News | Black Alabamians for Education

The Digital Divide: Ensuring Technology Access for Black Students in Alabama

admin2025-02-23T23:10:52-06:00

The Digital Divide: Ensuring Technology Access for Black Students in Alabama Explore how lack of access to technology affects Black families and share initiatives working to close the gap. In today’s digital world, technology is a vital part of education. From completing homework assignments to accessing online resources, students need reliable internet and devices to succeed. Yet, for many Black families in Alabama, a lack of access to technology—often referred to as the digital divide—creates barriers to academic success. Understanding the Digital Divide The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to modern technology and those who [...]

The Digital Divide: Ensuring Technology Access for Black Students in Alabamaadmin2025-02-23T23:10:52-06:00

Alabama Makes Notable Early Grade Gains on Nation’s Report Card

admin2025-02-05T10:39:32-06:00

By Thomas Spencer on February 3rd, 2025 in : in Education & Workforce Development, Public Education, Uncategorized Alabama public school fourth graders are scoring higher in both reading and math than they did prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. Alabama and Louisiana are the only two states where that is true, according to an analysis of the results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Printable PDF available here. In fact, in both reading and math, Alabama fourth graders scored close to the national average in 2024. That’s a remarkable turnaround from 2019, when Alabama 4th graders ranked at or near [...]

Alabama Makes Notable Early Grade Gains on Nation’s Report Cardadmin2025-02-05T10:39:32-06:00

Understanding School Choice in Alabama: What Black Families Need to Know”

admin2025-01-26T11:50:13-06:00

Education is not one-size-fits-all, and school choice provides families with the flexibility to find the best fit for their child’s unique needs. In Alabama, parents can explore several options: 1. Public Schools Public schools are tuition-free and funded by local, state, and federal government resources. These schools are assigned based on residential zoning but may also include specialized programs like magnet schools or career academies to cater to different interests and learning styles. Key Benefits: No tuition costs Access to extracurricular activities Specialized programs in select schools Considerations: Limited options outside of zoned districts Quality may vary by location 2. Charter [...]

Understanding School Choice in Alabama: What Black Families Need to Know”admin2025-01-26T11:50:13-06:00

The Impact of Mental Health on Education in Alabama’s Black Community

admin2024-07-23T12:13:15-05:00

Mental health is a critical component of overall well-being, and its impact on education is profound, especially within the Black community in Alabama. Historical and systemic challenges have contributed to mental health disparities, affecting academic performance and educational outcomes. Mental Health Challenges in the Black Community Historical Trauma and Systemic Inequities: Historical trauma and ongoing systemic inequities have had lasting effects on the mental health of the Black community. Issues such as discrimination, economic disparities, and limited access to mental health care exacerbate stress and anxiety levels. Stigma Around Mental Health: There is a significant stigma surrounding mental health issues within [...]

The Impact of Mental Health on Education in Alabama’s Black Communityadmin2024-07-23T12:13:15-05:00

Alabama Reading Scores: An Overview of Recent Trends and Initiatives

admin2024-06-20T13:46:21-05:00

Alabama has been focusing on improving reading proficiency among its students, particularly in the early grades. Recent data from the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP) reveals that 24% of Alabama’s third graders were reading below grade level in 2023, an increase from 22% in 2022. This rise in below-grade-level readers highlights ongoing challenges, despite the state’s efforts to boost literacy rates. The Literacy Act and Its Impact The Alabama Literacy Act, passed in 2019, aims to ensure that all students are reading at grade level by the end of third grade. The act has led to significant investments in reading instruction [...]

Alabama Reading Scores: An Overview of Recent Trends and Initiativesadmin2024-06-20T13:46:21-05:00

Creating Hope and Opportunity for Our Students’ Education Act of 2024 The CHOOSE Act

admin2024-05-21T14:27:12-05:00

Creating Hope and Opportunity for Our Students’ Education Act of 2024 The CHOOSE Act The CHOOSE Act, signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey on March 7, 2024, makes refundable income tax credits called education savings accounts (ESAs), available to support the success of every K-12 student in Alabama. The law requires the Alabama Department of Revenue to establish a framework and funding for ESAs, which may be used by eligible families to cover tuition, fees, and other qualified education expenses at approved education service providers (ESPs) in Alabama. ESAs in the amounts below will be available beginning with the 2025-2026 [...]

Creating Hope and Opportunity for Our Students’ Education Act of 2024 The CHOOSE Actadmin2024-05-21T14:27:12-05:00

Mental Health and Education: Supporting Black Students in Alabama

admin2024-04-22T16:39:41-05:00

Mental health plays a critical role in a student's ability to learn, grow, and succeed academically. In Alabama, Black students face unique challenges that can impact their mental well-being, including systemic inequities and disparities in access to mental health resources. As advocates for education, it's crucial that we address these challenges and support Black students in achieving their full potential. The Impact of Mental Health on Education: Research has shown that mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma, can significantly impact a student's ability to learn and thrive in school. These issues can lead to academic difficulties, behavioral problems, [...]

Mental Health and Education: Supporting Black Students in Alabamaadmin2024-04-22T16:39:41-05:00

Elevating Education: A Guide to Advocacy in Alabama

admin2024-03-18T15:10:01-05:00

Alabama's educational landscape is rich with potential, yet it also faces significant challenges. As advocates for education, we have the power to drive positive change and ensure every student receives a quality education. In this blog post, we'll explore how to effectively advocate for education in Alabama and the benefits of doing so. Understanding the Importance of Advocacy: Advocacy plays a crucial role in shaping education policy and ensuring that schools receive the resources they need. By advocating for education, we can help improve student outcomes, promote equity in education, and support educators in their vital work. How to Advocate for [...]

Elevating Education: A Guide to Advocacy in Alabamaadmin2024-03-18T15:10:01-05:00

Empowering Black Alabamians: The Power of Parent Engagement in Alabama Schools

admin2024-01-16T12:22:02-06:00

In the vibrant tapestry of Alabama's education landscape, the role of parent engagement is paramount. For Black Alabamians, active involvement in their children's education is not just a choice; it's a powerful tool for shaping a brighter future. In this blog, we'll explore the benefits of parent engagement, discuss how to do it right, and understand the essence of parent engagement itself. Understanding Parent Engagement: Parent engagement is more than just attending parent-teacher conferences or school events. It is a holistic approach that involves parents actively participating in their child's learning journey. This includes supporting academic endeavors, fostering a positive learning [...]

Empowering Black Alabamians: The Power of Parent Engagement in Alabama Schoolsadmin2024-01-16T12:22:02-06:00

Scholarship Opportunities for Black Students in Alabama

admin2023-12-01T10:47:11-06:00

Access to quality education is a cornerstone of empowerment and progress. In Alabama, numerous scholarship opportunities exist to support the educational aspirations of Black students. This blog aims to shine a spotlight on these initiatives, providing a valuable resource for those seeking financial assistance to pursue their academic dreams. 1. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs): Alabama boasts several renowned HBCUs, each offering scholarship programs that empower Black students. From tuition assistance to merit-based scholarships, these institutions are committed to fostering educational excellence and advancing the African American community. 2. Statewide Programs: Explore Alabama's statewide scholarship programs designed to uplift Black [...]

Scholarship Opportunities for Black Students in Alabamaadmin2023-12-01T10:47:11-06:00