Alabama has gained attention from news media and researchers for attaining “some of the largest literacy gains in the nation,” and Birmingham City Schools is the focus of the latest article on the subject.
Published by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, “Studying the Southern Surge: How Alabama Beat the Odds in Reading” examines state policies on literacy and dissects how Birmingham City Schools and the Butler County School District have attained improvements in reading and math achievement.
As part of her research on the story, veteran journalist Liana Loewus visited Charles A. Brown Elementary School, C.W. Hayes K-8 School and South Hampton K-8 School and also citing a 2026 story on South Hampton as one of five “bright spots” in the state.She also interviewed Dr. Jacqueline Dent, Interim Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and Superintendent Dr. Mark Sullivan.
Loewus observed how approaches to curriculum, professional development and data analysis, as well as the implementation of intersession programs and chronic absenteeism reduction strategies, have helped the district improve student scores and attendance rates
“In short, Sullivan’s creativity and focus on meeting his community’s unique needs, coupled with the state’s accountability push and new expectations for literacy instruction, helped lay the foundation for increased achievement,” she wrote.
Read the full story at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute website.
