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

LETRS® for Early Childhood Educators professional learning provides deep knowledge of literacy instruction for the youngest learners. The more children know about language and literacy before they begin kindergarten and first grade, the better equipped they are to succeed in reading and beyond. Dr. Louisa Moats and Dr. Lucy Hart Paulson designed this course of study for early childhood educators because research shows the foundation of literacy begins at a young age. Early childhood educators need the same level of professional learning as K–3 educators to effectively teach the foundation of literacy. Studies show that pre-K and kindergarten prepare children to thrive in school and accelerate their learning. Even at this early stage of learning, independent experts agree that "a well-implemented, evidence-based curriculum" and an emphasis on the quality and continuous training of early childhood educators leads to success in the classroom.

Each participant should have the appropriate textbook available during the virtual session (LETRS for Early Childhood Educators). Handouts specific to each Unit will be emailed prior to the session.

To receive PowerSchool credit for APLDS (Principal's Act), please complete the following steps.
1. Complete the live sessions and online coursework for LETRS for Early Childhood Educators.
2. Register in PowerSchool for the PLU: ACLDPLU #282860 and this APLDS session in order to receive PLU credit and credit hours toward the Alabama Principal's Act.
3. Email alabamaletrs@alsde.edu and include certificates from live days and online module coursework.
4. In the subject line of the email, write your name and T-cert number. Example: LETRS for Early Childhood APLDS and PLU Documentation for Joe Smith, T-cert number.

The LETRS course of study has provided educators and administrators with a deeper understanding of the science of reading 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

This professional learning experience applies to all grade levels and multiple content areas.

Diane Sweeney, author of Leading Student-Centered Coaching, will provide a series of trainings to support principals creating positive changes in their building through Student Centered Coaching Practices and how to support the coaches in their building to increase student achievement. Each session will last one hour and 15 minutes, for a total of four sessions.

Please register for the WebEx series and all FOUR PowerSchool sessions in order to receive credit for the Principal Act.

Webinar series registration link:
https://alsde.webex.com/webappng/sites/alsde/webinar/webinarSeries/register/7a1f07a0099f403c804574ea9ff7bd6a

For more information about Diane Sweeney, visit the link below.
Link: https://www.dianesweeney.com/

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.

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

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.

PLEASE NOTE: This offering is based on regional availability. Please contact your RIC Director for further information.

Experience Dyslexia is designed to increase awareness of the difficulties and frustrations that people with dyslexia, as well those with the characteristics of dyslexia, encounter daily. We hope this experience will provide insight into working more effectively with these students and lead to greater empathy and understanding.

PLEASE NOTE: This offering is based on regional availability. Please contact your RIC Director for further information.

As the 2024-2025 school year begins, there are additional facets of the Alabama Literacy Act (ALA) that must be put into place to support students in achieving reading proficiency. This includes students who have been retained in third grade and those who have been promoted to fourth grade utilizing a good cause exemption. This session will highlight the steps necessary to build structures at the local level. These structures support full implementation of instruction, based in the science of reading and lead to increased efficacy among teachers. Participants will also have time to collaborate with peers regarding structures that are working to improve literacy outcomes for students. There are some great things happening in Alabama schools!

TO RECEIVE PLU CREDIT, PARTICIPANTS MUST ALSO REGISTER FOR THE PLU COURSE IN POWERSCHOOL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the world as we know it, leading to countless innovations and advancements across various fields. This technology has immense potential, and when used effectively, it can change the way we work, learn, and live. Artificial Intelligence is a branch of computer science that involves the development of intelligent machines that can work and learn like human beings. AI utilizes advanced algorithms and technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision to simulate human-like behavior. In this PLU, participants will explore and discover the positive and negative impacts of AI and how it can used to transform education. Participants will cover:
1. Positive and Negative Impacts of AI
2. Ethical Considerations; Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
3. Data Governance and Acceptable Use
4. Teaching and Learning with AI
5. AI Powered Ed Tech Tools
6. Gamification and AI
7. Lesson Redesign
8. AI and Teacher Professional Development
9. AI in /current and Future Careers
10. AI for Early Intervention

TO RECEIVE PLU CREDIT, PARTICIPANTS MUST ALSO REGISTER FOR THE ACLD PLU COURSE IN POWERSCHOOL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING.

Building a Culture of Learning through Schoology is a hybrid professional learning group that provides face-to-face and online content to support educational leadership as educators embrace the learning management system purchased by the Alabama State Department of Education, Schoology. Schoology is an advanced learning management system (LMS) that empowers teachers and students with a seamless digital learning environment. The goal for this professional learning unit is to prepare administrators to lead teachers and students to the forefront in exploring, teaching and learning the ins and outs of the LMS while also learning the importance of blended learning. This professional learning unit will allow participants to explore the Schoology LMS, designed to streamline the entire learning process, from curriculum management to student engagement and assessment. With its user-friendly interface, teachers can easily create, organize, and share course content, assignments, and resources. They can also personalize their instruction by tailoring materials to individual student needs and learning styles. Administrators will collaborate and participate in hands-on activities designed to develop crucial skills for communicating, creating, and interacting with collaborative features, robust assessment capabilities, and integration with other educational tools. Educators will have opportunities to enhance their teaching and learning practices through the use of Schoology.

Common-Sense Best Practices for Digital Citizenship is designed to empower educational leaders to equip teachers, students, and stakeholders with the skills for responsible, safe, ethical, and lawful technology use. The purpose of this professional learning is to develop an implementation plan so that schools and LEA's have practical hands-on strategies for educating teachers, students, and parents in digital citizenship, digital literacy, and digital safety. School leaders will explore best practices and look at several successful digital citizenship initiatives in other states and school systems as they develop strategies for implementation of successful digital citizenship training in their school or LEA. Participants will discuss ideas and strategies with other leaders in the group and apply them to their own digital citizenship implementation plan.