"Alabama Education News" is published monthly except for June, July, and December by the Alabama Department of Education. This publication, authorized by Section 16-2-4 of the "Code of Alabama", as recompiled in 1975, is a public service of the Alabama Department of Education designed to inform citizens and educators about programs and goals of public education in Alabama. This issue contains the following articles: (1) Raising Expectations: Common Core Standards in Alabama; (2) Students Combine Personal Creativity, Flare, and Skills to Create the Nation's Best Culinary Dishes; (3) ASCA 2010 Conference February 11, 2011; (4) Explore Alabama's Natural Beauty with Educational and Conservational Programs; (5) Life on the Farm...Brought to Your School; (6) February is "College Application and Financial Aid Month"; (7) Torchbearer Schools Prove Every Child Can Learn; (8) Get Ready for the Second Annual Distance Learning Week February 7-11; (8) Find or Follow the Alabama Department of Education on Facebook and Twitter!; (9) Dr. Ethel H. Hall Featured in 2011 Calendar; (10) Alabama Ranks High in Nation on Decreasing Dropout Rate; (11) SDE, ALFA, AISA Promotes Safe Driving Among Teen Drivers; (12) 18th Annual School Board Member Recognition Month; and (13) Great Central U.S. Shake Out on April 28, 2011. Regular features include: (1) Awards, Opportunities, and Professional Development; (2) Teacher of the Month, and (3) January State Board of Education Meeting Agenda Items.