Ivey Announces Funding for 34 New Classrooms Across State
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education are announcing funding for 34 new classrooms across the state.
The classrooms are being funded through the Pre-K through Third Grade Integrated Approach to Early Learning, also known as P-3. With the addition of the new classes, there will be a total of 208 classrooms in 21 counties covered by the grant.
“Today’s announcement is part of an intentional effort to give Alabama’s children a strong start towards a successful educational career,” Ivey said. “P-3 works to align the gains in First Class Pre-K to ensure students do not have a gap in instruction. I am proud that we can provide more tools for teachers and school leaders to continue providing students with the best models for learning in the critical early years.”
Schools in West Alabama include:
- Myrtlewood Elementary, in Tuscaloosa County
- Carbon Hill Elementary, Curry Elementary, Parrish Elementary, and Lupton Junior High in Walker County
Now in its fifth year, the P-3 program’s goal is expanding early learning for younger children by ensuring student success and lessening the achievement gap.
“As we work to align the birth through 8-year-old early learning continuum, P-3 provides successful transition of Pre-K children and families into their school settings,” said Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education Secretary Barbara Cooper. “Data shows that First Class Pre-K students are more likely to be proficient in reading and math and less likely to have disciplinary issues or be retained in a grade.”
Currently, 3,022 children are impacted by the P-3 program. The 34 new classrooms will increase that to more than 3,600 students.