Thank you to all that joined us for summer professional learning! It was a busy time as we saw almost 2000 participants this summer. Although we have provided both face-to-face and virtual options, we have enjoyed "seeing" you in any format!

Below, you will find our upcoming August professional learning opportunities and also a few "save-the-date" items for later in the school year. In addition to these sessions that are open to all educators in our region, we also offer targeted professional learning opportunities designed for individual schools or districts. Administrators, please contact the center directly via e-mail (hgmorgan@ua.edu) or via the following link to request targeted support.

Continue to review our social media pages on Facebook (@uauwaric) and Twitter (@UofARIC) for ongoing announcements. As a reminder, you may find any of our newsletters at: http://inservice.ua.edu/newsletter.

We wish you all a blessed 2023-2024 school year!

Happy learning!

Dr. Holly Morgan

Director, UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center

We are here to support you! If you are interested in pursuing National Board Certification, please join our free, monthly support cohort! Session information, including dates, times, and PowerSchool registration can be found on the calendar located at https://inservice.ua.edu/national-board-support.html

For the fall semester, all informational sessions will be offered virtually. In the spring semester, candidates will be assigned NBCT mentors who will support them face-to-face and/or virtually in their NBCT journey.

Click here to be added to the UA/UWA NB email distribution list in order to receive ongoing updates regarding NBCT support.

If you are a new ELA teacher or have not received an overview regarding the transition to the 2021 ELA Course of Study standards, ARI regional specialists are offering an overview session on the following date:

• August 8 from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
• Location: Virtual via Zoom

Register via PowerSchool PL Section #469375 or via the following link: https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/login/index?ReturnUrl=%2Fia%2Fempari%2Flearning2%2Fregistration%2FpresentRegistrationDetails%2F469375

Calling all new kindergarten teachers in Region 4!

Join Jennifer Manning, ARI Regional Literacy Specialist, for one of two virtual opportunities for ALAKids Gold training. Register via one of the PowerSchool section numbers below.

August 8 from 12:30-3:30 pm

PowerSchool Section #479401

August 22 from 12:30-3:30 pm

PowerSchool Section #479403

Join REL Northwest for a one-hour webinar on how rural district and school leaders can develop localized strategies to address teacher working conditions with the goal of improving teacher retention.

During the webinar, REL Northwest will share research on the influence of working conditions on teacher retention and detail a process—used with Lower Kuskokwim School District in Alaska—for using research and local data to identify steps and strategies to address and improve teacher working conditions. The process includes the following:

• Reviewing research and local data
• Conducting a root cause analysis
• Developing a theory of action
• Developing plans for implementing strategies and collecting indicator data
• Conducting ongoing data collection to gauge how strategies are working

Who should attend: Rural district and school leaders and staff interested in improving working conditions to improve teacher retention.

Presenters:

• Trudy Cherasaro, Director, Marzano Research, REL Northwest
• David Yanoski, Researcher, Marzano Research, REL Northwest
• Kimberly Hankins, Superintendent, Lower Kuskokwim School District (Alaska)
• Dr. Jayne Downey, Associate Dean, Educator Preparation Director, Center for Research on Rural Education

Improving Rural Teacher Retention: Developing Localized Strategies to Address Teacher Working Conditions
Date: August 10, 2023
Time: 2:00-3:00 pm (CST)
Register here

Registration is now open for the 2023-2024 Alabama Best Practices Center PCN West Network! (As a note, PCN is for a school-based team of teachers with one administrator or coach.) The guiding text for this year will be The New Classroom Instruction that Works by Bryan Goodwin and the McREL Lab. Author Bryan Goodwin will present the first session on August 30 in a virtual format for all statewide networks. The remaining three sessions of each network will be held face-to-face in Tuscaloosa. Administrators may earn one ACLD-PLU for each network, and teachers may earn up to 30 clock hours for participation.

If you are a new principal, assistant principal, or superintendent, the Alabama Best Practices Center is offering an opportunity to provide free membership for you in support of the new principal leadership and mentoring act. Please see the attached flyer regarding this opportunity, and feel free to contact Dr. Morgan with any questions.

If you are a school or district leader who would like to register your team, please contact Dr. Holly Morgan at hgmorgan@ua.edu.

Join us on August 17 from 5:00-7:30 pm as we learn from best-selling author of the What Works! Series, Bobbie Faulkner! She will kick-off our yearlong support schedule by providing an overview of best practices through the lens of the National Board Certification process. This session will also offer detailed instructions on application procedures, an overview of the process, helpful resources, grant information, and tips to prepare you for National Board certification.

Register today via PowerSchool section #471512! This session will be presented virtually; a Zoom link will be added to the notes section of the PowerSchool listing and shared with you via e-mail two days prior to the session.

Join us for this virtual statewide session on August 22 from 3:00-4:30 pm! Participants will investigate practical tips to educators for helping young students with autism and other developmental disabilities learn to successfully function in a classroom setting.

Register via PowerSchool PL Section #469460 or via the following link: https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/login/index?ReturnUrl=%2Fia%2Fempari%2Flearning2%2Fregistration%2FpresentRegistrationDetails%2F469460

Join us for this virtual statewide session on August 24 from 3:00-4:30 pm! Participants will discuss practical ways for educators to prepare students with autism and other developmental disabilities to transition students from high school to post school environments.

Register via PowerSchool PL Section #469473 or via the following link: https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/login/index?ReturnUrl=%2Fia%2Fempari%2Flearning2%2Fregistration%2FpresentRegistrationDetails%2F469473

Date: August 29, 2023

Register via PowerSchool section #478362 or use the following link: https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/registration/presentRegistrationDetails/478362

If you are a new administrator, be sure to mark this opportunity on your calendar!

Title: Alabama’s Teacher Observation Tool: An Overview for Administrators

Course Description: Alabama Achieves, the strategic plan of the Alabama State Department of Education, specifically focuses on providing students with highly effective teachers. The ALSDE has partnered with Cognia in creating a teacher observation tool that provides educators with specific areas of strengths/growth and aligns with the Alabama Core Teaching Standards. The instrument also assists educators in developing professional development plans and choosing informed professional learning experiences. In this session administrators will be able to

• Understand the Teacher Observation Tool

• Utilize the Teacher Observation Tool for classroom observation

• Calibrate scores on the Teacher Observation Tool

Time: 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Location: UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

If you are a K-5 teacher, literacy coach, interventionist, or special education teacher in Region Four who has previously attended and implemented Beginning Sound Wall training, please join us for Advanced Sound Wall Training offered by 95 Percent Group (formerly Tools4Reading) on September 15.

Read more about the training in the attached flyer!

Register via PowerSchool Section #477281 or via the following link: https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/registration/presentRegistrationDetails/477281

No matter where what role we play in a school (teacher, team lead, administrator), we all strive to make a difference for students. We have initiatives we want to successfully roll out and projects to co-design. Yet, with how fast we move in education these days, we don't spend enough time on our communication around those initiatives and we end up being less successful as we could be in getting our messages across. We need to build up our skill set of communication skills and create clarity around our work together before any accountability kicks in. Add to it that we have colleagues of all different ages we are working with and different collaboration styles. It becomes even more important to be 'two feet in the present.' This session will provide tools, resources and food for thought on the topic of the importance of clarifying conversations as we begin the school year with multigenerational faculties in our schools.

Join author and national educational consultant, Jennifer Abrams, for this virtual session as she shares on the topic of clarifying conversations with multigenerational faculties in our schools.

September 20, 2023

9:00-11:00 am

Register via PowerSchool PL Section #479625 or via the link: https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/registration/presentRegistrationDetails/479625

In this session, join Charissa Lambert, ALSDE Office of School Improvement Specialist, in this half-day session as she provides strategies and supports for struggling readers at the secondary level.

September 21, 2023

8:30-11:30 (AM Session)

12:00-3:00 (PM Session)

Location: UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center, 260 Kilgore Lane, Tuscaloosa

Register via PowerSchool PL Section #477102 (AM Session) or #477107 (PM Session)

Join us virtually on September 21 from 5:00-7:30 pm as we take a deep dive into the requirements of Component 4. Register via PowerSchool PL Section #471513.

A zoom link will be included in the PowerSchool information, and you will also receive a reminder email approximately two days prior to the session.

If you are a K-5 teacher, literacy coach, interventionist, or special education teacher in Region Four, please join us for Beginning Sound Wall Training offered by 95 Percent Group (formerly Tools4Reading).

Read more about the training in the attached flyer!

Register via PowerSchool Section #477290 or via the following link: https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/registration/presentRegistrationDetails/477290

Calling all ELA and Social Studies Teachers in Grades 4-12! Join Dr. Emily Mofield, Author and Assistant Professor at Lipscomb University, for this session to address flexible grouping and increased rigor for students in grades 4-12. Participants will learn to plan for flexible grouping using formative assessments, incorporate scaffolds for students who need additional supports to achieve mastery on a standard, and practice strategies and design lessons with elements of rigor.

September 27

8:30 am to 3:00 pm

UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center, 260 Kilgore Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

*Substitute reimbursement provided for teachers in Region Four

Register via PowerSchool PL Section #479467 or the link: https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/registration/presentRegistrationDetails/479467

• September 28, 2023
• 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
• Location: UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center, 260 Kilgore Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
• This year, we will host 3 meetings with the curriculum directors/professional learning directors who serve as direct liaisons to the Inservice Center.
• Each of these regional meetings, beginning with September 28, will occur 2-3 weeks after the ALSDE's Curriculum and Instruction meetings. The purpose of this timing is so that we may discuss specific updates, data, and requests for support based upon the information shared at the ALSDE meetings. We will share ideas and network to share best practices within our region.

Join us virtually on September 28 from 5:00-7:30 pm as we provide an overview of the NBCT Maintenance of Certification Renewal Process. Register via PowerSchool PL Section #471475.

A zoom link will be included in the PowerSchool information, and you will also receive a reminder email approximately two days prior to the session.

Date: October 4, 2023

Register via PowerSchool section #479388 or use the following link: https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/registration/presentRegistrationDetails/479388

If you are a new administrator, be sure to mark this opportunity on your calendar!

Title: Alabama’s Teacher Observation Tool: An Overview for Administrators

Course Description: Alabama Achieves, the strategic plan of the Alabama State Department of Education, specifically focuses on providing students with highly effective teachers. The ALSDE has partnered with Cognia in creating a teacher observation tool that provides educators with specific areas of strengths/growth and aligns with the Alabama Core Teaching Standards. The instrument also assists educators in developing professional development plans and choosing informed professional learning experiences. In this session administrators will be able to

• Understand the Teacher Observation Tool

• Utilize the Teacher Observation Tool for classroom observation

• Calibrate scores on the Teacher Observation Tool

Time: 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Location: UWA Young Hall, Livingston, AL

Location: Orange Beach Event Center at the Wharf

Dates: October 12-13, 2023

For more information, use QR code in attached flyer.

We are excited to announce that our Inservice Center will once again offer regional support for Region Four secondary instructional coaches who are not served by AMSTI or ARI. We are thrilled to have Diane Sweeney, author of Student-Centered Coaching, as the facilitator of this year's support.

If you are a secondary coach in Region Four, register in PowerSchool for each of the sessions below using the following course number: 306294. You will need to register for each of the sessions separately in order to reserve your space.

October 17, 2023

December 12, 2023

January 11, 2024

Feel free to contact Dr. Holly Morgan at hgmorgan@ua.edu with any questions.

Please contact Sara McGee (smcgee@ua.edu) if you have questions or requests for other professional learning support.

• ASIM Biology Training and Support (Lisa Clark, lclark@ua.edu)

• ASIM Chemistry/Physical Science Training and Support (Brooks Moss, moss020@ua.edu)
• ASIM Physics and Earth/Space Science Training and Support (Julie Covin, jcovin@ua.edu)

Contact our specialists today to request on-site instructional support as you return to school! We are here for you!

This year, ARI, OMI, and MTSS will collaboratively host Strong Leaders, Strong Readers. Meetings will be held from 8:30-3:30. More information coming soon!

Sessions will be held on the following dates:

September 27, 2023

December 6, 2023

February 7, 2024

March 20, 2024

Meeting Location:

New Heights Community Resource Center (Tuscaloosa City Schools)

3834 21st Street

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Contact Dr. Tiffany Davis (tiffany.davis@alsde.edu) with any questions.

ARI Quick Links Document (Includes Proficiency Scales for K-5)

Quick Links

ARI Newsletter Listserv Request

New ARI Facebook Page

The following document provides access to curated resources to support implementation of the 2021 ELA Course of Study in Grades 6-12. The link will allow you to create your own copy of the resource document.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XKFtlDduyfdOt6uN1sxM9wXu_9QPLi4Ib11JiOpaax4/copy

OSI Docs and Tools

• Alabama Coaching Framework - Coaching Framework Presentations and Documents
  
• Principal Calendar - Presented at Mega
• OSI Mega Sessions - Presentation Links
• Secondary ELA COS Resources
• OSI Website

• ACIP Support Site

• ACAP/ACT Resource Page

• Youtube (Recorded PL)

Join Dr. Mayben for his technology sessions this fall! You may find all of his posted opportunities at www.uatim.org/opportunities.

Contact Dr. Robert Mayben at rmayben@ua.edu to support your school or district's technology professional learning needs.

Leaders Count, Students Count:
The Office of Mathematics Improvement (OMI) is partnering with ARI and Instructional Services to provide regional principal meetings to support implementation of the Alabama Numeracy Act and Alabama Literacy Act. Registration information is coming soon! For more information, contact Amy Tilford at amy.tilford@alsde.edu.

Please use the direct link below to access the ALSDE English Learner Support Request form and to learn more about the supports available. The ALSDE is now requiring this request to be completed before any initial visit for Instructional Support.

EL Region 4 Specialist: Dr. Stephanie Reynolds (stephanie.reynolds@alsde.edu)

Ellevation Virtual Training Options and Dates

https://sway.office.com/glKb65ek8hebbp6V?ref=Link&loc=play

Alabama World Languages Newsletter

WORLD LANGUAGE EDUCATION

Go to this Sway

This year, ARI, OMI, and MTSS will collaboratively host Strong Leaders, Strong Readers. Meetings will be held from 8:30-3:30. More information coming soon!

Sessions will be held on the following dates:

September 27, 2023

December 6, 2023

February 7, 2024

March 20, 2024

Meeting Location:

New Heights Community Resource Center (Tuscaloosa City Schools)

3834 21st Street

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Contact Dr. Tiffany Davis (tiffany.davis@alsde.edu) with any questions.

New to PowerSchool this year or just needing a refresher on start of school tasks in PowerSchool? If this describes you, then join the PowerSchool coaches for multiple training opportunities throughout the month of August on all of the important back to school topics.

Register now in Professional Learning for these topics using the link below.

https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/course/search/doCourseSearch?searchString=308063&originalSearchString=

Please also feel free to request specific sessions. To request training for your district or school, either reply to this email or click the link in the flyer and submit an Ed Tech ticket request via the following link: Submit Ed Tech Support Ticket

PowerSchool Coach Quandria Robinson (quandria.robinson@alex.state.al.us)

Check out the monthly updates from ALSDE Physical Education:

https://sway.office.com/EpeYgorFHREFS3Cy?ref=email

• OSI ACAP/ACT Resource Doc: ACAP and ACT Tools and Resources

ALSDE has developed proficiency scales that can be used by teachers and students. The following link shares how to access those proficiency scales: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15eWbGs3CQ1D2wHZJUww9cl6Y4NjUDjUi/view?usp=sharing

ATLAS is a resource designed for National Board Certification, but it can also be used by teachers for personal growth or incorporated into district teacher induction programs.This resource is open to our full-time, public school educators in Alabama. Please contact Dr. Morgan at hgmorgan@ua.edu for an account.

Learn. Lead. Legendary. Embark on Your Education Journey With UA Online.

At UA Online, we help educators elevate their careers while they remain in the classroom. We offer over 25 top-ranked education options, including master's degrees, certification-only, specialist and doctoral programs in 100% online and hybrid formats. All students receive in-state tuition rates with no hidden fees. Gain valuable knowledge and position yourself for success — take your next steps on your education journey with UA Online!

Start Your Journey Today At UWA!

Choose from more than 70 degree and certification programs at the University of West Alabama Online.

Learn how an online program can give you the convenience and flexibility you need. Scholarships available at: https://online.uwa.edu/tuition/scholarships-partnerships/teacher-connect/

https://online.uwa.edu/

Dr. Holly Morgan, Director

Mrs. Tami Barron, Accounting Specialist

Email: hgmorgan@ua.edu
Website: www.inservice.ua.edu
Location: 260 Kilgore Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
Phone: 205-348-3319
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uainservice/
Twitter: @UofARIC