Professional Learning Opportunities & Updates
March/April 2023
Check out the ALSDE Bite-Sized Professional Learning opportunities that are being offered this spring. Topics range from assessment, teacher mentoring, PowerSchool, and more!
Please review the attached flyer for upcoming spring workshops in March and April that will be offered by Hudson Alpha.
Join Charissa Lambert, ALSDE OSI ELA Specialist, for one of the half-day opportunities provided on March 7! This session is intended for ELA teachers in grades 4-8, instructional coaches who support teachers in grades 4-8, and administrators.
Date: March 7, 2023
Location: UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center, 260 Kilgore Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Register in PowerSchool Professional Learning Using the Section Numbers Below:
8:30-11:30 am: Section #466313
12:30-3:30 pm: Section #466316
Date: March 7, 2023
Location: UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center, 260 Kilgore Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Register in PowerSchool Professional Learning Using the Section Numbers Below:
8:30-11:30 am: Section #466313
12:30-3:30 pm: Section #466316
U.S. Drone Soccer Southeast District V Tournament (AL, GA, FL, MS, TN, SC)
Saturday, March 18, 2023 @ Shelton State
For more information, visit www.dronesoccer.us/events or email Dr. Mayben at RMayben@ua.edu for more information.
If you are interested in bringing Drone Soccer to your school or learning more about this innovative new esport, please contact Dr. Mayben at RMayben@ua.edu.
Virtual field trips can create engaging experiences beyond the classroom for students. In this session, participants will explore tools, resources, and strategies for planning and creating virtual field trips, where to find ready-made virtual field trips, and how to facilitate these interactive learning experiences.
Registration Link: Coming Soon (will be added to www.uatim.org/opportunities)
Registration Link: Coming Soon (will be added to www.uatim.org/opportunities)
In this session, educators will develop an awareness of Alabama's Core Teaching Standards.
They will collaborate to apply the Core Teaching Standards in practice and identify evidence of the Core Teaching Standards in their daily practice. Educators will also align the Alabama Core Teaching Standards to the dimension within Alabama's new Teacher Observation Tool.
Date: March 28
Time: 8:30-3:30
Location: UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center, 260 Kilgore Lane, Tuscaloosa
Register via PowerSchool PL section #461411
They will collaborate to apply the Core Teaching Standards in practice and identify evidence of the Core Teaching Standards in their daily practice. Educators will also align the Alabama Core Teaching Standards to the dimension within Alabama's new Teacher Observation Tool.
Date: March 28
Time: 8:30-3:30
Location: UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center, 260 Kilgore Lane, Tuscaloosa
Register via PowerSchool PL section #461411
Join us at the UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center (260 Kilgore Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL) on March 30 from 5:00-7:30 pm for our March mentoring sessions. Register via PowerSchool PL Section #435611.
You will receive support from Candidate Support Providers as you work on your selected component(s) in a small group setting.
Meet STEM researchers at The University of Alabama who have created K-12 lesson plans based on their cutting-edge research. This is a drop-in networking gala where you can visit with researchers about their lesson plans and with local organizations about their educational programs. We will have food and giveaways while you visit tables.
Thursday, March 30 at 6-7:30PM
Alabama Museum of Natural History Smith Hall, 427 Sixth Ave, Tuscaloosa
Free registration: https://sciren.ua.edu/teacher-registration.html
Thursday, March 30 at 6-7:30PM
Alabama Museum of Natural History Smith Hall, 427 Sixth Ave, Tuscaloosa
Free registration: https://sciren.ua.edu/teacher-registration.html
The ALSDE National Board Certification scholarship has now been released. The electronic application can be downloaded at https://docs.google.com/document/d/18GcrTxwi6xAYwYJUL-BZ7w_as1QItEEYqgC6wQ8nuuA/edit?usp=sharing. The deadline for submitting an application is March 31, 2023. All applicants will be notified of their status by mid-May.
NEW - Year 1 and Year 2 teachers may now apply. Previously, educators must have completed three successful years of teaching prior to beginning the National Board Certification process. The policy change now will open access to educators interested in the Board certification process by allowing them to begin the process of Board certification before completing three years of teaching experience. While this change allows educators to begin the process earlier, educators will need to complete three successful years of teaching employment to become Board-certified.
NEW - The annual household income threshold has been raised from $120,000 to $150,000.
ACLD-PLU Opportunity (Pending Approval)
Join Dr. Frank Buck for this study of "The Four Corners of Productivity." This professional learning study will support administrators and aspiring administrators as they learn to effectively organize via productivity tools.
PowerSchool Professional Learning registration will be released in March. Contact Mrs. Banks Gordy at bgordy@uwa.edu for more information.
When
Tuesday, April 25th, 3:30-5:30pm
Where
This is an online event.
More information
Please join us for the Spring Governing Board Meeting on April 25. All teachers, administrators, counselors, and librarians are invited to attend. A list of current board members can be found at http://inservice.ua.edu/governing-board.html. The meeting will be held virtually. If you are not a Governing Board member but would like to attend, please contact Dr. Morgan (hgmorgan@ua.edu) for a virtual link.
Tuesday, April 25th, 3:30-5:30pm
Where
This is an online event.
More information
Please join us for the Spring Governing Board Meeting on April 25. All teachers, administrators, counselors, and librarians are invited to attend. A list of current board members can be found at http://inservice.ua.edu/governing-board.html. The meeting will be held virtually. If you are not a Governing Board member but would like to attend, please contact Dr. Morgan (hgmorgan@ua.edu) for a virtual link.
Join us virtually on April 26 for the following opportunities from Metametrics! This information includes free resources for Alabama educators based upon students' lexile and quantile measures.
Metametrics Lexile Framework for Reading
April26
9:00-10:30 am
Virtual via Zoom
Register via PowerSchool PL #455853 in order to receive Zoom link.
Metametrics Quantile Framework for Mathematics
April 26
1:00-2:30 pm
Virtual via Zoom
Register via PowerSchool PL #455861 in order to receive Zoom link.
***For more information about Metametrics and its partnership with Alabama and their FREE resources, visit https://metametricsinc.com/fieldtrip/alabama/.
Join us at the UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center (260 Kilgore Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL) on April 27 from 5:00-7:30 pm for our April mentoring sessions. Register via PowerSchool PL Section #435613.
You will receive support from Candidate Support Providers as you work on your selected component(s) in a small group setting.
If you are an NBCT candidate in the UA/UWA Region, join us on Friday, April 28 for our spring writing retreat. Candidates will work on their analysis of evidence and written commentary. Full-day substitute reimbursement will be provided for each participant (as long as the educator teaches in Region 4, UA/UWA).Spring Writing Retreat
April 28, 2023; 8:30 AM-3:00 PM
Register via PowerSchool Section #435540
Upcoming Opportunities: May 2023 and Beyond
The UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center is pleased to announce that we will be hosting Pre-AP Readiness Workshops in partnership with College Board. Pre-AP Readiness Workshops are in-person collaborative experiences that orient participants to the content, design, and pedagogy of the Pre-AP Program. Teachers explore Pre-AP design and instructional content-specific topics that empower them to apply what they’ve learned to their own grade level or course within their content area. Save your seat now!
Who Should Attend the Readiness Workshops?
-Grades 6-12 teachers
-Leaders
Why Should I Attend?
-Learn new approaches and develop plans for instruction that can be applied in your own classroom
-Collaboratively design classroom activities that build readiness and meets the needs of all learners
-Gain new skills and insights with a supportive peer network and expert National Faculty
-Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) are awarded upon completion
Workshop Objectives
-Explore Pre-AP model lessons, the course framework, teacher resources, and student learning supports
-Analyze how Pre-AP instructional design supports all students in achieving success toward AP, college, and beyond
-Learn how to apply Pre-AP shared principles and course areas of focus to yearlong planning and classroom instruction
We will have workshops on the following dates:
May 1: English Language Arts
May 2: Mathematics
May 4: Social Studies
May 5: Science
Sessions will be held from 8:30-3:30 PM CST. Each math and science workshop counts as TEAMS PD credit. Register for the sessions using the links below.
Key Links:
- Alabama Pre-AP Professional Learning Calendar: https://eventreg.collegeboard.org/c/calendar/eb69bd26-490f-44d9-bf20-1fd59f23f35f
- Custom registration site for UA/UWA region: https://eventreg.collegeboard.org/d/3lq587/
- Upon attendance, we will then award credit for attendees in PowerSchool Professional Learning.specific updates, data, and requests for support based upon the information shared at the ALSDE meetings. We will share ideas and network to share best practices within our region.
Please make plans to join us in Alabama’s Rocket City for the 2023 Alabama Education Technology Conference (AETC) as we “Suit Up for the Mission” of improving educational technology across the state. This conference will be held on June 14-16, 2023, at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, AL.
AETC plays a major role in assisting educators to increase their understanding of instructional technology in education. This state conference is an opportunity for educators in the state to refine skills, connect with other educators, and share ideas. Please visit www.alabamaetc.com for additional information.
AETC will offer four free registrations per LEA for educators who meet the certain criteria — names must be submitted by April 28th.Please make plans to join us in Alabama’s Rocket City for the 2023 Alabama Education Technology Conference (AETC) as we “Suit Up for the Mission” of improving educational technology across the state. This conference will be held on June 14-16, 2023, at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, AL.
AETC plays a major role in assisting educators to increase their understanding of instructional technology in education. This state conference is an opportunity for educators in the state to refine skills, connect with other educators, and share ideas. Please visit www.alabamaetc.com for additional information.
AETC will offer four free registrations per LEA for educators who meet the certain criteria — names must be submitted by April 28th.Please make plans to join us in Alabama’s Rocket City for the 2023 Alabama Education Technology Conference (AETC) as we “Suit Up for the Mission” of improving educational technology across the state. This conference will be held on June 14-16, 2023, at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, AL.
When
Tuesday, Jan. 17th 2023 at 3:30-5pm
Where
This is an online event.
More information
Please join us for the Winter Governing Board Meeting on January 17. All teachers, administrators, counselors, and librarians are invited to attend. A list of current board members can be found at http://inservice.ua.edu/governing-board.html. The meeting will be held virtually. If you are not a Governing Board member but would like to attend, please contact Dr. Morgan (hgmorgan@ua.edu) for a virtual link.
Tuesday, Jan. 17th 2023 at 3:30-5pm
Where
This is an online event.
More information
Please join us for the Winter Governing Board Meeting on January 17. All teachers, administrators, counselors, and librarians are invited to attend. A list of current board members can be found at http://inservice.ua.edu/governing-board.html. The meeting will be held virtually. If you are not a Governing Board member but would like to attend, please contact Dr. Morgan (hgmorgan@ua.edu) for a virtual link.
In this session, provided by Dr. Carolyn Jones (ALSDE) and Dr. Patrick Chappell (Publishers' Warehouse), educators will investigate the following: Goals of the Textbook Committee; Formation of the Local Textbook Committee; Best Practices for the Local Textbook Committee; Work of the Local Textbook Committee; Publisher Expectations; Textbook Caravan; Final Steps for Local Textbook Adoption; Samples Timeline will be provided; Adoption process forms; Procedures for adopting textbooks outside the State approved list; Sample Oath of Office; Textbook Disposal Procedures; Textbook Law; Textbook orders with Publishers' Warehouse.Date: March 2, 2023
Time: 10:00-11:30 am
Virtual via Zoom
Register via PowerSchool PL Section #454312 or via the following link in order to receive the Zoom link.
If you are a new ELA teacher or have not received an overview regarding the transition to the 2021 ELA Course of Study standards, ARI Region Four specialists are offering an overview session on the following date:March 2 from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Location: University of West Alabama, Young Hall, Livingston, AL
Register via PowerSchool PL Section #454304 or via the following link
Opportunities From Our Regional Initiatives
AMSTI is continuing to partner with ARI to host regional principal meetings to support implementation of the Alabama Numeracy Act. For more information, please view the flyer posted above in this newsletter.
Summer training is open for registration! You can view all AMSTI opportunities at their new AMSTI-UA website at https://amsti-ua.wixsite.com/amsti-ua. More information is linked in the flyer below.
Please contact Sara McGee (smcgee@ua.edu) if you have questions or requests for other professional learning support.
The University of Alabama Early Literacy Survey (in partnership with ARI and ALSDE)The UA Literacy Center is partnering with the Alabama State Department of Education to meet the professional development needs for early literacy instruction. We invite PK-3rd grade teachers to complete a 30-45 minute survey about early literacy. The results will be used to share what type of PD is needed in different areas of our state.
If you have any questions regarding this process, please email me, cjkerch@ua.edu. Confidentiality is of utmost importance to our team. Teachers responses will remain anonymous. Participants may be randomly selected to receive a $50 gift card.
You may access the survey below or via the QR code in the flyer:
https://universityofalabama.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3TKWOmW4G81tzoy
- ASIM Biology Training and Support (Lisa Clark, lclark@ua.edu)
- ASIM Chemistry Training and Support (Brooks Moss, moss020@ua.edu)
- ASIM Physics Training and Support (Julie Covin, jcovin@ua.edu)
Contact our specialists today to request on-site instructional support as you return to school! We are here for you!
- An Earth and Space Training Day will be offered on March 6th. Topics included will be the Sun, Rocks, and Minerals. A Chemistry Training Day will be offered on April 14th. Topics covered will be Intermolecular Forces. Contact Brooks Moss at moss020@ua.edu with any questions. Register via the following link: https://forms.monday.com/forms/e6fa491c78b19b6966e574ff7100f082?r=use1
- There will be a Physical Science Training on April 7th from 8:30 to 3:30 at the Tom Barnes Educational Center. Physical science concepts covered will include chemical reactions, momentum and waves. To register for this event, complete the following form: https://forms.monday.com/forms/e6fa491c78b19b6966e574ff7100f082?r=use1
If you have questions, feel free to reach out to Julie Covin (jhcovin@ua.edu) or Brooks Moss (moss020@ua.edu)
If you are a new math teacher or need a review/refresher training, AMSTI is offering math course-of-study training on the following dates:
K-5: February 7 from 8:30-11:30 am---PowerSchool Registration Link
6-12: February 23 from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm--PowerSchool Registration Link
Location for both sessions: University of West Alabama, Young Hall
Please contact Lisa Fitzgerald at lgfitzgerald@ua.edu with questions.
- Alabama Coaching Framework - Coaching Framework Presentations and Documents
- Principal Calendar - Presented at Mega
- OSI Mega Sessions - Presentation Links
- Secondary ELA COS Resources
- OSI Website (New)
- ACIP Support Site
- ACAP/ACT Resource Page
- Youtube (Recorded PL)
Alabama Reading Initiative
ARI Quick Links Document (Includes Proficiency Scales for K-5)
Quick Links
ARI is partnering with AMSTI to host regional principal meetings to support implementation of the Alabama Literacy Act. For more information, please view the flyer posted above in this newsletter.
- ARI Literacy Leadership | Smore Newsletters for Education
Our Facebook page grew from around 100 followers to 5000 in a little over a year. 5000 is the limit for the type of account we have, therefore, we are moving to a business-type account. Please join our new account. - New ARI Facebook Page--Please JOIN
Also, we want to celebrate the Alabama State Board Members and thank them for the work they do to support our vision for literacy in Alabama. - Thank you, ALSDE Board Members Video
- Happy New Year from ARI Video
Contact Dr. Robert Mayben at rmayben@ua.edu to support your school or district's technology professional learning needs.
The following document provides access to curated resources to support implementation of the 2021 ELA Course of Study in Grades 6-12. The link will allow you to create your own copy of the resource document.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XKFtlDduyfdOt6uN1sxM9wXu_9QPLi4Ib11JiOpaax4/copy
Announcements From Our Regional Partners
Region 4 EL Specialist: Dr. Stephanie Reynolds
Please use the direct link below to access the ALSDE English Learner Support Request form and to learn more about the supports available. The ALSDE is now requiring this request to be completed before any initial visit for Instructional Support.
EL Region 4 Specialist: Dr. Stephanie Reynolds (stephanie.reynolds@alsde.edu)
EL Support Request Link:
https://forms.office.com/r/pXeGunUPgb
See the information from Mrs. Tilford linked below regarding the Alabama Numeracy Act Summer Programming FAQs and Alabama Numeracy Act overview. For more information, contact Amy Tilford at amy.tilford@alsde.edu.Alabama Numeracy Act Information
Region 4 MTSS Updates
Check out the latest information from Dr. Blake Busbin, ALSDE Social Studies Education Specialist:https://sway.office.com/FdGY5xkTxv9GS89E?ref=email
Please find the updates for Alabama Health and Physical Education at: https://sway.office.com/iCKSint6bPwdzjoB?ref=email
Region 4 ALSDE PowerSchool Coach: Quandria Robinson
March opportunities are located in the flyer.
Please also feel free to request specific sessions. To request training for your district or school, either reply to this email or click the link in the flyer and submit an Ed Tech ticket request via the following link: Submit Ed Tech Support Ticket
PowerSchool Coach Quandria Robinson (quandria.robinson@alex.state.al.us)
UWA Online
Start Your Journey Today At UWA!
Choose from more than 70 degree and certification programs at the University of West Alabama Online.
Learn how an online program can give you the convenience and flexibility you need. Scholarships available at: https://online.uwa.edu/tuition/scholarships-partnerships/teacher-connect/
https://online.uwa.edu/
2021 ELA Course of Study: Secondary (6-12) ELA Resources
The following document provides access to curated resources to support implementation of the 2021 ELA Course of Study in Grades 6-12. The link will allow you to create your own copy of the resource document.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XKFtlDduyfdOt6uN1sxM9wXu_9QPLi4Ib11JiOpaax4/copy
Oral Language Module in Schoology - Click to register for the module in PowerSchool Professional Learning. Please allow 24 hours for the course to be loaded into PowerSchool Professional Learning and Schoology.Reading Interventions for Students Grade 4 and Beyond - Looking for strategies to help support struggling readers in grade 4 and beyond? Register in PowerSchool Professional Learning for these newly released courses designed by Alabama educators for Alabama educators!
The modules are designed for teachers and administrators who work with struggling readers in grades 4-9. Each module offers specific recommendations and effective instructional strategies aligned to the Science of Reading. The module (course) will load in your My Learning Opportunities within PowerSchool Professional Learning.
The module (course) can also be accessed through your ALSDE Schoology account by clicking the Courses tab. If you are unable to log into your ALSDE Schoology account, please email schoologyenrollments@alsde.edu.
*Each graphic below is hyperlinked directly to the PowerSchool course for easy registration
Multisyllabic Word Reading
Decoding skills are necessary in order to read multisyllabic words.
Fluency Building
Fluent reading allows students to focus their cognitive demand on comprehension
Comprehension Building - Background Knowledge & Vocabulary
Building background knowledge and vocabulary help students gain meaning from text.
Comprehension Building - Ask & Answer Questions
Good readers ask and answer questions as they read to gain understanding.
Comprehension Building - Gist
Routines for helping students determine the gist of text supports them with summarization and main idea.
Comprehension Building - Monitor Thinking
Monitoring their own thinking when students read is critical for knowing when their thinking is off track.
Stretch Text
Stretch text refers to reading selections that are challenging for students to read on their own, which means they are typically above students’ independent reading level. Stretch text can refer to the difficulty, as well as the length of the passage.
Troubleshooting Schoology
If you are having issues accessing your ALSDE Schoology account, please click the link above for troubleshooting steps.
Resources
ALSDE has developed proficiency scales that can be used by teachers and students. The following link shares how to access those proficiency scales: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15eWbGs3CQ1D2wHZJUww9cl6Y4NjUDjUi/view?usp=sharing
ATLAS is a resource designed for National Board Certification, but it can also be used by teachers for personal growth or incorporated into district teacher induction programs.This resource is open to our full-time, public school educators in Alabama. Please contact Dr. Morgan at hgmorgan@ua.edu for an account.
Invest in Yourself With a Premier Education Degree From UAAccomplish your New Year’s resolution for your career — earn your advanced education degree through The University of Alabama Online. Tuition is affordable, with no hidden fees. And our 24/7 technical support means you never have to worry after hours — we’ve always got your back. Contact us today to learn more!