Athens State University RIC

Welcome Back To School!. I hope everyone had a great summer. The Athens RIC has lots of face-to-face and virtual professional learning sessions scheduled for the fall semester. Be sure to click on the FALL SEMESTER List of Courses below.

If you have specific questions concerning any of these sessions, please reach out to Brad Lewis Brad.Lewis@athens.edu

Have a great rest of your summer and we look forward to working with everyone this fall.

GO BEARS!

Brad Lewis

Students Return

• Limestone County - July 31
• Athens City - August 5
• Cullman City - August 6
• Cullman County, Decatur City, Hartselle City, Blount County, Oneonta City, and Lawerence County - August 7
• Morgan County - August 8

• We Are Here To Serve You!
• https://www.athens.edu/academics/education/in-service-center/
• Statewide RIC Website

Who May Attend

Any public school teacher, administrator, or board member may attend professional learning sessions hosted by an Alabama Regional Inservice Center (ARIC). In addition, most virtual sessions offered are open to educators statewide.

How to Register

All professional learning sessions are listed in PowerSchool Professional Learning. You may register for any session appropriate to your subject and/or grade level on the PowerSchool website https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/.

You may also register for individual sessions by clicking on hyperlinked registration links throughout the Newsletter. Look for the Register Here wording under each session. Contact district PowerSchool personnel or district technology administrators for assistance with accessing the platform. Retired educators no longer with a school district or without a local education agency (WOLEA) can send a support request to PLadmin@alsde.edu for support.

PowerSchool Credit

For your credit to show on your transcript, you need to complete the survey attached to the complete course. You can find this survey in your "Courses" tab in the "My Survey" section.

Please note, all session confirmations are sent to the email associated with PowerSchool accounts. Please verify contact information in PowerSchool (e.g. email addresses, phone number, etc.)

• Physical Location: 1115-A Hwy 31 South Athens, AL 35611
• Beside ServPro and across the highway from Moran Carpets.
• Summer Hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
• (256) 233-6576

• Join Our NBCT Email Group
• Summer NBCT Newsletter

• Fall APLDS Schedule for Region 2
• ALL APLDS Sessions Scheduled in June will be credited to the 2025-2026 School Year
• DISCLAIMER: If session has less than 10 participants enrolled, the session may be canceled.

Join the

CLAS Aspiring School Leaders Academy

2025 - 2026 Cohort

Ready to move to the next level? Be part of the year-long Aspiring School Leaders Academy, led by faculty and staff from the University of Alabama and Auburn University. The Academy is designed with content to support aspiring school leaders in attaining the essential skills and practices needed to advance to the next level of leadership and is composed of 2 in-person and 4 virtual meetings held October 2025 to May 2026.

Limited to 75 participants

Cost: $200 member/ $300 non-member

Meeting Dates

• October 2, 2025: Troy University - Montgomery (In Person)

• November 3, 2025 - Virtual Meeting

• January 15, 2026 - Virtual Meeting

• February 12, 2026 - Virtual Meeting

• April 10, 2025 - Virtual Meeting

• May 6, 2026: Troy University - Montgomery (In Person)

Questions? Contact Demica Sanders: demica@clasleaders.org

Cohort Registration

This Professional Learning opportunity is not applicable to Principals or Assistant Principals!

August Newsletter

• Powerful Learning Network
• Peer Coaching Workshops
• PLN Athens North Cohort Meeting Dates
• Statewide Virtual Session - Wednesday, October 1, 2025
• Session # 2 - Wednesday, November 12
• Session # 3 - Thursday, December 11
• Session # 4 - Thursday, February 26, 2026

Title: 2025 Athens Gifted Regional Training

Description:

The session will provide gifted specialists and coordinators an overview of gifted updates, Second Grade Child Find, standard referrals, the referral to eligibility process of gifted referrals to include paperwork in PowerSchool Special Programs (PSSP), compliance monitoring and gifted services.

Date: Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Time: 8:30 am - 3:00 pm

Format: In Person

Location: Athens State University

Sandridge Student Center Ballroom

412 Pryor Street

Athens, AL 35611

Facilitator: Ashley Strickland, ALSDE

Clock Hours: 6 Hours

PS Course Number # 253142. Section # 531895

NEW DATE: Now VIRTUAL

Title: Back to Class: Curbing Chronic Absenteeism

Description: Curbing chronic absenteeism requires a proactive and collaborative approach that addresses the root causes of absenteeism while promoting a culture of regular attendance and academic success for all students. Through coordinated efforts and targeted interventions, schools can work towards reducing chronic absenteeism and ensuring that every student could thrive in school.

Date: Friday, September 19

Time: TBA

Format: VIRTUAL

Facilitator: Dr. Kay Warfield, ALSDE

Clock Hours: 2 Hours

Register HERE

Title: PLUACLD1341 - Empowering Classrooms: Tiered Instructional Strategies for Success

Description: This professional study is designed to empower district and school leadership teams to leverage research-based instructional strategies within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework to improve student achievement. Drawing from The New Classroom Instruction That Works, the student emphasizes how leaders can guide and support the application of these strategies through six phases of learning. Requirements: Read and Reflect: Read The New Classroom Instruction That Works; Answer reflection questions. Design or Update a Walkthrough Form:Create or refine a classroom walkthrough form to include observable indicators of the six phases of learning; Use the form to provide constructive feedback to educators and monitor the implementation of tiered instructional strategies. Participate in Professional Development: Attend a minimum of two PD sessions focused on tiered instructional strategic; Engage in collaborative discussions and activities that connect PD content to the six phases of learning. Host sites: various regional inservice centers. Upon completion of the required activities, school leaders will have the ability to earn one PLU. The PLU will be offered for 1 year beginning in Fall 2025.

Dates:

• August 27, 2025 - Register HERE
• November 20, 2025 - Register HERE Section # 528774
• January 22, 2026 - Register HERE - Section # 528777

Time: 9:00 - 11:00 AM

Format: In Person

Location: Athens State Sandridge Student Center Ballroom

402 Pryor Street

Athens, AL 35611

Facilitators: Kristy Shankles

Clock Hours: 2 Hours

Title: Summer 2025 Alabama's Teacher Observation Tool: An Overview for New Administrators
Description: Newly appointed administrators will gain insight into all aspects of the Alabama Teacher Growth Program (ATGP). Participants will leave the session with insights into applying the scoring rubric to accurately and consistently rate teachers’ instructional practice. Participants will also enhance their ability to provide focused, formative feedback to classroom teachers by correlating items in the Alabama Teacher Observation Tool (ATOT) with sub-standards in the Alabama Core Teaching Standards (ACTS).

*This is an initial overview of how to use the Alabama Teacher Observation Tool and will fulfill the requirement of the 6-hour training on the Alabama Teacher Observation Tool when seeking the ACLD PLU in the future.

Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Time: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Format: In Person

Location: Regional Inservice Center (Room A)

1115 Hwy 31 S.

Athens, AL 35611

Facilitator: Barry Wiginton, ALSDE-ATGP Support Specialist

Clock Hours: 6 Hours

Register HERE!

Title: Alabama Teacher Growth Program (ATGP) and Alabama Teacher Observation Tool (ATOT) - A Refresher for Administrators
Description: In this informative session, classroom observers gain invaluable insights into effectively applying the Cognia Scoring Rubric to accurately and consistently rate the instructional practices of classroom teachers. Participants will leave the session with increased skill, confidence, and readiness to conduct post-observation conferences.

• Viewing teacher practices through the lenses of implementation, authenticity, and effect on learner

• Systematic approach to assigning rating values to observed teacher practice

• Correlation of ATOT items with Alabama Core Teaching Standards to provide a common language of what effective teaching looks like in the classroom

• Six-step protocol for conducting post-observation conferences

Date: Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Time: 8:30 - 11:30 AM

Format: In Person

Location: Regional Inservice Center (Room A)

1115 Hwy 31 S.

Athens, AL 35611

Facilitator: Barry Wiginton, ALSDE-ATGP Support Specialist

Clock Hours: 3 Hours

Register HERE!

Day 1 - Wednesday, September 10, 2025 - 4th - 8th Grade

Title: Science of Reading - An Intro

Description: In this 3 hour session, educators will be introduced to the body of knowledge known as the Science of Reading through examining the Simple View of Reading, The Reading Rope, The 4 Part Processor, and brain activity. Teachers will engage in learning and activities that will support in answering the questions: 1. What IS the Science of Reading and what is it NOT? 2. Why is the Science of Reading important? 3. How should knowledge of Science of Reading impact my instruction?

Morning Session

Date: Tuesday, September 10 (4th - 8th)

Time: 8:30 - 11:30 am

Format: In Person

Address: 1115-A Hwy 31 South

Athens, AL 35611

Facilitator: Rhonda Ayers

Clock Hours: 3 Hours

Register HERE

Afternoon Session

Date: Tuesday, September 10 (4th - 8th)

Time: 12:30 - 3:30 pm

Format: In Person

Address: 1115-A Hwy 31 South

Athens, AL 35611

Facilitator: Rhonda Ayers

Clock Hours: 3 Hours

Register HERE

Day 2 - Thursday, September 11 (K-3 Only)

Morning Session

Date: Wednesday, September 11 (K-3 Only)

Time: 8:30 - 11:30 am

Format: In Person

Address: 1115-A Hwy 31 South

Athens, AL 35611

Facilitator: Rhonda Ayers

Clock Hours: 3 Hours

Register HERE

Afternoon Session

Date: Wednesday, September 11 (K-3 Only)

Time: 12:30 - 3:30 pm

Format: In Person

Address: 1115-A Hwy 31 South

Athens, AL 35611

Facilitator: Rhonda Ayers

Clock Hours: 3 Hours

Register HERE

Title: Using PowerSchool Analytics and Insights to Address Chronic Absenteeism

Description: This professional learning course equips educators, administrators, and school data teams with the skills to leverage PowerSchool Analytics and Insights for identifying, tracking, and addressing chronic absenteeism and truancy. Participants will gain hands-on experience in navigating PowerSchool’s data tools, analyzing key attendance metrics, and implementing evidence-based interventions to support student attendance.

Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Time: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

Format: In Person

Facilitator: Stacy Royster

Location: Athens State University - Sandridge Student Center Ballroom

402 Pryor Street

Athens, AL 35611

Clock Hours: 6 Hours

Register HERE!

Title: ATOT: A Closer Look at the Alabama Core Teaching Standards (ACTS) and the Dimensions of the Alabama Teacher Observation Tool (ATOT)

Description: Are you a classroom teacher or school administrator looking to enhance your understanding of the Alabama Core Teaching Standards (ACTS) and their profound influence on teaching and learning? This full-day training session is designed to provide you with a comprehensive overview of these standards and their practical implications in educational settings.

Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Time: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Format: In Person

Location: Regional Inservice Center (Room A)

1115 Hwy 31 S.

Athens, AL 35611

Facilitator: Barry Wiginton, ALSDE-ATGP Support Specialist

Clock Hours: 6 Hours

Register HERE

Title: Ellevation Exploration: Student Profiles, Data-Driven Instruction for ELs using Strategies and Documenting Student Progress.

Description:

• Leverage key information in the Student Profiles.
• Identify opportunities to support students in their language growth.
• Utilize Ellevation Strategies, modules and/or activities to enhance instruction and provide unparalleled support for ELs/MLs throughout your district.
• Understand how to use Forms to gather educator input and document decisions

Date: Tuesday, September 16

Time: 8:00 am - 3:30 pm

Format: In Person

Locations: Alabama Center for the Arts in Decatur

133 2nd Ave. NE

Decatur, AL. 35601

Facilitator: Robin Stutts and Stephanie Nicole Reynolds

Clock Hours: 6 Hours

Register HERE

Tuesday, November 4

HQIA Differentiating for ELs by Proficiency Level (1.5 hrs)

• Tuesday, November 4 (8:30 - 10:00 am)
• Athens Regional Inservice Center - Room A
• Register HERE!

HQIA Asset-Based Instruction for ELs (1.5 hrs)

• Tuesday, November 4 (10:30 am - 12:00 pm)
• Athens Regional Inservice Center - Room A
• Register HERE!

HQIA Student-Centered Engagement for ELs (1.5 hrs)

• Tuesday, November 4 (1:00 - 2:30 pm)
• Athens Regional Inservice Center - Room A
• Register HERE!

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Wednesday, November 5

HQIA EL: Academic Discourse (1.5 hrs)

• Wednesday, November 5 (8:30 - 10:00 am)
• Athens Regional Inservice Center - Room A
• Register HERE!

HQIA EL: Scaffolding (1.5 hrs)

• Tuesday, January 21, 2 (10:30 am - 12:00 pm)
• Athens Regional Inservice Center - Room A
• Register HERE!

HQIA EL: Formative Assessments (1.5 hrs)

• Tuesday, January 21, 2025 (1:00 - 2:30 pm)
• Athens Regional Inservice Center - Room A
• Register HERE!

• Region 2 EL Specialist: Robin Stutts rstutts@alsde.edu
• EL Quarterly Newsletter (Winter 2024)
• ALSDE EL Guides and Resources
• Alabama ELLevation Education Link- https://ellevationeducation.com/district/alabama
• Virtual ELLevation Training Links - ELLevation Virtual Training Links

• AMTESOL Conference Link-Registration: https://www.amtesol.org/registration
• World Languages Newsletter: https://sway.office.com/mBGTFFbn0olsRz7W?ref=Link&loc=play

• NEW! Guidance for High-Quality Instruction and Assessment for English Learners
• Now posted on the ALSDE English Learners Page.
• Get ready! Revised ACCESS for ELLs Spring 2026
• Review the WIDA ELD Standards Framework, 2020
• For additional options visit the WIDA Secure Portal Self-paced Workshops

Title: Building a Thinking Classroom (6-12 Teachers)

Description: Peter Liljedahl's research led to 14 classroom practices that move students from passive "mimicking" roles to active "thinking" roles. Practices such as utilizing random grouping, vertical non-permanent surfaces, and quality thinking tasks, as well as several others, will be shared from a middle school mathematics classroom. Join Jeff Norris, 2024 Alabama Teacher of the Year, to learn several practices that lead to better collaborative skills, elimination of social barriers, and increased knowledge mobility.

Date: Wednesday, September 17 (Athens State RIC)

Time: 8:30 - 11:30 am

Format: In Person

Locations: Athens State Regional Inservice Center (Room C)

1115 Hwy 31 S.

Athens, AL 35611

Facilitator: Jeff Norris

Clock Hours: 3 Hours

Register HERE

Title: Blueprint for Success in the Secondary Classroom (6 - 12)

Description: Let's lay the foundation for creating effective classroom procedures and structures. Jeff Norris, 2024 Alabama Teacher of the Year, will help you in setting up routines in a 6-12 classroom, creating classroom norms, organizing the first week of school, and creating a positive classroom community-all building blocks that will help you construct an amazing year with your students.

Date: Wednesday, September 17

Time: 12:30 - 3:30 pm

Format: In Person

Locations: Athens State Regional Inservice Center (Room C)

1115 Hwy 31 S.

Athens, AL 35611

Facilitator: Jeff Norris

Clock Hours: 3 Hours

Register HERE

Title: PowerSchool: Plans and Interventions

Description: Learn how to view student plans in Student Analytics and Insights. Walk through the steps of placing a plan on a student and entering in data for that plan. Learn how to view interventions in Student Analytics and Insights. Walk through the steps of creating an intervention for a student or group of students, and review entering in data for that intervention.

Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Time: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Format: In Person

Facilitator: Kendall Tankersley

Location: Athens State University (Room C)

1115 Highway 31 S.

Athens, AL 35611

Clock Hours: 3 Hours

Register HERE

Title: PowerSchool: Analytics and Insights

Description: Learn how to navigate the dashboards of Analytics & Insights. Filter data, create student groups, and export data for your needs.

Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Time: 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Format: In Person

Facilitator: Kendall Tankersley

Location: Athens State University (Room C)

1115 Highway 31 S.

Athens, AL 35611

Clock Hours: 2 Hours

Register HERE

• Archaeologists and Paleontologists: How Do They Learn About the Past?
• Setting the Stage for the Trail of Tears
• Southeastern Native American Geography and Culture
• Native American Culture and the Trail of Tears

Location: 1115 U.S. Hwy 31, Athens, AL, USA
Phone: 256-216-6622
Facebook: facebook.com/AthensStateRIC
Twitter/X: @AthensStateRIC

Instagram: @athensstateric