Tag: EDUCATION

The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees has approved the creation of The University of Alabama School of Leadership and Policy. 

On the heels of an ongoing 1819 News investigative series into potential violations of state law and federal guidance, Auburn University has started taking additional steps to ensure teaching staff across departments comply with the state’s divisive concepts law.

Three leading homeschool organizations in Alabama are thanking Alabama Republican Party chairman John Wahl for not just taking the initiative to reach out to the Alabama Education Association but for making that conversation public knowledge.

Alabama Republican Party chairman John Wahl took to the airwaves on Tuesday to clarify his and the party’s relationship with the Alabama Education Association and to dispel some of the misinformation spread by AEA consultant Brad Presnall, who made it sound like the relationship was stronger than it is.

Just days after his first interview, Brad Presnall, a contracted consultant for the Alabama Education Association, appeared on WVNN's "The Dale Jackson Show" to double down on previous remarks touting the group's newfound conservative bona fides. This time, he shockingly made the comparison between AEA and foreign dictators, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un. 

On Friday, Brad Presnall, a contracted consultant for the Alabama Education Association (AEA), appeared on WVNN's "The Yaffee Program" to respond to critical reporting of his organization and its stance on conservative education priorities, including school choice and homeschooling.

Under the cover of a small tent, with a college republicans banner behind him Alabama Republican Party chairman John Wahl joined the Auburn University College Republicans to host a "Challenge the Chairman" event on campus this week.

A recent report by the Alabama Policy Institute (API) provided specific details on the relationship between the Alabama Education Association (AEA) and the National Education Association and explained how some NEA content for teachers may violate state law.

The AEA is the state affiliate of the National Education Association, the teachers’ union. Wahl says that, when it comes to the group, he follows the mantra of former President Ronald Reagan: “trust but verify.”

Alabama Republican Party chairman John Wahl recently spoke with representatives of the Alabama Education Association regarding public comments on homeschooling legislation.

A student reported the post, which spurred a university investigation.

The Alabama Charter School Commission voted to renew the contracts for Montgomery's L.E.A.D. Academy and Perry County's Breakthrough Charter School in Marion during their October meeting.

Lawmakers told 1819 News that they are open to discussing how to hold the commission and its members more accountable for their actions.

Five thousand eight hundred children who were enrolled in Alabama’s K-12 public schools last year did not return this year.

The Department of Education has opened up the review period for the textbooks used throughout the state with the Board of Education set to vote on the State Textbook Committee’s Social Studies and Arts Education, Grades K-12 recommendations at the November 13, 2025 Board meeting.

Governor Kay Ivey is celebrating the success of the CHOOSE Act by spotlighting families who are successfully using the program. To date, she’s highlighted three families: the Carbonells in Birmingham, the McDades in Montgomery, and the Siemenses from Dothan.

Though there were appointees from Governor Kay Ivey, Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth, House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville), and former State President Pro Tem Greg Reed (R-Jasper) present, not a single one of them offered a motion for non-renewal.

Candice Hale, who filed a lawsuit against Auburn University, is claiming she was also fired from the University of Alabama and is suing them as well.

In a completely inaccurate lede, AL(dot)com wrote that the threat to Magic City Acceptance Academy's charter stemmed from superficial issues rather than valid concerns about its compliance with state law.

Candice Hale, an English lecturer at Auburn University, is suing the school after being fired for posting about not mourning oppressors after Charlie Kirk was assassinated in September.

The Magic City Acceptance Academy's charter renewal application has been approved, and the Homewood school received a five-year renewal at a Wednesday meeting.

The group that strongly advocates against school choice made the contribution despite Dixon's stance on the issue.

Late last week, the State opened the comment period for the "Draft 2025 Comprehensive School Counseling and Guidance Model for Alabama Public Schools (The Alabama Model)." The 50-page document "is designed to help schools establish school counseling and guidance programs that enable students to become successful in the areas of academic development, career development, and foundational wellness."

In 2024, lawmakers passed legislation prohibiting the instruction of so-called divisive concepts, which outlawed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and the teaching of divisive concepts at Alabama’s universities. Still, experts agree, and evidence indicates that Alabama’s major universities have found ways to continue teaching banned concepts by exploiting a loophole in Alabama’s law, with an egregious example occurring at Auburn University.

Teaching staff across Auburn University have been encouraged to use a rubric that prompts educators to develop not only diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ)–centered syllabi but also DEIJ-focused learning experiences throughout the university's online and hybrid courses. 

The Alabama Public Charter School Commission is reviewing the renewal application of the controversial Homewood school, Magic City Acceptance Academy, which was established primarily to support LGBTQ+ students and their allies. However, their application is still not available to the public.

The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) has awarded two sizable grants to support and expand Alabama’s charter school network.