House Bill 353 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mack N. ButlerRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Public K-12 education; Advanced Math Pathway created and provided for

Summary

HB353 would require Alabama school districts to create an Advanced Math Pathway that moves students toward Algebra I in middle school and college-credit math in high school, with automatic enrollment for eligible students and parent opt-in/opt-out rights, plus reporting requirements.

What This Bill Does

It requires local districts to develop an Advanced Math Pathway designed to prepare students for Algebra I in middle school and college-credit math in high school. Students become automatically enrolled if they score proficient or at grade level or higher on the state math assessment (grades 5-11) or demonstrate proficiency via a local measure; parents can opt the student into or out of automatic enrollment. Districts must provide information to students and families about the pathways and their impact, and offer supports beyond core math (such as tutoring, small-group instruction, and technology-enabled activities). The Department of Education must annually report to the Legislature on enrollment and student performance in advanced math.

Who It Affects

• Students and their families in Alabama public schools, who may be automatically enrolled in the Advanced Math Pathway or opt-in/opt-out through parental choices and will receive additional math supports.
• Local school districts and schools (and the state Department of Education), which must implement the pathway, provide information and supports, and compile data for annual reports.

Key Provisions

• Advanced Math Pathway: a sequence of middle/high school courses that accelerates toward Algebra I (or equivalent) in middle school and college-credit math in high school.
• Automatic enrollment criteria: students scoring proficient or at grade level or higher on the statewide end-of-year math assessment (grades 5-11) or demonstrating proficiency via a local measure.
• Parental opt-in/opt-out: parents can opt students into advanced math if they don't meet automatic enrollment criteria and can opt them out if they would otherwise be automatically enrolled.
• Information to families: districts must provide transparent information about math pathways, their purposes, and potential impacts.
• Supports: districts and schools must provide instructional supports beyond core math instruction (e.g., tutoring, small-group work, technology-enabled activities).
• Reporting: the Department must annually report to the Legislature on the number and share of students in advanced math, enrollment by level, opt-in/out rates, and related performance data.
• Effective date: this act becomes effective October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education