ALEX AND ACCESS

Alabama has two well known educational initiative programs. These two programs are ALEX (Alabama Learning Exchange) and ACCESS (Alabama Connecting Classroom, Educators and Students Statewide).

ACESS objectives are to provide additional resources for teachers and advanced diplomas and, courses, additional courses for all students, advanced placement for high school students. There is also a distance learning for the high school students. One of the learning methods of the distance learning is video conferencing. ALEX and ACCESS have many similarities. Alex's breakdown of additional courses beyond the basics of language, math, science, social studies, and physical educational are arts education, career/technical education, driver and traffic safety education, health and technology education. Also foreign language courses are available. Character education is also offered in which includes counseling and guidance.

Alabama also offers other initiative programs. One of those programs is the Fatherhood Initiative. The Fatherhood initiative program was developed to further the welfare reform goal of strengthening families, enhancing child support collections and addressing other needs of children who are growing up with out the involvement of natural fathers in their lives. Another program is the Alabama Middle School Initiative (AMSI). AMSI is a school improvement reform. Also, Faith-Based and Community Initiatives is another program in which the program works to increase the capacity of Faith-Based and Community Organization within the state to better complete for funding opportunities. Each of these programs play apart in a student's academic achievement and as well as giving the teachers an access to a successful classroom teaching experience.