Athens State University RIC

I hope you have scheduled your Pumpkin Patch visit! With fall break, Harvest Festivals, and football games, October and November are busy months. Be sure to complete our Needs Assessment by October 12.

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

Have a great fall!

GO BEARS!

Brad Lewis

Students Return

• Athens and Limestone County: October 6 - 10
• Lawrence County: October 6 - 7
• Decatur City and Cullman County: October 10 & 13
• Hartselle City, Cullman City, and Oneonta City: October 13 - 14
• Morgan County and Blount County: October 13

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

If you are looking for a common sense approach to effective classroom management, you have found it! The Classroom Organization and Management Program (COMP) is a research-based research-proven professional development program that can help you learn to create and manage an effective learning environment in your classroom. COMP shows teachers how to focus on establishing conditions for learning. Participating teachers in our workshops find their classrooms foster student academic achievement and have reduced discipline problems. For more information, contact Brad Lewis at Brad.Lewis@athens.edu

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
• FALL NBCT Newsletter

North Cohort PowerSchool Registration Links

• CLICK THE DATE BELOW TO REGISTER FOR EACH SESSION

• Thursday, August 21, 2025 - Virtual Kickoff

• Tuesday, August 26, 2025 - Kickoff (F2F)

• Tuesday, September 23 - Comp. 4 (F2F)

• Tuesday, October 21 - Comp. 3 (Video - F2F)

• Saturday, October 25 - Fall Writing Retreat

• Tuesday, November 18 - Comp. 2 (Student Work Samples - F2F)

• Thursday, January 29, 2026 - Writing Tips - Virtual

• Tuesday, February 24, 2026 - Comp. 1 (Computer Based Assessment - Virtual)

• Friday, April 10 - Spring Writing Retreat

South Cohort PowerSchool Registration Links

• CLICK THE DATE BELOW TO REGISTER FOR EACH SESSION

• Thursday, August 21, 2025 - Virtual Kickoff

• Tuesday, August 26, 2025 - Kickoff (F2F)

• Thursday, September 18 - Comp. 4 (F2F)

• Thursday, October 23 - Comp. 3 (Video - F2F)

• Saturday, October 25 - Fall Writing Retreat at Athens RIC

• Thursday, November 20 - Comp. 2 (Student Work Samples - Virtual)

• Thursday, January 29, 2026 - Writing Tips - Virtual

• Thursday, February 26, 2026 - Comp. 1 (Computer Based Assessment - Virtual)

• Spring Professional Learning Facilitators (PLFs) Sessions Begin - March 2

• Friday, April 10, - Spring Writing Retreat

• ALMO Newsletter - October
• First Fridays 2025-2026 Schedule & Topics

📅 First Fridays Continue October 3rd!

We’re excited to keep the momentum going with our monthly First Fridays professional learning sessions designed for librarians!

Join us for two engaging sessions on October 3:

• 9:30 AM – Growing Your Reading Culture with Beanstack: 539716
• 1:30 PM – ALEX: Alabama Learning Exchange: 539723

All registration details are available on the First Fridays website, and you’ll also find a graphic showing all of the First Fridays sessions. If the direct link doesn't work, you can search by the session number. Let’s keep growing together through collaboration and shared learning!

Important Reminders:
✅ Register in PSPL before attending to receive credit
✅ If joining with a group, enter your name in the chat
✅ If your display name differs from your PSPL registration, enter your name in the chat
✅ Otherwise, no need to enter your name to avoid duplicate entries

✅ Platform login information is available in the “Notes” section of PSPL when you register

• 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!

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the world as we know it, leading to countless innovations and advancements across various fields. This technology has immense potential, and when used effectively, it can change the way we work, learn, and live. Artificial Intelligence is a branch of computer science that involves the development of intelligent machines that can work and learn like human beings. AI utilizes advanced algorithms and technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision to simulate human-like behavior. In this PLU, participants will explore and discover the positive and negative impacts of AI and how it can used to transform education. Participants will cover: 1. Positive and Negative Impacts of AI 2. Ethical Considerations; Academic Integrity and Plagiarism 3. Data Governance and Acceptable Use 4. Teaching and Learning with AI 5. AI Powered Ed Tech Tools 6. Gamification and AI 7. Lesson Redesign 8. AI and Teacher Professional Development 9. AI in /current and Future Careers 10. AI for Early Intervention.

Dates: October 22, November 13, and December 10

Time: 8:30 am - 12:30 pm each session

Location: Athens RIC Center, 1115-A Hwy 31 S, Athens, AL 35611

Section # 537674

Ready to shake up your classroom with some of the coolest tools in education? In this fun, hands on session, we'll dive into trending tech that's making a big impact - like AI tools, interactive choice boards, classroom robots, and other awesome digital resources. Whether you are tech-savvy or just getting started, you'll walk away with fresh ideas, time-saving tools, and creative ways to boost student engagement and learning.

Date: Wednesday, September 17

Time: 12"30 - 3:30 pm

Location: Athens RIC Center, 1115-A Hwy 31 S, Athens, AL 35611

Section # 534681

• 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: 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: Regional Inservice Center - (Room C)

1115-A Hwy 31 South

Athens, AL 35611

Facilitators: Kristy Shankles

Clock Hours: 2 Hours

The eLearning Fall 2025 Semester is scheduled to begin on October 1st with 30 different courses. Most are 6-weeks long and earn 30 clock hours. They are entirely online and completely free. Please visit our website for complete details.

We will run one course during our Early Bird session that runs from September 3 through October 31:

• EDU4499: Teaching Your First English Learners (ELs)

We also have two 10-week PLU courses that earn 1-ACLD-approved PLU each, and will run from October 1 through December 9:

• PLUACLD1390: eLearning for Educators of Alabama, PLUACLD for EDU6608: Visionary Leadership in School Improvement Using Google Tools
• PLUACLD1391: eLearning for Educators of Alabama, PLUACLD for EDU6607 Special Students in Regular Classrooms: Technology, Teaching, and UDL

Completing either of those 2 PLU courses can also earn 15 APLDS hours but those interested must also enroll in either (or both) of these APLDS courses:

• APLDS - EdTech: 2025-26 PLUACLD1390 Visionary Leadership in School Improvement Using Google Tools
• APLDS - EdTech: 2025-26 PLUACLD1391 Special Students in Regular Classrooms: Technology, Teaching, and UDL

Here is the rest of our course schedule:

• CSDL4201: Application of CSDL COS, ALSDE
  EDU1102: Creating a Language-Rich Environment, ALSDE
  EDU4403: Designing a Virtual Field Trip, ALSDE
  EDU4422: Classroom Management in the 21st Century, ALSDE
  EDU4423: Creating Rubrics to Assess Student Learning, ALSDE
  EDU4436: The Connected Student - Engaging Students with Technology, ALSDE
  EDU4442: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Special Education but Were Afraid to Ask, ALSDE
  EDU4465: 21st Century Tools: Wikis, Blogs, Podcasts, and Zoom, ALSDE
  EDU4468: Google Classroom, ALSDE
  EDU4481: Flipping the Classroom - Resources, ALSDE
  EDU5501: Data-Based School Reform for Administrators, ALSDE
  EDU5502: Planning for Curriculum Integration of Technology, ALSDE
  EDU5503: Internet Safety for Schools in the Digital Era, ALSDE
  EDU5505: Leading Schools in a Web 2.0 World, ALSDE
  EDU5506: Developing and Growing Personal Learning Networks for School Leaders, ALSDE
  EDU5507: Special Students in Regular Classrooms: Technology, Teaching and UDL for Admin, ALSDE
  EDU5508: Using Google to become a 21st Century Administrator, ALSDE
  EDU6612: Developing Online Teaching Skills, ALSDE
  HIS3711: World War II - The Movies and History, ALSDE
  REA3475: Reading Intervention for Struggling Readers: Using Beginning Reading Research to Design Instruction, ALSDE
  REA6451: Dyslexia: How to identify it and What to do, ALSDE
  SCI2801: Navigating the Science Framework (K-5), ALSDE
  SCI3801: Navigating the Science Framework (6-12), ALSDE

Registration must be through PowerSchool PL and closes on the Monday before the Wednesday start dates for each semester.

Title: From Numbers to Impact: Leveraging ACAP Data for Transformative School Improvement

Description: School and district leaders face a flood of data—AIM, DRC, PARCA—but too often, that data sits unused or disconnected from real change. This session will equip leaders with strategies to turn ACAP data into a powerful driver of student achievement and school transformation. Learn directly from a leader who moved a high-poverty school from an F to a B on the state report card, achieving 100% proficiency in 3rd-grade ACAP Reading. Discover how to use data to lead courageous conversations, inform instruction, and shape a learning culture that moves students forward.

Learning Outcomes:
Participants will be able to:

• Analyze ACAP and local data to identify performance trends and equity gaps

• Lead collaborative data discussions that drive instructional decision-making

• Align school improvement goals with data-informed strategies

• Empower PLCs and instructional teams to monitor and respond to student needs

• Create systems that turn data into sustainable improvement

Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025

Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 noon

Format: In Person

Location: Regional Inservice Center (Room C)

1115 Hwy 31 S.

Athens, AL 35611

Facilitator: Dr. Layne Dillard, Office of School Improvement

Clock Hours: 3 Hours

Register HERE

October Newsletter

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!

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

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)

• Wednesday, November 5 (10:30 am - 12:00 pm)
• Athens Regional Inservice Center - Room A
• Register HERE!

HQIA EL: Formative Assessments (1.5 hrs)

• Wednesday, November 5 (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

• Interactive Declaration of Independence
• U.S. Constitution 101 - Middle School
• America at 250 Civic Tool Kit

• 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