Region 4 Newsletter: UA/UWA RIC

Thank you to all that joined us for summer professional learning! Although we have provided both face-to-face and virtual options, we have enjoyed "seeing" you in any format!

Below, you will find our upcoming August and September professional learning opportunities and also a few "save-the-date" items for later in the school year. In addition to these sessions that are open to all educators in our region, we also offer targeted professional learning opportunities designed for individual schools or districts. Administrators, please contact the center directly via e-mail (hgmorgan@ua.edu) or via the following link to request targeted support.

Continue to review our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram (@uauwaric) for ongoing announcements. As a reminder, you may find any of our newsletters at: https://inservice.ua.edu/professional-learning-opportunities.

We wish you all a blessed 2025-2026 school year!

Happy learning!

Dr. Holly Morgan

Director, UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center

Join Us for a Practical Dive into Tiered Instructional Strategies!

PLU Opportunity : ACLD PLU1341 Tiered Instruction

Looking for ways to meet the diverse needs of all learners—without creating a different lesson for every student? In this engaging professional learning session, we'll explore tiered instructional strategies that help you support your educators to differentiate content, process, and product based on student readiness, interest, and learning profile.

Register by August 11, 2025!

When you register in PowerSchool PD for your course, you will be enrolled in a Schoology course. Please note that for each RIC site, you will be enrolled in a course. You will only complete the work in the FIRST course that you enrolled in.

Register via PowerSchool PL Course #329418

This program is designed to equip educational leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the challenges and harness the strengths of a multigenerational workforce. This professional study aims to provide educational leaders with a deep understanding of generational dynamics in the workplace and empower them with practical strategies for effective leadership and teamwork across generations. This course will consist of one all-day face-to-face session and three 90-minute virtual sessions. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will earn one ACLD PLU.

Dates and locations: August 28-Black Belt Museum, Livingston, AL, September 9 and 25-Virtual

**If you are a principal or assistant principal, you will receive information regarding the APLDS course number during session one on August 28.

Register via PowerSchool PL Section #526744

"Leadership can be a blessing or a curse. It can help people rise up to a better life, or it can cause people to fall into disrepair. Become part of the solution by becoming a high-road leader." --John Maxwell

As we take a deep dive into John C. Maxwell's book, High Road Leadership, we will examine our own practices, develop a plan for accountability and growth, and become a part of transforming our environments into healthy and thriving places that exemplify life on the high road. This PLU will be facilitated by a Maxwell Certified Leader.

Four Sessions

(1 ACLD PLU; Principals and Assistant Principals will also earn 24 hours APLDS credit. APLDS information will be given at session one.)

September 8: (UWA) 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

September 24: (Virtual) 8:30-11:30 am

October 24: (Virtual) 8:30-11:30 am

November 17: (UA-Tuscaloosa) 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Register for the ACLD PLU via PowerSchool PL Section #535325--open to any administrator or aspiring administrator in Region 4 at no cost.

Are you a secondary teacher who wants to learn more about effective writing instruction? Join us as we examine key principles from literacy research, such as the Simple View of Writing, and how explicit instruction in sentence construction, text structure, and writing fluency can improve students’ reading comprehension. These sessions will also provide practical strategies for integrating writing-to-learn activities in content areas. This cohort is open to all secondary teachers, regardless of discipline, to support writing in the content

Monthly, Hybrid Sessions will Occur on:

• September 3 (Face-to-Face)--UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center, 260 Kilgore Lane, Tuscaloosa
• October 7 (Virtual)
• November 4 (Virtual)
• December 3 (Face-to-Face)--Location TBD

Register today via PowerSchool PL Section #527760

Registration closes on September 4 for the 2025-2026 Alabama Best Practices Center PLN West Network! (As a note, this is the second year that PCN and KLN have combined to form one network for both district and school teams.) The first session of the year will be in a virtual format for all statewide networks. The remaining three sessions of each network will be held face-to-face in Tuscaloosa and will be facilitated by Dr. Holly Morgan. Administrators may earn one ACLD-PLU for each network, and teachers may earn up to 30 clock hours for participation. Administrators may also earn 30 clock hours towards the Alabama Principal Act requirements with this network.

More information regarding the networks can be found at the following link, including an overview of the year's focus: https://aplusala.org/best-practices-center/powerful-learning-network/. If you are a school or district leader who would like to register your team for our West Network, please contact Dr. Holly Morgan at hgmorgan@ua.edu to receive an application form.

Exciting News for Secondary Instructional Leaders!

Alabama MTSS, the Office of Extended Learning, and APLDS are thrilled to launch our brand-new Secondary Learning Exchange this fall—an inspiring professional learning opportunity designed just for secondary instructional leaders across Alabama!

Kicking off in September, this experience begins with a rare opportunity to learn directly from two nationally renowned leadership experts—Dr. Peter DeWitt and Dr. Michael Nelson—at five statewide locations.

But that’s just the beginning!

In partnership with our Regional Inservice Centers, we’ll follow up with four powerful sessions held at all 11 regional sites, covering high-impact topics like:

• Master Scheduling

• Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)

• Data-Driven Assessment

• And more!

For more information, including session dates, locations, and registration, please visit this site.

We are here to support you! If you are interested in pursuing National Board Certification, please join our free, monthly support cohort! Session information, including dates, times, and PowerSchool registration can be found on the calendar located at https://inservice.ua.edu/programs/national-board-for-professional-teaching-standards-support/

For the fall semester, all informational sessions will be offered virtually. In the spring semester, candidates will be assigned NBCT mentors who will support them in their NBCT journey.

Click here to be added to the UA/UWA NB email distribution list in order to receive ongoing updates regarding NBCT support.

If you are a secondary coach in Region Four, come together with your principal or assistant principal to learn how to implement student-centered coaching in a secondary setting. All sessions will be hosted on the University of Alabama campus.

Session 1: Foundations on Student-Centered Coaching

• Principals and Coaches attend together on September 24. Coaches only attend on September 25.

Session 2: School Culture and Coaching Cycles

• Principals and Coaches attend together on October 20. Coaches attend on October 21.

**These sessions are also approved for the Alabama Principals Act for principals who attend with their Region Four secondary coach.

Coaches: Register via PowerSchool Course #330715

Principals: Register via PowerSchool Course #330714 (APLDS Credit)

For more information, contact Dr. Holly Morgan at hgmorgan@ua.edu.

• Join us on August 12 from 5:00-7:30 pm as we learn from best-selling author of the What Works! Series, Bobbie Faulkner! She will kick-off our yearlong support schedule by providing an overview of best practices through the lens of the National Board Certification process. This session will also offer detailed instructions on application procedures, an overview of the process, helpful resources, grant information, and tips to prepare you for National Board certification.
• Register today via PowerSchool section #530691! Registration will close 48 hours prior to the session. This session will be presented virtually; a Zoom link will be added to the notes section of the PowerSchool listing and shared with you via e-mail two days prior to the session.

If you are a new administrator, we invite you to attend this overview session of the Alabama Teacher Observation Tool in order to utilize the tool in your new role. Join us on August 22 from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm for this session that is approved for credit towards the Alabama Principals Act.

Location: Black Belt Museum, 128 Franklin Street, Livingston, AL 35470

Register via PowerSchool Section #527341

Join Dr. Anna Shepherd-Jones to learn about and discuss important topics related to the Principal Act and Alabama Principal Leadership Development System (APLDS) Program for the 2025-26 school year including: Alabama School Climate Model, Alabama Standards for School Leadership, Alabama Principal Leadership Framework, High-Quality Professional Learning, APLDS Evaluation System.

Two sessions will be held at the UA-UWA Regional Inservice Center (260 Kilgore Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401) on August 25. Session time and PowerSchool registration information is listed below.

August 25 from 9:00-11:00 am: PowerSchool PL Section #528617

August 25 from 12:00-2:00 pm: PowerSchool PL Section #528620

Join 95 Percent Group for this fundamentals class focused on the science of sound walls, their design, and their implementation into your daily phonological awareness and phonics instruction. This session is limited to Region 4 K-3 teachers, K-5 reading specialists and interventionists, administrators, and special education teachers.

Date: August 25

Time: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm

Location: UWA Black Belt Museum, 128 Franklin Street, Livingston, AL 35470

Register via PowerSchool PL Section #527685--Limited Seats are Available!

Join us for one or both of these insightful sessions facilitated by Ms. Kay Haas and Ms. Kelli Lovinggood of the Alabama Reading Initiative!

Date: August 26

Location: UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center, 260 Kilgore Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL

Session #1: Amazing Alphabet Arcs (8:30-10:00 am)--Register via PowerSchool PL Section #525784

Session #2: Dyslexia Awareness Training (12:00-3:00 pm)--Register via PowerSchool PL Section #525853 (As a reminder, this training is required by the Alabama Literacy Act.)

Join us for one or both of these face-to-face sessions facilitated by Ms. Allison Kelley and Ms. Jennifer Manning of the Alabama Reading Initiative!

Date: August 26

Location: University of West Alabama, Large Private Dining Room, Livingston, AL 35470

Session #1: Reading & Rereading: A Recipe for Building Fluency (8:30-10:00 am)--Register via PowerSchool PL Section #525791

Session #2: Grammar Skills, Literacy Thrills (10:30 am-12:00 pm)--Register via PowerSchool PL Section #525846

Are you ready to take your school leadership journey to the next level? Join Dr. Tracie Howard and Ms. Robin Lee as we explore John Maxwell’s transformative principles of High Road Leadership. Together, we’ll uncover a roadmap that emphasizes leading with integrity, intention, and influence. You’ll discover how to embrace the high road in leadership, creating a positive impact on others, while achieving remarkable results. If you're eager to lead in a way that is both inspiring and fulfilling, this session will provide you with actionable steps to elevate your leadership journey. Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on the path to high road leadership!

August 26 from 12:00-1:00 pm

UWA Black Belt Museum, 128 Franklin Street, Livingston, AL 35470

APLDS Credit: Register via PowerSchool PL Section #528109

Clock Hour Credit (Teacher Leaders/Central Office): Register via PowerSchool PL Section #525849

There are facets of the Alabama Literacy Act that must be put into place to support students in achieving reading proficiency. This includes students who have been retained in third grade and those who have been promoted to fourth grade utilizing a good cause exemption. This session will highlight the steps necessary to build structures at the local level. These structures support full implementation of instruction, based in the science of reading and lead to increased efficacy among teachers. Participants will engage with peers regarding structures that are working to improve literacy outcomes for Alabama students.

August 26 from 9:00-10:30 am

UWA Black Belt Museum, 128 Franklin Street, Livingston, AL 35470

APLDS Credit: Register via PowerSchool PL Section #528106

Clock Hour Credit (Non-APLDS): Register via PowerSchool PL Section #525860

Date: August 28

Time: 12:00-3:00 pm

Location: UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center, 260 Kilgore Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Register via PowerSchool section #527046

Open to all Region Four Educators!

This session is focused on Kagan Structures, a set of cooperative learning strategies designed to enhance student engagement and collaboration in the classroom. Attendees will learn how to implement these simple yet effective techniques to foster teamwork, improve comprehension and retention, and support social skill development among students. The session will also cover the Seven Keys to successful cooperative learning, providing practical tools for creating a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive.

Date: September 10

Location: UWA Black Belt Museum, 128 Franklin Street, Livingston, AL 35470

Time: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm

Register via PowerSchool PL Section #528582--Space is limited!

Join Dr. Patrick Chappell of Publisher's Warehouse for a virtual session on either September 12, 18, or 22 as he shares information regarding the textbook adoption process.

90-minute Zoom Session: Perfect for new curriculum directors, content specialists, textbook coordinators, school committee members, or anyone who wants a refresher!

3 opportunities to attend – which fits best in your schedule?

Simply click the link of your choice to enter the overview session in Zoom.

1. Friday, Sept. 12, 1:00 to 3:00

2. Thursday, Sept. 18, 8:30 to 10:00

3. Monday, Sept. 22, 11:00 to 12:30

Visit our website for more information and ongoing updates! www.publisherswarehouse.com

September is Attendance Awareness Month! Join us for these two sessions on September 15 that will insight you in supporting and monitoring student attendance this year!

Session 1:

9:00-11:00 am "Back to Class-Curbing Chronic Absenteeism"--Dr. Kay Warfield (ALSDE)

• Register via PowerSchool PL Section #526872

Session 2:

12:00-2:00 pm "Using Analytics and Insights as an Attendance Tool"--Ms. Quandria Robinson (ALSDE PowerSchool Coach)

• Register via PowerSchool PL Section #538034

Full session descriptions can be found in the attached flyer. Both sessions will be offered at the UA/UWA Inservice Center, 260 Kilgore Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.

On September 17-18, The UA-UWA Regional Inservice Center will offer ACT's Instructional Mastery English course for ELA educators and instructional support positions in Region Four. The training will take back on The University of West Alabama campus in Young Hall. Space is limited to 30 educators! Register via PowerSchool PL Section #527854.

All participants who complete the 2-day program and pass a 30-question end of course Knowledge Check will earn a certificate and digital badge of ACT Instructional Mastery in the subject area. This is a great opportunity to begin the year with new tools to support secondary learners!

Join Dr. Mosley and Ms. Mocks for a refresher training session on the nuts-and-bolts of the Alabama Teacher Observation Tool on September 19! Both sessions will be held at the UWA Black Belt Museum, Livingston, Alabama.

Administrator Session:

September 19 from 9:00-11:00 am (APLDS Credit)

Register via PowerSchool Section #528117

Teacher Session:

September 19 from 12:00-2:00 pm

Register via PowerSchool Section #534619

Join ALSDE PowerSchool Coach, Quandria Robinson, on September 22 for this session that explores the PowerSchool Analytics and Insights tool and how it can be used to drive instruction in order to identify trends in academics, attendance, and behavior.

Date: September 22

Time: 8:30-11:30 am

Location: UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center, 260 Kilgore Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Register via PowerSchool PL Section #527227

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: September 22

Time: 8:30-11:30 am

Location: UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center, 260 Kilgore Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Register via PowerSchool PL Section #528575

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: September 22

Time: 12:30-3:30 pm

Location: UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center, 260 Kilgore Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Register via PowerSchool PL Section #528581

A zoom link will be included in the PowerSchool information, and you will also receive a reminder email approximately two days prior to the session. Registration will close two days prior to ensure that all participants have received information from the facilitators.

A zoom link will be included in the PowerSchool information, and you will also receive a reminder email approximately two days prior to the session. Registration closes two days prior to the session to ensure all receive the information prior to the session.

• This year, all regions will host a C&I meeting at a specified regional location. All sessions will occur on September 23. For more information, visit the OSL Running Updates.

• Fall Curriculum and Instruction Meetings (from ALSDE)

  We will send the slide deck and recording of the CI Updates at least one week prior to the CI Leader Collaborative on September 23. During the Collaborative, all CI leads will meet in their respective regions (see chart below) to review and discuss the updates. ALSDE State and/or Regional staff will be on hand to answer questions, provide guidance and resources, and learn more about how we can support specific needs in your district.

  An email is forthcoming with locations and more information. We are all really excited about coming to your region and creating space for CI leads to connect, collaborate, and strengthen their community.

Save the Date for this Opportunity! More information regarding registration coming soon!

The Social StudiesTextbook Caravan is a collaborative event with Alabama's Regional Inservice Centers and Publishers' Warehouse, Alabama's textbook depository. The Textbook Caravan is an opportunity for school district delegations to rotate through scheduled presentations from each of the state-adopted publisher options for comprehensive instructional resources. The two-day event has one day geared towards elementary team members (K-6) while the other day is structured for secondary representatives (grades 6-12).

The School Principal Leadership and Mentoring Act was passed in 2023 to create and implement the Alabama Principal Leadership Development System for public K-12 education and provide annual stipends for principals and assistant principals who successfully complete the program requirements. This is the first year of implementation, and we are here to support you! You can find more information on our state website by clicking here. We also have a supplemental resource available for you to learn more (alabamaprincipals.org). For any questions, you can contact Dr. Anna Shepherd-Jones at anna.jones@alsde.edu.

Registration and information for AMSTI/ASIM professional learning is available at https://amsti-ua.wixsite.com/amsti-ua. Please contact Rachel Hill Skipwith (rmhill@ua.edu) if you have questions or requests for other professional learning support.

Math:

August 4: Math Foundational Training (Grades 6-12)

Science:

September 18: 2023 Alabama Course of Study: Science Overview (Grades K-12)

October 1: K-12 Science Foundational Training

AMSTI/ASIM is offering Science Foundational Training for K-12 teachers on October 1, 2025, in Tuscaloosa, AL. Registration and information is available at https://amsti-ua.wixsite.com/amsti-ua

This 1-day PLO is a prerequisite for NEW AMSTI and ASIM teachers to attend elementary and secondary science content professional learning opportunities. It is strongly recommended for EXISTING AMSTI and ASIM teachers. Outcomes include: 1) examine the role of AMSTI in improving K-12 science teaching and learning; 2) experience the 2023 Alabama Course of Study (ACOS): Science, and 3) equip educators to participate in AMSTI's essential services.

• ASIM Biology Training and Support (Lisa Clark, lclark@ua.edu)

• ASIM Chemistry/Physical Science Training and Support (Brooks Moss, moss020@ua.edu)
• ASIM Physics and Earth/Space Science 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! Registration and information for AMSTI/ASIM professional learning is available at https://amsti-ua.wixsite.com/amsti-ua

• Contact Dr. Tracie Howard (tracie.howard@alsde.edu) or Dr. Tiffany Davis (tiffany.davis@alsde.edu) for more information regarding support and available opportunities.
• Back to School Family Newsletter 2025

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

Please contact Taurus Smith at taurus.smith@alsde.edu for more information regarding support and available opportunities.

Visit the OSL website at the following link: https://sway.office.com/x6GMkvnr5n1z2O6F

PREP Public Website: Recordings, Slides and Resources

Ongoing updates are continuously added at the following link: OSL Updates

Join Dr. Mayben for his technology sessions this fall! You may find all of his posted opportunities at www.uatim.org/opportunities.

Contact Dr. Robert Mayben at rmayben@ua.edu to support your school or district's technology professional learning needs.

• Please contact Dea Powe (dea.powe@alsde.edu) or Shea Stroud (shea.stroud@alsde.edu) for more information regarding support and upcoming opportunities.
• OMI Padlet: https://padlet.com/Office_of_Mathematics_Improvement/omi-k0jo33jtl4eh2buf

• OMI Newsletter

  https://sway.cloud.microsoft/jF6dy3KZ3NidkTqi?ref=Link

Please consider attending or sending teachers, specialists, administrators, curriculum coaches, etc. to the free Ellevation and WIDA standards PD if they are beginning learners or need refreshers with these resources. Register via Power School for in-person training and you can register directly with Ellevation for virtual training. Due to the changes in the WIDA ACCESS test, WIDA is creating new test administrator training and webinars. If you are involved in screening or assessing ELs, please use these resources for additional information. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need any assistance.

• Additional WIDA Standards Professional Learning- https://secure.smore.com/n/pc7wu
• EL Quarterly Newsletter- https://sway.cloud.microsoft/BrWHk1ZTF2Hm1HK4?ref=Link&loc=play
• WIDA Conference Registration Link: About - 2025 WIDA Annual Conference
• MEGA Conference ELLevation Session Resource Link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15TYvtKHQUSlu7lNTbhFIrIrYC-5W9qs-?usp=sharing
• Student Transfers: *Student transfers will no longer be handled through Ellevation. Below you will find a recording and a PowerPoint presentation that outline the step-by-step process for student transfers via PowerSchool. (see link & attachment)
• PowerSchool Special Programs: English Learners PowerPoint Presentation
• Ellevation Professional Learning Opportunities: (See attached flyer) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nGz_V0BMFMkv9T4YQdyyLba6v06ujhTQ0IFq3z_sBW4/edit?usp=sharing
• https://secure.smore.com/n/3u8jn
• Additional WIDA Standards Training (ALSDE specialists): ‎https://secure.smore.com/n/pc7wu

For more information, contact EL Region 4 Specialist: Dr. Stephanie Reynolds (stephanie.reynolds@alsde.edu)

The flyer below highlights sessions offered by our PowerSchool coaches in August. 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)

ALSDE Social Studies Newsletter

ALSDE August Physical Education Newsletter

• https://www.alabamaachieves.org/special-education/
• Contact Elizabeth Greene at elizabeth.greene@alsde.edu with any training questions.

• OSI ACAP/ACT Resource Doc: ACAP and ACT Tools and Resources

You may also view all Alabama standards at https://alabamastandards.org or https://alabamalearningexchange.org/home.

ACCESS Virtual Learning is an initiative of the Alabama State Department of Education that provides free online classes to all sixth through 12th grade Alabama students.

The program offers Advanced Placement, foreign language and credit recovery courses as well as all the courses needed for a high school diploma. ACCESS courses are led by Alabama-certified teachers and are aligned to the current Alabama College and Career Ready Standards.

Students enrolled in ACCESS courses earn credits from their local school and receive their diploma from their local district.

ACCESS is your partner in education! For more information, please visit access.ua.edu or contact the UA Support Center at access@ua.edu or 205-348-2647.

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Take your next step at online.ua.edu.

Start Your Journey Today At UWA!

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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/

Mrs. Tami Barron, Accounting Specialist

Mrs. Stephanie Maddox, Administrative Assistant

Mrs. Tenika Milsap, UWA Coordinator

Email: hgmorgan@ua.edu
Website:https://inservice.ua.edu/

Location: 260 Kilgore Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
Phone: 205-348-3319
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uauwaric/
Instagram: @uauwaric