Ivey speaks at Turnaround Academy kickoff

For the last several weeks Gov. Kay Ivey has been making stops at the 15 “turnaround schools” that have received funding specifically targeted toward helping improve math and reading scores.

Ivey stopped by Tuesday at the Turnaround Academy kickoff conference in Prattville to talk about the success the program has had thus far.

“As we opened our 2022 legislative session with my state of the stare address, I pledged we would no longer have failing schools in Alabama,” Ivey told the packed conference room of superintendents, principals and teachers at the Prattville Marriott conference center. 

In the fall of 2022, Ivey launched the turnaround schools initiative, targeting $15 million for the 15 schools that needed it most to improve educational outcomes.

Ivey told the educators the initiative uses “four domains of rapid school improvement”: school leadership, teacher growth and development, improved classroom practices and a strong school climate.

Ivey has already visited most of the 15 turnaround schools since school started back, and has plans to visit the remaining schools.

“My visits to your schools have exceeded my expectations,” Ivey said. “Not only have we learned about the tremendous gains already being made, but we’re seeing firsthand the commitment that your school leadership and your teachers to improving you students’ educational journeys.”

Ivey highlighted the success of ABC elementary and J.E. Hobbs in her home county of Wilcox, which have seen he highest percent increase in third-grade reading scores of any district in the state.

She also highlighted other turnaround schools that have seen significant improvements in math performance as well as new programs established using turnaround funds.