The bill establishes a standing Accountability Council in Alabama, aimed at enhancing the state's educational accountability system to improve student outcomes and close achievement gaps. The Council will be created by July 1, 2026, and will consist of various members, including five appointed by the Governor, chairs from relevant legislative committees, and representatives from educational and business organizations. The Council is tasked with reviewing the current state report card, guiding the development of an annual return on investment study, monitoring the implementation of the report card, and providing recommendations for revisions to the accountability system to the Governor and Legislature.

Additionally, the bill mandates the Alabama Workforce Board, with support from the State Department of Education and the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, to develop a system for measuring student performance data related to college and career readiness indicators. This includes collecting and reporting data on postsecondary enrollment, military enlistment, industry-recognized credentials, income after graduation, and employment in high-demand sectors. The bill emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in the education system, ensuring that all relevant agencies provide updated data annually to inform the Council's reviews and recommendations.

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