Alabama Schools Surge in Reading, Graduation Rates, Mackey Reports

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (Day.News) — Alabama State Superintendent of Education Eric Mackey told the state school board that student performance is rising across key metrics, including reading, graduation rates and career readiness[5]. He highlighted improvements even after the board toughened standards in October by raising the reading test passing score from 435 to 444, underscoring the gains' robustness[5]. These advancements come amid ongoing efforts to ensure every student graduates college- and career-ready. Mackey pointed to expanded initiatives driving the progress, such as data literacy programs reaching more than 10,000 students taught by 1,400 educators in grades 6-12[3]. Topics include data collection, analysis, visualization and AI, positioning Alabama as a national leader. In high-poverty and low-performing schools, priorities like full implementation of First Class Pre-K by 2030 and $25 million in FY2024 funding for college- and career-ready requirements are expanding offerings at high schools and career tech centers[1]. Graduation rates and reading proficiency have notably improved, with Mackey emphasizing sustained focus on literacy and numeracy from pre-K through grade 12[1][5]. The Governor's Commission on Teaching and Learning, reporting in December 2023, backed these efforts with recommendations for summer and after-school programs in underserved areas[1]. In districts from Birmingham to rural Black Belt counties, these targeted supports are yielding results, though challenges like chronic absenteeism—defined as 10% or more missed school days—persist[2].