Happy Spring...well, it feels like it anyway! I don't know about you, but the recent warm weather has me wondering where winter has gone! The spring semester is passing quickly, and we want to remind you of many upcoming spring professional learning opportunities. Our summer professional learning opportunities are released each year by April 15, so watch for an announcement in early April.

In addition to the sessions that are open to all educators in our region (found on our newsletter below), 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 (@uainservice) and Twitter (@UofARIC) for ongoing announcements. As a reminder, you may find any of our newsletters at: http://inservice.ua.edu/newsletter.

Best wishes for a wonderful spring break!

Dr. Holly Morgan

Director, UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center

Date: March 1, 2023

Register via PowerSchool section #461413 or use the following link

If you are a new administrator or were unable to attend training last year, 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

Check out the ALSDE Bite-Sized Professional Learning opportunities that are being offered this spring. Topics range from assessment, teacher mentoring, PowerSchool, and more!

In this session, provided by Dr. Carolyn Jones (ALSDE) and Dr. Patrick Chappell (Publishers' Warehouse), educators will investigate the following: Goals of the Textbook Committee; Formation of the Local Textbook Committee; Best Practices for the Local Textbook Committee; Work of the Local Textbook Committee; Publisher Expectations; Textbook Caravan; Final Steps for Local Textbook Adoption; Samples Timeline will be provided; Adoption process forms; Procedures for adopting textbooks outside the State approved list; Sample Oath of Office; Textbook Disposal Procedures; Textbook Law; Textbook orders with Publishers' Warehouse.

Date: March 2, 2023

Time: 10:00-11:30 am

Virtual via Zoom

Register via PowerSchool PL Section #454312 or via the following link in order to receive the Zoom link.

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 Region Four specialists are offering an overview session on the following date:

• March 2 from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm

Location: Central Elementary School

Register via PowerSchool PL Section #454304 or via the following link

Alabama Public Television is offering a one hour session just for secondary math and science teachers. Use the link below to register and receive the zoom information:

https://forms.office.com/r/A7EQ47B6Bf

March 2, 2023

3:45-5:00 pm

The next session is March 6!

We are excited to announce that our Inservice Center will once again offer regional support for secondary instructional coaches who are not served by AMSTI or ARI. Each quarterly session will be held at the Tuscaloosa County Board of Education on the following dates. If you are a secondary instructional coach who would like to participate this year, please use the links below to register in PowerSchool for these sessions. We will continue our study of the coaching process and how to use data to drive our coaching conversations.

September 23, 2022

November 17, 2022

January 27, 2023

March 6, 2023

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

Join Charissa Lambert, ALSDE OSI ELA Specialist, for one of the half-day opportunities provided on March 7! This session is intended for ELA teachers in grades 4-8, instructional coaches who support teachers in grades 4-8, and administrators.

Date: March 7, 2023

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

Register in PowerSchool Professional Learning Using the Section Numbers Below:

8:30-11:30 am: Section #466313

12:30-3:30 pm: Section #466316

Join Dr. Blake Busbin, ALSDE Social Studies Education Specialist, on March 9 for this second session! Each session will be held from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm at the UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center, 260 Kilgore Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.

If you cannot attend both sessions, feel free to join us for one of them!

Register in PowerSchool PL via the following links:

March 9, 2023

https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/registration/presentRegistrationDetails/462141

U.S. Drone Soccer Southeast District V Tournament (AL, GA, FL, MS, TN, SC)

Saturday, March 18, 2023 @ Shelton State
For more information, visit www.dronesoccer.us/events or email Dr. Mayben at RMayben@ua.edu for more information.

If you are interested in bringing Drone Soccer to your school or learning more about this innovative new esport, please contact Dr. Mayben at RMayben@ua.edu.

THE NEXT SESSION IS March 23!

Region 4 Administrators:

Join AMSTI and ARI for the following quarterly principal meetings on October 6, December 8, February 9, and March 23. These sessions are for building administrators of K-5 schools. This information was referenced in a SDE memo (page 5).

The sessions will be held in Capital Hall on The University of Alabama campus. Please complete the following registration form in order to receive your parking pass.

Sessions begin at 8:30 and end at 3:30. You should plan to attend all day in order to participate in both the AMSTI and ARI session.

Please reach out to your AMSTI Director Sara McGee smcgee@ua.edu or your ARI contact Tiffany Davis tiffany.davis@ALSDE.edu if you would like additional information.

Virtual field trips can create engaging experiences beyond the classroom for students. In this session, participants will explore tools, resources, and strategies for planning and creating virtual field trips, where to find ready-made virtual field trips, and how to facilitate these interactive learning experiences.

Registration Link: Coming Soon (will be added to www.uatim.org/opportunities)

In this session, educators will develop an awareness of Alabama's Core Teaching Standards.

They will collaborate to apply the Core Teaching Standards in practice and identify evidence of the Core Teaching Standards in their daily practice. Educators will also align the Alabama Core Teaching Standards to the dimension within Alabama's new Teacher Observation Tool.

Date: March 28

Time: 8:30-3:30

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

Register via PowerSchool PL section #461411

Join us at the UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center (260 Kilgore Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL) on March 30 from 5:00-7:30 pm for our March mentoring sessions. Register via PowerSchool PL Section #435611.

You will receive support from Candidate Support Providers as you work on your selected component(s) in a small group setting.

Meet STEM researchers at The University of Alabama who have created K-12 lesson plans based on their cutting-edge research. This is a drop-in networking gala where you can visit with researchers about their lesson plans and with local organizations about their educational programs. We will have food and giveaways while you visit tables.

Thursday, March 30 at 6-7:30PM

Alabama Museum of Natural History Smith Hall, 427 Sixth Ave, Tuscaloosa

Free registration: https://sciren.ua.edu/teacher-registration.html

The ALSDE National Board Certification scholarship has now been released. The electronic application can be downloaded at https://docs.google.com/document/d/18GcrTxwi6xAYwYJUL-BZ7w_as1QItEEYqgC6wQ8nuuA/edit?usp=sharing. The deadline for submitting an application is March 31, 2023. All applicants will be notified of their status by mid-May.

NEW - Year 1 and Year 2 teachers may now apply. Previously, educators must have completed three successful years of teaching prior to beginning the National Board Certification process. The policy change now will open access to educators interested in the Board certification process by allowing them to begin the process of Board certification before completing three years of teaching experience. While this change allows educators to begin the process earlier, educators will need to complete three successful years of teaching employment to become Board-certified.

NEW - The annual household income threshold has been raised from $120,000 to $150,000.

Join APT as we explore Alabama with this virtual workshop for grades 3-12. Find out about APT resources that examine influential people and places across our state. Some of the resources we will look at include Yellowhammer History Hunt, Shuttlesworth, Alabama African American History and Project C. One hour of PD will be awarded at completion.

April 18, 2023

3:45-4:45 pm

Register via this link: https://forms.office.com/r/dDV2sLGRbP

Alabama Public Television is a Yellowhammer History Hunt at Moundville Archeological Park on April 25th. Information regarding the session can be found on the flyer. The link to register for this session is https://forms.office.com/r/G1guHakp0w. Pre-service teachers are also invited to attend!

Join us virtually on April 26 for the following opportunities from Metametrics! This information includes free resources for Alabama educators based upon students' lexile and quantile measures.

Metametrics Lexile Framework for Reading

April 26

9:00-10:30 am

Virtual via Zoom

Register via PowerSchool PL #455853 in order to receive Zoom link.

Metametrics Quantile Framework for Mathematics

April 26

1:00-2:30 pm

Virtual via Zoom

Register via PowerSchool PL #455861 in order to receive Zoom link.

***For more information about Metametrics and its partnership with Alabama and their FREE resources, visit https://metametricsinc.com/fieldtrip/alabama/.

Join us at the UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center (260 Kilgore Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL) on April 27 from 5:00-7:30 pm for our April mentoring sessions. Register via PowerSchool PL Section #435613.

You will receive support from Candidate Support Providers as you work on your selected component(s) in a small group setting.

If you are an NBCT candidate in the UA/UWA Region, join us on Friday, April 28 for our spring writing retreat. Candidates will work on their analysis of evidence and written commentary. Full-day substitute reimbursement will be provided for each participant (as long as the educator teaches in Region 4, UA/UWA).

Spring Writing Retreat

April 28, 2023; 8:30 AM-3:00 PM

Register via PowerSchool Section #435540

Please review the attached flyer for upcoming spring workshops in March and April that will be offered by Hudson Alpha.

The UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center is pleased to announce that we will be hosting Pre-AP Readiness Workshops in partnership with College Board. Pre-AP Readiness Workshops are in-person collaborative experiences that orient participants to the content, design, and pedagogy of the Pre-AP Program. Teachers explore Pre-AP design and instructional content-specific topics that empower them to apply what they’ve learned to their own grade level or course within their content area. Save your seat now!

Who Should Attend the Readiness Workshops?

-Grades 6-12 teachers

-Leaders

Why Should I Attend?

-Learn new approaches and develop plans for instruction that can be applied in your own classroom

-Collaboratively design classroom activities that build readiness and meets the needs of all learners

-Gain new skills and insights with a supportive peer network and expert National Faculty

-Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) are awarded upon completion

Workshop Objectives

-Explore Pre-AP model lessons, the course framework, teacher resources, and student learning supports

-Analyze how Pre-AP instructional design supports all students in achieving success toward AP, college, and beyond

-Learn how to apply Pre-AP shared principles and course areas of focus to yearlong planning and classroom instruction

We will have workshops on the following dates:

May 1: English Language Arts

May 2: Mathematics

May 4: Social Studies

May 5: Science

Sessions will be held from 8:30-3:30 PM CST. Each math and science workshop counts as TEAMS PD credit. Register for the sessions using the links below by March 31, 2023.

Key Links:

• Alabama Pre-AP Professional Learning Calendar: https://eventreg.collegeboard.org/c/calendar/eb69bd26-490f-44d9-bf20-1fd59f23f35f
• Custom registration site for UA/UWA region: https://eventreg.collegeboard.org/d/3lq587/

Upon attendance, we will then award credit for attendees in PowerSchool Professional Learning.

• May 4, 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 30, 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.

Please make plans to join us in Alabama’s Rocket City for the 2023 Alabama Education Technology Conference (AETC) as we “Suit Up for the Mission” of improving educational technology across the state. This conference will be held on June 14-16, 2023, at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, AL.

AETC plays a major role in assisting educators to increase their understanding of instructional technology in education. This state conference is an opportunity for educators in the state to refine skills, connect with other educators, and share ideas. Please visit www.alabamaetc.com for additional information.

AETC will offer four free registrations per LEA for educators who meet the certain criteria — names must be submitted by April 28th.Please make plans to join us in Alabama’s Rocket City for the 2023 Alabama Education Technology Conference (AETC) as we “Suit Up for the Mission” of improving educational technology across the state. This conference will be held on June 14-16, 2023, at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, AL.

AMSTI is continuing to partner with ARI to host regional principal meetings to support implementation of the Alabama Numeracy Act. For more information, please view the flyer posted above in this newsletter.

Summer training is open for registration! You can view all AMSTI opportunities at their new AMSTI-UA website at https://amsti-ua.wixsite.com/amsti-ua. More information is linked in the flyer below.

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 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 as you return to school! We are here for you!

• An Earth and Space Training Day will be offered on March 6th. Topics included will be the Sun, Rocks, and Minerals. A Chemistry Training Day will be offered on April 14th. Topics covered will be Intermolecular Forces. Contact Brooks Moss at moss020@ua.edu with any questions. Register via the following link: https://forms.monday.com/forms/e6fa491c78b19b6966e574ff7100f082?r=use1
  

  
  

• There will be a Physical Science Training on April 7th from 8:30 to 3:30 at the Tom Barnes Educational Center. Physical science concepts covered will include chemical reactions, momentum and waves. To register for this event, complete the following form: https://forms.monday.com/forms/e6fa491c78b19b6966e574ff7100f082?r=use1

  If you have questions, feel free to reach out to Julie Covin (jhcovin@ua.edu) or Brooks Moss (moss020@ua.edu)

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

Quick Links

ARI is partnering with AMSTI to host regional principal meetings to support implementation of the Alabama Literacy Act. For more information, please view the flyer posted above in this newsletter.

ARI Literacy Leadership | Smore Newsletters for Education

ARI Newsletter Listserv Request

New ARI Facebook Page

Family & Community Newsletter

ARI's Spring Literacy Fun Newsletter 2023 (Spring 2023)

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 (New)

• 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.

See the information from Mrs. Tilford linked below regarding the Alabama Numeracy Act Summer Programming FAQs and Alabama Numeracy Act overview. For more information, contact Amy Tilford at amy.tilford@alsde.edu.

The Office of Mathematics Improvement presents a problem-solving unit that will benefit fourth and fifth graders attending summer math programs. A preview of the unit can be found at the link. The preview contains both a summary of the unit and a registration link for a virtual overview of the unit.

Click on this link for preview!

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)

EL Support Request Link:
https://forms.office.com/r/pXeGunUPgb

ALSDE EL Spring Newsletter

https://sway.office.com/hYfbJqBMqDHqrHjA?ref=email&loc=play

AL-MTSS Monthly - January

March opportunities are located in the attached flyer.

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 latest information from Dr. Blake Busbin, ALSDE Social Studies Education Specialist:

https://sway.office.com/FdGY5xkTxv9GS89E?ref=email

Please find the updates for Alabama Health and Physical Education at: https://sway.office.com/iCKSint6bPwdzjoB?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.

Advance Your Career Around Your Schedule

Give yourself a raise with our top-ranked education programs. Our master’s, certification only, specialist and doctoral options are available in 100% online or hybrid formats. We offer in-state tuition rates for all with no hidden fees. Learn more about our 25+ education opportunities!

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

Mrs. Banks Gordy, UWA Coordinator

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