Accomplishments

Stephanie Bell has worked tirelessly since her first election in 1994 to improve Alabama’s education system.  While others talk about problems, she has worked to solve those problems.  Her life is committed to making a difference – with positive results!

Always a voice for conservatives and family values, Stephanie often is quoted in the media.  She has been quoted in the media and in major books about education, including “Not With My Child” by nationally syndicated author Robert Holland and “None Dare Call It Education” by best-selling author John Stormer.

Stephanie Bell was one of the first to support three initiatives which have become major achievements for the state: the Alabama Reading Initiative(ARI); Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) and the Annual Report Card for schools, systems and the state.  In fact, these important issues were part of legislation she helped draft and promote before she even thought about running for the board.  Alabama’s Reading Initiative has become a model for other states and the Report Card was the first in the nation.

In fact, in the most recent National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) results, Alabama students showed more progress than any other state - not only in this year's testing but, in the entire history the NAEP testing across the United States.

Stephanie has fought for academic excellence in textbooks and courses of study.  She has been involved in creating a stronger, more accurate Social Studies Course of Study.  She wrote the final version of the first insert stickers (see copy of insert) placed on the inside front cover of all biology textbooks to counter the strong “evolution as fact” bias.  The insert was recommended by a committee of scientists, physicians, college professors, geologists who were concerned about the textbook evolution bias in dealing with the origins of life.  She has promoted pro-life, abstinence-based curriculum and successfully pushed for the addition of materials to inform students about the dangerous health risks of a promiscuous lifestyle.

Stephanie worked relentlessly for a reasonable resolution to the No Child Left Behind “highly qualified” teacher requirements.  With the support of teachers, she has pushed for meaningful teacher testing as well as more extensive subject matter testing.  She has supported criminal background checks for teachers and other education employees who have direct contact with children.  She has been a strong advocate of quality professional development and improving the colleges of education.

In the two-year college system, Stephanie has supported a comprehensive, strategic plan to ensure quality and accountability.  The state now has regular financial and programmatic audits of institutions to ensure taxpayers and students are getting their money’s worth. Stephanie convinced the board to return the prison community college to its original, very important role as a school focused on its statutory responsibility of preparing inmates for the world of work and basic education needs such as learning to read.  She was also successful in getting the state board to put on the market to sell a million-dollar retreat owned by the state two-year college system.

As a board member, she has been there for her constituents whether as a graduation speaker, the presenter of an award or as a listening ear for parents and teachers alike who need help with a problem.  Her expertise in journalism has, for many years, helped get the conservative message out.    

Stephanie Bell has many more accomplishments to add to the list.  She will continue her strong, conservative stand to improve education for Alabama’s children and her commitment to represent her constituents’ points of view on the state Board of Education.

STEPHANIE BELL HAS PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE IN SUCCESS STORIES.  THESE ARE ONLY A FEW OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS WE SEE IN ALABAMA:

• One of only 5 states recognized by the Fordham Foundation as  setting and achieving both high standards and accountability.
  
• The highest graduation requirements in the United States, including four years of English, mathematics, science and social studies.  Since this curriculum was introduced, average student achievement has increased every year.
  
• Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI), based on phonics, is nationally recognized and has been modeled in other states, including Florida and Massachusetts. Outside evaluators have testified to the program’s effectiveness.  Participating schools report an increase in reading ability and test scores and a decrease in discipline problems and special education referrals. The ARI received the Education Commission of the States (ECS) State Innovation Award.  President George W. Bush said the ARI “challenges the status quo…”  The state was among the first three states to qualify for new federal funds ($15.8 million) for reading programs.
  
• The first state to issue an annual Report Card at every level – school, system and state – to inform the public about test scores, discipline problems, drop-out rate, etc.
  
• One of only a few states where the state Board of Education may vote to intervene in local systems facing major academic, financial and discipline problems.  The board has successfully assisted local systems in these areas.
  
• The only state that holds Colleges of Education accountable for their graduates’ job performance.  The state board also has the authority to close deficient programs.  Colleges must “guarantee” their graduates’ return to the college, without additional cost to the student, to correct cited deficiencies.  The state board informs the public about colleges through an annual Report Card.
  
• Has the lowest projected dropout rate in the state’s history, ranking among the lowest in the Southeast.  College entrance exam scores are also higher.
  
• Requires a criminal background check on all teachers and education employees with unsupervised access to children in schools.
  
• Implemented a Principals’ Leadership Academy to prepare present and future principals.  There is also a program for superintendents at the University of Alabama.
  
• Has a comprehensive strategic plan for the state’s two-year college system to make the system more efficient and responsive to the state’s needs.

THESE ARE ONLY A FEW OF THE SUCCESS STORIES.