Order No. 731 requires the State Superintendent for Education to prepare a report detailing past progress and future actions to ensure that the initiatives are implemented as quickly as possible. These reports must be submitted by June 30, 2023.
Executive Order No. Executive Order No. 732: Establishing the K-12 Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Pilot program to increase Pathways to Teaching Profession
- The pilot program will offer an additional route–initially in areas where there is a shortage of teachers–for qualified paraprofessionals or teacher’s assistants to earn a Class A/Class B teaching certificate through demonstration of classroom competency.
- The Alabama Office of Apprenticeship, which is part of the Department of Commerce, will administer the pilot program.
In addition, Governor Ivey wrote a memo to Dr. Barbara Cooper, Secretary of Early Childhood Education. It directs the department prioritize the creation of First-Class Preschool classrooms in counties where at least 20% of the population is below the federal poverty guidelines. To achieve our education-based goals, Governor Ivey believes increased access to Alabama’s nationally-leading program is essential.
Executive Order No. 730
Executive Order No. 731
Executive Order No. 732
