Administrator Updates: ATH RIC

• C & I Winter Meeting: January 19, 2027
• Start Time: 9:00 am
• Location: TBD

• North Alabama Curriculum Leaders Virtual Session
• Facilitator: Dr. Josh Swindall (Hartselle City Schools)
• Tuesday, October 20 at 1:00 pm
• Google Link: https://meet.google.com/pme-vpdf-rav
• Draft Agenda: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dMKfarGotWDudnBjubq3ejrTg_BbL_15kbCnXioRav4/edit?tab=t.4om8rtfmgkhl

• Teaching Effectiveness (TE) AIM Portal: FY26-2071 Memo Teaching Effectiveness (TE), Alabama Principal Leadership Development System (APLDS), Alabama Teacher Growth Program (ATGP), and LEADAlabama Implementation Procedures 2026-2027 (click here to access memo)

• PowerSchool Professional Learning (PL) Portal: Want to learn more about how to add courses in PSPL to meet the new certification renewal requirements? Or maybe you have questions about the PSPL portal in general? Join us for PSPL Open Office Hours on the first Tuesday of each month from 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM through May 2027. Drop in with your questions, and we’ll be happy to help! Click here to access the meeting link.

• Pilot Principal and Assistant Principal Evaluation System

• At least 30 APLDS Clock Hours must be completed between June 1, 2026 - April 30, 2027

• Evaluation systems must be completed for all school administrators no later than May 1, 2027

• New stipend eligibility notification process

• Alabama Principal Leadership Development System (APLDS): Have questions about APLDS? Join us for APLDS Weekly Office Hours every Thursday from 9:00–10:00 a.m. Drop in with your questions, get clarification on APLDS requirements, or connect with us for support. Click here to access the meeting link.

Principals and assistant principals are invited to participate in FREE APLDS Clock Hour-Approved Network Sessions, offered by ALSDE in partnership with the Alabama Regional Inservice Centers and WestEd. The series features three 6-hour, in-person sessions in September, November, and February across the state, with virtual options available. Click here to explore session details and access the direct PowerSchool PL registration links.

October Leadership Newsletter

1. Leadership Implementation Team -- Link Included: ALA for Families handout)
2. Universal Core Instruction -- Building Deep Word Knowledge Across the School Day
3. Dyslexia Awareness Month -- Link Included: Dyslexia Resource Guide
4. Statewide Parent & Family Engagement Month
5. Coaching Corner

Connect, Collaborate, and Grow with Regional Network Sessions!

• Title: 2026-27 APLDS Aligned Impact Series: Self to System Network Sessions
• PowerSchool Course Number: 347844

Invest in your leadership through a new professional learning opportunity designed specifically for Alabama principals and assistant principals. The APLDS Aligned Impact Series: Self to System Network Sessions bring together regional school leaders to learn alongside researchers and national experts.

The series includes three 6-hour, in-person sessions offered in September, November, and February at locations across Alabama. Each session is also available virtually, delivered as three 2-hour online sessions to provide greater flexibility.

Strengthen your leadership, build meaningful professional connections, and collaborate with regional colleagues to create lasting impact in your schools and districts.

Session 1: Leadership as Coaching

Time: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Location: Limestone County Schools - Owens Campus, Room C

Register HERE: Section # 567479

Session 2: Talented Teacher Teams

Date: Monday, November 2

Time: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Location: Athens State University Campus - Sandridge Student Center Ballroom

Register HERE: Section. #567483

Session 3: Principals As Talent Architects

Date: Monday, February 1, 2027

Time: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Location: Athens State University Campus - Sandridge Student Center Ballroom

Register HERE: Section. #567488

I wanted to mention a few things to you regarding this school year to help you get started on the right foot. First, after two big years in a row, it's a fairly light adoption year! The only real item on the schedule is Digital Literacy - & those resources are not tied to specific courses.

Your state textbook allocation funding for this year is $100 per student based on your ADM from the previous year. Since it is a lighter adoption year, there is no supplemental allocation this year (the approx. $30 per student extra you've enjoyed for the science & social studies adoptions). I would advise that some primary goals for the use of funding this year would be:

• Payment of any balance owed to PW from payment plans from FY 26 (about 30 districts)

• Math 3-year Gap Packages - FY 27 is year-6 of your original math purchase from 2021. So you have the last of your math consumables now for this year. In order to keep the digital lights turned on & to continue receiving consumable texts (mostly K-5 & 6-8 - some high school) until the next math COS & textbook adoptions, you will need to purchase gap packages from us this year. Assuming you remain with your present choices, you would NOT need a textbook committee to purchase gap packages, as your district has already adopted those resources. We will be getting off list local contracts for math from the publishers posted on our website later this month. More details later - just putting this on your radar.

• Arts Ed Resources - Many of you did NOT have the funds to purchase Arts Ed last year if you wanted them. It might be something you consider this year.

• Fill-In resources / shoring up any shortages in other adopted resources - a good year to catch up, as needed.

• Supplemental Resources - Another choice would be to add supplemental resources in targeted areas of need. Remember that if you have not previously adopted those resources, you WOULD need to go through a review & adoption for that within your district in order to use these state funds.

Reminder: State Textbook Funds may ONLY be used for student instructional resources that have been reviewed/recommended by your local committee & approved by your local board.

On Oct. 1, you will receive your annual email from PW regarding your FY 28 numbers for consumable texts in ELA/Reading, Science, & Social Studies (math, for most of you, is done - thus the gap package). The email includes your allocation numbers available based on your year-1 purchase of each resource. You are able to shift those numbers within grade span bands without buying more books, as long as you don't go over. As always, we ask that you send us those numbers by Halloween. 🎃🕸👻🕷🍬

Finally, for those who are new(er) in your roles this year, I am offering my yearly 90-minute training sessions via zoom. This is basically the session I did at MEGA, so those of you who came to that may not need to attend again - though you're certainly welcome! See the attached for the zoom hyperlinks, but the dates/times are:

• Wed, Sept. 16 - 8:30 to 10:30

• Friday, Sept. 18 - 1:00 to 2:30

• Tuesday, Sept. 22 - 11:00 to 12:30​​

These 3 choices are the SAME sessions repeated - just offered at different dates/times for your convenience. No charge; no registration - just click the link on the attachment to enter the zoom!

• Monday, August 31
• Kickoff Session
• Athens State Ballroom
• PowerSchool Registration
• New Date: Wednesday, October 14
• Session 1 - Tiered Instruction
• Athens State Regional Inservice Center
• PowerSchool Registration for Oct. 14
• Tuesday, November 17
• Session 2 - Attendance/Scheduling
• Athens RIC on Hwy 31 - Room C
• PowerSchool Registration for Nov. 17
• Wednesday, February 10, 2027
• Session 3 - Data
• Athens State Ballroom
• PowerSchool Registration for Feb. 10

• Tuesday, December 8, 2026
• Tuesday, January 12, 2027
• Tuesday, April 13, 2027

• 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 ??? or contacting Kristie Shankles at kristie.shankles@alsde.edu.

PST Open Office Hours

• 3rd Friday of Each Month at 10:30 am
• Facilitator: Carissa Blair - Carissa.Blair@alsde.edu

🌷Full- Alignment AL-MTSS

If your LEA would like to be a part of the 2026-2027 Full Alignment Class, please contact Kristie Shankles at kristie.shankles@alsde.edu.

• Technology in Motion Specialist
• Jennifer Priest
• jpriest@atim.us
• (256) 233-6572
• Provides PLUs, Canva, AI, STEM, and Robotics PD Sessions

For District Leaders Serving Virtual Schools

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

• LETRS® 3E: Minimum of 30 participants, max of 40.

• LETRS® for Admin: Minimum of 20 participants, max of 25

• LETRS® Early Childhood: Minimum of 30 participants, max of 40.

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.

• Social Studies COS Training - Recordings and Slides by Grade Level

• Target Audience: School and district administrators, instructional leaders, and teachers

Ready to move to the next level? The year-long Aspiring School Leaders Academy, led by faculty and staff from the University of Alabama and Auburn University, is designed to support aspiring school leaders in attaining the essential skills and practice needed to advance to the next level of leadership. Join this cohort and gain knowledge of the unique characteristics and comprehensive dimensions of the principalship. The Academy is composed of 2 in-person and 4 virtual meetings from October 2026 to May 2027.

Questions? Email demica@clasleaders.org.

Program participation is limited to the first 75 participants for Aspiring Leaders!

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

Registration Coming Soon!

*Tentative Agenda

*Register HERE!

Details

• Start: October 4 @ 8:00 am
• End: October 7 @ 5:00 pm
• Event Category: Affiliate Conferences and Events

Venue

• Perdido Beach Resort
• 27200 Perdido Beach Blvd
  Orange Beach, AL 36561 United States+ Google Map
• Phone251-981-9811
• View Venue Website

October 23, 2026

Shelby County Instructional Services Center

601 1st St. S, Alabaster, AL 35007

8:30 am - 2:55 pm

(Registration opens at 8:00)

SAVE THE DATE

ASAHPERD Fall Conference

November 15-17, 2026

Hoover, Alabama

https://www.asahperd.org/fall-conference

Questions? Concerns? Professional Development Requests? Please do not hesitate to contact me.

Jonathan Thompson

Health, Physical Education, APE, MTSS

jonathan.thompson@alsde.edu

334-694-4775

• ALL APLDS Sessions Scheduled in June will be credited to the 2026 - 2027 School Year
• DISCLAIMER: If session has less than 10 participants enrolled, the session may be canceled.
• At least 30 APLDS Clock Hours must be completed between June 1, 2026 - April 30, 2027
• Evaluation systems must be completed for all School Administrators no later than May 1, 2027

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

Click for PowerSchool PL Link

PSPS Course# 346934

PSPL Section# 564804

1 PLU and/or 20 APLDS Clock Hours

Description:

The purpose of this course is to provide comprehensive insight into how leadership teams can move beyond isolated practices to function as a cohesive collective of educational leaders, teachers, and stakeholders. This Professional Learning Unit (PLU) centers on Collective Leader Efficacy (CLE), defined as a school or regional leadership team’s belief in its ability to develop a shared understanding of goals and practices, engage in collaborative and meaningful joint work, and continuously evaluate its impact on both adult and student learning (DeWitt & Nelson, 2025).

Grounded in the framework presented in the book “Lead Collectively,” this course explores the three core components of collective leadership: Shared Understanding (Belief), Joint Work (Action), and Evidence of Impact (Impact). Participants will reflect on strategies to strengthen leadership practices, build collaborative systems, and use evidence-based decision-making to improve teaching and learning outcomes.

• This course begins on July 6, 2026, and concludes on September 4, 2026.

Click for PowerSchool PL Link

PowerSchool PL Course Number

343045

APLDS - PL: 2026-27 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.

15 APLDS Clock Hours

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

Framework Reference: Appendix E - Alabama Administrator School Climate Surveys

• August 3 - October 2, 2026
• February 15 - April 15, 2027

Click for PowerSchool PL Link

PowerSchool PL Course Number

343051

APLDS - PL: 2026-27 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.

15 APLDS Clock Hours

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

Framework Reference: Appendix E - Alabama Administrator School Climate Surveys

• August 3 - October 2, 2026​
• February 15 - April 15, 2027

Click for PowerSchool PL Link

PowerSchool PL Course Number

343044

APLDS - PL: 2026-27 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.

15 APLDS Clock Hours

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

Framework Reference: Appendix E - Alabama Administrator School Climate Surveys

• August 3 - October 2, 2026​
• February 15 - April 15, 2027

Click for PowerSchool PL Link

PowerSchool PL Course Number

343043

APLDS - PL: 2026-27 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 3 - October 2, 2026​
• February 15 - April 15, 2027

Click for PowerSchool PL Link

PowerSchool PL Course Number

343053

APLDS - PL: 2026-27 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 3 - October 2, 2026​
• February 15 - April 15, 2027

PowerSchool PL Course Number

343471

APLDS - EdTech: 2026-27 PLUACLD1390 Visionary Leadership in School Improvement Using Google Tools

15 APLDS Clock Hours

Description:

This professional study equips school leaders to effectively use Google tools to share their visionary leadership with all stakeholders. Delivered entirely online, the course consists of an introductory module, five learning modules, and a final project. The final project allows participants to apply their learning by integrating Google tools into their leadership practices.

​

Directions:

Click the link to register for the course in PSPL. You will then be added to an eLearning Schoology course the week before the course starts. Username and passwords for the ALSDE Schoology login will be emailed to you from Schoology Enrollments (schoologyenrollments@alsde.edu). Courses start on the first day listed for the section. After successful completion of the course, you will be awarded 15 APLDS clock hours.

Contact: Kesha Hooks (kesha.hooks@alsde.edu) or Regina White (rwhite@alsde.edu)

• June 1 - August 14, 2026
• October 1 - December 23, 2026
• February 4 - April 14, 2027

PowerSchool PL Course Number

343469

APLDS - EdTech: 2026-27 PLUACLD1391 Special Students in Regular Classrooms: Technology, Teaching, and UDL

15 APLDS Clock Hours

Description:

During this course participants will explore technology and teaching, specifically Universal Design for Learning, in relation to special education students and regular classrooms. They will develop an Action Plan focused on a problem specific to their organization and create an implementation proposal towards a solution to that problem. The course will be divided into 6 weekly academic session followed by a 3-week period for developing the Action Plan Template.

​

Directions:

Click the link to register for the course in PSPL. You will then be added to an eLearning Schoology course the week before the course starts. Username and passwords for the ALSDE Schoology login will be emailed to you from Schoology Enrollments (schoologyenrollments@alsde.edu). Courses start on the first day listed for the section. After successful completion of the course, you will be awarded 15 APLDS clock hours.

Contact: Kesha Hooks (kesha.hooks@alsde.edu) or Regina White (rwhite@alsde.edu)

• June 1 - August 14, 2026
• October 1 - December 23, 2026
• February 4 - April 14, 2027

Click for PowerSchool PL Link

PowerSchool PL Course Number

334289

APLDS - PL: 2026-27 On Demand: Peter DeWitt & Michael Nelson: Coaching for Collective Leader Efficacy

1 APLDS Clock Hour

Description:

In this professional learning experience, participants will be able to:

- Define ways they foster Collective Leader Efficacy (CLE).

- Explore (for the purposes of transfer) how your team develops a shared understanding.

- Explore (for the purposes of transfer) how your team engages in joint work.

- Explore (for the purposes of transfer) ways to evaluate impact.

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

• June 1, 2026 - April 15, 2027

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

• 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

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

• Compliance Monitoring: Compliance Monitoring Schedule for 2026-2027 begins in October at I Dream Big Charter District. Full schedule is here: 2026-2027 Compliance Monitoring Schedule

• Guidance for the technology portion of Compliance Monitoring can be found here: Technology for ALSDE Compliance Monitoring 2026-27

• Technology Plans: Technology Plans for 2026-2027 are due October 19, 2026. Guidance on completing the tech plans can be found here: Technology Plans in the new Cognia Platform

• GA Cognia IMPACT Conference - Atlanta, GA - 11/12/26

• Offers 9 ALPDS hours

• Register through the conference link (price increases 10/28/26)

• https://site.pheedloop.com/event/2026GAinsighttoaction/summary

• Register through PowerSchool by November 30 course number 351473

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.

• Alabama CTE Career Readiness Indicators

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

Slides and Recordings

• Curriculum Leader Calendar
• Annual Trainings Reference Guide

• Data Calendar Checklist

• Principal Calendar

• Principal Calendar with Delegation

• Excel Workbook