Turnaround Talk

May 2025

Food for Thought

Important Dates

May

May 1...J.F. Shields audit
May 2...Instructional Coach PLC...11:00 - 12:00 (Virtual)
May 7...ABC Elementary audit
May 8...ACIP Check-in with CSFO...Monroe County...10:00 am
May 8...ACIP Check-in with CSFO...Huntsville City...11:00 am
May 14...J.E. Hobbs audit
May 15...ACIP Check-in with CSFO...Barbour County...9:00 am
May 15...ACIP Check-in with CSFO...Wilcox County...10:00 am
May 15...ACIP Check-in with CSFO...Birmingham City...11:00 am
May 16...ACIP Check-in with CSFO...Dothan City...1:00 pm
May 16...ACIP Check-in with CSFO...Mobile County...2:00 pm

June

June 5-6...Alabama Conference on Grading and Assessment for Learning...Guntersville
June 8-11...CLAS Convention...Mobile
June 15-18...SSA Summer Conference...Orange Beach
June 17...Turnaround Principal Workday...TBD
June 18-20...AETC...Mobile
June 20-22...AASB Summer Conference...Gulf Shores
June 22-25...Model Schools Conference...Gaylord National DC
June 29-July 2...ASCD/ISTE...San Antonio

July

July 14-18...MEGA Conference...Mobile
July 15-18...SREB Making Schools Work...New Orleans
July 23...NBCT Bootcamp - virtual (register HERE)
July 24-25...NBCT Bootcamp - Alabama State University (register HERE)

Principal's Turnaround Academy - J.E. Hobbs Elementary - April 29th

Our most recent Turnaround Principal Academy was hosted at J.E. Hobbs Elementary, where Superintendent Dr. Saulsberry, Dr. Pope-Simmons, and Principal Mrs. Lassiter welcomed us with exceptional hospitality. Leaders were treated to a full day of learning, reflection, and school-based observations.

Key Takeaways:

Classroom Walkthroughs: Participants observed highly engaged classrooms with clear procedures, active auxiliary staff, small-group instruction, and effective use of technology. Students demonstrated excellent behavior and independence.
Leadership Inspiration:
- Bonnie Short (Director, Alabama Reading Initiative) emphasized the power of consistency and the importance of finishing the school year strong. Drawing from The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews and a Simon Sinek video, she reminded us that small, intentional actions lead to lasting impact.
- Jeff Norris (Office of Extended Learning) shared the purpose and vision of extended learning, emphasizing that meaningful opportunities can be designed for students of all ages. He outlined various ways schools can implement extended learning programs and explored funding and partnership options. Participants engaged in an interactive activity using the Four Ps—Partner, Promote, Provide, Prepare—as a framework to guide their summer planning efforts.
- Ashley Lucier (Executive Director, Amp Up Arts) highlighted a variety of ways Amp Up Arts can support student learning through arts integration. Ashley provided data to highlight the impact the arts can have on academic achievement, student attendance, and behavior.

Looking Ahead:

By May 29: Submit your recruitment video showcasing what makes your school great—highlight staff, students, programs, and culture to attract families and future teachers.
June 17: Save the date for a Principal Workday focused on professional learning and ACIP planning (details TBD).
MEGA Conference: Don’t miss the Turnaround session on Thursday, July 17th from 12:45 - 3:30. Representatives from WestEd plan to attend and are eager to connect with our cohort.

Thank you for your continued leadership and commitment to transformation. Every day counts—especially in May!

Power Planning Mini Sessions (Two Sessions Remaining!!!)

Based on recent audit results, we have identified key areas where schools could benefit from additional support. To address these needs, we are offering a series of virtual mini sessions designed to provide targeted insights and practical strategies. Join us on the dates in the flyer below at 4:00 PM for a 30-minute session aimed at sparking ideas for your next ACIP. Each session will provide an overview of the topic, along with potential strategies and activities to deepen learning for you and your staff. Sessions will be recorded for those who need to watch later, and school leaders are encouraged to attend and share key takeaways with their teams.

ALSDE Summer Learning Opportunities

2024 Alabama Course of Study: Social Studies

Looking forward to taking our new Alabama Social Studies standards on a PD road trip this summer. Be sure to sign up for one of these opportunities to learn more about the new Alabama social studies course of study. Click HERE for more information.

AETC 25

AETC CONFERENCE 2025

June 18 - 20 at the Mobile Convention Center

The Alabama Educational Technology Conference (AETC) is the state’s premier event for empowering educators to effectively integrate technology in the classroom. Held annually, AETC features inspiring keynotes, hands-on workshops, and a wide range of concurrent sessions. With topics spanning from assistive technology to innovative instructional practices, educators of all experience levels can customize their learning and connect with peers across the state.

For conference information please visit https://www.alabamaetc.com/

MEGA 2025

MEGA CONFERENCE 2025

July 14 - 18 at the Mobile Convention Center

This year’s conference is a week-long, in-person event that provides attendees with opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions, participate in in-depth training sessions, and learn from leading experts across the education spectrum.

Register Now for BEST RATE!

Pre-Registration - $225 (March 2 - May 31, 2025)

Late Registration/Onsite $250 (June 1 and through conference)

For conference information please visit http://mega-alabama.com/

OSI Sessions - MEGA 2025

These sessions will be led by staff from the Office of School Improvement.

2025 K-12 Guidance for Summer Programming in Alabama

The Alabama State Department of Education's 2025 K-12 Guidance for Summer Programming outlines strategies to ensure high-quality summer learning opportunities for all students. It emphasizes the importance of addressing the "summer slide" to close achievement gaps and enrich learning experiences.

The document provides detailed guidance on planning, implementing, and evaluating summer programs, including requirements under the Alabama Literacy Act (ALA) and Alabama Numeracy Act (ANA) for K-5 students with reading and math deficiencies. It also highlights enrichment opportunities, community partnerships, and considerations for special populations such as English Learners and students with disabilities. For grades 6-12, the guidance encourages moving beyond traditional credit recovery to offer comprehensive programs that promote college and career readiness. Funding strategies, including federal, state, and local sources, are discussed, along with tools and resources to support program development.

May - Principal Monthly Reminders

Planning Checklist and Calendars 2024-2025

OSI Curriculum Leader Calendar Checklist

OSI Principal Calendar Checklist

Student Information Systems Data Calendar

Assessment Testing Dates for 2024-2025

Assessment Testing Dates for 2025-2026

PREP (Preparing Relief Educators Program)

The PREP Program is designed to provide high-quality resources to emergency-certificate teachers, long-term substitutes, and early service teachers, empowering them to excel in their roles and make a positive, long-lasting difference in the lives of their students.

If you have any teachers that fall in one of these categories I encourage you to make this resource available to them. A list of topics and supporting resources can be found HERE.