High-Quality Professional Learning
We know that what is learned and how it's learned matters if principal professional learning is going to have an impact on student and school outcomes (Darling-Hammond et al., 2022). We are dedicated to providing high-quality professional learning (HQPL) for principals and assistant principals in the state of Alabama. HQPL experiences target school leadership development and are comprehensive, sustained, job-embedded, and collaborative approaches to improving the effectiveness of school administrators in elevating student achievement through professional study. Additionally, HQPL experiences align with the Alabama Standards for School Leadership and the Alabama Standards for Professional Learning.
One requirement for successful completion of the Alabama Principal Leadership Development System (APLDS) program each year is that principals and assistant principals must complete
at least 30 APLDS Clock Hours of high-quality professional learning from the state-approved list.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
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Please contact the professional learning provider for further information about session offerings, details, and being awarded APLDS Clock Hour credit.
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The deadline for completing APLDS Clock Hours, add evidence of new learning in the APLDS Evaluation System, and certify APLDS program completion is May 1, 2025 for retiring school administrators and June 20, 2025 for school administrators not retiring.
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All APLDS Clock Hour credit must be awarded through PowerSchool PL.
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Elementary school administrators (principals and assistant principals) are required to participate in early literacy professional learning if you serve grades K-3 and early numeracy professional learning if you serve grades K-5.
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Please note PowerSchool PL registration deadlines for state-approved conferences.
Selecting Professional Learning
Consider the following questions when selecting
high-quality professional learning from the following state-approved lists.
PLP Goals
Will the professional learning help me meet my PLP goals related to growth, achievement, and school climate?
Standards
What skills and practices in the Alabama Standards for School Leadership do I need to develop?
Context
What areas of professional growth do I need to focus on the most right now based on my leadership context?
Reviewing Transcripts for APLDS Clock Hours
All APLDS Clock Hours must be awarded through the
PowerSchool Professional Learning platform under the
Office of APLDS (Alabama Principal Leadership Development System).
Video Tutorial
Step-by-Step Directions
Other Guidance
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Please contact the professional learning provider with questions regarding session offerings.
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The state-approved list will continue to be updated throughout the school year.
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For ACLD PLUs, participants must also register for the PLU course in PowerSchool Professional Learning to receive PLU credit.
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Professional learning must be approved by supervisors (e.g., through the PLP).
Upcoming Featured Sessions
Are you looking for professional learning experiences to deepen your school leadership practices
and complete at least 30 APLDS Clock Hours?
Check out these upcoming FREE opportunities brought to you by the ALSDE!
WestEd Session:
Strategic Leadership for Effective Recruitment, Retention, and School Improvement
3 APLDS Clock Hours
April 7, 2025
A+ Best Practices Center Session:
The Visible Learning Approach to School Success
2 APLDS Clock Hours
April 10, 2025
April 17, 2025
Maxwell Leadership Series: Generational Communication for School Leaders
2 APLDS Clock Hours
April 14, 2025
Peter DeWitt &
Michael Nelson Session:
Collective Leader Efficacy -Strengthening Instructional Leadership Teams
2 APLDS Clock Hours
April 30, 2025
Requirements for Elementary School Administrators
(Principals and Assistant Principals)
In accordance with the law, elementary school administrators (principals and assistant principals) are required to participate in early literacy professional learning if you serve grades K-3 and early numeracy professional learning if you serve grades K-5. You can find approved professional learning experiences that meet this requirement below.
Please contact the professional learning provider for further information about session offerings, details, and being awarded APLDS Clock Hour credit.
Title
Early Literacy (K-3)
Title
APLDS - ARI: Live Virtual Sessions with Mel Ilk on Supporting a Schoolwide System for Literacy
Description
These sessions will be led by Mel Ilk, author of LETRS for Administrators. Participants will learn about the critical systems and structures necessary for the successful implementation of a system of literacy instruction. A model for implementation will be provided for participants to analyze current school practices and define the next steps for a successful implementation.
Professional Learning Provider:
Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI)
Regional Inservice Center:
All
Clock Hour(s):
3
PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:
323425
Title
Early Literacy (K-3)
Title
APLDS - ARI: ARI Science of Reading Spotlight Schools
Description
We are pleased to announce our upcoming opportunities to experience Science of Reading (SoR) Spotlight Schools with your school’s literacy leadership team.
Alabama’s SoR Spotlight Schools were selected based on their strong commitment to Alabama’s K - 3 learners. SoR Spotlight Schools not only meet the requirements of the Alabama Literacy Act by ensuring K-3 faculty participated in SoR training, such as Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS), but showed student progress in reading achievement as evidenced by the grade three reading outcome data between 2019 and 2024. These schools continue to enact best practices in leadership alongside effective foundational literacy instruction.
Each school principal should attend with 3 members of the school’s literacy leadership team. The leadership team should include the principal, Local Reading Specialist, and two additional team members who lead literacy at the school level. Principals will register in PowerSchool for the section they plan to attend. Then, an ARI Regional Literacy Leadership Specialist will reach out to the principal for the names of the 3 additional team members joining the visit.
Please reach out to Becky Edwards, becky.edwards@alsde.edu with any questions.
Professional Learning Provider:
Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI)
Regional Inservice Center:
All
Clock Hour(s):
6
PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:
326216
Title
Early Literacy (K-3)
Title
APLDS - ARI: Neuhaus Structured Literacy Modules, Informed by the Science of Reading
Description
The Neuhaus Structured Literacy Modules are a set of more than 15 modules that discuss the components of evidence-based structured literacy instruction. The modules provide an in-depth explanation of the ways research grounded in the science of reading informs structured literacy, why the components of structured literacy are necessary for developing skilled readers, and how these components can be practically applied during direct instruction.
It is the only non-certification Neuhaus course that covers a variety of essential literacy topics in a single class. The modules are not attached to any curriculum.
Note: This course is available to K-12 administrators.
Link: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=xR8fNaFG3EW3EUPMffG2K7JRGtbJ-QRGvqhPhzfueq5UMkZQTzRUSERLSDVNUTROWlkzSzVCWklKNC4u
Professional Learning Provider:
Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI)
Regional Inservice Center:
All
Clock Hour(s):
18
PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:
320378
Title
Early Literacy (K-3)
Title
APLDS - ARI: LETRS for Administrators
Description
The LETRS course of study has provided administrators with a deeper understanding of the science of reading and structures for effective implementation by covering all layers of language organization (phonology, orthography, morphology, syntax, semantics) and their relevance for teaching reading, spelling, and oral language. This is a 2 year course. However, the clock hours reflect the number of hours that will be awarded each year.
Note: This course is only available to K-3 administrators.
Link: https://www.lexialearning.com/alabama-letrs
Professional Learning Provider:
Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI)
Regional Inservice Center:
All
Clock Hour(s):
30
PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:
320376
State-Approved List
updated April 15, 2025
You can search all state-approved professional learning experiences below by provider and Regional Inservice Center.
Please contact the professional learning provider for further information about session offerings, details, and being awarded APLDS Clock Hour credit.
Title
APLDS - AMSTI: 8*8 Math Practices: Discourse and Student Thinking
Description
To view a calendar of events and REGISTER for this professional learning experience, please go to the link: https://www.amsti.org/professional-learning
APLDS clock hour credit will be awarded for this course after the professional learning session. For questions, please contact your AMSTI facilitator.
The 8*8 Math Practices series takes teachers and school administrators through a deep dive into the eight student mathematical practices and eight effective math teaching practices from the Alabama Course of Study: Mathematics. In the discourse and student thinking session, teachers will experience four of the eight effective mathematics teaching practices, including discourse, questioning, productive struggle, and student thinking. Participants will experience these practices through mathematics tasks and research to help develop their classroom practice.
Professional Learning Provider:
Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI)
Regional Inservice Center:
All
Target Audience:
Grades 6-12
Clock Hour(s):
3
PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:
329260
Title
APLDS - AMSTI: 8*8 Math Practices: Doing Mathematics
Description
To view a calendar of events and REGISTER for this professional learning experience, please go to the link: https://www.amsti.org/professional-learning
APLDS clock hour credit will be awarded for this course after the professional learning session. For questions, please contact your AMSTI facilitator.
The 8*8 Math Practices series takes teachers and school administrators through a deep dive into the eight student mathematical practices and eight effective math teaching practices from the Alabama Course of Study: Mathematics. In the doing mathematics session, teachers will experience four of the eight student mathematical practices, including modeling with mathematics, using appropriate tools, making use of structure, and expressing regularity in repeated reasoning. Participants will experience these practices through mathematics tasks and research to help develop their classroom practice.
Professional Learning Provider:
Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI)
Regional Inservice Center:
All
Target Audience:
Grades 6-12
Clock Hour(s):
3
PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:
329262
Title
APLDS - AMSTI: 8*8 Math Practices: Reasoning
Description
To view a calendar of events and REGISTER for this professional learning experience, please go to the link: https://www.amsti.org/professional-learning
APLDS clock hour credit will be awarded for this course after the professional learning session. For questions, please contact your AMSTI facilitator.
The 8*8 Math Practices series takes teachers and school administrators through a deep dive into the eight student mathematical practices and eight effective math teaching practices from the Alabama Course of Study: Mathematics. In the reasoning session, teachers will experience four of the eight student mathematical practices, including making sense of problems, attending to precision, reasoning abstractly and quantitatively, and constructing arguments and critiquing the reasoning of others. Participants will experience these practices through mathematics tasks and research to help develop their classroom practice.
Professional Learning Provider:
Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI)
Regional Inservice Center:
All
Target Audience:
Grades 6-12
Clock Hour(s):
3
PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:
329263
Title
APLDS - AMSTI: 8*8 Math Practices: Understanding and Worthwhile Tasks
Description
To view a calendar of events and REGISTER for this professional learning experience, please go to the link: https://www.amsti.org/professional-learning
APLDS clock hour credit will be awarded for this course after the professional learning session. For questions, please contact your AMSTI facilitator.
The 8*8 Math Practices series takes teachers and school administrators through a deep dive into the eight student mathematical practices and eight effective math teaching practices from the Alabama Course of Study: Mathematics. In the understanding and worthwhile task session, teachers will experience four of the eight effective mathematics teaching practices, including establishing goals, implementing tasks, connecting representations, and building procedural fluency from conceptual understanding. Participants will experience these practices through mathematics tasks and research to help develop their classroom practice.
Professional Learning Provider:
Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI)
Regional Inservice Center:
All
Target Audience:
Grades 6-12
Clock Hour(s):
3
PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:
329261
Title
APLDS - AMSTI: K-12 Science Foundational Training 2024 (SFT 2024)
Description
To view a calendar of events and REGISTER for this professional learning experience, please go to the link: https://www.amsti.org/professional-learning
APLDS clock hour credit will be awarded for this course after the professional learning session. For questions, please contact your AMSTI facilitator.
Outcomes include: 1) examine the role of AMSTI in improving K-12 science teaching and learning; 2) experience the 2023 Alabama Course of Study (ACOS): Science, and 3) equip educators to participate in AMSTI's essential services.
Professional Learning Provider:
Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI)
Regional Inservice Center:
All
Target Audience:
All
Clock Hour(s):
6
PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:
329254
Title
APLDS - AMSTI: Math Content Sessions for School-Based Administrators in Full- and Limited-Support Schools (ANA)
Description
Available upon request and need: Attend AMSTI math content session as determined by data, teacher surveys, school administrator, and OMI.
For questions, please contact your AMSTI facilitator or OMI Regional Coordinator.
Professional Learning Provider:
Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI)
Regional Inservice Center:
All
Target Audience:
K-5
Clock Hour(s):
20
PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:
329255
Title
APLDS - AMSTI: Math Foundational Training (K-5)
Description
To view a calendar of events and REGISTER for this professional learning experience, please go to the link: https://www.amsti.org/professional-learning
APLDS clock hour credit will be awarded for this course after the professional learning session. For questions, please contact your AMSTI facilitator.
This training is a prerequisite for AMSTI K-5 Math Content Area Trainings. This 1-day training is designed to provide an overview of pedagogical strategies to be implemented with any mathematics content. The session focuses on the mathematics teaching practices and the formative assessment cycle.
Professional Learning Provider:
Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI)
Regional Inservice Center:
All
Target Audience:
K-5
Clock Hour(s):
6
PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:
329265
Title
APLDS - AMSTI: Math Foundational Training (6-12)
Description
To view a calendar of events and REGISTER for this professional learning experience, please go to the link: https://www.amsti.org/professional-learning
APLDS clock hour credit will be awarded for this course after the professional learning session. For questions, please contact your AMSTI facilitator.
This training is a prerequisite for AMSTI 6-12 Math Content Area Trainings. This 1-day training is designed to provide an overview of pedagogical strategies to be implemented with any mathematics content. The session focuses on the mathematics teaching practices and the formative assessment cycle.
Professional Learning Provider:
Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI)
Regional Inservice Center:
All
Target Audience:
Grades 6-12
Clock Hour(s):
6
PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:
329264
Title
APLDS - AMSTI: Supervising High-Quality Science Instruction (K-12)
Description
To view a calendar of events and REGISTER for this professional learning experience, please go to the link: https://www.amsti.org/professional-learning
APLDS clock hour credit will be awarded for this course after the professional learning session. For questions, please contact your AMSTI facilitator.
Requirements for Credit:
1) Attend at least 3 of the 4 virtual sessions as scheduled (all sessions will be recorded), 2) Complete all reflection assignments in Google Classroom (requires "The Instructional Leader's Guide to Implementing K-8 Science Practices" book - https://a.co/d/3rI4oNE), and 3) Complete all evidence of application assignments in Google Classroom (requires observations in a classroom during science instruction).
Session 1 Outcomes (November): 1) Examine the shifts in science education; 2) Analyze the structure of the 2023 Alabama Course of Study: Science standards, and 3) Utilize groups of Science and Engineering practices to identify focus areas.
Session 2 Outcomes (December): 1) Construct an understanding of the Science Practices Continuum: Supervision, 2) Apply key levers to understand the differences in levels of science practices, 3) Connect the Science Practices to the ACTS and ATOT, and 4) Engage in a preliminary planning process to develop a targeted supervision cycle.
Session 3 Outcomes (January): 1) Become familiar with the Science Instruction Observation Form through application, 2) Determine focus for informal observations, and 3) Understand the feedback process and what it involves.
Session 4 Outcomes (February): 1) Determine the professional growth needs of science teachers, 2) Develop a professional learning plan to support high-quality science instruction, and 3) Discover resources available to support high-quality science instruction.
Professional Learning Provider:
Regional Inservice Center:
All
Target Audience:
All
Clock Hour(s):
6
PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:
324489
Title
APLDS - ARI: Creating and Sustaining a Culture of Literacy Achievement
Description
To register for this virtual training, use the link below:
https://alsde.webex.com/weblink/register/ra62083ad737523463df6b61e52dd3c86
As we close the second year implementing Pathways to Promotion for our third-grade students, how do we ensure that our schools and districts continue to grow and move students toward reading proficiency? During this session, ARI will share structures and strategies to promote a culture of literacy achievement and move toward sustainability so that all students continue to grow in reading achievement year after year.
Professional Learning Provider:
Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI)
Regional Inservice Center:
All
Target Audience:
K-3
Clock Hour(s):
1.5
PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:
330405
Title
APLDS - ARI: Dyslexia Screening Training
Description
*Please sign up for this training using the link below
https://forms.office.com/r/dwKNm81rD5
This virtual professional learning will provide an in-depth and explicit walk-through of dyslexia screening for kindergarten through twelfth grade students. Topics discussed will be when to screen, who to screen, and what areas should be screened. We will also provide a closer look at several recommended screening tools.
The training will cross reference the ARI's Student Supports Flowchart and the 2022 Dyslexia Resource Guide.
Professional Learning Provider:
Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI)
Regional Inservice Center:
All
Target Audience:
K-3
Clock Hour(s):
1.5
PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:
330397
Title
APLDS - ARI: Strong Leader, Strong Reader: Leadership Labs
Description
Leadership labs are an opportunity to engage in school-embedded professional development as a team of principals. Leadership labs are structured around an observation of a principal leading the coaching effort, accompanied with a debrief to unpack implications and points of learning that relate to leading a successful coaching effort. A prebrief also provides time for the principal to set the focus and share tools and strategies that are being used at the school.
Note: This course is only available to K-3 principals.
Professional Learning Provider:
Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI)
Regional Inservice Center:
All
Target Audience:
K-3
Clock Hour(s):
15
PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:
320371
State-Approved Conference List
You can search state-approved conferences below.
Please note PowerSchool PL registration deadlines.
Please contact the professional learning provider for further information about the conference and being awarded APLDS Clock Hour credit.
Archived State-Approved Conference List
The deadline has passed to receive APLDS Clock Hour credit for the following state-approved conferences.
Principal Act State-Approved Professional Learning Request Form
Superintendents, district administrators, and vendors may request state approval for high-quality professional learning experiences. To request approval, the Principal Act State-Approved Professional Learning Request Form must be completed through DocuSign.
Request Forms are no longer being reviewed and approved for the 2024-25 school year.
The Request Form for the 2025-26 school year is now available.
Submission Received By | Reviewed By |
|---|---|
July 31, 2025 | September 30, 2025 |
September 30, 2025 | November 30, 2025 |
November 30, 2025 | January 31, 2026 |
January 31, 2026 | March 31, 2026 |
March 31, 2026 | April 30, 2026 |
Principals and assistant principals are encouraged to reach out to the district APLDS program contact for additional guidance.
Graduate Courses
Each three-hour course included on the Principal Act State-Approved Graduate Course List may be used as 30 APLDS Clock Hours if the following criteria are met:
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The graduate course credit must be awarded July 1, 2024 - June 20, 2025 to count toward the 2024-25 APLDS program requirements.
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Credit will only be awarded to principals and assistant principals.
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The final course grade must be at least a B.
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An official transcript must be submitted for verification.
For more information, please contact Dr. Anna Shepherd-Jones at anna.jones@alsde.edu.
State-Approved List Support
For questions about the state-approved list, reach out to Dr. Anna Shepherd-Jones at:
Email: anna.jones@alsde.edu
Phone: 334.694.0785
Technical Support
For questions and support with PowerSchool Professional Learning, reach out to Rhett Cutts at:
Email: rcutts@alsde.edu
Phone: 334.694.4828
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