Issues | Bradford For State Board of Education

Issues

Cathi's Priorities for District 6

Instilling Patriotism

The Kay Ivey administration has launched the “Strong Students. Strong Alabama. Strong Nation.” initiative, spotlighting a renewed focus on student achievement and civic responsibility across K-12 schools.(governor.alabama.gov) As part of her 2025 Back-to-School Tour, the message tied academic excellence to statewide and national success, aligning Alabama’s educational goals with the broader vision of America’s upcoming 250th birthday. (governor.alabama.gov) Under the theme “Instilling Patriotism,” the campaign encourages students to view their educational efforts not only as personal growth but as contributions to the common good of their state and country. The implication is that by building strong academic foundations, students help fortify Alabama’s role in a stronger nation.

US Army Soldier in Universal Camouflage Uniform

Returning Back to Basics

Next month (March), our State School Board will vote on recommendations to local school systems for new social studies textbooks. At the recent work session, debate was lively as some members raised concerns about the content and perspective presented in certain materials, while others argued their role was simply to ensure textbooks cover state standards. I believe “Back to Basics” means more than checking boxes — it means ensuring instructional materials are accurate, balanced, age-appropriate, and focused on teaching students essential knowledge of history, civics, and our nation’s founding principles. Our standards matter, but so does the substance behind them.

Click here to view the work session video. Discussion of textbooks begins at about 2:14:00.

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Empowering Educators

The proposed Comprehensive School Counseling and Guidance Model is the first major update in more than 20 years, creating what is touted to be a more streamlined framework focused on academic development, career readiness, and foundational wellness. It is said to emphasize age-appropriate guidance, collaboration with parents, data-driven accountability, and a defined role for counselors centered on student success. I support strengthening academic and career guidance; however, I strongly oppose expanding classroom-based social-emotional learning frameworks that move schools beyond their core mission - to educate. Counseling should remain focused on student achievement and short-term support, while parents remain the primary influence in their children’s emotional and moral development.

View the AL State Board of Education February meeting for an overview of the 2025 Comprehensive School Counseling Program Model.

(Begins at 18:30)

Cathi's Priorities for District 6

Join the team. Get involved.

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."

- Ronald Reagan

Cathi's Priorities for District 6

Join the team. Get involved.

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same." - Ronald Reagan

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."

- Ronald Reagan