Each member of the ADP Network has committed to a common policy agenda, but there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Highlights of this state's action plan are below. Click here to download a PDF of the complete plan.

Policies and Action Steps

1. Align high school standards and assessments with the knowledge and skills required for success after high school. (August 2005–January 2008)
   • Launch process with the K-12, postsecondary and business communities to define the knowledge and skills students need to succeed in credit-bearing courses in Alabama postsecondary institutions, colleges and universities and high-growth industries.
   • Use the American Diploma Project benchmarks and other national models as starting points for this work.
   • Revise high school standards as necessary.
   • Solicit public input on academic standards drafts.
   • Have postsecondary and business communities validate that if students meet the state's academic standards, they will be ready for success in college and careers.
   • Bring final standards to the State Board of Education and the Alabama Commission on Higher Education for adoption.
2. Require all high school graduates to take challenging courses that actually prepare them for life after high school. (August 2005–January 2008)
   • Determine the required college- and work-ready curriculum. Agree on appropriate opt-out provision and process.
   • Identify state policies and programs needed to support implementation of the new requirements.
   • Develop communications plan to inform and engage key stakeholders throughout the process.
3. Streamline the assessment system so that the tests students take in high school also can serve as readiness tests for college and work. (August 2005–August 2008)
   • Review the content and rigor of assessments currently given at the state level and the subjects currently tested. Ensure that these assessments are aligned with any changes in Alabama's academic standards.
   • Recommend additional methods (beyond standardized tests) of assessing college and work readiness.
   • Develop plan for combining high school assessments and college placement exams where possible.
   • Determine additional ways to make high school assessments matter for students, such as including scores on high school transcripts and encouraging employers to use these for hiring decisions.
4. Hold high schools accountable for graduating students who are ready for college or careers, and hold postsecondary institutions accountable for students' success once enrolled. (August 2005–August 2008)
   • Make Alabama's college- and work-ready curriculum the minimum academic requirement for admission to Alabama's colleges and universities.
   • Link and report data across the K-12 and postsecondary systems in ways that can foster improved student achievement.
   • Identify college success strategies to improve the experiences students have after they arrive at college.
   • Identify performance indicators and add these to high school and college report cards to highlight progress and challenges.
   • Develop communications plan to inform and engage key stakeholders throughout the process.

ADP Network Team
The ADP Network team is a subset of the state's High School Redesign Taskforce.

See entities responsible for carrying out the Alabama ADP action plan.

Governor Chief State School Officer Chancellor, Department of Postsecondary Education State Higher Education Executive Officer Chair of the Senate Education Committee Ranking Minority member of the Senate Education Committee Chair of the House Education Committee Ranking Minority member of the House Education Committee Others that have the power to create the political will to implement the ADP imperatives: Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama Association of County Commissions Blackbelt Commission Region 20/20 Envision Montgomery 20/20

Key representatives from the following: Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) Alabama Development Office (ADO) Key Businesses/Industries Business Council of Alabama Alabama State Board of Education Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) State Universities/Colleges Private Universities/Colleges School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA) Alabama Association for Career and Technical Education High School and Middle School Principals Association Alabama Education Association (AEA) Alabama Association of School Boards (AASB) School Counseling Association Special Education Alabama PTA Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS) Civic Organizations Community Based Organizations A+ Education Foundation Alabama High School Athletic Association