PLUACLD926 Digital Citizenship Best Practices that Just Make Sense (PSPL Section #414760)
PLUACLD926 focuses on supporting educational leadership as they educate their staff members and students in the appropriate, safe, ethical, and legal use of technology. There will be three after school Zoom meetings (Nov 3, Nov 17, and Dec 1), and all other work will be completed online by participants between the virtual meetings. Registration Link: https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/registration/presentRegistrationDetails/414760
NBCT Candidate Support Provider Training: November 4
Are you interested in becoming a candidate support provider for this year's UA/UWA NBCT Cohort? Join us on Thursday, November 4 from 5:00-7:30 pm as author, Bobbie Faulkner, shares tips for providing effective candidate support.
Register via PowerSchool section #404461!
Beginning with the End in Mind: Textbook / Instructional Resource Adoption & Purchasing: PLU Begins November 4!
Beginning with the End in Mind: Textbook / Instructional Resource Adoption & Purchasing
Register in PowerSchool via course #273745
The purpose of this PLU is to equip school & district leaders with the legalities, the skill-set, & and the best practices necessary to ensure that districts make the best choices for instructional materials for their teachers & students. PLU participants will attend specific sessions in 3 different conferences as well as complete & turn in activities between those sessions.
To earn a PLU, you will need to register for BOTH AASCD Boot Camps: Fall (Nov. 4th) & Spring (Feb. 17) as well as the AASCD Winter Conference (Jan. 24 & 25). All 3 are virtual conferences.There will be required submissions besides attending those sessions, but they will be activities directly related to the work of a textbook or curriculum coordinator. To participate, you need to:
- Register for the PLU through PowerSchool PL: #PLUACLD987
- Register for each of the AASCD events: https://clasleaders.org/professional-development
Alabama's Teacher Observation Tool: UA/UWA Region 4 Training for Administrators
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.
Region 4 Dates: November 9 or 10 (Choose one full day to attend; two sessions are open each day)
Region 4 Location: Bryant Conference Center, 240 Paul W. Bryant Dr., Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Click on the direct links below in order to register via PowerSchool for the following opportunities in Region 4:
NBCT Fall Writing Retreat: November 16
Register via PowerSchool Section #404474!
Language Acquisition or Learning Disability?: How to Support English Learners with a Learning Disability
Register via PowerSchool section #420085
NBCT Component 2: November 18
A Zoom link will be added to the notes section of the PowerSchool listing and will be shared with you via e-mail approximately two days prior to the session if you prefer to join virtually.
ALSDE CHANCE Grant Opportunity: Due November 18
The ALSDE is providing a competitive grant opportunity—Creating High Achieving Networks and Cultivating Excellence (CHANCE)—to encourage schools in activities and practices that focus on creating equitable opportunities to implement innovation.
Eligible schools must fall into one of the following categories:
- Comprehensive Support & Improvement (CSI)
- Additional Targeted Support & Improvement (ATSI)
- Graduation Rate/Career Readiness Gap (GRCRG)
The CHANCE Competitive Grant focuses on incorporating evidence-based activities and practices outlined in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Recipients will be innovative change agents who are eager to provide new opportunities for Alabama students.
The application deadline is Thursday, November 18, 2021. Applicants must submit an electronic copy signed by the principal and superintendent to CHANCEapps@alsde.edu. Due to the competitive nature of this grant, the deadline for applications will not be extended.
November 2021 ALSDE Bite-Sized Professional Learning Series
November 2021 ALSDE Bite-Sized Professional Learning Series
- Monthly learning opportunities have been redesigned in a “series” model to assist educators in ongoing learning.
- Individuals can register by clicking any of the blue hyperlinks and registering in PowerSchool PL.
ARI Region 4 Lunch and Learn Sessions
ARI Lunch and Learns for Administrators- As outlined in the Alabama Literacy Act (ALA), the ARI local and regional literacy specialists must be clear and intentional in working with the school administrators to create a strategic plan for coaching that includes coaching and mentoring teachers daily (p.10). This strategic plan for coaching will assist in a seamless transition to the 2021 Alabama Course of Study: English Language Arts (ELA COS). Each Lunch and Learn will include time to explore a specific area of foundational reading from our 2021 ELA COS and support administrators in ensuring all educators in our buildings have a clear understanding of how the science of reading is explicitly incorporated to enable K-3 students to master grade-level content.
Lunch & Learn 1
September 30, 2021
Lunch & Learn 2
December 2, 2021
Lunch & Learn 3
January 27, 2022
Lunch & Learn 4
March 10, 2022
Lunch & Learn 5
- April 28, 2022
All sessions will be held via Zoom from 10:00-11:00 am. Register in PowerSchool via the following link to receive the Zoom links.
You may also review ARI updates via their ARI Literacy Leadership | Smore Newsletters.
Inspiring STEM Careers through Naval Grand Challenges: Sessions for Secondary Science Teachers
Through a collaborative grant between The University of Alabama and Auburn University faculty, two training workshops for high school science teachers are being offered. Eligible teachers include those that teach physical science, physics, chemistry, environmental science, or engineering courses. The workshop will introduce twelve new science labs that connect science standards to the STEM challenges of the U.S. Navy. Participants will receive a $100 stipend for attending training. Additional stipends will be offered for using the lesson kits in the classroom and providing feedback. Participants can borrow classroom kits to use in labs during spring 2021.
Two training opportunities (choose one):
December 7, 2021, Tue, 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM CST
January 8, 2022, Sat, 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM CST
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/naval-connections-for-high-school-science-tickets-201684974187
Scholastic Awards in Art and Writing
Through the Scholastic Awards, teens in grades 7-12 (ages 13 and up) from public, private, or home schools can apply in 29 categories of art and writing for their chance to earn scholarships and have their works exhibited and published.
For a full list of category descriptions click the link below:
https://www.artandwriting.org/what-we-do/the-awards/categories/
Please encourage your students to submit their work for this year's awards program.
Alabama Technology in Motion: Library Technology PLGs
Join Dr. Robert Mayben for one of the three library technology PLGs offered for 2021-2022. Cohorts begin in early December!
Cohorts 1-3 will meet face-to-face from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the UA/UWA Inservice Center in Tuscaloosa. Cohort 4 will be a completely virtual cohort. See the attached flyer for all session dates.
Topics include emerging technologies, blended learning, digital citizenship, and more!
Register via PowerSchool PL Course #273916.
ACAP Resources
ACAP Checklist & Presentation
- OSI has developed an ACAP checklist and presentation to assist educators with various tools and resources developed by ALSDE & DRC.
- Access checklist here.
- Access presentation here.
Follow the ALSDE Office of Student Learning Wakelet!
ATIM Teacher Technology Mentor Program: Cohort 5
New Teacher Technology Mentor/Mentee Program Cohort 5
ATiM is now accepting registration for Cohort 5 of the New Teacher Technology Mentor Program. This newly revised course will be a blended format of content that will assist new teachers(first or second year) in the LEAs. The course will cover several months and include topics such as digital citizenship, communication, classroom management, innovative teaching ideas, and effective student engagement. Participants will learn about technology tools to support each of these topics. There will be three synchronous meetings in Zoom, and the course modules and tasks will be housed in Schoology. This course will be offered by ATIM Specialists in Regional Inservice Centers. Participants must be a certified first or second year teacher that has not already participated. Participants can earn up to 12 CEUs for completing this course. We look forward to meeting the new members of Cohort 4 and teaching them some new strategies and tools. (This is completely voluntary and space is limited.) To sign up, register in PSPL course #271169 and look for section #41665 with Cohort 4 by the January 7 deadline.
January 12-13, 2022: Cognia Innovate, Elevate, Transform Alabama Conference
Save the Date – January 12 – 13, 2022
INNOVATE, ELEVATE, TRANSFORM ALABAMA Conference
Strategies for thriving in the new normal
As we all continue to evolve and adapt to a new normal, Cognia celebrates a return to in-person events to learn from each other and to make a difference for learners. We want to invite you to save the date for our next Alabama conference on January 12 and 13, 2022 in Montgomery, AL.
As always, we’re dedicated to helping you embed continuous improvement in schooling every day—and meet your most difficult challenges. During the “Innovate, Elevate, Transform” conference, you’ll experience the Cognia community and learn about impactful solutions and inspiring successes. You’ll learn from experts, build strong connections with peers, and share best practices with colleagues and friends from across Alabama.
Though this event, you’ll gather insights that help transform your teaching and assist in effectively leading your district, school, or classroom. Together we’ll explore topics you can apply in your everyday practice, including how to:
· Improve instruction with engagement for all
· Learn strategies to reach your students in all learning environments
· Make assessments meaningful
· Explore equity in the classroom
- Get support for continuous improvement in and out of the classroom
- Identify accreditation key processes and practices
Elevate your teaching and learning at this year’s conference. We are excited to see you! Let’s move forward together.
Registration information will be coming in October 2021. Mark your calendars now!
February 11, 2022: 2nd Annual West Alabama Regional Counselors' Conference
We are excited to announce that we will host our 2nd Annual West Alabama Regional School Counselors' Conference on Friday, February 11, 2022 at the Tuscaloosa Career and Technology Academy (2800 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Tuscaloosa, AL 35401). This will be a free event to support the school counselors within our region.
Register via PowerSchool with this link
When: February 11, 2022
Where: Tuscaloosa Career and Technology Academy
Session agenda will be shared soon!
Session topics include diversity/equity/inclusion, SEL, mental health, self-care, and more!
Network with colleagues in the region during our roundtable sessions!
AMSTI
AMSTI is offering targeted math training to support intervention. Session information, including dates, is included in the link below.
AMSTI Region 4 Professional Learning for Intervention
The link to register for any of these sessions is:
https://forms.gle/expaJz3cP4suXxBp9
More information can be found on the linked flyer.
Please contact Sara McGee (smcgee@ua.edu) if you need other professional learning needs.
AMSTI Iron Bowl STEM Competition
- Join students across the state as they participate in AMSTI’s 2ndannual STEM Competition in partnership with Learning Blade and SCORE at Auburn.
- For additional information, watch the video promo here Video PromoOR access the attached flyer.
- Deadline to Post Projects: Tuesday, November 23, 2021.
Alabama Science in Motion
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)
Contact our specialists today to request on-site instructional support! We are here for you!
Training
If you are a new teacher needing ASIM training, please reach out to us directly via email, phone, and/or text.
Lab Safety
We are unable to provide printed safety contracts, but you will be required to have one on file for your students. You may use the Flinn Safety Contract (also available in Spanish) or a personal/district plan. Try paperless! Use your LMS platform and ask students and parents to sign digitally.
ASIM Biology
ASIM Environmental Science/Biology Training – November 3rd (Photosynthesis, Global Climate, Water Quality, Succession)
ASIM Chemistry
ASIM Chemistry Training- Dec 2nd - Chemistry concepts covered will focus on properties of matter, solubility, and gas laws
ASIM Physical Science Training- Nov 9th - Physical Science training that will cover chemical reactions, Law of Conservation of Matter, pH, and radiation
To register for these trainings complete the form here: https://forms.monday.com/forms/e6fa491c78b19b6966e574ff7100f082?r=use1
Feel free to contact Brooks Moss via email moss020@ua.edu for questions or for more information
ASIM Physics
ASIM Physics Training: Thursday, November 11
ASIM Physics for Physical Science Training: Tuesday, November 16
Please contact ASIM Physics Specialist Julie Covin for more information.
jcovin@ua.edu. 205.531.3230
Scientist for a Day!
Would your students like to come work with research scientists in a bio or engineering lab for a day here on campus? It is called scientist for a day! ASIM Biology, in partnership with UA faculty, is proud to offer this event.
Scientist-for-a-Day – December 3, 2021
This activity involves being selected as an advanced high school science student who has competed for a selected spot to come train with a University of Alabama biology or engineering professor/staff for one day. Students will be exposed to common techniques used in the professor's lab and assist in carrying out a part of an investigation.
Hours: ~ 9:00-2:00
Must provide own transportation
Meet at 8:30 in SEC 3408 for orientation (Science & Engineering Complex)
300 Hackberry Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Complete the application form (by Wednesday, 11/10), complete with competitive essay in an attempt to secure 1 of 16 potential spots. Students should visit the professor's web page and review information (https://bit.ly/3peIwmI) to assist in writing a well-matched essay for desired placement. Please select and order your top three professor placements with specific reasoning for requested placement. Make reference to professors' research for each entry.
Alabama Reading Initiative
ARI Quick Links to Support the ALA Implementation
- Use the following link OR QR code for a current list of links: Quick Links to Support the Alabama Literacy Act Implementation
Alabama Technology in Motion with Dr. Robert Mayben
Contact Dr. Robert Mayben at rmayben@ua.edu to support your school or district's technology professional learning needs. PLU opportunities and other training opportunities are posted in this newsletter above!
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UWA Online
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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/
UA/UWA Regional In-Service Education Center
Mrs. Tami Barron, Administrative Assistant
Ms. Angela Lewis, Office Associate for In-Service Center and AMSTI
Mrs. Banks Gordy, UWA Assistant
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