reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 5 - Alabama Commission on Higher Education. › Article 3 - Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program. › Section 16-5-50 - Program Created.

Section 16-5-50
THIS SECTION WAS ASSIGNED BY THE CODE COMMISSIONER IN THE 2018 REGULAR SESSION, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2018. THIS IS NOT IN THE CURRENT CODE SUPPLEMENT.
The Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program is created pursuant to this article.
(Act 2018-504, §1.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 5 - Alabama Commission on Higher Education. › Article 3 - Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program. › Section 16-5-51 - Purpose.

Section 16-5-51
Purpose.
The purpose of the Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program is twofold:
(1) To encourage individuals to enroll in and complete programs leading to Alabama certification in mathematics, science, or computer science.
(2) To improve the educational system in Alabama by encouraging those who complete the program to accept math, science, or computer science teaching positions in Alabama public schools, preferably in public school systems, including charter schools, where the shortage of math, science, or computer science teachers, or any combination of the three, is most acute, or in a school that has been designated as a failing school, or any other term adopted to identify an underperforming school, by the State Board of Education or the Legislature.
(Act 2018-504, §2; Act 2021-389, §1.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 5 - Alabama Commission on Higher Education. › Article 3 - Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program. › Section 16-5-52 - Definitions.

Section 16-5-52
Definitions.
For the purposes of this article, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1) APPROVED INSTITUTION. A state-supported institution of higher education or a private nonprofit institution of higher education that satisfies all of the following:
a. Is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
b. Is approved by the State Board of Education to prepare teachers of middle level or secondary math, science, or computer science.
c. Is eligible to receive Title IV federal student aid program funds.
d. Maintains its primary headquarters in Alabama.
(2) CHARTER SCHOOL. A form of public school. A teacher employed by a charter school accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is eligible to participate in the program. A teacher employed by a charter school is not eligible for the acute shortage area supplement provided in this article.
(3) COMMISSION. The Alabama Commission on Higher Education.
(4) ELIGIBLE APPLICANT. A person who satisfies the criteria set out in this article and is eligible under rules adopted by the commission.
(5) PROGRAM. The Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program created by this article and administered by the commission that provides loan repayments to a teacher with a valid Alabama professional educator certificate endorsed in math, science, or computer science who teaches math, science, or computer science courses for which the teacher is properly certified for three-fourths of the full-time teaching load in the Alabama public school system.
(6) SCIENCE. Biology, chemistry, physics, and general science.
(7) YEAR. A school year that shall be divided into fall and spring semesters. The term does not mean calendar, fiscal, or scholastic year.
(Act 2018-504, §3; Act 2021-389, §1.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 5 - Alabama Commission on Higher Education. › Article 3 - Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program. › Section 16-5-53 - Administration of Program; Rulemaking Authority.

Section 16-5-53
Administration of program; rulemaking authority.
The Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program shall be administered by the commission, which may adopt any rules necessary for the administration of the program.
(Act 2018-504, §4; Act 2021-389, §1.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 5 - Alabama Commission on Higher Education. › Article 3 - Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program. › Section 16-5-54 - Applicant Requirements.

Section 16-5-54
Applicant requirements.
(a) To be eligible for the base program of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) per semester for math and science teachers and one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) per semester for computer science teachers, an applicant shall satisfy all of the following:
(1) Be a graduate of a State Board of Education approved program in math, science, or computer science, at the baccalaureate or master's level after the 2018 spring semester term from an approved Alabama institution and hold an initial middle level or secondary professional educator certificate endorsed in math, science, or computer science that was issued based upon completion of the approved program in math, science, or computer science. A teacher who only earns a passing score on the Praxis test in math, science, or computer science to add a certificate endorsement for math, science, or computer science, and who has not completed an entire approved program, does not satisfy this requirement.
(2) Holds a valid Alabama professional educator certificate endorsed in middle level or secondary math, science, or computer science, or any combination of the three.
(3) Teaches a schedule in which at least three-fourths of the full-time teaching load is comprised of math, science, or computer science in an Alabama public school system.
(4) Is a citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States.
(5) Is a resident of Alabama and provides documentation proving a permanent connection to the State of Alabama. The commission shall accept any one of the following as proof of residency:
a. A current valid Alabama driver's license.
b. A current valid Alabama vehicle registration.
c. A current valid Alabama voter registration card.
(6) Has outstanding federal student loans, subsidized or unsubsidized.
(7) Satisfies additional continuing eligibility criteria established by the commission.
(b) In order to receive an additional supplement pursuant to this article, in addition to the criteria listed in subsection (a), a recipient shall also teach math, science, or computer science, or any combination of the three, in a public school system within the state with an acute teacher shortage in math, science, or computer science, or any combination of the three, for which the teacher is properly certified, as identified by the commission in consultation with the State Department of Education or in a school that has been designated as a failing school, or any other term adopted to identify an underperforming school, by the State Board of Education or the Legislature.
(Act 2018-504, §5; Act 2021-389, §1.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 5 - Alabama Commission on Higher Education. › Article 3 - Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program. › Section 16-5-54.1 - Individuals Eligible for Benefits; Eligibility Criteria.

Section 16-5-54.1
Individuals eligible for benefits; eligibility criteria.
(a) Beginning in the fall semester of 2021, the benefits outlined in subsection (a) of Section 16-5-54 shall apply to the following eligible individuals, pending authorization to teach in Alabama and subsequent employment in an Alabama public school:
(1) An individual who graduated from a regionally accredited college or university in Alabama or in another state who is certified to teach math, science, or computer science in another state, and who may or may not reside within Alabama.
(2) An individual who resides in another state and is a graduate of a State Board of Education approved program in math, science, or computer science, at the baccalaureate or master's level after the 2021 spring semester term from an approved Alabama institution and who holds an initial middle-level or secondary professional educator certificate endorsed in math, science, or computer science that was issued based upon completion of the approved program in math, science, or computer science. A teacher who only earns a passing score on the Praxis test in math, science, or computer science to add a certificate endorsement for math, science, or computer science and who has not completed an entire approved program, does not satisfy this requirement.
(b) The individuals listed in subsection (a) shall also satisfy all of the following criteria:
(1) Hold a valid Alabama professional educator certificate endorsed in middle-level or secondary math, science, or computer science, or any combination of the three.
(2) Teach a schedule in which at least three-fourths of the full-time teaching load is comprised of math, science, or computer science courses for which the teacher is properly certified in an Alabama public school system.
(3) Be citizens or lawful permanent residents of the United States.
(4) Have outstanding federal student loans, subsidized or unsubsidized.
(5) Satisfy additional continuing eligibility criteria established by the commission.
(c) In order to receive an additional supplement pursuant to this article, in addition to the criteria listed in subsections (a) and (b), a recipient shall also teach math, science, or computer science courses, or any combination of the three, for which he or she is properly certified, in a school system within the state with an acute teacher shortage in math, science, or computer science, or any combination of the three, as identified by the commission in consultation with the State Department of Education or in a school that has been designated as a failing school, or any other term subsequently adopted to identify underperforming schools, by the State Board of Education or the Legislature.
(Act 2021-389, §2.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 5 - Alabama Commission on Higher Education. › Article 3 - Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program. › Section 16-5-54.2 - Program Eligibility Pursuant to Employment and Teaching Load Requirements.

Section 16-5-54.2
Program eligibility pursuant to employment and teaching load requirements.
Beginning after the 2021 spring semester, an individual issued an Alabama bachelor's level professional educator certificate in math, science, or computer science, upon completion of an alternative certification program pursuant to Section 16-23-3, may be eligible for the program if he or she satisfies all employment and teaching load requirements provided in subdivision (a)(3) of Section 16-5-54. The individual may only be reimbursed for tuition and mandatory instructional fees for not more than 12 semester credit hours of the college courses required for earning an alternative certificate in order to obtain a professional educator certificate in math, science, or computer science. The individual shall provide the State Department of Education and the commission with documentation concerning the cost incurred for the course work. These funds are considered income by the Internal Revenue Service, and recipients shall be made aware of that fact.
(Act 2021-389, §2.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 5 - Alabama Commission on Higher Education. › Article 3 - Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program. › Section 16-5-56 - Rehearings.

Section 16-5-56
Rehearings.
Any person or institution aggrieved by the actions of the commission in its administration of the program, by written petition filed with the commission within 30 days after notice of the action complained of, may request a rehearing by the commission. The commission shall schedule the requested rehearing not less than 20, nor more than 30, days after receipt of the petition. The aggrieved party may present written and oral evidence supporting its petition and may be represented by counsel. The decision of the commission following the rehearing shall be final.
(Act 2021-389, §2.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 6 - Alabama Education Study Commission. › Section 16-6-1 - Created; Membership; Appointment; Terms; Vacancies; Meetings; Compensation.

Section 16-6-1
Created; membership; appointment; terms; vacancies; meetings; compensation.
Repealed by Act 2015-70 effective April 21, 2015.
(Acts 1969, Ex. Sess., No. 15, p. 35, §1.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 6 - Alabama Education Study Commission. › Section 16-6-2 - Organization; Quorum; Majority Vote.

Section 16-6-2
Organization; quorum; majority vote.
Repealed by Act 2015-70 effective April 21, 2015.
(Acts 1969, Ex. Sess., No. 15, p. 35, §2.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 6 - Alabama Education Study Commission. › Section 16-6-3 - Employees; Contracts for Services.

Section 16-6-3
Employees; contracts for services.
Repealed by Act 2015-70 effective April 21, 2015.
(Acts 1969, Ex. Sess., No. 15, p. 35, §3.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 6 - Alabama Education Study Commission. › Section 16-6-5 - Cooperation of State Superintendent of Education and Other Agencies; Authority to Summon and Examine Officials and Records; Use of Facilities, etc., of Other Agencies.

Section 16-6-5
Cooperation of State Superintendent of Education and other agencies; authority to summon and examine officials and records; use of facilities, etc., of other agencies.
Repealed by Act 2015-70 effective April 21, 2015.
(Acts 1969, Ex. Sess., No. 15, p. 35, §5.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 6 - Alabama Education Study Commission. › Section 16-6-5.1 - Alabama Education Study Commission Designated as Standards of Excellence Commission; Responsibilities of Commission.

Section 16-6-5.1
Alabama Education Study Commission designated as standards of excellence commission; responsibilities of commission.
Repealed by Act 2015-70 effective April 21, 2015.
(Acts 1991, No. 91-323, p. 602, §24.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 6 - Alabama Education Study Commission. › Section 16-6-6 - Acceptance of Gifts, Etc.

Section 16-6-6
Acceptance of gifts, etc.
Repealed by Act 2015-70 effective April 21, 2015.
(Acts 1969, Ex. Sess., No. 15, p. 35, §7.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 6A - Programs for Improving Education. › Section 16-6A-2 - Definitions.

Section 16-6A-2
Definitions.
For purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them by this section:
(1) A.C.H.E. The Alabama Commission on Higher Education.
(2) BOARD or BOARD OF EDUCATION. The State Board of Education.
(3) COMMISSION. The Governor's Educational Reform Commission created by this chapter.
(4) CRITICAL NEEDS AREAS. Those curriculum and teaching areas where there is an urgent need for action. These areas include mathematics, science, computer education and other areas to be identified from time to time by the State Board of Education.
(5) IN-SERVICE EDUCATION. The training of regularly certified education professionals who hold positions in the public schools of the state.
(6) LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCIES. County and city boards of education and the school systems over which these boards of education have authority.
(7) PLAN FOR EXCELLENCE. A Plan for Excellence; Alabama's Public Schools, a report to the Alabama State Board of Education, Governor George C. Wallace, President and to the Legislature and people of Alabama dated January 12, 1984.
(8) SUPERINTENDENT. The Alabama State Superintendent of Education.
(9) PUBLIC EDUCATION. For purposes of this chapter, public education means kindergarten through the twelfth grade.
(Acts 1984, No. 84-622, p. 1260, §2.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 6A - Programs for Improving Education. › Section 16-6A-3 - Legislative Intent.

Section 16-6A-3
Legislative intent.
The Legislature finds that a true need exists within the state for improving education. In furtherance of this goal, a "plan for excellence" and other reform reports have been submitted to the Legislature and the Governor, including therein numerous recommendations that we strongly endorse. It is the intent of the Legislature to promote and support the Governor's recommended program for improving education. It is further the intent of the Legislature that the elements of the Governor's program be implemented and that every effort be made to utilize appropriations provided herein and otherwise recommended for each of these areas. It shall be incumbent upon and the responsibility of each board of education, superintendent, principal and teacher to help provide the implementation of the program.
(Acts 1984, No. 84-622, p. 1260, §3.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 6A - Programs for Improving Education. › Section 16-6A-4 - Governor's Program for Improving Education.

Section 16-6A-4
Governor's program for improving education.
The Governor's program for improving education shall be implemented subject to sufficient appropriations as provided for herein or as provided for in any other appropriation legislation for public education in the state. Such program shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(1) Establishment of the Governor's Educational Reform Commission;
(2) Development of a comprehensive plan for improving courses in critical needs areas;
(3) Authorization for an emergency source of teachers in critical needs areas;
(4) Provision for a scholarship loan program for undergraduate students enrolled in critical needs areas;
(5) Establishment of a tuition grant program for presently certified teachers to add critical needs areas;
(6) Development of regional in-service education centers for teachers in critical needs areas;
(7) Increase in teacher salaries;
(8) Full statewide kindergarten program;
(9) Replacement of school buses;
(10) Library enhancement;
(11) Burned-out schools program.
(Acts 1984, No. 84-622, p. 1260, §4.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 6A - Programs for Improving Education. › Section 16-6A-5 - Governor's Educational Reform Commission - Composition; Funding.

Section 16-6A-5
Governor's Educational Reform Commission - Composition; funding.
(a) There is hereby created the Governor's Educational Reform Commission. Such commission shall be composed of the Governor, the State Superintendent of Education, the President of the Alabama Parent-Teacher Association, the Executive Director of the Alabama Education Association, the Executive Director of the Alabama Association of School Boards, the Executive Director of the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, the president of the Alabama Education Association, the Executive Director of the Alabama Council of School Administrators and Supervisors, the Chancellor of postsecondary education, one member who shall be a business person appointed by the Governor upon the recommendation of the Alabama Association of School Boards, one member of the Senate appointed by the Governor, one member of the House of Representatives appointed by the Governor, and three black members appointed by the Governor as hereinafter provided. Within 90 days after the passage of this chapter, the Governor shall appoint the aforementioned three members to the commission. Members by virtue of their position shall serve on the commission as long as they serve in their respective position. Members appointed by the Governor shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments were made.
(b) To fund the duties and responsibilities enumerated in this chapter for said commission, there is hereby appropriated to the Governor's Educational Reform Commission from the Education Trust Fund the sum of $100,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1985.
(Acts 1984, No. 84-622, p. 1260, §5.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 6A - Programs for Improving Education. › Section 16-6A-6 - Governor's Educational Reform Commission - Chairperson; Meetings; Rules for Conducting Business; Expenses; Employment of Staff.

Section 16-6A-6
Governor's Educational Reform Commission - Chairperson; meetings; rules for conducting business; expenses; employment of staff.
(a) The Governor shall designate one member of the commission as the chairperson. Such chairperson shall call the meetings of the commission.
(b) The commission may hold such meetings as it may deem necessary. The commission shall adopt rules for its organization in the conduct of its business. A majority of the members of the commission shall constitute a quorum at all its meetings.
(c) Members of the commission shall receive the per diem and travel expenses allowed by law for state officers and employees while engaged in the performance of their duties.
(d) The commission is authorized to employ such staff as are necessary to assist the commission in performing the duties required by this chapter. The number of employees, their compensation and the other expenditures of the commission shall be within the limits and in compliance with the appropriation made therefor by the Legislature and within budgets that shall be approved from time to time by the commission.
(Acts 1984, No. 84-622, p. 1260, §6.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 6A - Programs for Improving Education. › Section 16-6A-7 - Governor's Educational Reform Commission - to Study Education Reform; Serve in Advisory Capacity; Make Reports to Governor and Legislature; Dissolution; Not to Duplicate Education Board.

Section 16-6A-7
Governor's Educational Reform Commission - To study education reform; serve in advisory capacity; make reports to Governor and Legislature; dissolution; not to duplicate education board.
The commission may study all levels of public education and shall monitor the incorporation of educational reform legislation into existing school programs. It shall also serve in an advisory capacity to the Governor and the Legislature in respect to all existing and future reform legislation and means of funding such programs. One year after May 31, 1984, and each year thereafter, the commission shall make an annual report to the Governor or to the Legislature; however, upon the request of either the Governor or Legislature, reports may be made at any time. The commission shall be dissolved at the end of three years unless otherwise continued by resolution of the Legislature.
It is the express intent of the Legislature that the commission not duplicate any responsibilities of the State Board of Education.
(Acts 1984, No. 84-622, p. 1260, §7.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 6A - Programs for Improving Education. › Section 16-6A-8 - Governor's Educational Reform Commission - Additional Powers and Duties.

Section 16-6A-8
Governor's Educational Reform Commission - Additional powers and duties.
In addition but not limited to the powers and duties otherwise specified in this chapter, the commission shall have the following duties:
(1) To study and make recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature concerning mechanisms for increasing financial support of public education;
(2) To study and make recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature concerning the state funding formula, including consideration of incentive plans to increase local support;
(3) To study and make recommendations to the Governor and Legislature concerning capital outlay needs of public education in the state;
(4) To study and make recommendations to the Governor and Legislature concerning the development of summer camp programs for public school students;
(5) To study and present recommendations to the Governor and Legislature concerning mathematics, science, and other critical needs areas;
(6) To study and make recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature concerning the development of a statewide system of teaching excellence awards;
(7) To study and make recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature concerning the development of a statewide performance evaluation system for professional educators;
(8) To study and make recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature concerning the Alabama tenure laws for education professionals in the public schools in this state;
(9) To study and make recommendations to the Governor and Legislature concerning regional in-service education centers in existing institutions of higher education; and
(10) To study and make recommendations to the Governor and Legislature concerning the development of a career ladder and merit pay plan for all regularly certified education professionals in the public schools of this state. The commission shall recommend its program no later than the fifth legislative day of the 1985 Regular Session.
(Acts 1984, No. 84-622, p. 1260, §8.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 6A - Programs for Improving Education. › Section 16-6A-9 - Development of Plan for Improving Courses in Critical Needs Areas.

Section 16-6A-9
Development of plan for improving courses in critical needs areas.
(a) The State Board of Education shall develop and establish a comprehensive plan for improving courses in science, mathematics, computer education and other critical needs areas. In developing such plan, the superintendent shall consult with teacher organizations, school personnel, legislative leaders, the Governor's office, representatives from private industry, public and private higher education and from the fields of education, mathematics, science and computer education. Such program shall be divided into three phases with the first phase being introduced at the beginning of the 1985-1986 school year and another phase to begin each of the following two years. The entire program should be operative at the end of three years.
(b) The comprehensive plan shall provide a framework for the preparation and approval of programs, provide direction for program development and shall include the following provisions:
(1) Identification of curricular goals and expected outcomes;
(2) Preparation of instructional materials lists;
(3) Development of descriptions and cost estimates for providing curricular development, laboratories, equipment, supplies and facilities to implement programs for improvement in school systems or individual schools;
(4) Development of recommended course content to satisfy the new requirements for high school graduation. Consideration shall be given to student goals and needs;
(5) Development of a plan for continuous monitoring and evaluation of the programs, including classroom instructional needs as identified by teachers; and
(6) Solicitation of proposals and funding those programs that meet high standards of excellence.
(Acts 1984, No. 84-622, p. 1260, §9.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 6A - Programs for Improving Education. › Section 16-6A-10 - Employment of Provisionally Certified Persons for Critical Needs Areas.

Section 16-6A-10
Employment of provisionally certified persons for critical needs areas.
(a) Local school boards are hereby authorized, pursuant to rules and regulations established by the State Board of Education, to employ provisionally certified persons from business, industry or other areas or military retirees who have extensive preparation in mathematics, science, computer education and other critical needs areas for a period not to exceed one year with a limit of three years total employment. Such persons may be employed provided:
(1) They have at least a bachelor's degree in subject they are assigned to teach;
(2) There are no regularly certified teachers available to teach the course to be taught by these persons; and
(3) They are evaluated regularly and offered proper guidance by their supervisors.
(b) The time served as a provisionally certified teacher under this section shall not count toward time earned for tenure.
(c) The employment of provisionally certified teachers under this section shall serve to supply an emergency source of teachers in critical needs areas and shall not be considered a permanent means of acquiring teachers in any area.
(Acts 1984, No. 84-622, p. 1260, §10.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 6A - Programs for Improving Education. › Section 16-6A-14 - Scholarship Loans for Teacher Education Programs in Critical Needs Areas - Rules and Regulations.

Section 16-6A-14
Scholarship loans for teacher education programs in critical needs areas - Rules and regulations.
The Alabama Commission on Higher Education shall have the authority to make reasonable rules and regulations for implementing and carrying out the provisions of this chapter relating to the scholarship loan program.
(Acts 1984, No. 84-622, p. 1260, §14.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 6A - Programs for Improving Education. › Section 16-6A-15 - Tuition Grant Program for Certified Teachers; Limitations on Tuition Reimbursement; Letter of Commitment; Withholding Records Upon Failure to Satisfy Agreement.

Section 16-6A-15
Tuition grant program for certified teachers; limitations on tuition reimbursement; letter of commitment; withholding records upon failure to satisfy agreement.
The Alabama Commission on Higher Education shall implement a tuition grant program for certified teachers. Tuition grants in institutions of higher education for adding mathematics, science, computer education or other critical needs areas to their certificates shall be provided to able teachers certified in subject areas not designated critical needs areas. The Alabama Commission on Higher Education shall adopt rules to implement the mathematics, science, computer education or other critical needs areas tuition reimbursement program. Any full-time regularly certified public school teacher in Alabama shall be eligible for this program. Tuition reimbursement shall be limited to courses in mathematics, science, computer education or other critical areas as determined by the board. Such courses shall be graduate level courses leading to a new certification area or approved undergraduate courses leading to a new certification area. Participants may receive tuition reimbursements not to exceed 36 semester or 54 quarter hours in an approved teacher education program in Alabama; such reimbursement shall not exceed $4,000.00 per annum. All reimbursements will be contingent on the participant's maintaining a B average on all work attempted. Teachers participating in the tuition reimbursement program shall be eligible for all summer programs and other programs and incentives open to mathematics, science and computer education teachers. Each tuition reimbursement recipient must sign a letter of commitment to the Alabama Commission on Higher Education agreeing that upon the completion of coursework required for certification in a critical needs area, he will teach two full years of secondary mathematics, science, computer education or other critical needs area for each full academic year the grant is received. The Executive Director of the Alabama Commission on Higher Education shall require Alabama institutions of higher education to withhold the release of any records of a recipient who fails to satisfy his agreement with the Alabama Commission on Higher Education.
(Acts 1984, No. 84-622, p. 1260, §15.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 6A - Programs for Improving Education. › Section 16-6A-16 - Plan for In-Service Education Centers; Governing Boards; Requirements of Centers; School Systems to Affiliate With Centers.

Section 16-6A-16
Plan for in-service education centers; governing boards; requirements of centers; school systems to affiliate with centers.
(a) A comprehensive plan shall be established by the Governor's Educational Reform Commission and implemented for the development and location of in-service education centers for the purpose of providing rigorous in-service training in critical needs areas for the state's public school personnel. These in-service centers shall not replace the plan for in-service education which the State Department of Education adopted by resolution on June 14, 1978. The in-service centers established pursuant to this chapter shall be located in existing institutions of higher education located in strategic areas of the state as recommended by the commission and approved by the Governor. Institutions of higher education where such in-service centers may be located shall have resident faculty members in education and the academic areas taught in the public schools.
(b) In addition, the commission may contract with individuals or institutions to provide approved in-service training as defined in this section.
(c) A governing board shall be organized for each in-service center. The governing board of each center shall include representatives from the State Department of Education, teachers and administrators from the local school systems and the institution of higher education where the center is located. Such governing board shall, in cooperation with the staff of the State Department of Education, determine policy, programs and hours of operation of the particular in-service center.
(d) The in-service centers provided for in this section shall:
(1) Provide a number of days' training each year, usually in the summer, for instructional personnel in critical needs areas;
(2) Be open at a specified time during the year for use;
(3) Provide specialized help to instructional personnel;
(4) Have a director named from the local institution's faculty; and
(5) Serve as a data-gathering center for research in areas of public education. Local university, college or community college personnel shall be utilized to conduct the research.
(e) Each local school system shall affiliate with the in-service center in its region and shall participate in the planning of written programs for public school personnel in the area.
(f) All in-service centers shall be fully operative by July 1, 1985.
(g) To carry out the provisions of this section, there is hereby appropriated from the Alabama Special Educational Trust Fund the sum of $500,000.00 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1985.
(Acts 1984, No. 84-622, p. 1260, §18.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 6B - Education Accountability Plan. › Section 16-6B-1 - Student Achievement.

Section 16-6B-1
Student achievement.
(a) The Legislature finds that the people of Alabama desire two basic things from their public schools:
(1) High achievement for students.
(2) A safe and orderly environment in which to learn.
(b) The Legislature encourages the State Board of Education to assist local boards of education in the development of a strong disciplinary policy and directs the State Board of Education to develop a program to closely monitor student achievement.
(1) The State Board of Education shall require implementation of an assessment program for the public schools of Alabama. The assessment program may include nationally normed tests or criterion referenced tests, or both. These tests may be used to assist in the assessment of student achievement. The State Board of Education may also require the use of other tests and assessments as the board may deem necessary.
(2) In grades 11 and 12, the State Board of Education shall implement an assessment and remediation program to monitor and promote the academic achievement of students in those grades and prepare them for successfully completing the graduation examination.
(c) There is no legislative intent to interfere with the provisions of Section 16-3-18.3, and it is the intent of the Legislature that the development of the total assessment program for student performance, exclusive of the requirements of student performance herein, shall be the function of the State Board of Education. The State Board of Education is instructed to develop courses of study to provide Alabama students with the content and information to enter the workforce, to compete nationally and internationally with other students, and to successfully compete at the postsecondary level. This shall include the content necessary to successfully achieve on nationally normed tests and any other tests that may be required by the State Board of Education.
(Acts 1995, No. 95-313, p. 620, §1; Act 2000-753, p. 1705, §1.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 6B - Education Accountability Plan. › Section 16-6B-4 - Financial Accountability.

Section 16-6B-4
Financial accountability.
Following the analysis of the financial integrity of each local board of education as provided in subsection (a) or (b) of Section 16-13A-2, if a local board of education is determined to have submitted fiscally unsound financial reports, the State Department of Education shall provide assistance and advice. If during the assistance the State Superintendent of Education determines that the local board of education is in an unsound fiscal position, a person or persons shall be appointed by the State Superintendent of Education to advise the day-to-day financial operations of the local board of education. If after a reasonable period of time the State Superintendent of Education determines that the local board of education is still in an unsound fiscal condition, a request shall be made to the State Board of Education for the direct control of the fiscal operation of the local board of education. If the request is granted, the State Superintendent of Education shall present to the State Board of Education a proposal for the implementation of management controls necessary to restore the local school system to a sound financial condition. Upon approval by the State Board of Education, the State Superintendent of Education shall appoint an individual to be chief financial officer to manage the fiscal operation of the local board of education , until such time as the fiscal condition of the system is restored. The chief financial officer shall perform his or her duties in accordance with rules and regulations established by the State Board of Education in concert with applicable Alabama law. Any person appointed by the State Superintendent of Education to serve as chief financial officer to manage the fiscal operation of a local board of education shall be required to give bond with a surety company authorized to do business in Alabama and shall not be required to receive approval of the local superintendent to expend monies. The chief financial officer shall serve at the pleasure and under the direction of the State Superintendent of Education. The State Superintendent of Education, directly or indirectly through the chief financial officer, may direct or approve such actions as may in his or her judgment be necessary to: (1) Prevent further deterioration in the financial condition of the local board; (2) restore the local board of education to financial stability; and (3) enforce compliance with statutory, regulatory, or other binding legal standards or requirements relating to the fiscal operation of the local board of education. Nothing in Chapter 13A or this section shall be construed to deprive any employee of any procedural or substantive right that would otherwise be guaranteed to the employee under the United States Constitution and the laws of the State of Alabama.
(Acts 1995, No. 95-313, p. 620, §4; Act 2006-196, p. 275, §3.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 6B - Education Accountability Plan. › Section 16-6B-5 - School Safety and Discipline Accountability.

Section 16-6B-5
School safety and discipline accountability.
In addition to providing quality instruction in classrooms and fiscal soundness, all local boards of education shall be accountable for compliance with statutes and regulations regarding school safety and discipline. The State Department of Education shall send to all local boards of education and all local superintendents of education, on or before August 1 of each year, a manual containing all acts of the Legislature and all regulations promulgated by the State Board of Education which pertain to school safety and discipline. Within thirty (30) days of receipt of this manual, each local board of education shall provide to the State Board of Education a report, in the form prescribed by the State Department of Education, describing its compliance with these acts and regulations. If a local board of education is determined by the State Board of Education to have failed to comply in any material respect with these acts and regulations, the State Department of Education shall provide assistance to obtain compliance. If after one year, the State Board of Education determines that a local board of education refuses or fails to come into compliance with these acts and regulations, the State Superintendent of Education shall intervene in and assume the direct management and day-to-day operation of the local board of education for such period of time as the State Board of Education deems necessary to bring that local board of education into compliance with these acts and regulations.
(Acts 1995, No. 95-313, p. 620, §5.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 6B - Education Accountability Plan. › Section 16-6B-6 - Release From Intervention.

Section 16-6B-6
Release from intervention.
Management of a school or local board of education occasioned by state intervention based on student achievement or financial instability shall continue until such time as either condition improves to an acceptable level. The local board of education may petition the State Board of Education for release from state intervention by showing acceptable improvement in achievement or financial stability or other just cause for such release. The State Board of Education following a hearing shall have final determination on the matter of release from state intervention.
(Acts 1995, No. 95-313, p. 620, §6.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 6B - Education Accountability Plan. › Section 16-6B-7 - Accountability Reports to the Public.

Section 16-6B-7
Accountability reports to the public.
(a) The local board of education shall prepare an annual accountability report for each school and area vocational/technical center under its jurisdiction, and for itself, to be provided to the public under regulations promulgated by the State Board of Education. Such accountability reports shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(1) A Funding and Expenditure Report which shall include those documents specified in Section 16-6B-4 and which shall include the amount of Foundation Program funds or vocational/technical education funds, or both, earned and of all funds expended and any other data deemed necessary by the local board of education or the State Board of Education to inform the public about the financial status of each school.
(2) A Student Achievement Report which shall include a comparison of the immediately previous school year with the previous five years regarding student performance on testing required by the State Board of Education, dropout rates, attendance rates, graduation rates, college attendance, and any other data deemed necessary by the local board of education or the State Board of Education to inform the public about student achievement in each school.
(3) A School Safety and Discipline Report which shall include statistical information relating to student safety and discipline in each school and any other data deemed necessary by the local board of education or the State Board of Education to inform the public about safety and discipline in each school.
(b) These reports shall be released to the media, presented to parent organizations, members of the Legislature who represent the schools covered in each report, and the State Superintendent of Education. These reports shall be made available to the public upon request on or before ninety (90) days after the end of the fiscal year.
(Acts 1995, No. 95-313, p. 620, §7.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 6B - Education Accountability Plan. › Section 16-6B-8 - Participation in Foundation Program.

Section 16-6B-8
Participation in Foundation Program.
(a) In order for a local board of education to participate in the state Foundation Program certain conditions shall be met. The teacher salary schedule of the local board of education shall be at least 100 percent of the amount specified within the State Minimum Salary Schedule delineated by cell for the type of degree and years of experience of each teacher. All funds allocated to a local board of education for teacher salaries shall be spent for salaries in the instructional program.
(b) In order for a local board of education to participate in the state Vocational/Technical Education Program certain conditions shall be met. The teacher salary schedule of the local board of education shall be at least 100 percent of the amount specified within the State Minimum Salary Schedule adjusted for extended contracts delineated by cell for the type of degree and years of experience of each teacher. All funds allocated to a local board of education for teacher salaries shall be spent for salaries in the instructional program.
(c) Each area vocational center shall earn a principal (director) and shall continue to earn a counselor should it have received a counselor unit in 1994-95. Further, it is the intent of the Legislature that area vocational centers that are serving more than one school system continue to do so. Each participating local board shall assume a pro rata share of the cost of personnel and operating cost of the vocational center. However, should any local board choose in the future to withdraw from participation in an area vocational center, such local board shall assume its pro rata share of the cost of personnel and operating expenses occurring as a result of its withdrawal. If no satisfactory financial agreement can be reached between that local board and other participating local boards, the State Superintendent of Education shall conduct an inquiry and shall render a decision which shall be final and binding. Finally, as a result of hold harmless and federal requirements of maintenance of effort, no local board shall be permitted to spend fewer state dollars for vocational/technical education than it did during the 1994-95 school year.
(Acts 1995, No. 95-313, p. 620, §8; Act 2000-757, p. 1724, §1.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 6B - Education Accountability Plan. › Section 16-6B-9 - Salary Allocations.

Section 16-6B-9
Salary allocations.
No funds shall be transferred by any board of education from salary allocations to any other expenditure or for any other purpose. In times of proration, salaries shall not be subject to proration.
(Acts 1995, No. 95-313, p. 620, §9.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 6B - Education Accountability Plan. › Section 16-6B-12 - Conflicting and Specific Laws Repealed; State Board of Education to Review and Develop Policies.

Section 16-6B-12
Conflicting and specific laws repealed; State Board of Education to review and develop policies.
All laws or parts of laws which conflict with this chapter are hereby repealed and specifically Sections 16-3-15, 16-3-17.2, 16-3-18.2, 16-3-18.4 and 16-13-15 are hereby repealed. Notwithstanding the repeal of the foregoing sections, the State Board of Education shall review and develop appropriate policies regarding at-risk students, social promotion, and school accreditation.
(Acts 1995, No. 95-313, p. 620, §13.)
2023 Code of Alabama › Title 16 - Education. › Chapter 6C - School Grading System and Legislative School Performance Recognition Program. › Section 16-6C-1 - Legislative Findings.

Section 16-6C-1
Legislative findings.
(a) Just as there is value in assigning grades that reflect the performance of public school students in Alabama, the Legislature finds that there is also value in assigning grades that reflect the performance of the public schools attended by public school students in Alabama. The Legislature further finds that an easy to understand school grading system would best serve the interests of the public as a whole, and specifically the parents and guardians of public school students, by providing another transparent layer of accountability for the public dollars allocated to elementary and secondary education in the state.
(b) The Legislature also finds that there is a need for a program to reward public K-12 schools in Alabama that demonstrate high achievement. The Legislature further finds that performance-based incentives and increased autonomy are commonplace in the private sector and should be infused into the public sector as a reward for productivity.
(Act 2012-402, p. 1098, §1.)