Join BA4E for Coffee & Conversations — a relaxed drop-in space for parents to sip, connect, and talk openly about what’s really happening in their child’s education. Use the QR code to get tickets or visit https://forms.gle/zeNM93jqPYNVzvQo6! 📅 Saturday, February 28, 2026 ⏰ 10–11 AM 📍 The Lab | 524 Red Lane Road, Birmingham, AL 35215 No pressure. No speeches. Just real talk and community. ☕✨
Join us for our monthly parent empowerment sessions designed to bridge the gap between home and school. Our mission is to provide you with the practical tools and insights needed to become an active advocate for your child’s education. By learning how to effectively support teachers, navigate school systems, and influence educational policies, you play a vital role in ensuring your child’s long-term success. Each session is a focused, interactive ninety-minute workshop led by experienced facilitators. Whether you are looking to strengthen your relationship with educators or trying to navigate the complex landscape of school choice, these sessions offer a supportive [...]
BA4E is proud to join the global movement for generosity. Your support helps us educate, empower, and engage Black families across Alabama through leadership programs, advocacy training, and statewide community outreach. Join the mission—every contribution fuels change. Give at https://giv.li/cyqu74
In Alabama, community organizations play a vital role in empowering Black families and students by providing mentorship, tutoring, and essential resources to bridge educational gaps. These organizations serve as advocates, support networks, and champions for educational equity, ensuring Black students have access to the tools they need to succeed. Why Community Organizations Matter For many Black families, systemic challenges such as underfunded schools, limited access to technology, and disparities in academic resources create barriers to success. Community-driven programs step in to fill these gaps by offering personalized support, educational guidance, and advocacy. Key Programs Making an Impact 🔹 Black Alabamians for [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Join us for our Parent Symposium 2024, where we are #PRESSING forward in education and empowerment! Building on the success of last year's event, this year's symposium promises to be even more enlightening and engaging. Date: August 10, 2024 Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Location: The Venue at Coosa Landing 201 George Wallace Drive, Gadsden, AL 35903 Theme: #Pressing This year's theme reflects our commitment to advancing education and advocacy for our children. We will explore pressing issues in education and empower parents to be effective advocates for their children's education. What to Expect: Inspiring Keynote Speakers: Hear from renowned [...]
