A+ Education Partnership urging Eric Mackey to implement new changes

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Alabama’s A+ Education Partnership, a Montgomery-based non-profit, called on newly chosen State Superintendent, Eric Mackey to focus his efforts on implementing four new education policies the partnership believes will boost student achievement across the state.

Mackey, who beat out Hoover City Schools Superintendent Kathy Murphy and Jefferson County Superintendent Craig Pouncey for the position in late April, started working in his new position on Monday.

“We have worked closely with Dr. Mackey for many years, and we look forward to continuing this partnership with him as our State Superintendent of Education,” said president of A+ Education Partnership, Caroline Novak.

“Dr. Mackey is keenly aware of the challenges facing Alabama’s schools, and he knows that change will not occur overnight. Our proposals are commonsense steps that can make an immediate impact for all children. We encourage his consideration and support as he works to unite Alabamians for educational progress.”

In January, The Columbia Group, a network of organizations from several states across the Southeast who work to improve education in their respective states; released a new study detailing the four new education policies they believe will improve student learning throughout the South.

The A+ Education Partnership assisted six other groups in publishing the study, titled: Accelerating the Pace: The Future of Education in the American South.

Although the study found that the South has made progress in recent decades, achievement gaps between more affluent students and historically disadvantaged classmates became more pronounced between 2005 and 2015.

To address these concerns, A+ is encouraging Mackey to implement these four priority areas for student improvement:

  • Make the South the best place to teach in the nation: Identify, recruit and retain teachers and principals who have the talent, preparation and continued support they need to help students succeed.

  • Provide new types of academic—and nonacademic—support for today’s students: Students need an array of support systems to help them deal with physical and emotional health issues that can impact their learning.

  • Clear the path for all students to their next steps in education and work: Build a much stronger, supportive bridge from high school into college, career training or a good job.

  • Ensure resources are adequate and targeted: Invest in education to meet the needs of every child, and consider additional support for students who need the most help to catch up.