Alabama


U.S.
Rank
#14
Overall PPI Score: 75%

Digital & Innovative Learning Opportunities

Score
75%
Grade: C
Rank: #28

Alabama allows work-based learning in schools, with the state’s CTE program being lauded as the “the foundation for [its] future.” Further, the state has had a commitment to building capacity for local schools to develop personalized and competency-based education, and its Innovation Schools/Zones, provide autonomy in innovation and creativity by allowing flexibility from state laws, regulations, and policies.

Transformational Learning Opportunities:


Virtual & Online Schooling:
Digital Learning Resources:
  • The Alabama Learning Exchange (ALEX) is a database filled with high-quality digital lesson plans and classroom resources that reflect state learning standards.
  • Alabama Technology in Motion (ATiM) is a teacher professional development program aligned with the state’s Digital Literacy and Computer Science standards that provides K-12 educators with tools to integrate digital learning and computer science in their everyday instruction.
  • Curious about your district’s internet access? ConnectK-12 provides state- and district-specific information on access to the recommended bandwidth speeds and monthly internet costs. 
Career & Technical and/or Work-based Education:
  • While state law does not allow students to earn credits towards graduation requirements for work-based learning, AL law allows schools to offer work-based learning opportunities to students. 
  • The Department of Education offers a yearly CTE Middle Grades Innovative Grant for schools to establish, expand, start-up, and/or reinvent CTE experiences for students enrolled in Grades 5-8.
Personalized, Competency- and/or Mastery-based Learning:
  • While state law does not allow students to earn credits towards graduation requirements for work-based learning, AL law allows schools to offer work-based learning opportunities to students. 
  • In 2009, Alabama implemented a policy enabling students to earn credit by demonstrating mastery of state content standards without a specified requirement for instructional time.
  • Talladega County, home to the state’s super speedway, is pioneering learner-centered pedagogy supported by technology. With support from Digital Promise, the district was able to integrate new and exciting approaches to learning across all 17 schools.
Innovation Schools, Zones, and/or Districts:
  • Under statute, Innovation Schools are allowed, which provides greater flexibility to schools in meeting the educational needs of a diverse student population.