MINUTES OF THE ALABAMA STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
THE STATE OF ALABAMA
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2009
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
The Alabama State Board of Education met for its regular meeting of Elementary/Secondary Education matters on
Thursday, June 11, 2009, at 9:32 a.m. in the auditorium of the Gordon Persons Building, Montgomery, Alabama.
The meeting was called by the Vice President of the Board in accordance with Alabama Code (1975), §16-3-7, as
amended.
PRESIDING: MR. RANDY MCKINNEY, VICE PRESIDENT
ALABAMA STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Following the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, Mr. Randy McKinney called the meeting to order. On roll call,
the following members were present:
Mrs. Ella B. Bell
Mrs. Stephanie Bell
Mr. David F. Byers, Jr.
Dr. Ethel H. Hall, Vice President Emerita
Mr. Randy McKinney
Mrs. Betty Peters
Mr. Gary Warren
Absent
Dr. Mary Jane Caylor, President Pro Tem
Governor Bob Riley
Dr. Joseph B. Morton, State Superintendent of Education and Secretary and Executive Officer of the Board, was
present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MAY 13, 2009
On motion by Mrs. Stephanie Bell and seconded by Mrs. Ella B. Bell, the Board unanimously approved the minutes
of May 13, 2009.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
On motion by Mrs. Ella B. Bell and seconded by Mrs. Stephanie Bell, the Board unanimously approved the agenda.
On motion by Mrs. Stephanie Bell and seconded by Dr. Ethel H. Hall, the Board unanimously approved the
following:
Adopt Proposed Amendments to Alabama Administrative Code, Rule 290-3-1-.02, Pertaining to Regulations
Governing Public Schools
On motion by Mrs. Betty Peters and seconded by Mrs. Stephanie Bell, the Board unanimously adopted the
following:
RESOLUTION COMMENDING DENNIS VERONESE
RECIPIENT OF THE
ROBERT L. MORTON AWARD
WHEREAS, the Alabama Association of School Business Officials (AASBO) has established an annual
award bearing the name Robert L. Morton Award in honor of the man who served as Assistant State Superintendent
of the Alabama Department of Education’s Division of Administrative and Financial Services; and
WHEREAS, Robert L. Morton dedicated his life to distinguished service to America, the state of
Alabama, and its children through serving in pivotal roles in the field of education including teacher, coach,
principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent; and
WHEREAS, AASBO seeks to recognize, through this award, the dedication that individuals bring to their
communities, their profession, and their school system in everyday life by identifying school business officials
devoted to going above and beyond, both in their positions and in their communities, thereby making a difference in
the lives of their peers and subordinates and setting new standards for themselves and their colleagues in their
profession; and
WHEREAS, for 13 years, Mr. Dennis Veronese has shown progressive leadership, commitment and
dedication to his job and community during his years of public services and presently serves as the certified Chief
School Financial Officer and Assistant Superintendent of Business and Finance for Auburn City Schools; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Dennis Veronese holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, a
Master’s Degree in Education, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Auburn
University, and was employed with the Alabama Department of Education prior to being employed by the Auburn
City Schools in 2001; and
WHEREAS, through his professional and civic affiliations, Mr. Dennis Veronese has actively participated
on the boards of several state and local organizations, and he and his wife, Anna, have four children; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Dennis Veronese’s achievements made within his school system; his service provided to
his peers, subordinates and community; and his stellar reputation with those who recommended him are noted; and
WHEREAS, AASBO considers Mr. Dennis Veronese worthy of recognition and acknowledgement for his
honesty, integrity, work ethic, and consummate professionalism; and
WHEREAS, AASBO wishes to bestow upon Mr. Dennis Veronese the Robert L. Morton Award as this
organization celebrates the best its profession of school business management has to offer; and
WHEREAS, the Alabama State Board of Education acknowledges the honor of receiving such a
distinguished award and joins AASBO in applauding Mr. Dennis Veronese for such an accomplishment:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby
express its appreciation to Mr. Dennis Veronese for his dedicated and distinguished work in public service and with
the Auburn City School System; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby congratulate
Mr. Dennis Veronese upon being named the recipient of the Third Annual Robert L. Morton Award and wishes him
continued success.
Done this 11TH day of June 2009.
On motion by Dr. Ethel H. Hall and seconded by Mrs. Stephanie Bell, the Board unanimously adopted the
following:
RESOLUTION IN RECOGNITION OF JESSE SCHMITT
MONROVIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, MADISON COUNTY SCHOOLS
2009 RECIPIENT OF ANNE FRANK OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR AWARD
WHEREAS, Anne Frank, who would turn 80 on June 12, said: “How wonderful it is that nobody need
wait a single moment before starting to improve the world”; and
WHEREAS, the Anne Frank Center USA sponsors the annual Spirit of Anne Frank Awards to recognize
student, teacher, and citizen advocates of tolerance; and
WHEREAS, Jesse Schmitt, a fifth-grade teacher at Monrovia Elementary School in the Madison County
School System, will receive the Anne Frank Outstanding Educator Award with a $1,000 honorarium on June 15 in
New York City; and
WHEREAS, Jesse Schmitt is one of only three educators in the nation to receive the Anne Frank
Outstanding Educator Award, which honors individuals who have proven that they have the personal courage to
make a difference as educators; and
WHEREAS, the Anne Frank Outstanding Educator Award recognizes those who have created special
programs or opportunities that encourage students to stand up against racism, prejudice, and bias-related violence;
embody tolerance in both their personal and professional endeavors; or have established cultural or educational
programs for traditionally excluded groups; and
WHEREAS, Jesse Schmitt, who teaches a year-long Holocaust-based lesson and teaches character
education daily, is passionate about teaching his students about tolerance and his goal is to “equip my students with
the lessons and tools to make them better people”; and
WHEREAS, Jesse Schmitt was one of only 25 teachers from the United States and Canada selected to
attend the 2007 Freedom Writers Workshop in Long Beach, California, which gave participants tools for teaching
their students lessons about diversity and tolerance, and
WHEREAS, although the Freedom Writers project is geared toward high school students, Jesse Schmitt’s
application convinced foundation staff the concept would work at the elementary level, and, as a result, his students’
writing skills have soared; and
WHEREAS, in October 2008, Jesse Schmitt arranged for his school to gather donations for Hurricane
Katrina victims and survivors and personally delivered supplies to a homeless shelter and to an elementary school in
New Orleans, and in doing taught his students a valuable lesson about giving to those in need; and
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WHEREAS, Anne Frank’s spirit continues to live in Jesse Schmitt, in his classroom, and in the lives of
his students:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby
commend Jesse Schmitt, 2009 recipient of the prestigious Anne Frank Outstanding Educator Award, and applauds
the characters and ideals he embodies and instills in his young students.
Done this 11th day of June 2009.
On motion by Mr. David F. Byers, Jr., and seconded by Mrs. Stephanie Bell, the Board unanimously adopted the
following:
RESOLUTION IN RECOGNITION OF KATIE RAPPUHN
BREITLING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, MOBILE COUNTY SCHOOLS
FIRST PLACE AMONG ALL FEMALE ELEMENTARY PARTICIPANTS
2009 NATIONAL ARCHERY IN THE SCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIP
WHEREAS, Katie Rappuhn, a fifth-grader from Breitling Elementary School in the Mobile County
School System, won first place among all female elementary participants in the 2009 National Archery in the
Schools Championship in Louisville, Kentucky, in May; and
WHEREAS, Katie Rappuhn is the first student from Alabama to finish in first place within his/her
respective age division; and
WHEREAS, Katie Rappuhn shot a 283 out of a possible 300 points to win the national first-place title;
and
WHEREAS, more than 4,500 students from 35 states and one Canadian province competed in the national
championship based on Olympic-style, target archery in three divisions – elementary, middle and high school –
including team and individual-level competitions; and
WHEREAS, approximately 153 Alabama schools participate in National Archery in the Schools, which
was introduced in Alabama in 2003 as a joint venture between the Alabama Department of Conservation and
Natural Resources’ Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division and the Alabama Department of Education:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby
commend Katie Rappuhn, Breitling Elementary School in the Mobile County School System, for her first-place
finish among all female elementary participants the 2009 National Archery in the Schools Championship.
Done this 11th day of June 2009.
RESOLUTION IN RECOGNITION OF JUSTIN LAJESSE,
ROCKWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, BALDWIN COUNTY SCHOOLS,
2009 NATIONAL AWARD OF MERIT WINNER
NATIONAL PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION REFLECTIONS PROGRAM
WHEREAS, Justin LaJesse, a second-grader at Rockwell Elementary School in the Baldwin County
School System, earned a 2009 National Award of Merit in the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Reflections Program; and
WHEREAS, since 1969, the National PTA Reflections program has encouraged millions of students –
preschool through Grade 12 – across the nation and in American schools overseas to explore their artistic talents;
and
WHEREAS, Justin LaJesse’s “Wow, the World!” – based on the theme “Wow!” – earned the 2009
National Award of Merit from the National PTA Reflections Program in the category of Musical Composition and
will be featured in the virtual Reflections Program Gallery on the PTA national website in July; and
WHEREAS, Justin LaJesse is one of only 119 students nationwide to earn the 2009 National Award of
Merit and receives a silver-plated Reflections medallion and a letter of congratulations from the National PTA:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby
commend Justin LaJesse for this national recognition in the arts from the National PTA Reflections Program.
Done this 11th day of June 2009.
RESOLUTION IN RECOGNITION OF DEBORAH L. WEIDNER-STOVER
CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL, COOSA COUNTY SCHOOLS,
2009 JAMES MADISON FELLOW
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WHEREAS, Deborah L. Weidner-Stover, a teacher at Central High School in the Coosa County School
System, has been awarded a James Madison Fellowship by the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation of
Washington, DC; and
WHEREAS, the James Madison Fellowship is named in honor of our fourth president – known as the
“Father of the Constitution and Bill of Rights”; and
WHEREAS, only 55 James Madison Fellowships were awarded for 2009 in the 18 th annual competition;
and
WHEREAS, James Madison Fellowships support further study of American history by aspiring and
experienced secondary (Grades 7-12) teachers of American history, American government, and social studies; and
WHEREAS, the James Madison Fellowship will fund up to $24,000 of Ms. Weidner-Stover’s course of
study toward a master’s degree, which must include a concentration of courses on the history and principles of the
U.S. Constitution; and
WHEREAS, as a James Madison Fellow, Deborah L. Weidner-Stover will attend a four-week Summer
Institute – “The Foundations of American Constitutionalism” – at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, and
visit historic sites associated with the institutions of American government and the Constitution’s framers; and
WHEREAS, Deborah L. Weidner-Stover competed for the James Madison Fellowship with applicants
from the 50 states, District of Columbia, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and U.S. island and trust territories; and
WHEREAS, founded by an act of Congress in 1986, the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation
awards fellowships to promising and distinguished teachers to strengthen their knowledge of the origins and
development of American constitutional government and to expose the nation’s secondary students to accurate
knowledge of the nation’s constitutional heritage:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby
commend Deborah L. Weidner-Stover, Alabama’s 2009 James Madison Fellow, for this distinguished honor
bestowed upon her by the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation.
Done this 11th day of June 2009.
RESOLUTION COMMENDING ROBIN OWINGS
ALABAMA SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS
2009 ART PORTFOLIO GOLD AWARD
SCHOLASTIC ART & WRITING AWARDS
WHEREAS, Robin Owings, a senior at the Alabama School of Fine Arts in Birmingham, has won a $10,000
cash award for college from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards of 2009, a national program that identifies and
develops creative teenagers in Grades 7-12; and
WHEREAS, Robin Owings won a 2009 Art Portfolio Gold Award and is one of only 12 students in the
nation to attain Scholastic’s highest level of achievement – the Portfolio Gold Award; and
WHEREAS, as a national winner, Robin Owings is also eligible for an additional $3.25 million in
scholarships – ranging from $250 per year to full tuition – at more than 60 colleges, universities, and art institutes
across the United States; and
WHEREAS, Robin Owings was honored in New York City, June 3-5, and on June 4, the Alliance for Young
Artists & Writers, the nonprofit organization that presents the awards, recognized her on stage during a special
ceremony at Carnegie Hall and is displaying her work in an online gallery; and
WHEREAS, two New York City galleries – the World Monuments Fund Gallery and the Arnold & Sheila
Aronson Gallery at Parsons – are displaying Robin Owings’ work as part of the 2009 Scholastic Art & Writing
Awards National Student Art Exhibition throughout the month of June; and
WHEREAS, in New York, Robin Owings had the opportunity to attend workshops with creative
professionals, sculptor Tom Otterness and photographer William Wegman, who shared their experiences and
knowledge; and
WHEREAS, founded in 1923, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is the oldest, longest-running, most
prestigious recognition program for student achievement in the visual arts and creative writing in the United States;
and
WHEREAS, each year, thousands of submissions are evaluated locally and nationally by panels of jurors
comprised of renowned artists, authors, educators, and arts professionals, and past recipients of Scholastic Art &
Writing Awards include Andy Warhol, Robert Redford, Richard Avedon, Zac Posen, Tom Otterness, Sylvia Plath,
Joyce Carol Oates, and John Lithgow:
4
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby
commend Robin Owings for this national recognition in the arts from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards and
wishes her every success in her future endeavors.
Done this 11th day of June 2009.
RESOLUTION IN RECOGNITION OF SYDNEY HUBBERT,
BALDWIN ART AND ACADEMICS MAGNET,
MONTGOMERY COUNTY SCHOOLS,
2009 NATIONAL AWARD OF MERIT WINNER
NATIONAL PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION REFLECTIONS PROGRAM
WHEREAS, Sydney Hubbert, an eighth-grader at Baldwin Art and Academics Magnet in the
Montgomery County School System, earned a 2009 National Award of Merit in the National Parent Teacher
Association (PTA) Reflections Program; and
WHEREAS, Sydney Hubbert’s “The Mixture” – based on the theme “Wow!” – earned the 2009 National
Award of Merit from the National PTA Reflections Program in the category of Film Production and will be featured
in the virtual Reflections Program Gallery on the PTA national Web site in July; and
WHEREAS, Sydney Hubbert is one of only 119 students nationwide to earn the 2009 National Award of
Merit and receives a silver-plated Reflections medallion and a letter of congratulations from the National PTA; and
WHEREAS, since 1969, the National PTA Reflections Program has encouraged millions of students –
preschool through Grade 12 – across the nation and in American schools overseas to explore their artistic talents:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby
commend Sydney Hubbert for this national recognition in the arts from the National PTA Reflections Program.
Done this 11th day of June 2009.
RESOLUTION COMMENDING DEONDRA SCOTT,
BOOKER T. WASHINGTON MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL,
MONTGOMERY COUNTY SCHOOLS,
2009 PHOTOGRAPHY PORTFOLIO GOLD AWARD
SCHOLASTIC ART & WRITING AWARDS
WHEREAS, Deondra Scott, a senior at Booker T. Washington Magnet High School in the Montgomery
County School System, has won a $10,000 cash award for college from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards of 2009,
a national program that identifies and develops creative teenagers in Grades 7-12; and
WHEREAS, Deondra Scott won a 2009 Photography Portfolio Gold Award and is one of only 12 students
in the nation to attain Scholastic’s highest level of achievement – the Portfolio Gold Award; and
WHEREAS, as a national winner, Deondra Scott is also eligible for an additional $3.25 million in
scholarships – ranging from $250 per year to full tuition – at more than 60 colleges, universities, and art institutes
across the United States; and
WHEREAS, Deondra Scott was honored in New York City, June 3-5, and on June 4, the Alliance for
Young Artists & Writers, the nonprofit organization that presents the awards, recognized her on stage during a special
ceremony at Carnegie Hall and is displaying her work in an online gallery; and
WHEREAS, two New York City galleries – the World Monuments Fund Gallery and the Arnold & Sheila
Aronson Gallery at Parsons – are displaying Deondra Scott’s work as part of the 2009 Scholastic Art & Writing
Awards National Student Art Exhibition throughout the month of June; and
WHEREAS, in New York, Deondra Scott had the opportunity to attend workshops with creative
professionals, sculptor Tom Otterness and photographer William Wegman, who shared their experiences and
knowledge; and
WHEREAS, founded in 1923, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is the oldest, longest-running, most
prestigious recognition program for student achievement in the visual arts and creative writing in the United States;
and
WHEREAS, each year, thousands of submissions are evaluated locally and nationally by panels of jurors
comprised of renowned artists, authors, educators, and arts professionals, and past recipients of Scholastic Art &
Writing Awards include Andy Warhol, Robert Redford, Richard Avedon, Zac Posen, Tom Otterness, Sylvia Plath,
Joyce Carol Oates, and John Lithgow:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby
commend Deondra Scott for this national recognition in the arts from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards and
wishes her every success in her future endeavors.
5
Done this 11th day of June 2009.
RESOLUTION IN RECOGNITION OF MOLLY SELF,
HEWITT-TRUSSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL, TRUSSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS,
2009 NATIONAL AWARD OF MERIT WINNER
NATIONAL PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION REFLECTIONS PROGRAM
WHEREAS, Molly Self, a seventh-grader at Hewitt-Trussville Middle School in the Trussville City
School System, earned a 2009 National Award of Merit in the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Reflections Program; and
WHEREAS, Molly Self’s “How to save a life” – based on the theme “Wow!” – earned the 2009 National
Award of Merit from the National PTA Reflections Program in the category of Dance Choreography and will be
featured in the virtual Reflections Program Gallery on the PTA national Web site in July; and
WHEREAS, Molly Self is one of only 119 students nationwide to earn the 2009 National Award of Merit
and receives a silver-plated Reflections medallion and a letter of congratulations from the National PTA; and
WHEREAS, since 1969, the National PTA Reflections Program has encouraged millions of students –
preschool through Grade 12 – across the nation and in American schools overseas to explore their artistic talents:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby
commend Molly Self for this national recognition in the arts from the National PTA Reflections program.
Done this 11th day of June 2009.
RESOLUTION COMMENDING ALABAMA’S 2009 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS,
LAUREN E. FARAINO, VESTAVIA HILLS HIGH SCHOOL, VESTAVIA HILLS CITY SCHOOLS, AND
NIKHIL GOEL, VIRGIL I. GRISSOM HIGH SCHOOL, HUNTSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS
WHEREAS, the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars has selected two students – one
female and one male – from Alabama public schools as 2009 Presidential Scholars; and
WHEREAS, application for the United States Presidential Scholars Program is by invitation only; and
WHEREAS, Presidential Scholar is one of the nation’s highest honors awarded to high school students;
and
WHEREAS, the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selected 141 students, including one
young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, two students from
families of U.S. citizens living abroad, 15 students at large, and 20 students from the visual and performing arts; and
WHEREAS, Presidential Scholars have all demonstrated leadership, scholarship, contributions to school
and community, and outstanding accomplishment in the arts, sciences, humanities, and other fields of interest; and
WHEREAS, the United States Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by Executive Order
of the President, to recognize and honor some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors; and
WHEREAS, in 1979, the program was expanded to include students who demonstrate exceptional talent
in the visual, creative, and performing arts; and
WHEREAS, the President of the United States appoints the members of the White House Commission on
Presidential Scholars, which includes the National Teacher of the Year and leaders in medicine, law, social services,
business, and government; and
WHEREAS, Presidential Scholars win an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., in June for National
Recognition Week where they receive Presidential Scholars medallions at a White House-sponsored ceremony; and
WHEREAS, the following public school students are Alabama’s 2009 Presidential Scholars:


Lauren E. Faraino, Vestavia Hills High School, Vestavia Hills City Schools
Nikhil Goel, Virgil I. Grissom High School, Huntsville City Schools
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby
commend Alabama’s 2009 Presidential Scholars for their academic achievements that earned this prestigious
national honor and wishes them every success in their future endeavors.
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Done this 11th day of June 2009.
RESOLUTION IN RECOGNITION OF DERRICK BYARS,
ACADEMY FOR ACADEMICS & ARTS, HUNTSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS,
2009 NATIONAL AWARD OF MERIT WINNER
NATIONAL PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION REFLECTIONS PROGRAM
WHEREAS, Derrick Byars, a seventh-grader at the Academy for Academics & Arts in the Huntsville City
School System, earned a 2009 National Award of Merit in the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Reflections Program; and
WHEREAS, Derrick Byars’ “Wow” – based on the theme “Wow!” – earned the 2009 National Award of
Merit from the National PTA Reflections Program in the category of Musical Composition and will be featured in
the virtual Reflections Program Gallery on the PTA national website in July; and
WHEREAS, Derrick Byars is one of only 119 students nationwide to earn the 2009 National Award of
Merit and receives a silver-plated Reflections medallion and a letter of congratulations from the National PTA; and
WHEREAS, since 1969, the National PTA Reflections Program has encouraged millions of students –
preschool through Grade 12 – across the nation and in American schools overseas to explore their artistic talents:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby
commend Derrick Byars for this national recognition in the arts from the National PTA Reflections Program.
Done this 11th day of June 2009.
On motion by Mrs. Stephanie Bell and seconded by Mr. Gary Warren, the Board unanimously approved the
following:
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A PASSING SCORE FOR THE BIOLOGY
SUBJECT-AREA TEST OF THE ALABAMA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION EXAM
WHEREAS, the Alabama High School Graduation Exam (AHSGE) was developed in order to assure that
students not only passed the required coursework for an Alabama High School Diploma but also passed an
assessment of the content; and
WHEREAS, first-time ninth graders of 1999-2000 were the first class required to pass both the Alabama
State Board of Education adopted minimum number of credits and reading, language, mathematics, and science on
the AHSGE; and
WHEREAS, the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 requires that beginning not later than school year 20072008 that states measure the proficiency of all students in science and be administered not less than one time during
Grades 3 through 5, not less than one time during Grades 6 through 9, and not less than one time during Grades 10
through 12; and
WHEREAS, the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 requires that assessments be aligned with the state’s
content standards and provide coherent information about student attainment of such standards; and
WHEREAS, members of the Alabama State Board of Education intend to ensure Alabama’s compliance
with all federal laws and regulations pertaining to education; and
WHEREAS, the science subject-area test of the Alabama High School Graduation Exam was revised to be
in compliance with No Child Left Behind Act of 2001; and
WHEREAS, the Biology Standard-Setting Committee of teachers has met and made a recommendation to
the State Superintendent of Education and that the State Superintendent has conferred with members of the
Technical Advisory Committee to recommend a passing score for biology to the Alabama State Board of Education;
and
WHEREAS, the revised science subject-area test (biology) of the AHSGE is required for an Alabama
High School Diploma for any student who is a ninth grader beginning in the 2006-2007 school year:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby
establish a scaled score of 445 (on a scale from 0 to 999) as the minimum passing score for biology on the AHSGE
and makes it effective for first-time ninth graders of 2006-2007.
7
Done this 11th day of June 2009.
On motion by Mrs. Ella B. Bell and seconded by Mrs. Stephanie Bell, the Board unanimously approved the
following:
RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE REVIEW OF TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM
Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama
WHEREAS, the Alabama Administrative Code, Rule No. 290-3-3-.56(2)(b)2.(i) and Rule 290-3-3.56(2)(b)2.(ii), requires that approval by the Alabama State Board of Education shall be secured before a proposal
for a new program is reviewed by the Teacher Education and Certification Section of the State Department of
Education; and
WHEREAS, the State Superintendent of Education has received from the Chief Administrative Officer of
Auburn University a written request for a review team to visit the institution; and
WHEREAS, the request lists the specific proposed programs for which the Alabama State Board of
Education approval is being sought, together with information concerning the factors to be taken into account in
determining the need for such a program; and
WHEREAS, Auburn University personnel have been advised that the proposed program may not be
implemented prior to Alabama State Board of Education approval based on documentation of compliance with all
applicable standards; and
WHEREAS, the State Superintendent of Education recommends that the program be reviewed by the
Teacher Education and Certification Section of the State Department of Education:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education hereby
authorizes a review of the following program:
Alternative Class A, English for Speakers of Other Languages
Done this 11th day of June 2009.
On motion by Mrs. Ella B. Bell and seconded by Mr. David F. Byers, Jr., the Board unanimously approved the
following:
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS
TROY UNIVERSITY
Troy, Alabama
WHEREAS, a review of teacher education programs began on July 24-27, 2005, and has continued as
additional documents were provided for review, by the State Department of Education in accordance with the
Alabama Administrative Code, Rule No. 290-3-3-.56(2)(a)2; and
WHEREAS, compliance with Alabama State Board of Education rules has been verified; and
WHEREAS, Alabama is a partner with the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
(NCATE); and
WHEREAS, NCATE has granted accreditation of programs at the various campuses of what was Troy
State University and is now Troy University; and
WHEREAS, the State Superintendent of Education recommends approval of the programs:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education hereby extends
approval of the following programs, with approval to expire on May 31, 2017:
ALT.
PROGRAM (GRADE LEVEL)
EARLY CHILDHOOD CERTIFICATION (P-3)
Early Childhood Education
CLASS B
CLASS A
A
X
X
X
X
X
X
CLASS AA
X
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATION (K-6)
Collaborative Teacher
8
Elementary Education
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
PRESCHOOL THROUGH GRADE 12 CERTIFICATION (P-12)
Gifted Education
Music, Choral
Music, Instrumental
Physical Education
Theatre
Visual Arts
X
X
X
X
X
ALT.
PROGRAM (GRADE LEVEL)
SECONDARY CERTIFICATION (6-12)
Biology
Chemistry
Collaborative Teacher
English Language Arts
General Science
General Social Science
Health Education
History
Mathematics
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT PERSONNEL (P12)
Educational Administration *
Reading Specialist
School Counseling
School Psychologist
School Psychometrist
CLASS B
CLASS A
A
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
CLASS AA
X
X
X
X
X
*The institution may continue to provide its current Class AA Educational Administration programs until all
institutions are required to discontinue those programs and document compliance with Instructional Leadership
standards.
Done this 11th day of June 2009.
On motion by Dr. Ethel H. Hall and seconded by Mrs. Ella B. Bell, the Board unanimously approved the
following:
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE ALABAMA SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS
BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECOMMENDATIONS
WHEREAS, the Alabama School of Fine Arts Board of Trustees, due to two resignations, has submitted
nominations for positions on the board with terms to commence July 1, 2009 ; and
WHEREAS, as required by the Code of Alabama, Section 16-26B-4, the names were provided in order
of preference for each position; and
WHEREAS, the State Superintendent of Education concurs:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education hereby extends
approval of Ms. Suzi Baker, for Position 1 (Academics); and Mr. John W. Nixon, Jr., (At Large).
Done this 11th day of June 2009.
Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Joseph B. Morton informed Board members that his report would be combined with legal and asked Mr. Larry
Craven to come before the Board and speak on the matter pertaining to a former teacher in Washington County.
Mr. Craven reported that Ms. Charlene Schmitz, a former teacher in the Washington County School System, is
serving time in Federal Prison under serious circumstances, two of which involve rape and sodomy of a student, and
is still being paid by the school system. Since February of 2008, she has been paid at a salary rate of $52,000 a year,
and has been receiving retirement benefits, etc. She has appealed and been denied by the 11 th Circuit Court. He
stated that a conference call is scheduled with the administrative law judge to discuss procedures on revoking her
teaching certificate. A video conference hearing is scheduled within the next 30 to 45 days. Mr. Craven stated that
his office is also working with the attorney in Washington County.
Dr. Morton stated that the Alabama Educator Code of Ethics is scheduled to be before the Board during the July 14,
2009, Alabama State Board of Education meeting and is another step in the right direction to prevent problems of
this nature. This will be discussed during the work session.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:14 a.m.
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Vice President
Secretary and Executive Officer
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