Education

Digital Resource Portal Helps Educators, Parents and Students During Pandemic

The statewide closure of schools has prompted educators to find ways to add to their teaching capabilities during the coronavirus pandemic. As part of that effort, two companies worked in partnership last month to create a digital resource portal for Alabama educators, parents and students from pre-kindergarten through high school. Publishers’ Warehouse, in partnership with EBSCO Information Services, created EBSCOed to pull together online and published resources purchased by the state. Read more.

by Abby Driggers, Alabama Daily News

Birmingham Superintendent Lisa Herring Stepping Down to Lead Atlanta Public Schools

Birmingham school Superintendent Lisa Herring is leaving to become superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools. She is expected to remain head of Birmingham City Schools through the end of May, at which point she will return to her home state of Georgia. The Birmingham school system announced Tuesday Herring has been named the “sole finalist” for the post in Atlanta. Read more.

by Eli Benton Cohen. WBHM

Distance Learning Begins Monday. What’s The Plan?

The buildings are closed, but Jefferson County Superintendent Walter Gonsoulin says the school district will be open for business Monday. “This is not going to be traditional school, but we remain steadfast in our mission,” Gonsoulin said in a video message. “Educating students will continue.” In response to the spread of COVID-19, Gov. Kay Ivey

by Mary Scott Hodgin, WBHM

“Pomp and Circumstance” Delayed for Another Day

Auburn University, the University of Alabama and many Birmingham-area colleges and universities have canceled spring commencement ceremonies and have decided to continue online courses during summer in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Read more.

by Virginia MacDonald

ACHE Leader: Remote Learning for Universities’ Summer Semester Possible; Community Colleges Will Finish Semester Online

Read more. The executive director of the Alabama Commission on Higher Education said Alabama’s universities may continue off-campus classes this summer because of ongoing COVID-19 concerns. In a letter to university presidents this week, Jim Purcell said institutions need to communicate with students and their families about what summer courses, which begin in mid-May, may look like. “As April approaches, you are no doubt considering how to conduct campus operations over the course of the summer,” Purcell wrote. “We all know that there are many factors in play in making this decision and not all of these are academic. Health of our communities, students, faculty and students must be paramount. “While many unknowns remain, it is important that institutions provide clarity for students, families and the public so that they can plan to continue or begin their studies over the summer. I would support maintaining the online/remote instructional environment through the summer 2020 terms.”

by Mary Sell, Alabama Daily News

Public Schools Closed for the Year; State Will Offer Alternative Learning Opportunities

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced Thursday afternoon that public school students will not return to the classrooms this school year. Beginning April 6, the state will offer alternative learning methods of instruction. The state education superintendent is to complete that plan of instruction, Ivey said during a press conference. “Local school districts will make staffing decisions and determinations related to access to school buildings” based on state health directives, Ivey said. “We want to prevent a slide in students’ learning and achievement, and we are doing the best we can,” she said. Read more.

by Virginia MacDonald

Alabama Schools Close Through the End of the Year

Schoolhouse doors will be closed in Alabama through the end of the term to avoid the spread of the coronavirus. Gov. Kay Ivey and state school Superintendent Eric Mackey began a press conference to announce the decision at 4 p.m. Going forward, schools are directed to use alternative methods of instruction. A full story will be published after the press conference.

by BirminghamWatch

Alabama Schools Chief Explores Ways to Teach Students During an ‘Incomplete Year’

State education leaders are trying to figure out how to teach students in an era of coronavirus. Read more.

by Andrew Yeager, WBHM

Crisis Highlights Digital Divide in Alabama

As the state grapples with education, government and industry closures in response to the coronavirus, the digital divide across the state is probably the most apparent it’s ever been. Much of rural Alabama doesn't have the infrastructure to take broadband Internet into homes. “You have one-fifth of the state population that doesn’t have access,” Sen. Clay Scofield, R-Guntersville, said. The chasm is perhaps most evident in schools, where administrators are faced with decisions when some of the students can partake in online learning and some cannot. Read more.

by Mary Sell and Caroline Beck, Alabama Daily News

Ivey Authorizes National Guard Activation, If Needed, as COVID-19 Cases Rise to 106

Gov. Kay Ivey on Friday gave authorization for up to 100 National Guardsmen to be activated if needed in the battle against COVID-19. “While there is no immediate need for us to deploy our Guard, I have given authorization to Adjutant General Sheryl Gordon to be on standby, should our first responders and health care providers need additional support,” Ivey said in the statement. Read more.

by Virginia Martin