July 2020 Group Watch: News & Views from the State House
As we enter the sixth month of COVID-19 and the multiple restrictions it has made necessary —including a new statewide mask requirement —
we still successfully held runoff elections, and there’s education news.
we still successfully held runoff elections, and there’s education news.
- COVID-19 Update: Governor Kay Ivey issued her 14th supplemental emergency proclamation containing an amended Safer at Home Order that includes a statewide mask requirement. Individuals will be required to wear a mask or other facial covering when in public and in close contact with other people. The order extends until July 31,2020 at 5 p.m. You can read it at the link below.
- Gov Announces Alabama Campaign for Grade-Level Reading Final Report and Recommendations: Governor Ivey recently announced the final report and recommendations of the Alabama Campaign for Grade-Level Reading. The final report provides recommendations to enhance Birth to Age Eight Systems; Family Engagement; Health and Wellbeing; Learning Outside the Classroom; and Special Education, English Language Learners and Struggling Readers. Campaign leaders have developed an introductory video with a call to action for the Alabama Children’s Policy Councils as they begin work on establishing a local, county-level Campaign for Grade-Level Reading to continue this important work in each of the state’s 67 counties. The local campaigns represent a grassroots effort organized around the common goal of supporting Alabama students in achieving reading proficiency.
- Dr. Barbara Cooper Takes Helm at Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education: Governor Ivey announced the appointment of Dr. Barbara Cooper as Secretary of the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education (DECE). Dr. Cooper brings significant experience and expertise to the role, and she previously held senior level positions with the DECE and the Alabama State Department of Education. She served as DECE director of the Office of School Readiness and the Birth to Grade 12 advisor for Ivey’s Office of Education and Workforce Transformation. She was also appointed by the Alabama State Board of Education to serve as the chief administrative officer during the Montgomery Public Schools Intervention, where she worked to improve leadership and governance.
