ALEX October Newsletter

We are gearing up for the inaugural 2024 AgriSTEM Expo! The AgriSTEM Expo will bring together farmers, educators, and students to explore the latest advancements in agriculture and inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders. Teachers and students will explore innovative farming equipment, engage in hands-on STEM activities, and witness students' creativity in solving real-world agricultural challenges.

The AgriSTEM Expo is on Friday, October 11, 2024, from 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM at the Enterprise High School Gymnasium. Please click here for a tentative event agenda. Alabama high school students in grades 9-12 are invited to attend the event with teacher chaperones.

Register now on PowerSchool Professional Learning and complete this form to confirm your attendance at the event. All registrations must be received by Wednesday, October 2!

✅ Check It Out! ✅

The ACT College and Career Readiness Standards and the National Assessment of Educational Progress Subject (NAEP) Frameworks are now available on the AlabamaStandards.org Platform!

Educators can use these standard frameworks to help prepare students for the ACT and NAEP assessments. In addition, crosswalk alignments between the ACT Mathematics Standards and the 2019 Alabama Course of Study: Mathematics standards can be viewed on AlabamaStandards.org. You can access more assessment resources on this document hosted by the ALSDE Office of School Improvement (OSI).

The AlabamaStandards.org platform utilizes the Competencies and Academic Standards Exchange® (CASE®), facilitating the exchange of information about learning outcomes, competencies, and skills. You can watch this video demonstration to learn more about the features and functionalities of the AlabamaStandards.org platform. Use this handout to follow along during video.

The annual 2024 Fall Librarian Meet Up will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024 at the Jacksonville State Regional Inservice Center.

Join the Jax State Regional Inservice Center for an engaging professional learning session designed specifically for school librarians! This workshop will explore innovative strategies for enhancing student engagement, promoting literacy, and integrating technology into library programs. Participants will share best practices, collaborate on new ideas, and gain valuable insights into the evolving role of the school librarian. Whether you’re looking to expand your resource collection or create dynamic learning experiences, this session offers the tools and inspiration you need to support your school community effectively.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow librarians and elevate your practice!

Register now on PowerSchool Professional Learning!

ALEX partners with AMSTI and ATiM to host the Girls Engaged in Math and Science (GEMS) events. GEMS is an educational program designed to actively involve girls in STEM-related activities through formal and informal learning environments. The GEMS program supports the national need to close the STEM gender gap by utilizing eight teaching strategies to encourage self-confidence and elevate interest in the areas of math and science among female students. GEMS Teachers focus on these strategies to bolster girls' confidence in their abilities in science and math and inspire a passion for learning STEM skills.

The GEMS Expo is a one-day event to include:

• A student project showcase

• Interactive and engaging STEM investigations

• A visit with female role models

This event is based on an application process. Only teams receiving a notice of acceptance are eligible to attend.

Beginning a GEMS Team at your school is easy!

• Create a team of 3-10 girls in grades 2-12.

• Select or create your own STEM lesson plan utilizing ALEX resources.

• Teach the selected lesson to the team/class. Begin a student project based on the lesson to showcase at the Expo.

Applications will open on November 1st!

Check out the sample application, selection criteria, and FAQs for more details.