Larry Lee

News

More Money for Private School Students Suggested

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—Under revisions to the Alabama Accountability Act, some private school students will be given a bigger share of the State’s education money. Under current law, the tax credit is equal to the lesser of (1) 80 percent of the average State cost of educating a public K-12 student in … Continued

Bill Britt

April 20, 2015

Opinion

Making Sausage with the Alabama Accountability Act

EDUCATION MATTERS By Larry Lee We have all been told that one should never watch either legislation or sausage being made. Having grown up long ago on a south Alabama farm, I took part in more than a few “hog killins” and know all about making sausage. I’ve also witnessed legislation being birthed in more … Continued

Larry Lee

April 16, 2015

Opinion

Campaign Financial Disclosures Predict Charter School Bill Passage

Education Matters By Larry Lee Even an amateur swami with a cloudy crystal ball could have told us how the recent vote to approve charter schools in Alabama would play out. In fact, he didn’t even have to look at his ball, they could have looked at 2014 campaign financial disclosures instead. There they … Continued

Larry Lee

April 6, 2015

Opinion

Legislation Not Helping Kids in Failing Schools as Promised

Education Matters By Larry Lee It is said that “confession is good for the soul.” With this being the case, the legislators who wrote the Alabama Accountability Act in 2013 are now sleeping better. When this bill was written the people of Alabama were told over and over that the purpose was to “help kids … Continued

Larry Lee

March 25, 2015

Opinion

Politicians Offer Band-aid for Hemorrhage

Education Matters By Larry Lee Let’s say that Santa brought you a new chainsaw and in your haste to put it to work you gashed your leg severely. With blood gushing everywhere, do you holler for someone to bring you some band-aids? It’s doubtful. And more likely that after you scream for help, you immediately … Continued

Larry Lee

March 2, 2015

Opinion

Miracles Still Happen in Education

Education Matters By Larry Lee Contrary to what many think, miracles still happen these days. In fact, one just happened in Alabama concerning public education—though no one seemed to notice. I refer to recent news from the Alabama State Department of Education that four schools formerly on the “failing” school list were removed because of … Continued

Larry Lee

February 16, 2015

Opinion

Politicians Say the Darndest Things

Education Matters By Larry Lee Some of us can recall when Art Linkletter did a segment on his radio show called “Kids Say the Darndest Things.” He would ask questions of children and in their wonderful innocence they would give answers that often made us laugh. I read or hear comments from politicians that deserve … Continued

Larry Lee

January 26, 2015

Opinion

Spinsters Cooking the Polls on Education

Education Matters By Larry Lee The word “spin” has several meanings. Grandpa thinks it is what you do when you test drive a new car. Grandma says it’s what the washing machine does. And the soccer mom does it when she goes to the health club. But political types know it is the practice of … Continued

Larry Lee

January 12, 2015

Opinion

Education Matters: Elvis Has Now Left the Building

Education Matters By Larry Lee It was near the end of last school year when the note on the corner of the principal’s desk caught my eye. I was at Elberta Elementary school in Baldwin County. The writer said that he had enjoyed school that year and he had learned a lot about Elvis. Whoa. … Continued

Larry Lee

December 29, 2014

Opinion

Riley’s SGO in State House to “Sweet Talk” Legislators

Education Matters By Larry Lee It looked innocent enough. Just another of the dozens of emails I get every day. Then I looked again and immediately did a double take. It was an email of an email. The first was from the Alabama State Director of the Alabama Federation for Children. He was making sure … Continued

Larry Lee

December 12, 2014