Administrator Updates: ATH RIC

Superintendents, Principals, and Assistant Principals,

You received an email from the ALSDE requesting you complete a 15-minute survey by October 14, 2025. You can click here for more information.

We want to learn:

• What do Alabama principals and assistant principals need to know?

• How do Alabama principals and assistant principals learn best?

• How do Alabama principals and assistant principals receive effective feedback?

Survey Links:

• Superintendent: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ALSup25

• Principal: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ALPrinc2025

• Assistant Principal: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ALAP2025

• Exciting News for Secondary Instructional Leaders! AL-MTSS is thrilled to launch the 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. And for those who prefer evening learning, we’ve got you covered! Our partners in the Office of Extended Learning are bringing you “The Night Shift”—virtual evening PD sessions featuring our expert speakers, making learning more accessible than ever.
• Participants can earn APLDS, CEU credit, and even complete an ACLD PLU as part of this dynamic series.
• Registration is NOW OPEN, and seating is limited—so don’t wait! Secure your spot today and find out more information by visiting https://bit.ly/4hz7MMb or contacting Kristie Shankles at kristie.shankles@alsde.edu.

1. Organizing the Classroom
2. Rules and Procedures
3. Student Accountability & Motivation
4. Maintaining Good Student Behavior
5. Planning for Variety in Instruction
6. Maintaining Student Engagement and Lesson Momentum
7. Getting the School Year Off to a Good Start
8. Student Self Management

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

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.

Thursday, November 6

9:00 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Virtual Attendance

$25.00/individual (AASCD member)
$40.00/individual (AASCD non-member)

To register for this event, please ensure you are logged into your CLAS portal. Click on the Registration button at the top left corner of this page to begin your registration! Please log into your CLAS portal using your email address we have on file for you and your password. If someone registers for you they must use your information. Please Do NOT create a new account if you are already in the system. If you have any questions, please email help@clasleaders.org before registering.

Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel your registration, please contact us at events@clasleaders.org as soon as possible. Please note: If cancellation is not received before access instructions to the event are sent, the full registration fee will still apply, as you will have access to the event recordings.

Checks should be made payable to:
AASCD
PO Box 428
Montgomery, AL 36101-0428

AAESA Fall Instructional Leadership Conference

November 16 - 19, 2025

Perdido Beach Resort

Orange Beach, AL

Join the Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators (AAESA) at the Fall Instructional Leadership Conference, November 16–19, 2025, in beautiful Orange Beach, AL. This professional learning event brings elementary principals together under the inspiring theme, “Imagine, Believe, Lead.” Attendees will engage in powerful sessions focused on student engagement, relationship building, differentiated discipline strategies, teacher retention, attendance, ELL, professional development, culture, proven programs for success, and special education. Featuring nationally recognized speakers alongside experienced building administrators, this conference delivers relevant insights, practical strategies, and renewed inspiration for today’s leaders. Beyond the sessions, it’s an unmatched opportunity to network, collaborate, and share ideas with elementary administrators from across Alabama.

This conference has been submitted for APLDS credit approval – 9 hours (11.5 hours with pre-conference). Once approved, this information will be updated.

Search all state-approved professional learning experiences by provider here!

• Pre-Register by Oct 13
• Onsite/After Nov 15

Register Online Now!

Hotel Reservations: Call The Perdido Beach Resort at 800-634-8001 to make your reservation. Ask for booking ID # 20224 for a nightly rate of $132 (standard rate plus taxes and fees) or book online here. To ensure this rate, please book by October 16, 2025.

Special Pre-Conference Session
Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 3:00 - 5:00 pm.

Carlos Ojeda, Jr.

Strategies for Leveling Up Your Student Engagement with High Impact Programming

Learn strategies to maintain high expectations for all staff and students, with a focus on the quality of instruction to actively pursue continuous improvement, enhance collaborative skills and collectively share the responsibility for enhancing learning outcomes for all students. Learn how to implement new energizers and ice breakers and activities to make lessons more engaging.

Pre-Conference Only - $75

Add Pre-Conference to Conference Registration - $50

• 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.

• OSI Fall Newsletter
• Fall Office Hours: October 15 and November 19 (9 - 10 am)
• OSI Support Form

Click for PowerSchool PL Link

PowerSchool PL Course Number

331800

APLDS - PL: 2025-26 Online Course: Supporting School Climate through Engagement

Description:

This self-paced online course is designed for principals and assistant principals in Alabama public schools. Aligned with the Alabama Standards for School Leadership and the Alabama Principal Leadership Framework, the course focuses on three key areas of school climate: classroom management and learner engagement, relationships, and stakeholder participation.

8 APLDS Clock Hours

Contact: Barry Wiginton (barry.wiginton@alsde.edu)

Framework Reference: Appendix E - Alabama Administrator School Climate Surveys

July 28 - September 19, 2025
March 2 - April 24, 2026

Click for PowerSchool PL Link

PowerSchool PL Course Number

332171

APLDS - PL: 2025-26 Online Course: Supporting School Climate through Environment

Description:

This self-paced online course is designed for principals and assistant principals in Alabama public schools. Aligned with the Alabama Standards for School Leadership and the Alabama Principal Leadership Framework, the course focuses on three key areas of school climate: physical environment, instructional environment, and discipline.

8 APLDS Clock Hours

Contact: Barry Wiginton (barry.wiginton@alsde.edu)

Framework Reference: Appendix E - Alabama Administrator School Climate Surveys

July 28 - September 19, 2025
March 2 - April 24, 2026

Click for PowerSchool PL Link

PowerSchool PL Course Number

331828

APLDS - PL: 2025-26 Online Course: Supporting School Climate through Safety

Description:

This self-paced online course is designed for principals and assistant principals in Alabama public schools. Aligned with the Alabama Standards for School Leadership and the Alabama Principal Leadership Framework, the course focuses on three key areas of school climate:​​​​​​​ physical safety, emotional safety, and emergency management/school readiness.

8 APLDS Clock Hours

Contact: Barry Wiginton (barry.wiginton@alsde.edu)

Framework Reference: Appendix E - Alabama Administrator School Climate Surveys

July 28 - September 19, 2025
March 2 - April 24, 2026

Click for PowerSchool PL Link

PowerSchool PL Course Number

332184

APLDS - PL: 2025-26 Online Course: Effective Feedback to Enhance Instructional Practices

8 APLDS Clock Hours

Description:

This self-paced course provides information and strategies to assist school administrators in collecting, documenting, and utilizing observational evidence to offer classroom teachers targeted, formative feedback for improving instructional practices.

Contact: Barry Wiginton (barry.wiginton@alsde.edu)

Framework Reference: Appendix D12: Provide Effective Feedback to Enhance Instructional Practices

August 1 - September 30, 2025

January 6 - February 28, 2026

March 3 - April 25, 2026

Click for PowerSchool PL Link

PowerSchool PL Course Number

332172

APLDS - PL: 2025-26 Online Course: The Role of the Alabama Teacher Growth Program in Teacher Effectiveness

8 APLDS Clock Hours

Description:

This self-paced course offers an overview of the Alabama Teacher Growth Program (ATGP), focusing on the administrator's role in articulating a shared vision for enhancing instructional practices.

Contact: Barry Wiginton (barry.wiginton@alsde.edu)

Framework Reference: Indicator 3c Map; Indicator 3e Map

August 1 - September 30, 2025

January 6 - February 28, 2026

March 3 - April 25, 2026

• September Newsletter
• he Goal of Reading Proficiency
• September Leadership Tasks (Data Inquiry Protocol, Student Supports Flowchart, EYA Flowcharts)
• Reporting Reminders (Sept 16th Deadline)
• Data Informed Decision Making
• HQ Tier 1 Instruction - Focus on Phonemic Awareness
• Assessment Windows
• Documenting Tier 3 Interventions (Analytics & Insights Guidance Doc)
• Prevention & Intervention
• Professional Learning - Leadership Labs and APLDS opportunities
• Coaching Communities Information
• 2025-2026 Literacy Conferences
• Beyond Grade 3 - Student Centered Coaching Model (video link)
• Office of Extended Learning (Updates)
• Student Centered Coaching - Using data informed goals
• Community & Family Involvement
• Fall 2025 Back to School Newsletter for Families

Intervention for grades K-12

• Dyslexia Specific Interventions

• The Alabama Dyslexia Resource Guide includes information on diagnostic pieces for identifying characteristics of Dyslexia as well as this list of recommended intervention programming for 4-12.

• Struggling Readers Beyond 3rd Grade Website

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.

• Must attend 2 out of 3 in-person sessions.
• Complete Pre/Post Survey
• Read The New Classroom Instructional Strategies That Work by Bryan Goodwin.
• Answer chapter reflection questions in Schoology platform.
• Project: Create or refine instructional walkthrough form based on the 6 phases of learning and the teaching strategies that support them.

Dates:

• August 27, 2025 - Register HERE - Section # 528772
• 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

• 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

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

• Spring 2025 AL-MTSS Newsletter
• AL-MTSS Fall Quarterly Newsletter

• Christy Lockhart - Region 2 Math Specialist

  • christy.lockhart@alsde.edu
  • OMI Padlet
  • OMI Newsletter

• APLDS Session https://bit.ly/3yzY23S
  
• Differentiated Instructional Guides (DIG) & Curriculum Guides
• 2025 IEP Training Links

• August Newsletter
• August Leadership Tasks (OSI Checklist, Structure Generates Behavior doc)
• Central Office Virtual Sessions (registration info)
• ARI Support Designations
• 2025-2026 Assessment Windows
• ACAP - Proficiency Levels & Subtest Scores
• Kindergarten & 1st Grade Readiness Assessment & AL-ELI
• Analytics & Insights - September Reporting Requirements
• Summer Learning Reflection
• Principal - LRS Collaboration
• EL Quarterly Admin Meetings
• Coaching Communities Information
• Leadership Labs Information
• APLDS Opportunities
• LETRS Cohort 9 Information
• Family & Community Newsletter (link)
• Quick Links to Support District Leaders & Administrators

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.

• 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.

• Principals and APs can find the state-approved list in PSPL the following ways:

1. Search for “aplds” in Course Search (under Course tab)
2. Click on the “Alabama Principal Leadership Development System (APLDS)” tag (under Course tab)

• APLDS Website
• Alabama Principal Leadership Framework
• Alabama Standards for School Leadership
• Directions for APLDS Evaluation System
• Alabama New Principal Mentoring Program Manual

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.

• Peer Coaching Registration
• Contact Dakota Punzel for more Information at dakota@aplusala.org or (205) 908-0059

• Alabama CTE Career Readiness Indicators

PREP - Emergency Certificates, Long-Term Subs, and New Teacher On-Demand Training.

Slides and Recordings

Curriculum Leader Calendar

Data Calendar Checklist

Principal Calendar