State Board of Education votes changes to require more high school students to be career ready
Alabama has record low unemployment, but also has some of the worst labor participation rates in the country. On Thursday, the State Board of Education, led by Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, took bold action to change that. At Thursday’s meeting, the school board members voted in favor to intend to adopt an amended Alabama Administrative Code 290-3-1-.02 pertaining to regulations governing public schools. The new regs will require that Alabama public schools work more towards making sure that Alabama high school students are on a path toward either college or entering the workforce and not just passing along in the education system. “Today, Alabama took a productive step forward to better prepare our students for the workforce. We have got to close the gap between the graduation rate and the college and career readiness rate,” Gov. Ivey said in a statement. “This vote will help support our schools to do exactly that. To put this into perspective: For the classes of 2020 and 2021, the Alabama graduation rate was 92 percent; the college and career readiness rate was 76 percent. Folks that is a 16-percentage point gap, and we have to prepare Alabama students and workers for the jobs of tomorrow. Not only will we be closing the numbers gap here, we will be eliminating any opportunity gaps by making sure our students are ready to take the next step. Alabama parents want their children to graduate high school with the skills needed to excel in college and their career, and I share that goal. With the college and career readiness indicators, we now have more ways for students to demonstrate readiness than ever before. I am proud to take this important step to ensure every Alabama student has the opportunity for a successful future.” High school students graduating but then either not working or taking a series of part-time entry-level positions at minimum wage positions has long frustrated both employers and state workforce development, officials. There are numerous jobs available as truck drivers, nursing assistants, plumbers, pipefitters, welders, machinists, masons, diesel mechanics, cybersecurity specialists, corrections officers, law enforcement, etc. that do not require a college degree but do require some degree of training and skill development. State Rep. Danny Garrett (R-Trussville) chairs the House Ways and Means Education Committee in the Alabama House of Representatives. “What’s happened in the past is that teachers were steering people towards college, and not everybody is college material,” Garrett told Alabama Today. Garrett said that whether to take a college or a career path in high school would not be decided by the state. “We don’t want some educrat putting limits on the potential of the child,” Garrett said. “Ultimately, that is the decision between the parent and the child.” “We need to be candid with the parents of the child,” Garrett explained. “We can know a lot based on the testing that we have now.” Garrett said that the schools will still have to comply with federal special education law. “A lot of students have individualized education plans,” Garrett commented. “Those still have to be followed. You have to comply with the law. Sometimes the education plans are unrealistic.” “We need to set spending priorities,” Garrett said. “What we can’t do is spend everything that we are spending now and then add this on top of it. We need to be more strategic in our thinking.” Alabama Today asked if the students were going to be encouraged to go into trade schools. “We need to broaden our definition of what we mean by career ready,” Garrett said. “Technology has changed many fields and there is a huge demand for IT professionals.” Garrett stressed that technology has changed many fields, and the education system needs to keep up. “Auto mechanics is not the same as it once was now that you have the microchip,” Garrett stated. “Yes, we need to make sure that we have qualified instructors.” Currently, more Alabama students are on a pre-college path than will ever enroll in a college, much less actually get the degree. Many that do enroll in college are not prepared for college and have to enroll in remedial classes teaching subject matter that they should have learned in K-12…….and assuming student loan debt in the process. The new regulations are designed to identify a student’s interests and aptitude and then help get the skills training for them to enter into a career path so that when they finish high school they are prepared to directly enter the workforce, be admitted into a certificate program where they learn a trade, join the military, or go to a college or university. Workforce development has become a major concern to state economic planners as unemployment rates have never been lower, but far too many people are still living below the poverty line because they either lack the skills that industry needs today and are thus underemployed, or they are not in the workforce at all just getting by. The state needs to have to be able to provide skilled labor to potential employers who are considering locating in Alabama. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Women of Influence: State Board of Education member Jackie Zeigler
Jackie Zeigler has been a loyal servant of the public education system and the state of Alabama for over three decades. Born in Cleveland she moved to Mobile, Ala. and earned her Bachelors of Science and Master of Arts degrees in elementary education from the University of South Alabama in 1985, and went on to obtain an Administration and Supervision certificate from the same school. Jackie then began what would become a long and prominent career in the Mobile County School system as a school teacher at Dauphin Island’s Little Red School House in 1980 and later served as acting principal there. Zeigler then moved to Maryvale Elementary School in 1986 where she was a classroom teacher and Title One Coordinator. She then became Assistant Principal at O’Rourke Elementary School in the summer of 1996, and was also an adjunct professor of education at Springhill College where she taught curriculum. Jackie spent the next 14 years of her career as the principal at Mary B. Austin Elementary, during which time the school earned the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, before she finally retired. In 2016, Zeigler ran for the State Board of Education, District 1, against incumbent Matthew Brown who had been appointed to the position by former governor Robert Bentley, despite the fact he had very little experience in the education. Needless to say Zeigler’s 37 years of experience in education spoke for itself. She was sworn in on Jan. 24, 2017. “My hands-on experiences within the school setting that incorporated all the intricacies of curriculum, management, financial accountability, communication with all stakeholders (students, faculty and staff, parents, community) along with a myriad of other daily, fluid responsibilities cements my ability to bring a working knowledge to the SBOE table.” “I am a firm believer, and my open door policy during my school experience authenticated this belief, of maintaining lines of communication that are a two way street with the vital component of listening as the main focus. Listening is the most important aspect in any communication along with keeping an open mind to be a life long learner,” Zeigler told Alabama School Connection. If the name Zeigler sound familiar, thats because she’s married to Alabama’s current State Auditor Jim Zeigler. They have two children, James Baldwin, a graduate of Baker High School, and Mary Magdalene, a senior at Baker High School. Zeigler is a knowledgable woman, with many years of experience in the professional world, and was kind enough to answer some of Alabama Today’s questions about her life, work and influences: How have other women influenced your success? My mother was an excellent role model who showed me that hard work, determination, strong morals and work ethic along with a vision and focus would allow one to make a success in home life and career. My principal mentor who guided me by allowing hands-on experience in leadership roles. She challenged me to think outside the box and gave me opportunities to make a true difference in the lives of students. Her trust in me and my capabilities gave forth to a career that lasted 38 years resulting in a National Blue Ribbon award. Other educators with whom I came in to daily contact were my support team as well as my biggest critics. I quickly learned that everything one does in the school setting must have a positive impact on the students. Take “me” out of any equation or scenario. If what I am determined to do doesn’t have the best interests of the students first and foremost, then step back and punt. Your primary career is as an educator, what piqued your interest in public education? I knew I would be an educator beginning in the third grade. I was blessed to have various educational experiences because my family moved all across our great nation on an average of every 3 years. Private schooling, parochial schooling and public schooling, beginning in k’g through twelfth grade, afforded me the working knowledge of how various school settings work. It cemented my resolve in high school that education was my career of choice and I never looked back. What advice would you give young women considering careers in education? Go for it! My experience as a classroom teacher, Title I facilitator, assistant principal, principal and adjunct college professor all gave me the richest of rewards by working daily with students and other educators. I would challenge one to apply for and accept those situations that are beyond the norm. Utilizing all of one’s talents and abilities in settings that appear the most difficult end up being those of greatest return. Continue to grow through readings, seminars, lectures…never rest on your laurels because the impact you may have on student lives are worth every effort you impart. For her 37 years of service to the Mobile County School systems, and her willingness to continue to serve her community and state throughout her retirement, Jackie Zeigler is clearly an Alabama woman of influence.
Jackie Zeigler to vote at Creekwood Church, host watch party for Tuesday run-off
State School Board candidate Jackie Zeigler announced her plans for Election Day on Tuesday, which will see a run-off election between Zeigler and District 1 incumbent Matt Brown. Zeigler and Brown – both Republicans – faced off in a primary election back on March 1, with Zeigler edging Brown for the most votes with 36.79 of ballots cast to Brown’s 26.35 percent. But since neither garnered a majority, the election triggered a run-off. The race is expected to feature a relatively low turn out, as the School Board seat is the only office up for election Tuesday, besides a local commission seat in Covington County. The District 1 seat is a single-member district that takes in the counties of Baldwin, Butler, Conecuh, Crenshaw, Escambia and Mobile, plus the aforementioned Covington. Zeigler circulated an itinerary to members of the news media Monday afternoon ahead of Tuesday’s election: 7-9 a.m. – Poll greeting at her own poll, Creekwood Church of Christ, Schillenger Road, Mobile. 9 a.m. – Jackie will cast her vote at Creekwood, along with her husband Jim Zeigler, State Auditor 9 a.m. to 7 pm – Floating from poll to poll in Mobile County greeting voters and poll greeters. 7:30 p.m. – Election watch and victory party at the Zeigler home. 3071 Teal Court, Mobile. Zeigler will be joined throughout the day by her husband, State Auditor Jim Zeigler. Media and members of the public are invited to the Zeiglers’ home. Zeigler, a retired former National Blue Ribbon Award for Excellence-winning elementary school principal, is running on experience, saying 37 years as a teacher and administrator has prepared her better for the job than the 29-year-old Brown. Brown, meanwhile, says he has built a “strong record of listening to the people of south Alabama” since being appointed to the position by Gov. Robert Bentley in July 2015.
State incumbents overwhelmingly hold seats in Super Tuesday contests
While the state’s attention was likely on the presidential race and state races for U.S. Senate and House of Representatives seats, many state leaders were on the ballot and sailed to easy victories over their political opponents. In the race for Public Service Commission president, incumbent Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh trounced her Republican rival Terry Dunn. Cavanaugh claimed just over 63 percent of the vote, with just over 200,000 more votes than her opponent. In a decidedly closer vote, Jackie Zeigler won her bid to represent District 1 on the State Board of Education. Zeigler defeated her closest opponent, Republican Matthew Brown, by only 10 percentage points. Stephanie Bell won her bid for the District 3 seat on the State Board of Education over Justin Barkley, 59.75 percent to 40.25 percent. Perhaps the widest margin of victory in the State Board of Education race was claimed by Democrat Ella Bell, who was running for the District 5 seat. Bell dominated the race with more than 85 percent of the vote. The closest number in the Board of Education race came from the District 7 contest, in which Jim Bonner bested Jim Newman by less than 8 percentage points. Amendment 1, which is designed to require newly appointed circuit court judges and district attorneys to pay into their retirement fund, was also approved by voters. More than 62 percent of state voters said yes to the measure, with 37 percent voting against it. A local referendum in Shelby County, which would allow alcohol to be sold after noon on Sundays, was approved by nearly 70 percent of the county’s voters.
Joe Morton: Attracting and retaining the “best and brightest” teachers is key
Regardless of whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, a conservative or a liberal, all of us want to see improved student achievement year after year after year across all grades and in all schools in Alabama. Attracting and retaining talented educators is a key to achieving that goal, so, in 2015, the Business Education Alliance of Alabama (BEA) commissioned a research report titled “Teachers Matter: Rethinking How Public Education Recruits, Rewards and Retains Great Educators.” A key section of our report concentrated upon teacher evaluations and compared Alabama’s methodology to those of other states across the nation. We discovered that virtually every state, including ours, uses student improvement in academic achievement as a portion of their teacher evaluations. In some states, student achievement counts for as much as half of a teacher’s evaluation, while in Alabama the pilot program that has not been fully developed comprises just 25 percent, but our study revealed that all states feel it is integral to the overall score. Any state utilizing student academic growth for teacher evaluations must have quality assessments that are fair, relevant and remove any hints of bias. Alabama currently utilizes three such assessments – the ACT exam given to all high school students; the ACT Aspire given to all students in grades 3-8; and the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) funded by Congress and given to a fair sampling of students in grades 4 and 8 in all 50 states. The NAEP is called the “Nation’s Report Card,” and it is the only assessment that measures student progress in every state against a true national norm, but it cannot be used for teacher evaluation purposes since it is a “sampling” assessment. The high school ACT and the ACT Aspire can be used for the student academic growth portion of teacher evaluations, and both are already adopted by the State Board of Education. Alabama has a good student assessment program that provides excellent insight into our areas of strength and areas needing improvement. The latest ACT results from Alabama high schools show that roughly 16 percent of our students were ready for college-level coursework by scoring at benchmark levels in English, Mathematics, Reading and Science. The national average of students making benchmark scores on the ACT is 28 percent. The RAISE Act, which stands for “Rewarding Advancement in Instruction and Student Excellence,” is being sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh (R – Anniston) and calls for several “firsts” in Alabama while also supporting actions already taken by the State Board of Education. If enacted into law, the RAISE Act will make first year teachers the highest paid in the Southeast and attract more young people to the profession of teaching, provide funding to a first year mentoring program to ensure our new teachers are supported by a veteran teacher, create a rewards program for entire school faculties which gives incentives for either maintaining or improving already high quality results or for schools that show notable improvements in student achievement gains and provide bonuses to teachers who work in hard to staff positions in low performing schools, rural schools or both. It also changes the length of time provided for new teachers to attain tenure from the current three years to five. By combining quality teacher evaluations, a recruitment plan for hard to staff teaching jobs, a program for enhancing first year teacher success with a mentoring program, and a school-based rewards program based upon results, the RAISE Act can build a solid pathway to improved student achievement. If we continue to implement needed education reforms and innovations like the RAISE Act in Alabama’s public schools, every student can one day become career and college ready, and the better prepared workforce that results will allow our state’s economy to continue to grow. Teachers Matter! —- Dr. Joe Morton is a former state superintendent of education and currently serves as chairman and president of the Business Education Alliance of Alabama. He may be reached at jmorton@beaalabama.com.
Jackie Zeigler, spouse of state auditor, will run for Board of Education
Longtime educator and wife to a state cabinet member Jackie Zeigler will run for the Alabama Board of Education. Zeigler spent her 37-year career in the Mobile County School District, the last 14 as principal of Mary B. Austin Elementary. She says she will run on a “back-to-basics” platform that de-emphasizes the mandatory testing popular in recent years in the GOP-led state Legislature, to instead focus on individual needs of students. “We need less paperwork, less busy work, and more classroom instruction,” said Zeigler, who is married to state auditor Jim Zeigler, a colorful and opinionated voice in Montgomery. Zeigler touted her credentials and experience n an announcement declaring her candidacy for the District 1 board seat, which spans Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia, Conecuh, Butler, Crenshaw, and Covington counties. Saying she has “more experience working with schools than all other candidates combined,” Zeigler said she would seek guidance from a set of axioms which “includes a lot of Cs: Christian, Constitutional, Conservative, Church worker, Common sensical.” Zeigler, a Republican, faces Matthew Brown, Adam Bourne and Carl Myrick. If no candidate receives a majority of the vote when they face off during the March 1 so-called “SEC primary,” the two top finishers will face off in an April 12 runoff. Zeigler’s educational background includes bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education from the University of South Alabama. Before taking over the top job at Mary B. Austin, Zeigler was assistant principal of O’Rourke Elementary in west Mobile and an administrator at Maryvale Elementary and Dauphin Island’s “Little Red School House.”
