ALABAMA EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS NEWS

News on public, private and state schools and teachers

A natural connection between to dogs can help kids remember what to do in case of a fire Full story »

More than two-thirds of schools in Jackson and George counties are performing at least above the state average, and Ocean Springs High School stands out as a star, according to rankings released today by the state using a heralded new accountability model. Full story »

Dave Praharaj was named a semifinalist in the 2009-2010 Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology  Full story »

The entire school got involved in the week designed to teach children about the environment as well as beautify the school.  Full story »

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- A 19-year-old was in critical condition Sunday night after being found unconscious by police responding to a report of a fight earlier in the day on the University of Alabama campus, according to police.  Full story »

MADISON, AL -- The Madison City Council meeting tonight promises to be interesting with a potential vote on the half-cent sales tax and the vote on a recommendation for MEDS to become the new owner for Paradise Apartments Full story »

BAY MINETTE, Ala. -- In the midst of an economic crisis that seems worse daily, Baldwin County School Board members adopted a survival plan at their meeting this week even as Superintendent Faron Hollinger announced his early departure. Full story »

"We are sending this letter home because a case of pertussis (whooping cough) has been identified in a classmate, team member or other close contact of your child at Spanish Fort High School. Pertussis is a highly contagious disease that is spread to others by contact with respiratory droplets such as coughing," according to a letter e-mailed by David D. Legett area immunization manager for the Baldwin County Health Department.  Full story »

State legislators gathered for their annual luncheon with the Mobile County school board had mixed feelings about whether Alabama should allow the formation of charter schools. Full story »

Well, it appears that a debate that has been going on in the rest of the country for 20 years has now made its way to Alabama. Gov. Bob Riley says he wants to bring charter schools to Alabama, which is one of only 10 states that don't have them. But teachers union boss Paul Hubbert says he's opposed to charter schools and that he'll fight against them.  Full story »

Paul Hubbert, who holds influence as executive secretary of the Alabama Education Association, said he'll fight any charter proposal. "I intend to oppose it strongly," Hubbert said. "I think it's wrong and I think it will hurt far more than help.  Full story »

MADISON, AL -- Kristin Mitchell knows what overcrowding can do to a school system. She was a teacher in Mississippi before moving two years ago to Madison where her two children attend West Madison Elementary School.  Full story »

At Jackson State University, students have turned to Twitter and Facebook to gather signatures on a petition to block the move proposed by the Republican governor. Full story »

Although he didn't say specifically how many jobs will be lost in the current funding freefall, President Dr. Andrew Hugine Jr. indicated it could easily top 100.  Full story »

ST MARTIN, Miss. -- A former Teacher of the Month at St. Martin High School was arrested Wednesday night after agents searched his home and found marijuana growing outside and inside. Full story »