Certification of Alabama’s Standards of Teaching – Marine Science (COAST-MAR)

Marine Science is a dynamic interdisciplinary field that synthesizes biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science to explore and understand ocean systems. Its inclusion as a graduation requirement provides students with a holistic scientific foundation and deepens their appreciation for the oceans’ essential role in sustaining life on Earth.

By integrating Marine Science into the curriculum, schools expand students’ scientific literacy and cultivate environmental responsibility and global ecological awareness—skills and perspectives increasingly vital in today’s world. Furthermore, the Code of Alabama §16-45 formally acknowledges the Marine Environmental Sciences Consortium and its educational initiatives as a means of promoting marine sciences across the state of Alabama. Marine Science courses offered in schools serve as a direct extension of this recognized program, reinforcing its academic and career-preparation value.

To receive a waiver to offer Marine Science as one of the four Science credits required for graduation, the following components are required as part of the “New Course” waiver application:

• Complete Marine Science Waiver Request Form.
• SUPERINTENDENT LETTER: A letter submitted by the superintendent requesting permission to offer Marine Science. This must be submitted on official school district letterhead.
• TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL LEARNING: Teachers must be committed to participating in professional learning opportunities when teaching Marine Science, including before and/or during the teaching of the course. May include prior college coursework, professional learning hosted by Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL), or opportunities presented by other Marine Science educational centers.
• CURRICULUM PLANNING: A curriculum plan and inclusion of specific course standards (see Model Standards) must be submitted.

The waiver must be renewed every two years and/or when there is a teacher change.

For questions about training, please contact dhpcoast@disl.edu.

For questions about the waiver process, please contact superiwaivers@alsde.edu.