Alabama lawmakers are considering a bill that could have a profound impact on how funding is allocated to support students with educational challenges in the state. Senate Bill 305, also known as the RAISE Act, aims to improve student achievement by creating a new funding formula and accountability system. The bill proposes the creation of a dedicated RAISE Fund to provide additional funding to schools starting this fall.
The bill stems from a year-long review by a state task force, which recommended keeping the current Foundation Program while adding a new funding mechanism to better meet student needs. Under the proposal, additional funding, known as “weights”, will be allocated based on specific student characteristics such as poverty, special education, English learners, gifted students, and charter school students.
In addition to establishing funding mechanisms, the bill includes accountability provisions to track student outcomes and ensure the effective use of funds. School districts will be required to submit annual plans detailing how RAISE funds will be used and reflect on student progress. The bill also outlines state-level oversight through newly created committees to monitor progress and recommend changes to funding weights.
The potential cost of the legislation is yet to be determined but will likely be discussed in the Senate education budget committee. The RAISE Act is included in a broader education budget package that will be considered by lawmakers, with the goal of improving educational opportunities for students in Alabama.
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