Athens State University RIC
September 2025!
Welcome to Fall Everyone! I know we still have several hot days ahead and it will be awhile before the leaves turn, but I'm ready for a new season!! The Athens RIC has lots of face-to-face and virtual professional learning sessions scheduled for the fall semester. Be sure to click on the FALL SEMESTER List of Courses below.
If you have specific questions concerning any of these sessions, please reach out to Brad Lewis Brad.Lewis@athens.edu
Have a great September and good luck to your favorite football teams this fall.
GO BEARS!
Brad Lewis
Region 2 - Fall Break Schedules
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
Athens State Regional Inservice Center
- We Are Here To Serve You!
- https://www.athens.edu/academics/education/in-service-center/
- Statewide RIC Website
Needs Assessment is NOW OPEN!
CLICK Above for Needs Assessment
Understanding the ACAP Alternate: Standards and Test Administration
- September 8 in the Athens State Student Center Ballroom (402 Pryor Street Athens 35611)
- 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
- Section # 540705
- All K–12 teachers in Alabama who serve students with the most significant cognitive disabilities are invited to attend this collaborative workshop. Teachers will learn to translate last year’s proficiency data into precise, targeted instructional plans, acquire standards-aligned toolkits ready for immediate classroom use, and observe a live lesson demonstration that models best practices. Teachers will explore relevant assistive technology solutions to boost student access and engagement, while fine-tuning alternate instructional strategies. Teachers will also learn more about the Least Dangerous Assumption through a hands-on case study and gain confidence in understanding the purpose of the End Test Early Form with expert-led discussion. Our ALSDE collaborative team (Student Assessment and Special Education Services) is excited to bring this opportunity across the state to ignite the spark of proficiency for all students. Several opportunities are available through PowerSchool at this link. Sign up today to reserve your spot!
For questions, please contact:
Akina Luckett Canty
Education Specialist
Alabama State Department of Education
Student Assessment
50 North Ripley Street
P.O. Box 302101
Montgomery, AL 36130-2101
334-694-4817| akina.canty@alsde.edu
September 17 - Building a Thinking Classroom
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: Wednesday, September 17
Time: 8:30 - 11:30 am
Location: Athens RIC Center, 1115-A Hwy 31 S, Athens, AL 35611
Section # 536479
September 17 - Blueprint for Success in the Secondary Classroom
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: Wednesday, September 17
Time: 12"30 - 3:30 pm
Location: Athens RIC Center, 1115-A Hwy 31 S, Athens, AL 35611
Section # 534681
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Athens State Regional Inservice Center
- 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
Morgan County Educators Resource Center (ERC)
- Address: 239 Hwy 67 South Decatur, AL 35603.
- ERC is located between the Morgan County BOE Building and the baseball field for Priceville Jr. High School.
Sandridge Student Center Ballroom
- Athens State University Campus
- 300 North Beaty Street Athens, 35611
- Front Entrance on the Hobbs Street side (Building # 4 on Map)
- Look for Hebrew the Bear Statue
Alabama Center for the Arts in Decatur
- Downtown Decatur
- 133 2nd Ave. NE Decatur 35601
- Near Morgan County Courthouse
Thinking About Becoming a National Board Certified Teacher NBCT This Year?
Ellen Thompson - North Cohort Facilitator
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
Jennifer Priest - South Cohort Facilitator
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
First Fridays Begin September 6
2025 - 2026 APLDS Sessions
- 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.
CLAS Aspiring School Leaders Academy
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
This Professional Learning opportunity is not applicable to Principals or Assistant Principals!
All Fall Sessions at the RIC Center on Hwy 31.
- 1115-A Hwy 31 South, Athens, AL 35611
- (256) 232-6576
Jennifer Priest - Athens State ATIM Specialist
AMSTI - DLCS Newsletter
October 22 - PLUACLD1185: Beyond Human, Minds and Machine: Exploring AI
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
November 12 - Techtok Teaching w/ Jennifer Priest
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
Welcome Fall!
Fall Saturdays in the South
Registration Link Below
- 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
August 27, November 20, and January 22
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
Title: PowerSchool: Plans and Interventions
Description: Learn how to view student plans in Student Analytics and Insights. Walk through the steps of placing a plan on a student and entering in data for that plan. Learn how to view interventions in Student Analytics and Insights. Walk through the steps of creating an intervention for a student or group of students, and review entering in data for that intervention.
Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Format: In Person
Facilitator: Kendall Tankersley
Location: Athens State University (Room C)
1115 Highway 31 S.
Athens, AL 35611
Clock Hours: 3 Hours
Register HERE
Title: PowerSchool: Analytics and Insights
Description: Learn how to navigate the dashboards of Analytics & Insights. Filter data, create student groups, and export data for your needs.
Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Time: 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Format: In Person
Facilitator: Kendall Tankersley
Location: Athens State University (Room C)
1115 Highway 31 S.
Athens, AL 35611
Clock Hours: 2 Hours
Register HERE
Description: Newly appointed administrators will gain insight into all aspects of the Alabama Teacher Growth Program (ATGP). Participants will leave the session with insights into applying the scoring rubric to accurately and consistently rate teachers’ instructional practice. Participants will also enhance their ability to provide focused, formative feedback to classroom teachers by correlating items in the Alabama Teacher Observation Tool (ATOT) with sub-standards in the Alabama Core Teaching Standards (ACTS).
*This is an initial overview of how to use the Alabama Teacher Observation Tool and will fulfill the requirement of the 6-hour training on the Alabama Teacher Observation Tool when seeking the ACLD PLU in the future.
Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Format: In Person
Location: Regional Inservice Center (Room A)
1115 Hwy 31 S.
Athens, AL 35611
Facilitator: Barry Wiginton, ALSDE-ATGP Support Specialist
Clock Hours: 6 Hours
Register HERE!
Title: Alabama Teacher Growth Program (ATGP) and Alabama Teacher Observation Tool (ATOT) - A Refresher for Administrators
Description: In this informative session, classroom observers gain invaluable insights into effectively applying the Cognia Scoring Rubric to accurately and consistently rate the instructional practices of classroom teachers. Participants will leave the session with increased skill, confidence, and readiness to conduct post-observation conferences.
Viewing teacher practices through the lenses of implementation, authenticity, and effect on learner
Systematic approach to assigning rating values to observed teacher practice
Correlation of ATOT items with Alabama Core Teaching Standards to provide a common language of what effective teaching looks like in the classroom
Six-step protocol for conducting post-observation conferences
Date: Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Time: 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Format: In Person
Location: Regional Inservice Center (Room A)
1115 Hwy 31 S.
Athens, AL 35611
Facilitator: Barry Wiginton, ALSDE-ATGP Support Specialist
Clock Hours: 3 Hours
Register HERE!
Title: Using PowerSchool Analytics and Insights to Address Chronic Absenteeism
Description: This professional learning course equips educators, administrators, and school data teams with the skills to leverage PowerSchool Analytics and Insights for identifying, tracking, and addressing chronic absenteeism and truancy. Participants will gain hands-on experience in navigating PowerSchool’s data tools, analyzing key attendance metrics, and implementing evidence-based interventions to support student attendance.
Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Time: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Format: In Person
Facilitator: Stacy Royster
Location: Athens State University - Sandridge Student Center Ballroom
402 Pryor Street
Athens, AL 35611
Clock Hours: 6 Hours
Register HERE!
Description: Are you a classroom teacher or school administrator looking to enhance your understanding of the Alabama Core Teaching Standards (ACTS) and their profound influence on teaching and learning? This full-day training session is designed to provide you with a comprehensive overview of these standards and their practical implications in educational settings.
Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Format: In Person
Location: Regional Inservice Center (Room A)
1115 Hwy 31 S.
Athens, AL 35611
Facilitator: Barry Wiginton, ALSDE-ATGP Support Specialist
Clock Hours: 6 Hours
Register HERE
NEW DATE: Now VIRTUAL
Title: Back to Class: Curbing Chronic Absenteeism
Description: Curbing chronic absenteeism requires a proactive and collaborative approach that addresses the root causes of absenteeism while promoting a culture of regular attendance and academic success for all students. Through coordinated efforts and targeted interventions, schools can work towards reducing chronic absenteeism and ensuring that every student could thrive in school.
Date: Friday, September 19
Time: 9:00 - 11:00 am
Format: VIRTUAL
Facilitators: Dr. Kay Warfield, ALSDE, Jasmin Green, Huntsville City Schools, and Tonya Cupp, Cullman County Schools
Clock Hours: 2 Hours
Register HERE
List of Courses
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
ARI September Newsletter
- September Newsletter
- The 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
Title: Ellevation Exploration: Student Profiles, Data-Driven Instruction for ELs using Strategies and Documenting Student Progress.
Description:
- Leverage key information in the Student Profiles.
- Identify opportunities to support students in their language growth.
- Utilize Ellevation Strategies, modules and/or activities to enhance instruction and provide unparalleled support for ELs/MLs throughout your district.
- Understand how to use Forms to gather educator input and document decisions
Date: Tuesday, September 16
Time: 8:00 am - 3:30 pm
Format: In Person
Locations: Alabama Center for the Arts in Decatur
133 2nd Ave. NE
Decatur, AL. 35601
Facilitator: Robin Stutts and Stephanie Nicole Reynolds
Clock Hours: 6 Hours
Register HERE
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!
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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)
- Tuesday, January 21, 2 (10:30 am - 12:00 pm)
- Athens Regional Inservice Center - Room A
- Register HERE!
HQIA EL: Formative Assessments (1.5 hrs)
- Tuesday, January 21, 2025 (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
Athens State University Regional Inservice Center
Location: 1115 U.S. Hwy 31, Athens, AL, USA
Phone: 256-216-6622
Facebook: facebook.com/AthensStateRIC
Twitter/X: @AthensStateRIC
Instagram: @athensstateric