In 2025, Alabama passed the Renewing Alabama Investment in Student Excellence (RAISE) Act to invest more money in students’ needs. This was a monumental piece of legislation that modernized Alabama’s school funding structure from a resource-based formula to a hybrid formula, adding funding for students with specific needs, including students in poverty, special education students, English language learners, charter school students, and gifted students. This was a major win for all Alabama students. In 2026, we had another incredible win for students: even more funding was committed to RAISE for student needs.

A+ partnered with Bellwether to create a four-part webinar series outlining best practices and research-based ideas to support student needs. Each episode features experts in their respective fields, and Alabama examples, to break down effective ways to use RAISE Act funds to support each student group.

Session Resources

The RAISE Act: Funding Student Needs

May 5, 3-4pm CT

Learn about the RAISE Act and Alabama’s commitment to funding student needs. In our first panel discussion of this series, we are joined by national school finance experts and Alabama practitioners to discuss how these new, flexible funds can be used to support student needs.

The RAISE Act: Supporting Students in Poverty

May 12, 3-4pm CT

Learn about how RAISE Act funds can support students in poverty through practical strategies and evidence-based ideas. We are joined by Alabama public school administrators, practitioners from across the South, and national experts to discuss effective strategies for supporting students in poverty.

The RAISE Act: Supporting Special Education Students

May 26, 3-4pm CT

Learn about how RAISE Act funds can support Special Education students. Alabama and national experts on K-12 special education programs share practical strategies and evidence-based ideas that could be funded through the RAISE Act and implemented in our public schools.

The RAISE Act: Supporting English Language Learners

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Jun 2, 3-4pm CT

Learn about how RAISE Act funds can support English Language Learners. This episode features a panel discussion that shares practical strategies and evidence-based ideas that could be funded through the RAISE Act and implemented in our public schools to support our ELL students.

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