Greetings, Region Four Educators,

I hope that you experienced a restful Thanksgiving holiday and are ready to finish the semester strong! As we close out the fall semester and look towards the spring, please continue to reach out to our center with your requests for support. We are here for you!

Our newsletter below outlines many opportunities for December and January but also shares information regarding upcoming opportunities for the spring semester. In addition to these sessions that are open to all educators in our region, 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.

Best wishes for blessings during the holiday season and the new year!

Dr. Holly Morgan

Director, UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center

For more information regarding the 2025 Alabama Scholastic Writing Awards, please use the following attachment.

Join us virtually on January 9 from 5:00-7:30 pm as we take a deep dive into the requirements of Component 1. Register via PowerSchool PL Section #499103.

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. Registration closes two days prior to the session to ensure all receive the information prior to the session.

If you are a new administrator, please join us on January 10 for a one-day overview training in the use of the Alabama Teacher Observation Tool. In this session administrators will be able to: 1. Understand the Teacher Observation Tool 2. Utilize the Teacher Observation Tool for classroom observation 3. Calibrate scores on the Teacher Observation Tool.

Date: January 10, 2025

Time: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm

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

Register via PowerSchool Professional Learning Section #519562.

Kick off the IEP season with a fresh mindset and prepare for upcoming goals and initiatives. We’re excited to invite teachers, administrators, support professionals, counselors, BCBAs in Region Four to attend an in-person session with Dr. Gwen Ashley! This is a fantastic opportunity to kick off the IEP season and gather valuable insights on how to best support our students.

Audience: Teachers, administrators, support professionals, counselors, BCBAs

Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Time: 8:30-3:30 PM

Location: University of West Alabama, Young Hall Cafeteria, 100 US-11 North Washington Street, Livingston, AL 35470

Register via PowerSchool Section #519329 or via the following https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/registration/presentRegistrationDetails/519329

Substitute reimbursements will be paid by the UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center. The only cost to schools/districts is the cost of the participant travel.

• For a complete list of all ALSDE Curriculum and Instruction meeting dates and location visit the OSL Running Updates and the new OSL Website.
• Next meetings are scheduled around the state for January 15, 16, 22 or 23 .

Registration is open now!

Join Dr. Barry Wiginton for this ACLD-PLU opportunity, Better Feedback for Better Teaching, that is also approved for APLDS clock hours. More information regarding this virtual opportunity can be found in PowerSchool Professional Learning at Section #518376. Register via PowerSchool Professional Learning today!

Registration is now open! Science textbook committee team members, secure your registration today!

The Science Textbook Caravan for the 2024-2025 school year is a collaborative event with Alabama's Regional Inservice Centers & Publishers' Warehouse, Alabama's textbook depository. The Textbook Caravan is an opportunity for school district delegations to rotate through scheduled presentations from each of the state-adopted publisher options for comprehensive instructional resources. The two-day event has one day geared towards elementary team members (K-6) while the other day is structured for secondary representatives (grades 6-12).

Date:

January 23, 2025 (Elementary)

January 24, 2025 (Secondary)

Location: Paul W. Bryant Conference Center, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Registration:

January 23-Elementary (PowerSchool Section #514872)

https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/registration/presentRegistrationDetails/514872

January 24-Secondary (PowerSchool Section #514873)

https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/registration/presentRegistrationDetails/514873

Receive support from an assigned Candidate Support Provider as you work on your selected component(s) in a small group setting. CSPs will facilitate candidate discussions and work sessions specific to your needs. Register via PowerSchool PL Section #499105.

Please see the announcement below from the AL NBCT Network:

We are beyond excited to host the AL NBCT Network conference in the rocket city for the first time ever this year! We hope to see you there!!! Choose from over 40 amazing sessions with top-notch educators from all over the state. bit.ly/alnbct2025 for Early Bird registration through November 9! Bring your teacher bestie! Early Bird Registration is OPEN and in full swing! Through November 9, you will automatically receive a discount when you register at bit.ly/alnbct2025

Got questions? Email alnbctnetwork@gmail.com or send us a message on Facebook or Instagram! The conference will be held January 25 in Huntsville, AL at Grissom High School. Thank you Huntsville City Schools for hosting us! With over 40 sessions covering topics for every subject and grade level, you will love networking with and learning from accomplished Alabama teachers! And if you're on the journey to becoming a National Board Certified Teacher, there are Q&A sessions and opportunities just for you. The full schedule will be released soon. We hope to see you there!

Region Four librarians, join Susanne Estes of the Alabama State Department of Education for this face-to-face opportunity in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on January 27, 2025! The session will include a Library Media Overview, essential for staying aligned with the latest practices in supporting literacy and learning. Information regarding Compliance Monitoring, including specific tools to help ensure your library meets state standards effectively, will be shared. The session will also explore the Library Handbook as a guide for library supports.

Date: January 27, 2025

Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

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

Register via PowerSchool Professional Learning Section #519547. Space is limited!

Elevate your teaching and boost student success with our dynamic Professional Learning Community (PLC) workshop focused on assessment strategies for grades 7-12. This interactive professional development session will equip you with the tools to design effective formative and summative assessments, analyze student data, and implement targeted interventions.

Date: January 27

Time: 8:00-11:00 am

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

Register via PowerSchool PL Section #515744

• Dates: September 18, February 10, April 9
• Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (September 18 and February 10), 12:00-3:00 pm (April 9)
• 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.

On February 12-13, The UA-UWA Regional Inservice Center will offer ACT's Instructional Mastery Math course for math educators in Region Four. The training will take back on The University of West Alabama campus in Young Hall. Space is limited to 30 math educators, and registration opens today on December 2! Register via PowerSchool PL Section #518397. This two-day course is TEAMS approved! More information can be found below:

ACT Instructional Mastery Math Agenda

All participants who complete the 2-day program and pass a 30-question end of course Knowledge Check will earn a certificate and digital badge of ACT Instructional Mastery in the subject area.

On February 24-25, The UA-UWA Regional Inservice Center will offer ACT's Instructional Mastery Science course for science educators in Region Four. The training will be held on The University of West Alabama Campus-Young Hall. Space is limited to 30 science educators, and registration opens today on December 2! Register via PowerSchool PL Section #518396. This two-day course is TEAMS approved! More information can be found below:

ACT Instructional Mastery Science Agenda

All participants who complete the 2-day program and pass a 30-question end of course Knowledge Check will earn a certificate and digital badge of ACT Instructional Mastery in the subject area.

Attention Teachers, administrators, support professionals, counselors, BCBAs in Region Four! We invite you to this in-person session led by the esteemed Dr. Gwen Ashley. This intensive workshop will focus on effective graphing techniques that can lead to positive behavioral outcomes in our educational settings.

Audience: Teachers, administrators, support professionals, counselors, BCBAs

Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Time: 8:30 AM -3:30 PM

Location: University of West Alabama, Young Hall Cafeteria, 100 US-11 North Washington Street, Livingston, AL 35470

Register via PowerSchool Section #519330 or via the following https://alsde.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/learning2/registration/presentRegistrationDetails/519330

Substitute reimbursements will be paid by the UA/UWA Regional Inservice Center. The only cost to schools/districts is the cost of the participant travel.

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: 315396. You will need to register for each of the sessions separately in order to reserve your space. Registration links are included on the dates below.

August 27, 2024

October 22, 2024

April 17, 2025

Note: Coaching Labs are scheduled in January and February for participants in this network.

Principal Act/APLDS Program Updates:

For more information about the APLDS Evaluation System, including example PLPs and step-by-step directions, you can go to https://www.alabamaprincipals.org/evaluation-system. You can also access the Principal Act Overview session presentation materials and recording by going to https://www.alabamaprincipals.org/presentations under the section titled, "Principal Act Overview Sessions".

For more information regarding APLDS, visit https://www.alabamaprincipals.org/.

For more information regarding APLDS professional learning opportunities, visit https://www.alabamaprincipals.org/professional-learning.

The Alabama Best Practices Center will offer an additional round of Peer Coaching Workshops coming up in January. Please review the flyer for more information! The flyer is linked here.

AMSTI-ASIM has several upcoming listings for professional learning. Registration and information for these sessions is available at https://amsti-ua.wixsite.com/amsti-ua. Please contact Lisa Smith (lsmith1@ua.edu) if you have questions or requests for other professional learning support.

Math:

December 3: Geometry and Measurement Circles, Quadrilaterals, and 3-D Figures (9-12)

December 5: Statistics (6-8)

January 2-3: Algebra and Functions (6-8)

January 23-24: Calculator: Basic Training, TI-Nspire (6-8)

Science:

January 16: Improving ACAP Science Scores (K-8)

Note: AMSTI-UA announces the retirement of Director Sara McGee on December 31, 2024. During the transition period, Lisa Smith will serve as Interim Director. We wish Sara McGee a happy and fulfilling retirement and thank her for her invaluable contributions to AMSTI statewide and educators in Region 4!

• 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!

• Regional Leadership Contacts: Dr. Tiffany Davis (tiffany.davis@alsde.edu) and Dr. Tracie Howard (tracie.howard@alsde.edu)
  
• Additional resources found below:

1. ARI Quick Links Document (Includes Proficiency Scales for K-5)
2. Quick Links
3. ARI Winter Family Newsletter

• Regional Contact: Taurus Smith (taurus.smith@alsde.edu)
• No additional updates received for December 2024/January 2025. Please see additional resources below:

• Alabama Coaching Framework - Coaching Framework Presentations and Documents
• Principal Calendar - Presented at Mega
• OSI Mega Sessions - Presentation Links
• Secondary ELA COS Resources
• ACIP Support Site
• ACAP/ACT Resource Page

• Visit the NEW OSL WEBSITE at the following link: https://sites.google.com/alsde.edu/officeofstudentlearning/home
• OSL Recorded Trainings: https://www.youtube.com/@alsde-osl2670/videos

• PREP Public Website: Recordings, Slides and Resources

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.

OMI Newsletter

OMI is thrilled to present our monthly newsletter, OMI Numeracy News !

• EL Office Hours: IMPORTANT: In Two Weeks! Please fill out this form to assist us in planning the agenda with your suggested topics.
• Microsoft Teams Need help? Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 273 110 193 499 Passcode: eb63P2UJ
• Jeff Norris from the Office of Extended Learning is interested in partnering with LEAs to provide quality summer programming for all students, including ELs. If you want to receive more information or attend a webinar on this topic, please complete the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/FX9G75pN8bLFFwdd8. In addition, he is looking for resources to offer other LEAs, including schedules, ideas, planning documents, etc. If you have any items you are willing to share, there is an attachment option on the Google Form. For any other questions, please contact jeff.norris@alsde.edu.

• Virtual Ellevation Conference December 9, 10, and 12! Join the Ellevation team and speakers across the U.S. discuss topics on EL instruction, advocacy, and family engagement! All conference sessions are free! REGISTER HERE: Register for Ellevation's FREE IMPACT Conference

• Ellevation Office Hours Offered by Seda Yoruk, our Ellevation Partner Success Manager (Pop-in, get support and pop out)!: Office Hours for AL: Mondays, 9 AM CT | Thursdays, 1 PM CT [Join Here]
• ACCESS TESTING IS QUICKLY APPROACHING IN JANUARY! Make sure you visit the WIDA website and this link for more info. Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about ACCESS for ELLs
• EL Quarterly Newsletter
• For more information, contact EL Region 4 Specialist: Dr. Stephanie Reynolds (stephanie.reynolds@alsde.edu)

The flyer below highlights sessions offered by our PowerSchool coaches in December. 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)

Please find the Alabama MTSS Fall Newsletter at the following link: https://sway.cloud.microsoft/teqlPscXzfiOCHXd?ref=email

Check out the monthly updates from ALSDE Physical Education:

https://sway.cloud.microsoft/WBaI9MoUjCCsRc7r?ref=email

Monthly Updates from ALSDE Social Studies:

https://sway.cloud.microsoft/eXOzTnR14AkWCvFN?ref=email

Use the link below to view Special Education Services' ALPDS offerings for administrators:

Special Education Services APLDS Offerings

Contact Elizabeth Greene at elizabeth.greene@alsde.edu with any 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.

ACCESS Virtual Learning is an initiative of the Alabama State Department of Education that provides free online classes to all sixth through 12th grade Alabama students.

The program offers Advanced Placement, foreign language and credit recovery courses as well as all the courses needed for a high school diploma. ACCESS courses are led by Alabama-certified teachers and are aligned to the current Alabama College and Career Ready Standards.

Students enrolled in ACCESS courses earn credits from their local school and receive their diploma from their local district.

ACCESS is your partner in education! For more information, please visit access.ua.edu or contact the UA Support Center at access@ua.edu or 205-348-2647.

Elevate Your Future in 2025 With UA Online

As the new year unfolds, set yourself up for success by pursuing your educational goals with The University of Alabama Online. Discover why UA Online is the best value in education:

• Top-Ranked Programs: Choose from 30+ education programs and earn your MA, EdS, EdD, PhD or graduate certificate.
• Flexible Learning: 100% online and hybrid formats that fit your schedule.
• Career Advancement: Elevate your career while continuing to work.
• Expert Faculty: Learn from experienced educators and industry leaders.
• Fits Your Budget: Affordable tuition with no hidden fees. We provide scholarships and tuition grants exclusively for our online students.
• Student Support: Access dedicated student success coaches and 24/7 tech support.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with a diverse community of peers and professionals.

Make this new year the one where you invest in yourself and your future. Start your journey with UA Online and transform your aspirations into reality – get started 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, 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/uauwaric/
Twitter: @UofARIC