1. Strategic Initiatives
Work Session Update
May 24, 2017

2. Alabama-Korea Education and Economic Partnership (AKEEP)
AKEEP’s primary mission is providing multicultural diversity EDUCATION programs to the students and professionals of Alabama and Korea.
The secondary mission is bridging the differences between institutions and corporations of Alabama and Korea for local ECONOMIC prosperity as a Global Partnership Facilitator.
The Alabama-Korea Education and Economic Partnership is organized in the United States under IRS as a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization.

3. Korean Industry in Alabama
The large influx of Korean manufacturers has brought great opportunity for Alabama and its citizens. With these great opportunities have also come great challenges. Any large-scale influx of one culture into another is sure to bring misunderstandings and friction.
This is particularly true of Alabama’s rural population merging with Koreans who come from the densely populated, highly industrialized Gyeongsang Province and/or Koreans in general.
AKEEP’s founders have witnessed and worked to overcome these cultural differences and resulting friction, their work naturally led to the formation of the Alabama-Korea Education Economic Partnership.
The Executive Director is Mesoon Han, who has helped implement AKEEP since its inception.

4. Progress
U.S. Department of Education “Culturally Linguistic Active Regions” grant application for professional development
Monthly board meetings
Halcyon School Visits
Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs
Korean Language Classes
Korean Teachers/Immigration Visa Discussion/Certifications

5. SSA Conference
Peggy Carr, Acting Commissioner, National Center for Education Statistics
Terry Mazany, Chairman of the National Assessment Governing Board
Lisa Stooksberry, Deputy Executive Director of the National Assessment Governing Board
Chasidy White, National Assessment Governing Board Member, Assessment Development

6. NAGB Quarterly Meeting
May 2018
Montgomery, Alabama

7. Rural School Initiative
Rural School & Community Trust
Beyond Textbooks: Being geographically isolated doesn’t have to be a barrier to high academic achievement.
Rural School Achievement Grant Application

8. Superintendent’s Teacher Cabinet
The purpose is to provide a direct avenue of communication with the state superintendent.
Two meetings each semester
Outreach events
Dream Big!