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K-12 areas of instruction required by statute in Alabama

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See also: K-12 education content standards in the states

This page features information about K-12 areas of instruction required by state statute in Alabama public schools.

Background

See also: K-12 education content standards in the states and K-12 curriculum authority, requirements, and statutes in the states

State education officials may develop content standards and curricula, depending on the state, in order to facilitate instruction in public schools. In some states, lawmakers also adopt required areas of instruction by statute.

K-12 content standards and curriculum development

State or local education officials may develop K-12 curricula for classroom instruction that generally includes lessons and materials used in a particular course of study.[1] Depending on the state, K-12 curricula may reflect or incorporate state content standards—educational learning and achievement goals that state education officials either require or recommend that local schools satisfy in K-12 instruction.

Areas of instruction required by statute

Some state laws require the inclusion of specific areas of instruction in K-12 public school curricula. In these cases, lawmakers—rather than state education officials—mandate certain education requirements for students. Laws governing specific areas of instruction in K-12 curricula vary by state.

Statutorily required areas of instruction in Alabama

The following table provides information about selected areas of instruction required by statute in Alabama as of 2022. The statutes provided may not be comprehensive. The statutory text is provided below the table.

Statutorily required areas of instruction in Alabama
Area(s) of instruction Statute(s)
  • Reading
  • Spelling and writing
  • Arithmetic
  • Oral and written English
  • Geography
  • History of the United States and Alabama
  • Elementary science
  • Health and physical education
 Alabama Code § 16-35-5 (2022)
  • Parental responsibilities
 Alabama Code § 16-40-1 (2022),
  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
 Alabama Code § 16-40-1.1 (2022)
  • Avoiding child sex abuse
 Alabama Code § 16-40-8 (2022)
  • Civics
 Alabama Code § 16-40-9 (2022)
  • Physical education
 Alabama Code § 16-40-10 (2022)


Alabama Code § 16-35-5 (2022):

“ Studies required to be taught in elementary school.


In every elementary school in the state there shall be taught reading, spelling and writing, arithmetic, oral and written English, geography, history of the United States and Alabama, elementary science, health education, physical education and such other studies as may be prescribed by the State Board of Education.[2]

”

Alabama Code § 16-40-1 (2022):

“ Instruction mandated in parental resposibility, education and high school diploma importance, and study skills; new required courses not established.


(a) Each local board of education shall require, in accordance with rules and regulations of the State Board of Education, that students in grades seven to 12, inclusive, receive instruction in parental responsibilities. The content of the instructional program shall be determined by the State Board of Education.

(b) Each local board of education shall require, in accordance with rules and regulations of the State Board of Education, that students in grades seven to 12, inclusive, receive instruction in the importance of an education and the consequences of not obtaining a high school diploma. The contents of the instructional program shall be determined by the State Board of Education. The instructional program shall offer information appropriate to each grade level and age and level of maturity of the student.

(c) Each local board of education shall require, in accordance with rules and regulations of the State Board of Education, that students in grades kindergarten to 12, inclusive, receive instruction regarding how to study. The content of the instructional program shall be determined by the State Board of Education. The instructional program shall offer information appropriate to each grade level and age and level of maturity of the student.[2]

”

Alabama Code § 16-40-8 (2022):

“ Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.


(a) Effective upon the effective dates of this section, all students enrolled in health classes in the tenth grade in the public schools of Alabama shall receive instruction in the techniques of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, hereinafter referred to as "CPR."[2]

”

Alabama Code § 16-40-9 (2022):

“ Instruction for avoiding child sexual abuse.


(b) The Governor's Task Force on Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Children created under subsection (c) shall adopt guidelines for a child sexual abuse prevention instructional program. The guidelines shall:

(1) Educate children in grades pre-kindergarten through 12 in public schools on child sexual abuse prevention through age appropriate curriculum through role plays, discussions, activities, and books.
(2) Give children the knowledge and encouragement to speak up and tell if anyone has ever touched them inappropriately, rather than keep it a secret.
(3) Educate children on safe touch, unsafe touch, safe secrets, and unsafe secrets, and how to get away from an abuser and report an incident immediately.[2]
 ”

Alabama Code § 16-40-10 (2022):

“ Completion of required government course to include civics test component.


a) Beginning in the 2018-2019 school year, as a required component for completing the government course required in the high school course of study, a student shall correctly answer at least 60 of the 100 questions listed on a civics test, which shall be made available in multiple choice format. For the purposes of this section, civics test means the 100 questions that, as of February 1, 2017, officers of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services use as the basis for selecting the questions posed on applications for naturalization. The civics test shall be completed as part of a required course in government. The school shall document on the transcript of the student that he or she has successfully completed the civics test as required by this subsection.[2]

”

Alabama Code § 16-40-1 (2022):

“ Physical education required; exemption of church schools from operation of this section.


Every public school and private school, except church schools as defined in Section 16-28-1, shall carry out a system of physical education, the character of which shall conform to the program or course outlined by the Department of Education.[2]

”

See also

External links

Footnotes

  1. ↑ The Glossary of Education Reform, "Curriculum," accessed July 26, 2022
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
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