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PARCA Survey 2013: Public Opinion in Alabama |
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In The PARCA Quarterly, Spring 2013, we take stock of public attitudes on education and economic development by revisiting some questions that were asked twenty years ago in a survey commissioned by the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama. We compare those results to the 2013 Annual Survey performed by PARCA in January.
In general, the results indicate modest improvements in Alabamians' perceptions of opportunity in the state's economy. Attitudes regarding public schools have also improved. Still, there are substantial indictors of dissatisfaction on a number of points. To view the complete analysis, click here.
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A Focus on Fixing, not Fleeing, Alabama's Public Schools |
Recently, there has been major controversy over legislation to allow tax credits for those fleeing public schools. This controversy diverts attention and energy away from what should be the state's fundamental priority: creating a robust and timely system for identifying and fixing failing public schools.
Now is the time to refocus on this priority. PARCA discusses this issue in detail in its report,
A Focus on Fixing, not Fleeing, Alabama's Public Schools.
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Spotlight on Success |
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PARCA has performed a collection of reviews of schools in Alabama that have demonstrated high performance. We will be telling the turnaround stories of these schools' successes through several issues of The Perspective.
Today, we spotlight Hudson K-8 School. Hudson is a part of the Birmingham City School System.
In 2006, only 20 percent of Hudson fifth graders were scoring at the highest level, Level IV, on the states ARMT math test, and only 30 percent in reading.
In 2012, more than 95 percent of Hudson's fifth graders scored at the highest level in math. In reading, 76.9 percent scored at Level IV. This extreme improvement can be evidenced in the chart below.
The change has happened, Hudson teachers say, because of strong leadership that demands accountability, high expectations and innovative teaching methods.
To read the full story about Hudson K-8 School's success, click here.
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