Administrator Updates: ATH RIC
Summer Newsletter
Summer Administrator Newsletter
PLEASE COMPLETE THE SURVEY on PRAXIS PREP
Important Dates for Statewide and Regional Meetings 2025-2026
Curriculum & Instruction (C&I) Meetings
- Tuesday, September 23
- Tuesday, January 27, 2026
- Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Secondary Leadership Exchange (APLDS Hrs)
- Thursday, September 25
- Session 1 - PLC/Leadership
- Thursday, December 4
- Session 2 - Instructional Strategies & Progress Monitoring
- Thursday, February 5, 2026
- Session 3 - Master Scheduling & Data Analysis
- Thursday, March 26, 2026
- Session 4 - Authentic Assessment
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
Register for the 2025-2026 Powerful Learning Network (PLN)!
Registration Link Below
- Powerful Learning Network
- Peer Coaching Workshops
- In-District Professional Learning
Follow Us On Social Media
Region 2 Requests Links
Remember, If you have specific professional learning needs please use the PD Request Form or if you need to reserve a learning space at the Regional Inservice Center or on the Athens State Campus, please use the Facility Reservations form.
Important Updates
Summer Professional Learning Newsletter
ALEX Updates - NEW WEBSITE OVERVIEW (Virtual)
- Revolutionize Your Teaching with ALEX: Tools, Tips, & Tricks
- June 10 - Virtual
- July 22 - Virtual
Social Studies Course of Study Sessions
- Monday, June 16: 8:00 - 11:00 (K-6)
- Monday, June 16: 12:00 - 3:00 pm (7-12)
- Both Sessions at the Athens RIC
APLDS Summer PD Sessions
2025 - 2026 APLDS Sessions - Starts June 1, 2025
- ALL APLDS Sessions Scheduled in June will be credited to the 2025-2026 School Year
- Currently offering 10 APLDS Sessions and 2 ACLD PLUs.
- DISCLAIMER: If session has less than 10 participants enrolled, the session may be canceled.
New PLU Opportunity - Starts June 2
PLUACLD1167 - Understanding the Dimensions of the Alabama Teacher Observation Tool (ATOT)
Session Title:
Understanding the Dimensions of the Alabama Teacher Observation Tool: Learning, Essentials, and Agency (PLUACLD1167)
Session Description:
In this PLU Course, school administrators will engage deeply with the three core dimensions of the Alabama Teacher Observation Tool: Learning, Essentials, and Agency. Participants will explore how each dimension defines effective teaching practices and supports instructional growth. Through practical research application and discussion forums, administrators will develop strategies to observe, assess, and support teachers in fostering vibrant, student-centered classrooms. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to use the observation tool more confidently and effectively to drive continuous improvement in teaching and learning.
ACLD PLU Session Number: 531233
This registration is for any educator with a valid leadership certificate.
APLDS Session Number: 531245
This registration is only for school Principals and Assistant Principals
ARI Summer Newsletters
- Summer Break Newsletter for Families
- ARI Literacy Leadership Newsletter - LINK
- June Leadership Tasks
- Local Reading Specialist - Hiring Considerations
- Educational Podcasts
- Data Collection for Summer Learning
- ACAP, Pathways to Promotion & Portfolios
- 1st Grade Readiness Assessment & AL-ELI
- Summer Professional Learning
- LETRS Cohort 9 Registration
- LETRS District Course Manager Sessions
- Coaching Corner
- Community & Family Involvement
- Social Media Links
LETRS For Administrators
New PLU Coming September 2025: More Details in Next Newsletter
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 Mutli-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework to improve student achievement. Drawing from The New Classroom Instrucion 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 strategie; 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 - Section # 528772
- November 20, 2025 - Register HERE Section # 528774
- January 22, 2026 - Register HERE - Section # 528777
Time: 8:00 - 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: 3 Hours
AL Conference on Grading and Assessment for Learning
- June 5-6, 2025
- Guntersville High School | 14227 AL Highway 431| Guntersville, AL
- ACGAL.org
- Register HERE!
AL Association of Middle School Principals (AAMSP) Leadership Summit
July 9, 2025
8:00 am - 3:30 pm
Oak Mountain High School | 5476 Caldwell Mill Road
Birmingham, AL 35242
Join K-12 school leaders from throughout the state for a full day of high quality, high energy, professional learning especially for principals, assistant principals, aspiring school leaders and instructional coaches. Earn up to six clock hours of High-Quality Professional Learning (HQPL) by participating in a wide-variety of one-hour sessions of engaging professional development covering an assortment of invigorating leadership strategies that will inspire school leaders in preparation for the 2025-2026 school year. Session topics include research-based methods to increase student engagement and achievement, utilizing data to turn insights into action, increasing involvement of the school community in the school’s vision and improvement plan, updates to the APLDS Evaluation System for increased effectiveness, addressing the mental health concerns of school administrators and stakeholders, creative PR methods for school leaders to improve communication, cool tech tools to make administrator’s jobs easier, an overview of trauma informed approaches in education in addition to building an amazing school culture by branding for school success. Other interactive session topics include the latest trends in school safety, rocking the school climate utilizing environment, engagement and empowerment, and an introduction to the Alabama School Climate Model for Leaders.(APLDS Approved Sessions)
All AETC Sessions are APLDS APPROVED!
ALSDE Resources for Principals
Need Help with SRIPs and Student Plans? Check out Virtual Office Hours
- MTSS Virtual Office Hours - ALSDE Support
- Every 3rd Friday of each month at 10:30 am.
- Webex Link located in AL-MTSS Sway https://sway.cloud.microsoft/cPgdAqvQ26TWPCnL?ref=Link&loc=play
Office of School Improvement
What We Do
Guide the work of schools to ensure they are addressing the report cards indicators
Achievement
Growth
Chronic Absenteeism
Graduation rate
College & Career Readiness Rate
Progress toward EL Proficiency
AL - Multi-Tiered System of Supports
OMI - Mathematics
New Math APLDS Options
Christy Lockhart - Region 2 Math Specialist
CLAS - Upcoming Administrator PD
504 Empower Hours
The Alabama Association of 504 Coordinators is hosting a series Empower Hours focusing on the many different legal aspects of Section 504. The webinars are designed for educators and administrations who want to gain a better understanding of the legal issues while supporting students with disabilities under Section 504.
$25 for CLAS/ALA504 Members
$50 for Non-Members
Registration includes the following sessions:
- February 13, 2025 - 11:00 am - 12:00 pm - Empower Hour #3
- May 8, 2025 - 11:00 am - 12:00 pm - Empower Hour #4
For those who are participating in PLUACLD1213, you must attend at least 3 of these sessions.
Questions? Contact help@clasleaders.org for assistance.
2025 CLAS Convention: June 8 - 11
- Lights, Camera, Leadership!
- Step into the Spotlight at the 2025 CLAS Convention
- June 8 -11, 2025 | Mobile, Alabama
- Register HERE
PowerSchool and Schoology
EL and SPED Professional Learning
Special Ed. Curriculum Resources
ARI & Literacy Resources
How to Create ATOT Accounts in Education Directory
DISCLAIMER Concerning APLDS PD Sessions
This APLDS professional learning experience requires a minimum of 10 registered participants to proceed as scheduled. If the minimum registration is not met, the session may be canceled.
Alabama Principal Leadership Development System
PowerSchool Professional Learning Guidance
- All Principal Act state-approved professional learning clock hours must be awarded through the PowerSchool Professional Learning platform under the Office of APLDS (Alabama Principal Leadership Development System) (ALSDE).
- For ACLD PLUs, participants must also register for the PLU course in PowerSchool Professional Learning to receive PLU credit.
- Look for the APLDS Name or LOGO to ensure the PD is Principal Act Approved.
Where To Find APLDS PD in PowerSchool
Principals and APs can find the state-approved list in PSPL the following ways:
- Search for “aplds” in Course Search (under Course tab)
- Click on the “Alabama Principal Leadership Development System (APLDS)” tag (under Course tab)
APLDS Stipends Requirements
Region 2 Request Links
Remember, If you have specific professional learning needs please use the PD Request Form or if you need to reserve a learning space at the Regional Inservice Center or on the Athens State Campus, please use the Facility Reservations form.
A+ Best Practices Center Peer Coaching Workshops - APLDS Approved PD
- Peer Coaching Registration
- Contact Dakota Punzel for more Information at dakota@aplusala.org or (205) 908-0059
MORE Administrator PLUs
Physical Education PLU
- ACLD PLU 1267: Positive Impact of Quality Physical Education on Academic Performance
- The Alabama State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (ASAHPERD) has developed a PLU for active superintendents, district administrators, and school administrators to increase their knowledge of quality physical education, what should be observed in a quality class, and how a quality program increases academic performance among students.
- Participants will learn the difference between physical education and physical activity and learn the appropriate standards for each grade level in physical education.
- Additional Information including Costs
- Register HERE!
Funding Summer Learning
- Braiding Funds to Maximize Student Outcomes in Summer Programs.
- Video from Dr. Molly Killingsworth
ARI Updates
- ARI Comprehensive Memo
- Neuhaus Structured Literacy Modules for PreK, K-12, and Higher Education COMING SOON!
- ARI Quick Links
Office of Student Learning
Math Nation - Algebra 1 Research Study
- Opportunity to utilize Math Nation curriculum materials.
- Platform Resources include: Study Expert videos (including Spanish-language), digital assessment tool, and intervention tool.
- Research Study is High School Algebra 1 ONLY.
- Schools join the study, not individual teachers.
- Participating teachers will get up to $1700 stipend.
- 2 Days of Mandatory PD, 4 additional optional PD days.
- For more information, contact Becca Phillips at Becca@MathNation.com
Emergency Certification Resources
PREP - Emergency Certificates, Long-Term Subs, and New Teacher On-Demand Training.
Counselors and PowerSchool SIS Staff
ALSDE Department Websites and Region 2 Specialists Contacts
CLICK THE DEPARTMENT ICON TO ACCESS THE WEBSITE!
AMSTI - Region 2
Assistant Director - Emily Byrd
ASIM - Region 2
Assistant Director - Emily Byrd
ARI
Ken Kirby - Regional Literacy Leadership Specialist (RLLS)
Kimberly Hargett - RLLS: Limestone, Hartselle, & Morgan.
Kim Goodwin - RLSS: Blount, Cullman City & Co. & Oneonta
Melissa Penley - RLSS: Athens City & Lawrence Co.
Tracie Howard - RLSS
Angela Richardson - RLSS
OMI
Christy Lockhart - Region 2 Math Specialist
Office of Student Learning
Principal Mentoring Act - APLDS
Dr. Anna Shepard-Jones - APLDS Specialist
Office of Instructional Services
ABPC
- Dr. Brad Lewis - RIC Director (256) 233-6574 Brad.Lewis@athens.edu
- Deepa Manandhar - Program & Financial Assistant (256) 233-6576 Deepa.Manandhar@athens.edu
- Physical Location: 1115-A Hwy 31 Athens, AL