Alabama School Climate Policy

 

 

Alabama has 138 school districts, which support 1,637 schools. In the 2021-2022 school year, 717,988 students were enrolled in Alabama public schools. Approximately 55% of students in Alabama schools qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. While Alabama state policies do not explicitly include school climate measurement and improvement as part of accountability plans, other important elements of school climate are addressed in policy. These include comprehensive guidelines for bullying and violence prevention, school safety, and the adoption of a social-emotional learning curriculum.

 

Safety

There is currently no policy surrounding School Climate in Alabama. For more information on school climate please visit us at Services – National School Climate Center

Code of Ala. § 16-28B Jamari Terrell Williams Student Bullying Prevention Act.

This is a new act that became effective in 2018 and replaced the Anti-Harassment Policy. This new act expands on the current law to include student against student bullying, intimidation, violence, and threats of violence that occur off school property. In addition, the new act specifically includes cyberbullying, which may also occur off school property.

  • Code of Ala. § 16-28B-3:

Provides definitions of bullying and cyberbullying. Also includes behaviors that constitute bullying.

https://casetext.com/statute/code-of-alabama/title-16-education/chapter-28b-jamari-terrell-williams-student-bullying-prevention-act/section-16-28b-3-definitions

  • Code of Ala. § 16-28B-4:

Outlines prohibited behaviors or behaviors that shouldn’t be taking place in school.

https://casetext.com/statute/code-of-alabama/title-16-education/chapter-28b-jamari-terrell-williams-student-bullying-prevention-act/section-16-28b-4-prohibited-behavior-complaints-school-plans-or-programs

  • Code of Ala. § 16-28B-5:

The consequence of bullying is only mentioned once in the policy.

https://casetext.com/statute/code-of-alabama/title-16-education/chapter-28b-jamari-terrell-williams-student-bullying-prevention-act/section-16-28b-5-model-policy

  • Code of Ala. § 16-28B-6:

School’s responsibility when it comes to bullying and bullying behaviors.

https://casetext.com/statute/code-of-alabama/title-16-education/chapter-28b-jamari-terrell-williams-student-bullying-prevention-act/section-16-28b-6-duties-of-schools

https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/laws/alabama


Who does this protect? Students, minorities

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

Code of Ala. § 16-1-44:

The responsibility of the local board or agent is to check on the conditions and operations of each school, and if needed, create a plan to prevent dangerous problems or circumstances from occurring. 

https://casetext.com/statute/code-of-alabama/title-16-education/chapter-1-general-provisions/section-16-1-44-school-emergency-operation-plans

Code of Ala. § 16-1-44.1:

“School resource officer” is a law enforcement officer employed by a law enforcement agency who is specifically selected and specially trained for the school setting. School resource officers are permitted to carry a deadly weapon.  

https://casetext.com/statute/code-of-alabama/title-16-education/chapter-1-general-provisions/section-16-1-441-school-security-personnel-and-school-resource-officers

Ala. Code § 13A-11-72:

Outlines who is forbidden from bringing or carrying a gun and people who are exempt from this. 

https://casetext.com/statute/code-of-alabama/title-13a-criminal-code/chapter-11-offenses-against-public-order-and-safety/article-3-offenses-relating-to-firearms-and-weapons/division-2-pistols/section-13a-11-72-certain-persons-forbidden-to-possess-pistol

https://c0arw235.caspio.com/dp/b7f93000c2d5ebbb8c0942df8403?st=Alabama


Who does this protect? Students, Staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

Alabama school districts must make referral, crisis intervention, and other related information available for students, parents, and school personnel as part of bullying and suicide prevention efforts.

  • Code of Ala. § 16-28B-8:

Each school system should adopt a policy of student suicide prevention and develop programs to prevent student suicide. For example, raise awareness of the services that are available to students such as individual, family, or group counseling. In addition, information related to referrals and crisis information should be available to students, parents, and school personnel.

https://casetext.com/statute/code-of-alabama/title-16-education/chapter-28b-jamari-terrell-williams-student-bullying-prevention-act/section-16-28b-8-suicide-prevention-programs-training-and-policies-advisory-committee-liability

  • Code of Ala. § 16-28B-4. Item D: 

Each school shall develop plans or programs, including, but not limited to, peer mediation teams, to encourage students to report and address incidents of bullying, violence, or threats of violence. 

https://casetext.com/statute/code-of-alabama/title-16-education/chapter-28b-jamari-terrell-williams-student-bullying-prevention-act/section-16-28b-4-prohibited-behavior-complaints-school-plans-or-programs

https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/laws/alabama


Who does this protect? Students, school community and staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Teaching/Learning

Code of Alabama 16-39.3:

Each school board shall provide not less than 12 consecutive years of appropriate instruction and special services for exceptional children, beginning with those six years of age, by the provisions of this chapter. No matriculation or tuition fees or other fees or charges shall be required or asked of exceptional children or their parents or guardians.

http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/alison/CodeOfAlabama/1975/Coatoc.htm

State law requires districts to integrate social-emotional learning or character education into the school curriculum.

  • Code of Ala. § 16-28B-6:

Develop and implement evidence practices to promote a school environment free of harassment, intimidation, violence, and threats of violence. Awareness of this should be incorporated into the school curriculum. 

https://casetext.com/statute/code-of-alabama/title-16-education/chapter-28b-jamari-terrell-williams-student-bullying-prevention-act/section-16-28b-6-duties-of-schools

State law encourages districts to operate alternative school programs or to ensure access to educational services for expelled students in an alternative setting.

  • Alabama Code 16-6B-1. Student achievement:

Schools should develop programs or make effort to track their student’s achievement and academic performance. 

https://casetext.com/statute/code-of-alabama/title-16-education/chapter-6b-education-accountability-plan/section-16-6b-1-student-achievement

  • Code of Ala. § 16-6B-3:

An improvement plan will be developed by consulting teachers, parents, and the local community if the school’s student achievement has not improved after two years. 

https://casetext.com/statute/code-of-alabama/title-16-education/chapter-6b-education-accountability-plan/section-16-6b-3-assistance-programs

  • Code of Ala. § 41-15B-2.2.:

Twenty-two percent of the fund shall be allocated to the State Board of Education for one or more of the things outlined in the policy below, or one of the operations of alternative schools.

https://casetext.com/statute/code-of-alabama/title-41-state-government/chapter-15b-children-first/section-41-15b-22-allocation-of-trust-fund-revenues


Who does this protect? Students, students with disabilities

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

State law encourages districts to establish school-community partnerships to address student needs.

  • Code of Ala. § 16-63-5:

Schools will need to establish one or more community school advisory committees, and they will work with local school officials and personnel, parent-teacher organizations, community groups, and agencies to provide opportunities for public schools to serve the communities, and encourage the maximum use of volunteers in the public schools.

https://casetext.com/statute/code-of-alabama/title-16-education/chapter-63-community-schools-act/section-16-63-5-duties-of-community-schools-advisory-committees-membership

  • Code of Ala. § 16-63-6.

Schools will need to employ one or more community school coordinators who will be responsible for several things like, fostering cooperation between the local board of education and appropriate community agencies, and encouraging maximum use of community volunteers in the public schools.

https://casetext.com/statute/code-of-alabama/title-16-education/chapter-63-community-schools-act/section-16-63-6-duties-of-community-schools-coordinators 


Who does this protect? Students, community, teachers and parents

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Interpersonal Relationships

 

There is currently no policy surrounding respect and diversity in Alabama. For more information on school climate please visit us at Services – National School Climate Center

Code of Ala. § 16-28B-8:

Training will be provided to school employees in suicide awareness and prevention. There are also approved training materials such as those that might be completed through self-review. 

https://casetext.com/statute/code-of-alabama/title-16-education/chapter-28b-jamari-terrell-williams-student-bullying-prevention-act/section-16-28b-8-suicide-prevention-programs-training-and-policies-advisory-committee-liability

Alabama Administrative Code 290-3-3-.50:

Explains the 5 requirements to get a certification for school counseling. 

http://www.alabamaadministrativecode.state.al.us/docs/ed/290-3-3.pdf


Who does this protect? Staff, Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

Alabama school districts must make a referral, crisis intervention, and other related information available for students, parents, and school personnel as part of bullying and suicide prevention efforts.

  • Code of Ala. § 16-28B-8:

Each school system should adopt a policy of student suicide prevention and develop programs to prevent student suicide. For example, raise awareness of the services that are available to students such as individual, family, or group counseling. In addition, information related to referrals and crisis information should be available to students, parents, and school personnel. 

https://casetext.com/statute/code-of-alabama/title-16-education/chapter-28b-jamari-terrell-williams-student-bullying-prevention-act/section-16-28b-8-suicide-prevention-programs-training-and-policies-advisory-committee-liability

  • Code of Ala. § 16-28B-4. Item D:

Each school shall develop plans or programs, including, but not limited to, peer mediation teams, to encourage students to report and address incidents of bullying, violence, or threats of violence. 

https://casetext.com/statute/code-of-alabama/title-16-education/chapter-28b-jamari-terrell-williams-student-bullying-prevention-act/section-16-28b-4-prohibited-behavior-complaints-school-plans-or-programs

https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/laws/alabama


Who does this protect? Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Institutional Environment

State law requires parents or family members involved in the development of student codes of conduct.

  • Code of Alabama 16-1-24.1:

The school will provide parents or guardians, teachers, school personnel, and students with a code of student conduct at the beginning of each school year. 

https://casetext.com/statute/code-of-alabama/title-16-education/chapter-1-general-provisions/section-16-1-241-safe-school-and-drug-free-school-policy-treatment-of-policy-violators-promulgation-and-distribution-of-discipline-policy-liability-limited-for-discipline-actions-local-boards-may-adopt-more-stringent-guidelines

State law requires state agencies to develop models and guidance to promote parent and family engagement.

  • Code of Alabama 41-15B-2.2:

States that twenty-two percent of the fund should be allocated to the State Board of Education for certain things outlined and one of them includes the promotion of parental participation in school activities. 

https://casetext.com/statute/code-of-alabama/title-41-state-government/chapter-15b-children-first/section-41-15b-22-allocation-of-trust-fund-revenues

State law requires districts to implement parent education or support programs to address family needs.

  • Code of Alabama 16-28-2.2:
  • Local boards of education, according to guidelines established by the State Board of Education, shall establish educational programs to inform parents of school children of their education-related responsibilities to their children.
  • The State Board of Education and local boards of education shall develop strategies to ensure that parents of school children receive this information. These strategies may include provisions for weekend meetings, one-to-one conferences, telephone communications, and neighborhood meetings.

http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/alison/codeofalabama/1975/coatoc.htm


Who does this protect? Family, Student

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

State law encourages districts to implement building risk or hazard assessment protocols.

  • Code of Alabama 16-1-44

Responsibility of the local board or agent to check on the conditions and operations of each school and if needed create a plan to prevent dangerous problems or circumstances from occurring. 

https://casetext.com/statute/code-of-alabama/title-16-education/chapter-1-general-provisions/section-16-1-44-school-emergency-operation-plans

State law authorizes the placement of local law enforcement or security personnel on school campuses through MOUs or partnership agreements.

  • Code of Alabama 16-1-44.1

“School resource officer” is a law enforcement officer employed by a law enforcement agency who is specifically selected and specially trained for the school setting. School resource officers are permitted to carry a deadly weapon.

https://casetext.com/statute/code-of-alabama/title-16-education/chapter-1-general-provisions/section-16-1-441-school-security-personnel-and-school-resource-officers


Who does this protect? Students, staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

There is no current policy surrounding social inclusion in the state of Alabama. For more information on school climate please visit us at Services – National School Climate Center

Social Media

 

There is currently no policy surrounding social media in the state of Alabama. For more information on school climate please visit us at Services – National School Climate Center

There is currently no policy surrounding leadership in Alabama. For more information on school climate please visit us at Services – National School Climate Center

There is currently no policy surrounding professional relationships in Alabama. For more information on school climate please visit us at Services – National School Climate Center

Sources include: nasbe.org and childtrends.org