ACS — Thompson High School (THS) and Thompson Middle School (TMS) have earned national recognition as Corwin Visible Learning Associate Schools, making them the first two schools in Alabama to receive the prestigious designation.
The honor recognizes schools that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to research-based teaching and learning. It also reflects the schools’ successful implementation of the Visible Learning School Impact Process, which places evidence at the center of instructional decision-making and helps students understand what they are learning, how they learn best, and how to evaluate their own progress.
“As superintendent, I am incredibly proud of Thompson High School and Thompson Middle School for earning Visible Learning Associate School recognition,” ACS Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers said. “This recognition represents years of thoughtful work and collaboration. Visible Learning helped us stop asking only, ‘Did we implement it?’ and start asking, ‘Did it change the learner’s experience?’ That question has become the rhythm of our leadership.”
The schools were recognized at the 2026 Corwin Annual Visible Learning Conference in Nashville, where Alabaster City Schools (ACS) received national recognition for its Visible Learning efforts. The district began its Visible Learning journey in 2024 under the leadership of Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Amanda Wilbanks.
Visible Learning has helped ACS establish a shared language for effective teaching and learning. Educators use evidence from classrooms, teachers, and students to evaluate their impact, refine instruction, and determine next steps.
“For Thompson High School and Thompson Middle School to become the first schools in Alabama to earn Visible Learning Associate School Awards is a tremendous affirmation of the work our teachers and leaders have done, but we see it as a milestone rather than a finish line,” Wilbanks said. “The real measure of success is seeing students move from simply ‘doing school’ to understanding and owning their learning.”
During the conference, Wilbanks and her team presented “Leadership in Sync: Using Evidence to Guide Instructional Improvement.” The presentation highlighted how collaborative, evidence-based practices are transforming classrooms and improving student outcomes across ACS.
Grounded in education researcher John Hattie’s extensive research, Visible Learning equips educators with evidence-based strategies focused on what has the greatest impact on student learning. The approach encourages teachers to evaluate their own impact and use feedback and evidence to adapt their instruction.
Students also become active participants in the learning process by understanding learning intentions and success criteria, setting goals, monitoring their progress, and developing greater ownership of their learning.
The recognition of both THS and TMS marks a significant milestone in the district’s ongoing work to strengthen teaching and learning. As the first two Alabama schools to earn the designation, they are helping set a statewide example for evidence-based instruction and student ownership of learning.