When you think of "fall," what comes to mind? Is it the cooler temperatures, the change in the leaves, or the return of football season? We also know that fall is the time to solidify relationships with students and build a lasting foundation of high expectations for the school year. As we are only a few weeks away from the official beginning of the fall season, we hope that you will join us for professional learning in order to mark 2023-2024 as the best school year yet!

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 (@uauwaric) and Twitter (@UofARIC) for ongoing announcements. As a reminder, you may find any of our newsletters at: https://inservice.ua.edu/professional-learning-opportunities.

Happy Fall!

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.

Calling all school counselors in West Alabama!

Please assist us in planning for this year's West Alabama Regional School Counselors' Conference that will occur on February 9, 2024 at the Bryant Conference Center. We are asking that all school counselors in the West Alabama Region complete this brief survey so that we may plan sessions that best meet your needs:

West Alabama Regional School Counselors' Conference Survey

The survey will close on the evening of September 29, so please take a few moments to complete it today.

Also, mark your calendars for the conference on February 9! Registration information is coming soon!

September Schoology Series

Join a trio of ATiM Specialists to learn how to create a successful online learning management experience using Schoology. Sessions will take place via Zoom each Thursday in September from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM (CST). PSPL Registration Link: https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/registration/presentRegistrationDetails/481519

Date: September 6th

Time: 3:45-4:45

Title: Creating Engaging Math Lessons with Resources from Alabama Public Television and PBS LearningMedia

Description: Join us for this virtual professional development where we will discover video and interactive resources from Alabama Public Television and PBS LearningMedia to help create engaging math lessons.

APT is an AMSTI affiliate and offers TEAMS-approved professional development sessions.

Link to register: https://forms.office.com/r/EYxKBppVdP

Alabama Public Television Education has a variety of professional development opportunities this fall. Topics include math, reading and social studies. You can complete professional development virtually or come on a Yellowhammer History Hunt with us in Selma or Muscle Shoals.

Click here to find out more.

Join us on September 8 for this session sponsored by the Alabama State Department of Education Special Education Services Division.

September 8, 2023

8:30-11:30 am

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

Register via PowerSchool PL Section #476610 or via the following link: https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/course/viewCourseSearch?courseId=306501

2023-2024 Statewide ARIC Needs Assessment: The voices and opinions of teachers and administrators are crucial to this process; therefore, we need your help!

The Alabama Regional Inservice Centers want to provide quality and relevant professional learning for all educators across the state. Please take a few minutes to complete the 2023-2024 ARIC Regional Inservice Center Needs Assessment.

The survey opens on September 12. Please respond by October 13.

Survey link: https://forms.office.com/r/3DFKG9bccw or use the QR code.

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

Do you feel that sometimes your students are not fully engaged? Does “fully engaged students” sound like a fairy tale? If so, join us for this professional learning opportunity. Teacher participants will be compensated for participation. Please contact Dr. Yurou Wang (ywang329@ua.edu) to reserve your space!

Training Dates:

• September 16th, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Includes lunch)
• September 30th, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Includes lunch)

Location:

• The University of Alabama, Autherine Lucy Hall 202

We are pleased to offer the following benefits:

• 12 continuing education credit hours
• Compensation of $400

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

If you are a current administrator who has already received initial training in the Alabama Teacher Observation Tool, we invite you to join us for one of the half-day refresher sessions listed below so that you are ready to begin your observations this school year!

Date: September 25, 2023

Time: 9:00-11:00 am or 12:30-2:30 pm

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

Description: Provide ongoing, job-embedded learning opportunities through both in-person and hybrid learning environments to engage educators in a comprehensive “deep dive” in the ATGP, including the following:

• Research that supports the tools
• Historical landscape
• Alignment to the Alabama Core Teaching Standards
• Observations of the five (5) dimensions in action

Register via the following links:

Morning session (Section #481220)

Afternoon session (Section #481222)

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.

Don't Be Spooked by AI in Education – October Virtual Series

Don't be spooked by artificial intelligence! Educators are the key to preparing students to thrive in a world where artificial intelligence is an integral part of their lives and careers. In this 4 part series, participants will develop basic knowledge and skills about AI, discover teaching resources related to AI, and consider the capabilities, risks, and ethical questions related to using AI. Sessions will take place via Zoom each Wednesday in October from 3:45 PM to 4:45 PM (CST). PSPL Registration Link: https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/registration/presentRegistrationDetails/482038

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

The Alabama Council for Social Studies will be hosting their annual conference at the Shelby Instructional Service Center on October 6, 2023. Sessions will be held on various threads that include geography, history, civics, government, etc. The ALCSS 2023 theme is highlighting the local, state, and national impact Alabama has had. The keynote speaker will be Lisa S. McNair. She is the author of Dear Denise: Letters to The Sister I Never Knew. She is an activist, speaker, and one that has taken the tragedy of losing her sister in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing to “share with others how her family learned to fight to live for love instead of hate.”

The conference is a valuable opportunity for attendees to enhance their understanding of social studies education and gain practical insights that can be applied in the classroom. Teachers will need to register at alcss.org.

The PowerSchool PD information is as follows:

Alabama Council for the Social Studies Annual Conference [Course #308879; Section #481449]

Location: Orange Beach Event Center at the Wharf

Dates: October 12-13, 2023

For more information, use QR code in attached flyer.

Using her newest book, Navigating Certification, Ms. Faulkner will share strategies for navigating the maintenance of certification process.

October 12

5:00-7:30 pm

Virtual Session via Zoom

Register via PowerSchool PL Section #471476 (in order to receive the session Zoom link)

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.

Join us on October 18 or 25 for A Closer Look at the Alabama Core Teaching Standards and the 5 Dimensions of the Alabama Teacher Observation Tool!

Date: October 18 or 25

Time: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm

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

Description: Provide general overview of the ACTs with a focus on the five dimensions observed in classrooms using the ATOT

Intended Audience:
• Teachers
• Regional and state specialists who support classroom teachers
• Assistant Principals and Principals
• Central Office staff responsible for teacher observations

Register via the following PowerSchool PL links:

October 18

October 25

Join us virtually on October 26 from 5:00-7:30 pm as we take a deep dive into the requirements of Component 3. Register via PowerSchool PL Section #471514.

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.

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!

Join our session series listed in the flyer below; all are TEAMS-approved PD sessions!

This year, ARI, OMI, and MTSS will collaboratively host Strong Leaders, Strong Readers. Meetings will be held from 8:30-3:30. See flyer below.

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.

Course Number 309030 Session Number 481749

Session Title: Family & Community Engagement Module Train the Trainer Session

Session Format: Virtual Microsoft Teams

Click here to join the meeting Meeting ID: 230 643 704 917 Passcode: gSWFAs

Description: This is a train the trainer session to equip principals and local reading specialists with communicating the expectations of the Retention/Pathways to Promotion, per The Alabama Literacy Act. Participants will receive a PowerPoint presentation with notes. Alabama schools should complete turn-around training by October 31, 2023.

Date: September 6, 2023

Time: 12:00-1:30

Required for leaders and local reading specialists.

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)

Visit the new OSL website at the following link: https://sway.office.com/x6GMkvnr5n1z2O6F

Ongoing updates are continuously added at the following link: OSL Updates

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 with an Emphasis on MTSS:

The Office of Mathematics Improvement (OMI) is partnering with ARI and Instructional Services (AL-MTSS) to provide regional principal meetings to support implementation of the Alabama Numeracy Act, Alabama Literacy Act, and MTSS. All sessions will be held from 8:30-3:30 at the New Heights Community Resource Center (address below).

Sessions will be held on the following dates:

• September 27, 2023
• ARI-8:30-11:30; OMI/MTSS-12:30-3:30
• February 7, 2023
• OMI/MTSS-8:30-11:30; ARI-12:30-3:30
• December 6, 2023
• ARI-8:30-11:30; OMI/MTSS-12:30-3:30
• March 20, 2023
• OMI/MTSS-8:30-11:30; ARI-12:30-3:30

Meeting Location:

New Heights Community Resource Center (Tuscaloosa City Schools)

3834 21st Street

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

For more information, contact Amy Tilford at amy.tilford@alsde.edu.

This year, ARI, OMI, and MTSS will collaboratively host Strong Leaders, Strong Readers. Meetings will be held from 8:30-3:30. See flyer above.

September MTSS Newsletter

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

EL Quarterly Newsletter

Alabama ELLevation Education Link- https://ellevationeducation.com/district/alabama

Virtual ELLevation Training Links-

ELLevation Virtual Training Links

AMTESOL Conference Link-Registration:

https://www.amtesol.org/registration

World Languages Newsletter: https://sway.office.com/mBGTFFbn0olsRz7W?ref=Link&loc=play

WIDA PD Self-Paced Workshop Offerings :

Title No. 307745 ; Space limited to 40 seats.

Bringing Language into Focus: Expectations, Functions and Features (6 hours)

Two 90-minute webinars & self-pace module

Sign-up for TWO sections:

Section No. 479109 Session 1 Online meeting October 11 from 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Section No. 479114 Session 2 Online meeting October 25 from 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Title No. 307843 ; Space limited to 40 seats.

Expanding Reading Instruction with Multilingual Learners (4 hours)

Two 90-minute webinars & online resources

Sign up for TWO sections:

Section No. 479244 Session 1 Online meeting March 6, 2024, from 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Section No. 479246 Session 2 Online meeting March 13, 2024, from 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Title No. 308782 Self-Paced Workshops

WIDA Self-Paced Workshops.

Participants my sign up by individual session. Three sessions are available in Power School PD.

Section No. 482240 Social Studies: Engaging Multilingual Learners through Inquiry (3-4 hours)

Section No. 482237 Newcomers: Promoting Success through Strengthening Practice (3 hours)

Section No. 482236 Home Languages in the Classroom (20 hours)

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)

Monthly updates from Alabama Social Studies Chronicle:

https://sway.office.com/vhXG8BDAWvVIzXQ4?ref=Link&loc=play

Monthly updates from ALSDE Physical Education:

https://sway.office.com/7xl4iLIJcN1JQReY?ref=email

I want to invite you to participate in a survey study I am conducting entitled Teacher Perceptions of Technology in K-6 Reading Instruction.

The purpose of the study is to understand how you, as a K-6 teacher, use technology when you teach reading or help students in all types of reading practices. The survey is anonymous and does not collect any other information that could identify you.

If you haven't already, I encourage you to take the survey through this link, and it will take around 20 minutes to finish. I appreciate your time and effort, so I offer a random drawing of $25 Amazon e-gift cards to 20 participants who completed the survey. At the end of the survey form, it will ask you to submit your preferred email address to enter the drawing. The award will be announced via email at the end of data collection. Please take the online survey if you are interested.

You can also use this link below to access the survey, or copy it to the browser in case you encounter issues opening it: https://universityofalabama.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0NiQS2VYLm7Tw8u

Please contact me at qsi1@crimson.ua.edu if you have further questions.

• 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, 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

Mrs. Tenika Milsap, 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