UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center
March/April 2023
Spring is Here (Where Did Winter Go?)
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
March/April 2023 Professional Learning Opportunities and Updates
March 1: Alabama's Teacher Observation Tool: Training for Administrators
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
March/April 2023: ALSDE Bite-Sized Professional Learning Series
March 2: ALSDE: Overview of the Local Textbook Adoption Process
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.
March 2: English/Language Arts 2021 Course of Study Overview
- 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
APT and PBS Learning Media for Secondary Math and Science Teachers
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
March 6: UA/UWA RIC: Regional Secondary Coaching Community
The next session is March 6!
Feel free to contact Dr. Holly Morgan at hgmorgan@ua.edu with any questions.
March 7: Working Smarter, Not Harder-Using Instructional Supports to Guide Instruction in Preparation for the ACAP
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
March 9: ALSDE Social Studies: Using Primary Sources to Teach the Movement
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
March 18: U.S. Drone Soccer Southeast District V Tournament (AL, GA, FL, MS, TN, SC)
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.
March 23: AMSTI/ARI: Region 4 Quarterly Principal Meetings
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.
March 23: Go Beyond the Classroom with Virtual Field Trips
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)
March 28: UA/UWA RIC Implementing Alabama's Core Teaching Standards to Improve Instruction
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
March 30: UA/UWA NBCT Cohort: March Mentoring Sessions
You will receive support from Candidate Support Providers as you work on your selected component(s) in a small group setting.
March 30: Bring Alabama STEM to your classroom through the Scientific Research and Education Network (SciREN) Gala!
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
Applications are due by March 31! ALSDE National Board Certification Scholarship
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.
April 18: Explore Alabama with Alabama Public Television- Virtual PD
April 18, 2023
3:45-4:45 pm
Register via this link: https://forms.office.com/r/dDV2sLGRbP
April 25: Yellowhammer History Hunt at Moundville Archaeological Park
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!
UA/UWA Inservice Center Winter Governing Board Meeting
Tuesday, Apr 25, 2023, 03:30 PM
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April 26: Metametrics: Lexile and Quantile Frameworks
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/.
April 27: UA/UWA NBCT Cohort: April Mentoring Sessions
You will receive support from Candidate Support Providers as you work on your selected component(s) in a small group setting.
April 28: UA/UWA Cohort-National Board Spring Writing Retreat
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
Hudson Alpha Spring Workshops in March and April
~Upcoming Opportunities: May 2023 and Beyond~
Alabama Pre-AP Readiness Workshops
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.
UA/UWA Region 4 Curriculum Directors' PLC
- 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.
AETC Conference: June 14-16, 2023
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.
~OPPORTUNITIES FROM OUR REGIONAL INITIATIVES~
AMSTI
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.
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 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)
Alabama Reading Initiative
ARI Quick Links Document (Includes Proficiency Scales for K-5)
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
Family & Community Newsletter
ARI's Spring Literacy Fun Newsletter 2023 (Spring 2023)
2021 ELA Course of Study: Secondary (6-12) ELA Resources
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
Office of School Improvement Updates
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)
Youtube (Recorded PL)
Technology in Motion with Dr. Robert Mayben
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.
~ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM OUR REGIONAL PARTNERS~
Region 4 Regional Coordinator, Office of Mathematics Improvement: Amy Tilford
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!
Region 4 EL Specialist: Dr. Stephanie Reynolds
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
March Opportunities: Region 4 ALSDE PowerSchool Coach: Quandria Robinson
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)
Alabama Social Studies and Physical Education Newsletters
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
~RESOURCES~
ALSDE Proficiency Scales
ATLAS Resources
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UA/UWA Regional Inservice Education Center
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