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What is the cutoff birth date for Kindergarten? What is the cutoff birth date for 1st grade? |
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The cutoff date is on or before September 1. For more information on the minimum age at which a child may enter, click here and select Title 16 Education, Chapter 28, Article 1 General Provisions, Section 16-28-4. |
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Is kindergarten mandatory? |
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No, kindergarten is not mandatory in Alabama; however, all school systems must offer kindergarten programs. |
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Is there a law pertaining to Character Education in Alabama? |
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Character Education is part of the Accountability Law - Alabama Act 95-313. |
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What character traits are mandated by the Alabama State Legislature to be taught in Alabama’s public schools? |
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The 25 character are courage, patriotism, citizenship, honesty, fairness, respect for others, kindness, cooperation, self-respect, self-control, courtesy, compassion, tolerance, diligence, generosity, punctuality, cleanliness, cheerfulness, school pride, respect for the environment, patience, creativity, sportsmanship, loyalty, and perseverance. |
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Does the Alabama Department of Education provide assistance to schools scoring in Alert? |
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The Classroom Improvement section of the Alabama Department of Education provides assistance to Alert schools in the areas of curriculum, instruction, management, and leadership. |
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Can the Classroom Improvement Section assist me in locating a presenter for an inservice session or workshop for my faculty? |
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Yes, we can provide names of presenters who have participated in train-the-trainer sessions sponsored by the Department listed in the July 2000 Teacher Trainers Directory. In addition, we suggest that you contact your Regional Inservice Center for recommendations or for already-scheduled sessions that may be of interest to your faculty. A list of Inservice Centers is on page 20 of the Alabama Education Directory. Click here. |
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Where can I access information on preschool/four-year-old programs? |
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The Alabama Department of Children's Affairs has received funding to conduct a pilot program for preschool-aged students in sites around the state. For more information, click here or call Richard H. Dorrough, Commissioner, at 334-223-0502. |
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Where might I find information on the state's kindergarten programs? |
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Local public school systems may provide information or you may contact, Telena Madison, at tmadison@alsde.edu. |
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Why don't we have half-day kindergarten programs in my school system? |
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Alabama Administrative Code Rule 290-5-1, states the minimum standards for kindergarten programs in Alabama schools, sets the daily schedule for kindergartens: "The beginning and ending times of the school day in kindergartens shall be the same as the schedule of the elementary schools in the systems of which they are a part." |
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Does the state Department of Education provide professional development training to teachers and administrators? |
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The Classroom Improvement Section employs content area specialist that provide professional development to local school systems in the areas of curriculum, instruction, management, and leadership. |
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