Welcome to the spring semester! (Well, it definitely doesn't FEEL like spring!) We at the In-Service Center hope that you enjoyed a happy, healthy holiday break and extend best wishes for this semester. If we can assist you, your school, or your district, please contact us.

As a reminder, please follow our social media pages on Facebook (@uainservice) and Twitter (@UofARIC) for ongoing announcements.You may find any of our newsletters at: http://inservice.ua.edu/newsletter. All of our newsletter opportunities are listed in chronological order by date.

If you would like to request specific support for your school or district, please complete our request form at http://inservice.ua.edu/learning--growth.html.

Happy learning!

Dr. Holly Morgan

Director, UA/UWA Regional In-Service Center

This month’s PD features micro-sessions on topics that are “right on time” for your teachers, counselors, technology coordinators, administrators, and CO staff to help navigate through digital learning and other topics.

To view all January offerings, go to:

January 2021 ALSDE Byte-Sized PD Offerings: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LMAAYElcwi4HpfszvrSk972Frrr_2PYskXsvXBHyrbk/edit?usp=sharing

In this virtual session, teachers will be given a brief overview of the Alabama Literacy Act as well as their roles and responsibilities in the implementation of the law as it relates to English Learners.

Facilitator: ALSDE EL Specialist, Rebecca Padin

Date: January 12, 2021

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Register via the following link:

https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/registration/presentRegistrationDetails/390208

The ARI Leadership Team will utilize the Journey to Success process to implement a plan of action for all K-3 schools. This process outlines five ‘circles of influence’ that must be cohesive and function effectively for schools to be successful. In each webinar, discussion will revolve around the circles and their current influences on student learning. Sessions will be 50 minutes in length, with a 15 minutes updates and a Q&A to follow.

A total of five webinars will be offered: October 28, December 9, January 14, March 4, and May 4. All sessions will be facilitated by Dr. Tiffany Davis and will begin at 11:00 am.

Register via PowerSchool Section #: 387414 or using the following registration link:

https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/registration/presentRegistrationDetails/387414

Paula Young, ARI Literacy Leadership specialist for Fayette, Lamar, and PIckens counties, will also host Brunch/Lunch and Learn sessions at alternate times for Region 4.

The ARI Leadership Team will utilize the Journey to Success process to implement a plan of action for all K-3 schools. This process outlines five ‘circles of influence’ that must be cohesive and function effectively for schools to be successful. In each webinar, discussion will revolve around the circles and their current influences on student learning. Sessions will be 50 minutes in length, with a 15 minutes updates and a Q&A to follow.

A total of five webinars will be offered: October 30, December 9, January 14, March 4, and May 4. All sessions will be facilitated by Paula Young. Sessions will be offered at both 9:00 am and 12:30 pm.

To register for the 9:00 am session, go to:

Section # 388592

Registration Link: https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/registration/presentRegistrationDetails/388592

To register for the 12:30 pm session, go to:

Section# 388595

Registration Link:

https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/registration/presentRegistrationDetails/388595

Developing and Using Proficiency Scales in the Classroom with Dr. Phil Warrick

Attendees will gain a deep understanding of the power of developing and using proficiency scales in the classroom with all students. A proficiency scale is a tool that illustrates related learning goals and scores for determining the current level of performance of individual students on measurement topics. This learning opportunity will overview what scales are and why they are important. Participants will engage in examining multiple approaches to developing high-quality proficiency scales, as well as primary uses of proficiency scales in the classroom.

Learning Outcomes:

• Develop a proficiency scale based on a self-selected topic or standard, including a complex content example.

• Examine various uses of scales in the classroom, including to inform classroom assessment practices.

• Examine proficiency scales for nonacademic factors.

• Compare and contrast a proficiency scale and a rubric.

• Learn about how to use proficiency scales with exceptional learners

Register via the following link below:

https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/registration/presentRegistrationDetails/391011

Participants will receive a copy of the book, A Handbook for Developing and Using Proficiency Scales in the Classroom.

The cohort will be held on the following dates from 1:00-3:00 pm: January 14, February 1, and February 2. (Substitute reimbursement will be provided.)

Our center has partnered with the National Echoes and Reflections Program to offer the following virtual study:

· Analyzing Propaganda & Teaching Media Literacy: The Holocaust as a Case Study

Media literacy skills have become essential for young people to successfully navigate and critically assess the ever-increasing amount of information they receive throughout their day - on social media, advertisements, television, and film. Therefore, it is crucial for students to comprehend and identify how media, both historically and in contemporary society, can be used as a tool to incite hate and violence against certain groups. This learning opportunity examines the events of the Holocaust through the lens of media, by examining propaganda deployed by the Nazis to discriminate against Jews and other minorities. Educators will gain the tools to facilitate classroom discussions on the role and impact of Nazi propaganda during the Holocaust and support their students to critically analyze media in today’s world.

This 3 hour, free virtual learning will be divided into two afternoon sessions on January 19 and 26 from 3:30-5:00 pm. Teachers will receive curricular materials that they may use with their classes. Any middle school and high school teachers (open to all subject areas) may register in PowerSchool via the following link: Teachers may register in PowerSchool via the following link:

https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/registration/presentRegistrationDetails/390248

Are you interested in pursuing National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification? Join us for our 2020-2021 candidate support! Our schedule can be found at http://www.inservice.ua.edu/announcements. The schedule includes dates and session information, along with PowerSchool registration information for each session.

Please contact the following NBCT faciliators for more information:

Anna Daly, adaly2@ua.edu or Krissy Stevenson, kstevenson@tcss.net

Join us virtually on January 21 from 5:00-7:30 pm for "ATLAS Information and Collaboration." Register via PowerSchool section #376227 in order to receive the session Zoom link.

Candidates will receive important information regarding the ATLAS database. Also, a Q&A review session on Components 1-4 will be included to set the stage for small group support during the spring semester.

The Alabama NBCT Network understands the current situation with COVID and its impact it has had on families. In an effort to alleviate stress and promote the health of all of our educators and stakeholders, we will be postponing the Alabama NBCT Network Conference until March 6th. In lieu of the original conference date on January 23rd, we will be hosting a free webinar on self-care on that date. The self-care webinar on January 23rd will be free of charge.

More information about the webinar to include times and registration will be forthcoming. We will also update Alabama NBCT Network Conference registration in the near future. We are still accepting proposals and collecting information regarding the upcoming conference.

In this PLC, facilitated by Dr. Michelle Wilson of The University of West Alabama, participants will discover and apply practical strategies for differentiating instruction specifically for English Learners. Sessions will emphasize the use of: a culturally responsive and collaborative framework, oral language development, teaching academic language, scaffolding in text-dependent questions, and formative assessment to meet the needs of ELs. Participants will be equipped for collaborative partnerships between the classroom teacher, English Learner specialist, and school librarian to best support ELs’ needs in the academic setting.

For this virtual book study, participants will receive a copy of Unlocking English Learners′ Potential: Strategies for Making Content Accessible.

Sessions will occur weekly beginning on January 27 and will end on March 17. Each virtual session will be held from 4:00-5:00 pm.

To register via PowerSchool, please go to: https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/registration/presentRegistrationDetails/390970

In this virtual session, teachers in grades 2-5 will learn how to use the ACAP Instructional Supports & Item Specifications in today’s work and in future lesson planning. We will edit items to make them higher-quality and more equitable and also practice creating technology-enhanced items.

January 28, 2021 from 3:30-5:00 pm

Register via the following link:

https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/registration/presentRegistrationDetails/390615

January 29, 2021 from 1:30-3:00 pm

Register via the following link:

https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/registration/presentRegistrationDetails/390616

13th Annual Southeast Regional ADHD Conference: Responding to ADHD in Times of Crisis

January 28-29, 2021

Virtual Conference

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Ross Greene

2021 Conference will feature a separate track for educators!

Topics include:

• Working with Explosive Children at Home
• Effective Strategies for Teaching Challenging Students
• Helping Students who have Medical Needs Succeed in School

Registration Fee - Early Bird - $149; Standard, $199; Three or more from same organization - $135. Register via

https://www.enrole.com/ua/jsp/course.jsp?courseId=ADHD&categoryId=10251

PowerSchool :

Section# 392113

Registration Link: https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/registration/presentRegistrationDetails/392113

Advancement Courses, A Wiley Brand, in conjunction with UWA, is pleased to announce a free professional learning opportunity through PowerSchool. This online course, “Fostering Cultural Awareness and Inclusivity in the Classroom,” is open to the first 200 registered participants. Acceptable completion of this virtual course will result in 15 Clock Hours earned.

Below is a description of the course:

If culture is the air we breathe, what happens when you and your students bring 20+ different kinds of oxygen into the room? Truly understanding and embracing another culture is challenging in itself—but how do you apply that understanding to your teaching and help your students be more inclusive as well?

In this course, you’ll gain concrete strategies for becoming a more culturally responsive teacher and creating an environment of inclusivity where everyone feels valued and welcome. You’ll start by understanding your own culture so you can better recognize others’ perspectives and address bias in its many forms (implicit, explicit, unconscious, and conscious). In addition, you’ll learn how to promote self-reflection and social–emotional awareness in yourself and your students, and how to help your students become more compassionate, sensitive classmates and human beings.

After participating in this course, you’ll be able to approach instruction with an awareness of your own biases and will be more adept at fostering inclusion and better meeting the needs of your learners.

The PowerSchool Course number: 258781 and its registration link is: https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/course/viewCourseSearch?courseId=258781

The PowerSchool Section number: 389212 and its registration link is: https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/section/viewCourseSection?courseId=258781&sectionId=389212

• February 3, 2020
• 10:00 am-12:00 pm
• Each of these regional meetings, beginning with October 7, 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 items, updates, data, and requests for support based upon the information shared at the ALSDE meetings.

ALABAMA TEACHER MENTOR PROGRAM (ALSDE - FACILITATED BY ATIM)

Open to educators in their first or second year of teaching

Four Meetings per Cohort (See Registration Information for Specific Dates)

3:30 PM to 5:30 PM for each meeting

ATiM is working with the Alabama Teacher Mentor Program (ATMP) to offer a course to new teachers. The course will cover several months and will be a blended format of content that will assist new teachers. The topics will include Digital Citizenship/Communication, Classroom Management, Innovative Teaching with Technology, and Effective Student Engagement. Participants will learn about technology tools to support each of these topics. There will be four synchronous meetings in Zoom, and the course modules and tasks will be housed in Schoology. Registration Link: https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/course/search/doCourseSearch?searchString=257424&originalSearchString=

PowerSchool Course #257424

Calling all school counselors!

We are excited to announce that registration in PowerSchool is open for the 1st Annual West Alabama Regional School Counselors' Conference on Friday, February 5, 2021. Due to the current environment and in order to accommodate more participants, this conference has been changed to a virtual format.

This free opportunity is available to all K-12 school counselors in our region. A steering committee of counselors from both the north, central, and southern portions of our region have worked diligently to plan sessions based upon the needs reflected in our recent survey. These sessions include ethics updates for counselors, PowerSchool updates, data-driven programs, mental health, behavioral interventions, and social-emotional learning. Featured speakers are Dr. Amy Upton, Mr. Sean Stevens, and Dr. Greg Benner.

Register today at https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/registration/presentRegistrationDetails/369118

***In order to proceed with an abundance of caution, this face-to-face session has been rescheduled for February 10, 2021.

Often times, when geography standards are talked about among teachers, it is immediately assumed that students hear about Alabama geography for the first time in 3rd grade; but, this is not the case! Important geographic skills and concepts are addressed in all grades, starting in kindergarten. The primary goal of this institute is to reestablish the importance of social studies standards as it pertains to geography in a fun, hands-on way. In this PD session you’ll learn about the Giant Traveling Map of Alabama. This resource is a large Alabama map from National Geographic that has recently been purchased by the UA/UWA Regional In-Service Center for your use. Attend this session with Sarah Stroud, Tuscaloosa County Schools, and you’ll learn how to check it out for your classroom. You have to see this to believe it—it’s incredible! ***Substitute reimbursement will be provided for each participant.

February 10, 2021

8:30-2:30

UA/UWA Regional In-Service Center

Register via PowerSchool Section #372936

The annual Alabama NBCT Network Conference will take place virtually on March 6. The theme of the conference is The Reflective Practitioner. All educators, administrators, preservice teachers, and education advocates are invited. You do not have to be an NBCT to attend. We are excited to welcome Dr. Peggy Brookins, NBCT, as our keynote speaker. Dr. Brookins is the President and CEO of National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

The link to register is: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2021-alabama-nbct-network-conference-tickets-130255213851

The cost of the conference will be $29.52 for attendees. If you are currently pursuing or renewing certification in Region 4 and would like to attend, please contact Dr. Holly Morgan at hgmorgan@ua.edu regarding sponsorship of your conference fee.

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

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

Training Opportunities:

• ASIM Physics Training will be Wednesday December 2. Physics teachers can contact Julie Covin for registration information.
• ASIM Physical Science Training will be Wednesday, December 9. Teachers may contact Julie Covin or Brooks Moss for registration information.

Contact our specialists today to support you (either virtually or face-to-face)! We are here for you!

Library Technology Professional Learning Groups

ATiM at the UA-UWA In-Service Center is pleased to announce that the Library Technology Professional Learning Groups will resume for the Spring 2021 Semester. The sessions will be offered with face-to-face and virtual cohort options. Each cohort will have two meetings. Face-to-Face cohorts will be limited to 10 participants and will follow the safety rules in place for UA meetings. For more information, visit Course #259862 in the PowerSchool Professional Learning Portal.

Course Link: https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/course/viewCourseSearch?courseId=259862

PowerSchool Professional Learning for Teachers

ATiM at the UA-UWA In-Service Center will present a virtual session on January 13 for teachers who would like to learn more about the PowerSchool Professional Learning portal. Topics will include how to search for and find courses, how to register, how to find the surveys, how to find transcripts, and more. Register by using the section #391365 or go directly using this link: https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/registration/presentRegistrationDetails/391365

Microsoft Mondays Coming This Spring!

Want to learn more about using Microsoft tools for teaching and learning? This spring, join ATiM Specialist, Dr. Robert Mayben, on the last Monday of each month (January-April) for virtual sessions on integrating different Microsoft Tools into your curriculum. Session information is available by visiting PowerSchool Professional Learning Course #259867.

Course Link: https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/course/viewCourseSearch?courseId=259867

As always, please contact Dr. Robert Mayben at rmayben@ua.edu to support your school or district's technology professional learning needs.

Contact Sara McGee, AMSTI Director, at smcgee@ua.edu to request K-12 math or K-8 science support for your school or district.

Now Accepting Cohorts to Begin Fall 2021 and 2023!

Project RIIPL will train 20 special education and school psychology practitioner-leaders with specific expertise in rural education settings. Benefits include annual stipend, tuition, conference travel, and more! Contact Dr. Sara McDaniel (scmcdaniel@ua.edu) for more information.

UWA offers scholarships for online classes to teachers who serve within the Teacher Connect districts. (All schools in Region 4 are eligible.) For more information, contact online.uwa.edu/teacherconnect.

EARN YOUR MASTER'S, EdS OR EdD FROM UA ONLINE!

We're ready to help you conquer your goals in 2021! Earn a master's, EdS or doctoral degree from The University of Alabama online or in a hybrid (weekend) format so you can advance your methods and your career. GRE/MAT application requirements have been waived for Summer and Fall 2021 applications, so it's a great time to apply! Tuition is less expensive than main campus programs, even though the degrees are identical. Are you ready for the next phase of your journey? We are! Contact us today!

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, Administrative Assistant

Ms. Angela Lewis, Office Associate

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