Alabama Governor Removes Early Childhood Education Secretary Over 'Woke' Training Book

The head of the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education, Barbara Cooper, was forced to resign after state officials found that the department was distributing teacher training materials that included so-called “woke concepts.” Governor Kay Ivey was concerned that the materials were “divisive” and inappropriate for young learners. The materials in question were the fourth edition of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Developmentally Appropriate Practice Book. The NAEYC said the book is a responsive, educator-developed, educator-informed, and research-based resource that has been honed over multiple generations to support teachers in helping all children thrive and reach their full potential.