By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Alabama House of Representatives has passed a bill to reshape how public schools are evaluated, sparking both support and concern among lawmakers and educators.
House Bill 604, sponsored by Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur, would create a 24-member Accountability Council to review and revise the state’s K-12 accountability system. The council would focus on key measures such as academic achievement, growth, graduation rates, absenteeism, and college and career readiness.
Collins said the goal is to ensure students are better prepared for life after graduation.
“We have an A through F report card… but it doesn’t need to be specifically strengthened within legislation because it may need flexibility,” she said.
The council would work with the Alabama Department of Workforce and higher education institutions to evaluate outcomes and recommend updates. It would also monitor how school report cards are implemented and reviewed annually.
While the bill passed overwhelmingly with a 93-1 vote, concerns were raised about who will have a voice in shaping the system.
“We create all of these boards… but the people who actually are boots on the ground… are typically not at the table,” said Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham.
Rep. Mary Moore, D-Birmingham, also warned that accountability formulas could negatively impact majority Black schools if not applied fairly.
“If passed, the bill would go into effect immediately.”
With only days left in the legislative session, the measure now heads to the Senate, where its future will be decided.