Alabama state superintendent talks screen-based instruction, test scores and more ahead of new school year

DALE COUNTY, Ala. (WTVY) - Alabama State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey visited Dale County Schools ahead of the district’s first day of classes Friday, speaking with teachers and staff and outlining priorities for the upcoming school year.

Mackey is traveling across Alabama to mark the start of the new school year. His stop in Dale County came at the invitation of Superintendent Ben Baker, who was named Alabama Superintendent of the Year.

Among the issues Mackey said the State Board of Education will focus on is Gov. Kay Ivey’s Commission on Screen-Based Instruction, which is studying student screen time in schools.

“I think you’re going to see us really focusing on, if a student’s looking at a screen, what is the educational purpose and to limit that as much as possible and to get students into those books,” Mackey said. “They’ve got to be... there’s time to be on a computer, but there’s time to be in a copy of Huck Finn and just reading a good book too. And we want students to be doing that.”

Mackey said the state board will also be paying attention to test scores at intermediate grade levels.

Mackey had high praise for Dale County Schools and its leader during his visit, as the school system celebrates its highest report card score in history and Baker being named state superintendent of the year.

Baker said their success is a reflection of what is happening across the state.

“Dr. Mackey’s doing an outstanding job. And we see the gains. And we know what’s happening in Alabama public schools. And it’s really an exciting time to be a part of the public school systems across Alabama,” Baker said.

Mackey said he looks forward to supporting Baker in Atlanta next year, where Baker will represent Alabama at the National Superintendent of the Year competition.

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