Ruth Serven Smith
@ruthservensmith.bsky.social
Sr Editor at @aldotcom.bsky.social. I sew my own clothes on IG. Proud Okie + Mizzou alum
Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith
Our CHOOSE coverage has been a huge team effort. More on tuition trends, policy questions and future outlooks here:
bsky.app/profile/gree...
bsky.app/profile/gree...
The first installment in a series of stories about private school enrollment is out today. @williesha.bsky.social and I spent a ton of time nailing down the numbers and talking with schools and parents about how Alabama’s newest school choice program is unfolding. www.al.com/educationlab...
How a new $7,000 tax credit will reshape school choice, education in Alabama: ‘Balancing act’
There has been intense demand for new school choice options, but oversight remains unclear.
www.al.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Our CHOOSE coverage has been a huge team effort. More on tuition trends, policy questions and future outlooks here:
bsky.app/profile/gree...
bsky.app/profile/gree...
Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith
🧵 For some students, Alabama is a uniquely challenging state to pursue a college degree.
Thanks to a grant from @edwriters.bsky.social, I was able to spend the past year speaking with 20+ Latino students and staff about how they're navigating higher ed today.
www.al.com/educationlab...
Thanks to a grant from @edwriters.bsky.social, I was able to spend the past year speaking with 20+ Latino students and staff about how they're navigating higher ed today.
www.al.com/educationlab...
Latino college students look for support as Alabama DEI programs vanish
Hispanic and Latino students are about 15% less likely than their peers to go to college.
www.al.com
December 4, 2025 at 3:00 PM
🧵 For some students, Alabama is a uniquely challenging state to pursue a college degree.
Thanks to a grant from @edwriters.bsky.social, I was able to spend the past year speaking with 20+ Latino students and staff about how they're navigating higher ed today.
www.al.com/educationlab...
Thanks to a grant from @edwriters.bsky.social, I was able to spend the past year speaking with 20+ Latino students and staff about how they're navigating higher ed today.
www.al.com/educationlab...
Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith
Ann Bedsole tribute: Beloved Alabama trailblazer ‘wrote the book on getting things done’ www.al.com/politics/202...
December 4, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Ann Bedsole tribute: Beloved Alabama trailblazer ‘wrote the book on getting things done’ www.al.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith
November 21, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith
In Alabama, millions of dollars in taxpayer money are going to private schools that teach that humans lived among dinosaurs, and that rock music and mental health conditions are signs of rebellion.
Our latest story on the rollout of the state’s new CHOOSE Act:
www.al.com/educationlab...
Our latest story on the rollout of the state’s new CHOOSE Act:
www.al.com/educationlab...
In Alabama, money goes to textbooks that downplay slavery, call rock music ‘rebellion’
The new school choice program does little to ensure the quality of private schools.
www.al.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:57 PM
In Alabama, millions of dollars in taxpayer money are going to private schools that teach that humans lived among dinosaurs, and that rock music and mental health conditions are signs of rebellion.
Our latest story on the rollout of the state’s new CHOOSE Act:
www.al.com/educationlab...
Our latest story on the rollout of the state’s new CHOOSE Act:
www.al.com/educationlab...
Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith
"In Alabama, public money buys textbooks that downplay slavery, call rock music ‘rebellion.'"
Really glad to share this reporting from @greezbock.bsky.social out of Alabama for @al.com. It was fun to edit. www.al.com/educationlab...
In Alabama, public money buys textbooks that downplay slavery, call rock music ‘rebellion’
The new school choice program does little to ensure the quality of private schools.
www.al.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:49 PM
"In Alabama, public money buys textbooks that downplay slavery, call rock music ‘rebellion.'"
Really glad to share this reporting from @greezbock.bsky.social out of Alabama for @al.com. It was fun to edit. www.al.com/educationlab...
In Alabama, public money buys textbooks that downplay slavery, call rock music ‘rebellion’
The new school choice program does little to ensure the quality of private schools.
www.al.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Really glad to share this reporting from @greezbock.bsky.social out of Alabama for @al.com. It was fun to edit. www.al.com/educationlab...
Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith
Here's what we know about today's announcement regarding the dismantling of ED
www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
McMahon Says “Clock Is Ticking” on Education Department
Trump officials are reportedly planning to enact a number of agreements Tuesday that could send key ED responsibilities to other agencies.
www.insidehighered.com
November 18, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Here's what we know about today's announcement regarding the dismantling of ED
www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
I’m covering education topics live today in Montgomery for @al.com .
We’ll hear about state report card results today and already saw a a slate of schools honored for boosting AP test scores via a ALSDE/ A+ Education Partnership program
We’ll hear about state report card results today and already saw a a slate of schools honored for boosting AP test scores via a ALSDE/ A+ Education Partnership program
November 13, 2025 at 4:57 PM
I’m covering education topics live today in Montgomery for @al.com .
We’ll hear about state report card results today and already saw a a slate of schools honored for boosting AP test scores via a ALSDE/ A+ Education Partnership program
We’ll hear about state report card results today and already saw a a slate of schools honored for boosting AP test scores via a ALSDE/ A+ Education Partnership program
t-6 hours until virginia candidates stop texting me every 5 minutes.
November 4, 2025 at 4:29 PM
t-6 hours until virginia candidates stop texting me every 5 minutes.
@al.com has been exploring Alabama's dramatic expansion of school choice -- and what it means for both public and private schools. @greezbock.bsky.social visited a school that just opened and is taking tax credits. www.al.com/educationlab...
Inside one new school cashing in on Alabama’s CHOOSE Act: ‘Changed our world’
Peach City Academy is one of at least a dozen private and microschools that have opened in Alabama recently.
www.al.com
September 30, 2025 at 2:07 PM
@al.com has been exploring Alabama's dramatic expansion of school choice -- and what it means for both public and private schools. @greezbock.bsky.social visited a school that just opened and is taking tax credits. www.al.com/educationlab...
Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith
The University of Alabama is unique in heavily recruiting out of state students. I talked with a UA admin, two new students, an alum and a researcher as to what's drawing folks here. My latest for @al.com.
September 23, 2025 at 5:18 PM
The University of Alabama is unique in heavily recruiting out of state students. I talked with a UA admin, two new students, an alum and a researcher as to what's drawing folks here. My latest for @al.com.
Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith
Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith
At World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro for the Culture & Christianity Conference.
Charlie Kirk had been scheduled to speak at this summit, so expecting a lot of references to Kirk. This afternoon’s session will feature Rob McCoy, co-founder of TPUSA Faith.
Charlie Kirk had been scheduled to speak at this summit, so expecting a lot of references to Kirk. This afternoon’s session will feature Rob McCoy, co-founder of TPUSA Faith.
September 19, 2025 at 6:31 PM
At World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro for the Culture & Christianity Conference.
Charlie Kirk had been scheduled to speak at this summit, so expecting a lot of references to Kirk. This afternoon’s session will feature Rob McCoy, co-founder of TPUSA Faith.
Charlie Kirk had been scheduled to speak at this summit, so expecting a lot of references to Kirk. This afternoon’s session will feature Rob McCoy, co-founder of TPUSA Faith.
I spoke with students across Alabama who considered Charlie Kirk to be a mentor and role model. I asked them what they think should happen next. www.al.com/educationlab...
Alabama colleges are firing staff over Charlie Kirk comments. It’s not enough, students say
Inside the campus battle to define Charlie Kirk's legacy.
www.al.com
September 18, 2025 at 5:04 PM
I spoke with students across Alabama who considered Charlie Kirk to be a mentor and role model. I asked them what they think should happen next. www.al.com/educationlab...
Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith
Gio Martinez was pulled over for going 1 mile over the speed limit.
She is an Alabama social worker who helped local students plan next steps in life.
“I try to be a support to the students,” she told @al.com earlier this summer.
www.al.com/news/2025/08...
She is an Alabama social worker who helped local students plan next steps in life.
“I try to be a support to the students,” she told @al.com earlier this summer.
www.al.com/news/2025/08...
Alabama immigration advocate detained by ICE in traffic stop, family says: ‘Just heartbreaking and discouraging’
"Her detainment is not only legally questionable — it is morally wrong," a petition demanding her release reads.
www.al.com
August 7, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Gio Martinez was pulled over for going 1 mile over the speed limit.
She is an Alabama social worker who helped local students plan next steps in life.
“I try to be a support to the students,” she told @al.com earlier this summer.
www.al.com/news/2025/08...
She is an Alabama social worker who helped local students plan next steps in life.
“I try to be a support to the students,” she told @al.com earlier this summer.
www.al.com/news/2025/08...
Neat story by @mattwake.bsky.social about ways some Alabama entertainment venues are working to make concerts more accessible for everyone who wants to jam. #accessability #ada #disabilityawareness
Gift link: www.al.com/life/2025/07...
Gift link: www.al.com/life/2025/07...
How Huntsville music venues make concerts more awesome for fans with disabilities
Local fans and musicians and Orion Amphitheater and Von Braun Center reps on making live music a great experience for everyone.
www.al.com
July 17, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Neat story by @mattwake.bsky.social about ways some Alabama entertainment venues are working to make concerts more accessible for everyone who wants to jam. #accessability #ada #disabilityawareness
Gift link: www.al.com/life/2025/07...
Gift link: www.al.com/life/2025/07...
Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith
If you will be affected by the termination of Grad PLUS loans (or any financial aid change in the budget bill) and attending an Alabama college, hit me up! [email protected]
Looking to find stories of how students will overcome the deficit. #JournoRequest
Looking to find stories of how students will overcome the deficit. #JournoRequest
a man in a suit says " and i need you " in a dark room
ALT: a man in a suit says " and i need you " in a dark room
media.tenor.com
July 11, 2025 at 3:33 PM
If you will be affected by the termination of Grad PLUS loans (or any financial aid change in the budget bill) and attending an Alabama college, hit me up! [email protected]
Looking to find stories of how students will overcome the deficit. #JournoRequest
Looking to find stories of how students will overcome the deficit. #JournoRequest
Hey Birmingham! Would love to see you there!
Join us for this free storytelling event! Free ticket link and more info available here: https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2025/07/alcom-journalists-birmingham-poet-to-host-night-of-storytelling-birmingham-dreams.html
July 15, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Hey Birmingham! Would love to see you there!
Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith
Just noting for all the people who demand that the press ask Trump tough questions... well, this is what happens.
REPORTER: Yesterday you said you were not sure who ordered the munitions ordered to Ukraine. Have you figured it out?
TRUMP: I haven't though about it
REPORTER: What does it say that such a decision could be made without you knowing?
TRUMP: I would know. If a decision was made I will know.
TRUMP: I haven't though about it
REPORTER: What does it say that such a decision could be made without you knowing?
TRUMP: I would know. If a decision was made I will know.
July 9, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Just noting for all the people who demand that the press ask Trump tough questions... well, this is what happens.
Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith
*Only* at @al.com: a comprehensive list of tuition data for more than 200 Alabama private schools.
A labor of love I'm elated to see published. With in-depth reporting from @greezbock.bsky.social.
A labor of love I'm elated to see published. With in-depth reporting from @greezbock.bsky.social.
This year, the Ed Lab team is tackling the challenge of reporting on Alabama's unregulated private school market.
www.al.com/educationlab...
www.al.com/educationlab...
How much does private school cost in Alabama? See tuition for 216 schools
Even if a family can afford a local private school, it may be tough to claim a seat
www.al.com
July 8, 2025 at 2:23 PM
*Only* at @al.com: a comprehensive list of tuition data for more than 200 Alabama private schools.
A labor of love I'm elated to see published. With in-depth reporting from @greezbock.bsky.social.
A labor of love I'm elated to see published. With in-depth reporting from @greezbock.bsky.social.
This year, the Ed Lab team is tackling the challenge of reporting on Alabama's unregulated private school market.
www.al.com/educationlab...
www.al.com/educationlab...
How much does private school cost in Alabama? See tuition for 216 schools
Even if a family can afford a local private school, it may be tough to claim a seat
www.al.com
July 8, 2025 at 12:55 PM
This year, the Ed Lab team is tackling the challenge of reporting on Alabama's unregulated private school market.
www.al.com/educationlab...
www.al.com/educationlab...
Reposted by Ruth Serven Smith
Some more rural areas show improvement, even!
After several years of reporting on literacy efforts in Alabama, it's great to be able to publish good news. Story by @greezbock.bsky.social for @al.com : www.al.com/educationlab...
11 Alabama schools achieve perfect reading rates. See how your school compares
Reading on grade level means a student is confident with longer blocks of text.
www.al.com
June 16, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Some more rural areas show improvement, even!