The Department of Education Office of Elementary and Secondary Education awarded the Alabama State Department of Education a $5,457,507 Formula Grant under the Rural Education program (CFDA 84.358) to provide financial assistance to rural school districts in Alabama to improve the quality of teaching and learning. Through sub-awards to rural school districts in the state, the Alabama State Department of Education has utilized this funding to deliver a range of services, including:
Providing special education services, expanding access to well-rounded education programs, improving academic achievement, enhancing career and technical skills development, upgrading educational technology, supporting teacher and principal quality, and assisting English language learners. Key sub-awardees have included school districts such as Colbert County Schools, Tallassee City Schools, and Fayette County Schools, which have implemented grant activities to meet the unique educational needs of rural students in Alabama.