The Alabama Legislature voted this year to allow charter schools in the state and expanded the Alabama Accountability Act. What does this mean for the future of Alabama’s public and private schools? How should charter schools shape education in Alabama? And can public education adequately prepare all Alabama children for career success?

Panelists include

• J.W. Carpenter, executive director of the Birmingham Education Foundation. Carpenter was the founding executive director for Teach For America Alabama — a branch of the nationally-recognized organization committed to providing and advocating for high quality education for students in low-income communities. He serves on the boards of A+ Education Partnership, Operation Hope-Alabama, and Youth Entrepreneur Labs.
• Brooke Elliott, Jemison High School teacher.  Ms. Elliott has a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and a masters in technical education. She has more than 15 years’ experience teaching computer applications and career preparedness.
• Rev. John McDonald, director of Catholic Education and Lifelong Formation for the Diocese of Birmingham, Alabama, Catholic Schools. Fr. McDonald is also the President of John Carroll Catholic High School and currently serves as the pastor of St. Aloysius in Bessemer.
• Derrick Murphy, president of the Hoover School Board. Murphy was elected to his current post by the board in May. He also launched the Hoover City Dad Brigade to increase the involvement of fathers, grandfathers and other male family members in the schools.
• Elliott Spillers, Student Government Association President at the University of Alabama. Spillers, a senior at the university, is a graduate of Pelham High School. As president, he has pledged to work to increase the SGA’s receptiveness to the needs of a diverse campus and to focus on student wellness.
• Jerry Tate, president of the Phillips Academy PTA and third vice president of the Birmingham Council of PTAs. He has one daughter currently enrolled in Birmingham schools and another daughter in the Alabama School of Fine Arts. Mr. Tate is an information technology professional.
• Dr. Deborah L. Voltz, dean of the School of Education, director of the Center for Urban Education, and professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).  Dr. Voltz has written grants that have supported the development and implementation of UAB’s Urban Teacher Enhancement Program and also has worked to enrich the professional development of administrators in inclusive urban schools.

The event is free, and food and beverages will be available for purchase from Greg’s Hot Dogs and WorkPlay. Issues & Ales is part of the community outreach effort of Public Radio WBHM 90.3 FM.
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