The bill amends Section 16-6C-2 of the Code of Alabama 1975, specifically regarding the school grading system for public K-12 education. It introduces new provisions that exclude the academic achievement of students transferring from nonpublic schools from being considered in the annual grading of a school or school district for the first three years of their enrollment. This change aims to provide a more equitable assessment of schools by allowing time for transfer students to acclimate to their new educational environment. The bill also maintains that the educational progress of these transfer students will still be measured in terms of academic growth during this period.

Additionally, the bill modifies the language concerning English language learners, ensuring that their academic achievement is not factored into school grading for the first five years of enrollment. The new language specifies that starting with the 2024-2025 school year, the same exclusion will apply to transfer students from nonpublic schools for their first three years. The educational progress of these students will continue to be tracked, and their academic achievement will be considered in the grading system starting in their fourth year. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 16-6C-2
Enrolled: 16-6C-2