MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) We're getting a look at the list of local schools that will likely be affected by House Bill 84, also known as the Alabama Accountability Act. It's the new law that will give parents tax credits for pulling their kids out of failing public schools in favor of better public schools or private schools.
Fifteen Mobile County schools are on the legislature's list of those considered "failing," but some have a problem with the measuring system used to label them.
CLICK HERE to see the list.
"It's really outrageous," said Mobile County AEA Director Jesse McDaniel.
McDaniel said the schools were placed on the failing list mainly because of standardized test scores. For many of the schools, that's hardly a fair measuring stick.
"The legislature's just looking at black and white," he said. "They're not looking at any gray areas especially when it comes to kids with disabilities."
Six of Mobile County's 15 schools serve kids with disabilities or kids working to get back on track to graduate through alternative programs. Augusta Evans special needs school, Evening Educational Options program, and the Mobile Regional School for the Deaf and Blind are all on the list.
"All of these should not be on the list because of the population they serve and the mission of these schools," McDaniel said.
Despite challenges from the AEA, Governor Bentley signed House Bill 84 into law last week. The group is moving forward to challenge the law in court.
Mobile County Schools spokesperson Nancy Pierce declined to comment on the failing schools until an official list is released from the State Department of Education. The state is still working to compile its own list.
McDaniel said the fact that House Bill 85 was passed without a so called "official" list in place is a problem in itself.
