Latest news with #Mackey
Newsweek
7 hours ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Republican-led State Setting an Example for Teaching Math
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Alabama was the only state to earn a "Strong" rating its math education in a new report from the National Council on Teacher Quality released Tuesday. The state, which has historically leaned red, achieved a strong rating across five core policy areas. Why It Matters Historically, Republican-leaning poor states have suffered from reduced education funding and teacher gaps, leading to lower scores and educational quality. In previous years, Alabama ranked near the bottom of all states, so the new report shows significant progress in public school classrooms. University of Alabama graduates wait to hear President Donald Trump deliver remarks at Coleman Coliseum on May 1, 2025, in Tuscaloosa. University of Alabama graduates wait to hear President Donald Trump deliver remarks at Coleman Coliseum on May 1, 2025, in To Know Alabama earned a rating of "Strong" in the following five areas, according to the report: Set specific, detailed math standards for teacher preparation programs. Review teacher preparation programs to ensure they provide robust math instruction. Adopt a strong elementary math licensure test, and require all elementary candidates to pass it. Require districts to select high-quality math curricula aligned to state standards. Provide professional learning and ongoing support for teachers aligned with high-quality math curricula. When accounting for socioeconomic conditions, Alabama ranks 12th in the nation, according to the National Council on Teacher Quality, after placing 32nd last year. "Without a doubt, Alabama's leadership played a major role in putting the state on top. State Superintendent Dr. Mackey set a bold vision for Alabama, set high-quality, Alabama-specific math standards, and worked with legislative champions to take a comprehensive approach," Heather Peske, president of the National Council on Teacher Quality, told Newsweek. Higher math scores are generally linked to college opportunities and more lucrative careers. Despite this, one in four fourth-graders nationally cannot do math at a basic level, the report found. Last week, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced that the state's Pre-K through 3rd Grade Integrated Approach to Early Learning (P-3) would be implemented in 55 new classrooms. That means classrooms will get more funding, potentially leading to higher achievement. Earlier this year, Alabama's fourth-graders experienced the largest average score increase from 2019 to 2024. The state's ranking grew from 40th two years ago to 32nd despite being last in the nation in 2019, according to Alabama Daily News. Nationwide, only 12 states and the District of Columbia used a "strong" or "acceptable" math licensure test and required all elementary teachers to pass it. The state were: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Kansas, Kentucky, Nevada, New York, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont and Wyoming. According to the Programme for International Student Assessment, the U.S. ranked 34th in math among 78 participating countries in 2022. What People Are Saying Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, in a statement: "Each year, Alabama's P-3 approach continues to build momentum and grow to provide a smooth transition from pre-K to third grade. Strong students lead to a strong Alabama, and these learning efforts will ensure we continue to strengthen our schools and provide the best education for all students." Heather Peske, president of the National Council on Teacher Quality, told Newsweek: "Strong math skills add up to better reading scores, stronger college readiness, and eventually higher earnings for students. If states want their students to succeed, they can take a page out of Alabama's playbook for better preparing and supporting our elementary teachers in math instruction." Alabama State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey, in a statement: "You can't improve math outcomes by focusing on just one piece. Real progress happens when your standards, assessments, instructional materials, coaching, and teacher preparation all point in the same direction. Alignment isn't the finish line—it's the starting point." What Happens Next On a larger scale, Alabama may lead as an example for how other states can improve their public schools. "Empowering teachers with the knowledge and skills to teach math effectively is essential for improving life outcomes for all children," Peske said. "If we want students to succeed, we need to invest in better preparation and support for great math instruction."
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Top performances by Sligo Swim Club Masters in Ulster
This was the team's third year in a row to visit the splendid South Lake Sports Complex, that is arguably the most aesthetically pleasing swimming location in the country. Its 50 and 25 metre pools are complemented by other sporting amenities, walking tracks, and an excellent cafe. Unfortunately, the Sligo team was unexpectedly depleted at the last minute when 'medal magnets' Evan Kelly, David Bartley and Aoife Cannon had to withdraw due to injuries. However, the four remaining Sligo swimmers put in top performances to win multiplex medals and establishing Personal Best times (PBs) and Connaught records thereby maintaining Sligo's proud winning tradition in Ulster. The team brought home 6x Gold, 4x Silver and 1x Bronze medals. Tim Doran opened the gala for Sligo by competing in the 200M Individual Medley (IM). This is a new event for Doran but he delivered a powerful backstroke and breaststroke performance that was sandwiched between his usual elite level butterfly and freestyle - securing a Gold Medal, a PB, and a new Connaught Record in his age category (35-39). Aidan Mackey, in his second ever gala, kicked off with the 400m Freestyle. His double training sessions over the past months built up a strong fitness base that made the difference in the latter part of his race. This resulted in Mackey lowering his PB by 3 seconds and taking a second Gold Medal for Sligo in his age category (50-54). Next up, had Doran back in the pool for the 100M butterfly. Even though he is in the final year of his current age category, he won his second Gold medal in a very tight race - making it 3 races, 3 Gold medals for Sligo. Enda Eames, who has the distinction of competing for Sligo Masters in every national and provincial gala since 2022, continued the medal count by taking a Silver medal in the 50M backstroke. Even though he is in the final year of his age category (65-69), he still had enough speed to overtake his 'younger' competitors in a time that is just short of his PB. The busy Sligo schedule continued with Mackey back on the blocks for the 400M Freestyle. His fitness levels were again severely tested but he didn't disappoint - winning a Silver medal through a consistent high pace that reduced his PB by an amazing 12 seconds. The morning's session had Sligo winning 3x Golds and 2x Silvers from 5 races. The afternoon session started with the Medley Relays…but Sligo unfortunately couldn't participate due to the diminished team numbers. However, there were three competitors in the blue ribbon event - the 100m Freestyle. Eames was first up and he missed out on a bronze medal in a tight race and was just short of his PB and Connaught record gained at the recent National Championships. Next was Mackey…who showed he has real speed as well as endurance by taking a Silver medal in a time just outside his PB. Then came what was arguably the 'swim of the meet' with Doran producing an extraordinary performance in winning the Gold medal in his 100M freestyle race. Tim's time was the fastest across all age categories (some of his competitors were 10 years younger) and just a fraction of a second outside his PB. The final sprint races had Eames and Doran compete in the 50M freestyle. This was already a very successful gala for Sligo but there were more medals to come. Eames was up first and delivered a Bronze medal with a flying start to lead a group of evenly matched swimmers. The Masters event is unusual in that the swimmers, both male and female, are lined up (seeded) based on their PB's, with the slowest swimmers in 'Heat 1'. So in Enda's case in 'Heat 6', he was competing against seven swimmers aged between 26 to 53…with him being 69. When the race is finished, the swimmer's times are spread across the respective age categories to determine the medal ranking and also to determine provincial and national records. Having blitzed everyone in the 100M, Doran had a target on his back when he stepped up onto the starting blocks for his 50M. Again, he didn't disappoint and after his usual flying start…led from start to finish to win his 4th Gold medal. Tim achieved a clean sweep across all his events…but always the perfectionist, was disappointed that he missed his PB (and Connaught record) by 0:00.01 seconds! The final event of the day was the gruelling 1,500M freestyle and the Sligo Masters 'top gun' in these long distance events - both in the pool and open water, is Shane O'Doherty. As usual 'he came, he swam, and won another Gold medal'. His fitness, ability to keep a high-tempo consistent pace, and maintaining the 'technical' aspects of his stroke - means Shane's time in the 45-49 category was faster than every male swimmer at the event other than the winner in the 25-29 age category. Not to be completely overshadowed was Aidan Mackey taking on the 1,500M distance for the first time. This was his fourth race and such is his mental toughness and endurance that Aidan won a Silver medal in a sub-25 minute time. This completed a haul of 1x Gold and 3x Silver medals plus 3x PB's. The Sligo Masters team will now be taking to the open water over the summer and hoping to hit the same heights. The return to the pool will be for the Ulster 'short course' championships at the end of October in Newry, Co. Down, which will be followed by the National 'short course' championships at the National Aquatic Centre (Dublin) in November. The team would like to acknowledge their County Sligo Swim Club (CSSC) coaches, especially the lead Masters coach Elaine Stafford as well as Evan and Kevin, who deliver the highest levels of quality training and technical mentorship that are essential to successfully compete at these events.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Yahoo
Report: Deadly shooting at Florida fast-food restaurant may have been over mayonnaise packets
A Checkers restaurant in Kissimmee is back open after an altercation between an employee and a customer turned into a deadly shooting last week. Court documents state cameras from the Checkers shows employee Elijah Mackey, 23, climbing out of a drive-thru window Wednesday night, walking to the front of the building where the victim was, then moments later deputies say it shows the victim falling to the ground. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< In the arrest affidavit, two witness statements claim to have seen Wesley Robertson ordering from one of the front windows. After getting his order, the witnesses say he started complaining. One of the witness statements alleges it was over mayonnaise packets. 'It's very shocking. It's not even worth somebody's life over a pack of mayonnaise,' said Yajaira Hernandez. Mackey is charged with first-degree murder. Investigators allege the shooting was premeditated. Criminal attorney Jose Rivas explains how that could be the case. He says it only takes seconds to plan a shooting. 'The moment he crawls out the window, he's walking, whether it's three seconds, five seconds, ten seconds, he's walking towards this individual with an intent,' said Rivas. Rivas says that's what the state will try to prove. Mackey was denied bond. Court documents also state Mackey told deputies he had a gun on him when they found him hiding under a stairwell next door at Celebration Suites. Deputies say they recovered a gun from his person. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Florida restaurant employee arrested after customer shot to death over food order
People at a popular tourist spot in Osceola County were running for their lives Wednesday night after deputies say a Checkers employee shot and killed a customer over a fast-food order. The restaurant remained closed on Thursday as crime scene tape blocked off the drive-through. Osceola County deputies arrested Elijah Mackey, 23, on Thursday in connection with the shooting. 'There were a whole bunch of cops here, like, it was scary,' said Jarisa Lindsey. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< 'It's just crazy. It's not that serious. It shouldn't be that serious where you get into an argument, then end up taking someone's life,' said customer Kelvin Lindsey. He ate dinner at the restaurant Wednesday and drove by later to see the crime scene. 'From every entrance there was more cops, and I'm sitting here like why they are here, what are they doing. Then when we got to this area this was a concentrated area where a lot of officers were at,' he said. Osceola County deputies say an argument broke out between Mackey, an employee at Checkers, and a customer over a food order. That confrontation escalated to gunfire. People working next to the Checkers say they heard gunshots, and everyone started running. They shut everything down for the night. Mackey was taken into custody Thursday and faces a first-degree murder charge. 'People gotta change. Learn how to control your emotions. It's not that serious. A lot of things get escalated to that point because of misunderstandings,' said Lindsey. Authorities identified the victim as Wesley Robertson. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Mercury
18-05-2025
- Mercury
Bailey Seabourne was killed in accident when his friend was speeding and driving recklessly
Don't miss out on the headlines from Police & Courts. Followed categories will be added to My News. A Tasmanian teenager was killed when he was thrown from a vehicle driven by a friend that was speeding and driven 'in a foolhardy and reckless manner', a Coroner has found. Bailey Matthew Grant Seabourne was 16 when he died in the accident at Wesley Vale in the state's North-West on May 9, 2022. He was a backseat passenger in a Nissan Navara utility that was driven by Seth Brown, a novice driver licensed at P1 level. Ms Mackey said in the hours before the accident Mr Brown had been driving around Devonport with four passengers when his licence restricted him to driving with just one peer passenger aged between 16 and 21. 'At times he was speeding, performing burnouts and drifting in suburban streets and around public playgrounds and carparks,' she said. 'The manner of his driving posed a significant risk to himself, those present in his vehicle as well as to the public generally.' Ms Mackey said Mr Brown made three stops before the accident and it was 'surprising' given his driving that the passengers remained in the ute. 'The decision making of Brown as driver of the vehicle and of his passengers who remained when they were aware of the risks he was taking with his driving is indicative of a lack of common sense and maturity of those present and endorses the sense behind the P1 restriction for peer passengers,' she said. Evidence had been given from police, other motorists and passengers that the vehicle was speeding with the digital speedometer recording 127km/h before the accident on Mill Road near the turnoff to Devonport Airport. Mr Brown lost control and the vehicle flipped. Ms Mackey said Bailey was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected onto the roadway during the accident. 'He landed on the roadway a distance of 7.8m from the resting place of the vehicle,' she said. 'Bailey's seatbelt was twisted in the buckle and jammed and could not be extended to meet the receiving end. 'The seatbelt was unable to be tested after the accident due to the damage sustained to the vehicle.' Drugs or alcohol were not contributing factors to the accident and Ms Mackey extended her 'sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Bailey'. As a result of the accident, Mr Brown pleaded guilty and was convicted of causing death by dangerous driving and dangerous driving and was sentenced to two years imprisonment and disqualified from driving for three years 'Couldn't get a hold of him': Heartbreaking fatal revelation
