Distance Learning Program a Bright Spot for Alabama

Recently I had the opportunity to speak on a panel along with other leaders from around in the country, including the first lady of West Virginia, about innovative education programs in the United States. While the media has focused a great deal of attention on the antics of “the punch” in the closing day of the Alabama legislative session, there are programs in Alabama that have earned national attention.

Through groundbreaking legislation and state funding in 2005, Alabama created a new educational opportunity for many of our students through the Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators, and Students Statewide (ACCESS) program. By using interactive videoconferencing technology the Department of Education provides Alabama high school students the ability to participate in Advanced Placement (AP) courses to prepare for college. After an initial appropriation of just over $10 million in its first year, the Alabama Legislature increased the investment in ACCESS each year and is now appropriating $25 million annually.

Other states are taking notice of this program. Now several national organizations are talking about Alabama’s success with ACCESS. The National Governor’s Association, Council of State Governments, and the National Conference of State Legislatures have all included presentations in their meetings on how other states can replicate this tremendous success story.

What does this mean for high school juniors and seniors in Alabama? Nearly 45,000 seats will be available in advanced educational courses for students from every walk of life in Alabama, regardless of where you live. This is an opportunity that many students in Alabama public schools would not enjoy if it were not for this distance learning program. Many schools cannot afford to teach some of the courses necessary for college admission such as advanced chemistry, physics, calculus, and other AP electives. Through technology Alabama has found a way to engage every part of our state in 21st century education opportunities.

Often the national media concentrates a lot on the negative image Alabama has held over the years. While we ended the recent session with a black eye, thanks to innovative thinking and a smart long term investment it is nice to know we are still producing some good ideas right here at home.