My Writing
My Writing consists of work I have completed for my journalism classes. I have written about various volunteer opportunities in Troy, NIL story, which included 2 Troy Football Hall of Famers, and a Homestory Story, discussing issues that affect my hometown of Monroeville, Alabama.
Hometown Story
Education continues to be a hot topic in Alabama. Although Alabama has improved in high school graduation and college and career readiness, Monroe County’s test score proficiency K-12 is below 25%, according to US News. The Alabama State Department of Education (Report Card) shows that the overall score for Monroe County is 77. The graduation rate is 83.05, but the proficiency in ELA is 31.87%, Math 16.96%, and Science 26.30%. Rep. Thomas Jackson, D-Monroe County, is speaking out about education in Monroe County.
“Regarding the school system,” he stated, “Monroe County was stagnant, and the county school system was not unified. Children aren't being prepared and haven't enhanced their learning. And I haven't heard anything from the superintendent about improving the school system.”
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“Monroe County can't enhance its students unless they all go forward collectively.”
Jackson stated that tutoring programs are being implemented to improve low-test scores in the county.
“State board of education is supposed to be getting that done, and they are over that, and funds are being given to the county to better the county.”
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In early April, several retired teachers visited with Rep. Jackson at the State House. Janet McIntosh, Charlotte Grace, and Carolyn Lee from Monroe County, were in Montgomery for the Retired Teachers Conference.
Mcintosh, a former nursing instructor who worked at Alabama Southern Community College, what is now Coastal Alabama Community College, was asked what she thought teachers could do to help the children of Monroe County.
“Hire certified teachers with a teaching background and hire people that love children, not just people that come to work and just go home,” McIntosh. “Understand that every child isn't the same and cannot be taught the same way as others.
Lee, a retired high school counselor, said teachers and the administration must be on the same page. She also stated teachers need to be held more accountable, and Grace, a retired first-grade teacher, added that many students don't perform well on the ACT because many believe it is biased.
Rep. Jackson, along with the retired teachers, agreed that schools need improvement. He said with a unified effort and commitment from state and school administration, teachers, and parents, Monroe County schools can better prepare students for the workforce or college.