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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

  • Please contact the professional learning provider for further information about session offerings, details, and being awarded APLDS Clock Hour credit.

  • 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.

  • All APLDS Clock Hour credit must be awarded through PowerSchool PL.

 

  • 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.

 

  • ​​​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

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Other Guidance

  • Please contact the professional learning provider with questions regarding session offerings.

  • The state-approved list will continue to be updated throughout the school year.

  • For ACLD PLUs, participants must also register for the PLU course in PowerSchool Professional Learning to receive PLU credit.

  • 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!

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WestEd Session:
Strategic Leadership for Effective Recruitment, Retention, and School Improvement

3 APLDS Clock Hours

April 7, 2025

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A+ Best Practices Center Session:
The Visible Learning Approach to School Success

2 APLDS Clock Hours

April 10, 2025
April 17, 2025

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Maxwell Leadership Series: Generational Communication for School Leaders


2 APLDS Clock Hours

April 14, 2025

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Peter DeWitt &
Michael Nelson Session:
Collective Leader Efficacy -Strengthening Instructional Leadership Teams 

2 APLDS Clock Hours

April 30, 2025

On-Demand Session

Check out this FREE on-demand opportunity brought to you by the ALSDE!

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Strategic Leadership for Effective Recruitment, Retention, and School Improvement

3 APLDS Clock Hours

Available through May 23, 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.​​​

ARI Announcement

New ARI sessions have been added

for May 2025

Title

Early Numeracy (K-5)

Title

APLDS - OMI: Catapult into Coaching

Description

Join us for an insightful virtual PLC session designed specifically for principals that will delve into the pivotal role of building-based math coaches in enhancing instructional practices and student outcomes. Learn about the key expectations for math coaches, their collaborative work with teachers, and how they support data-driven decision- making to improve math achievement. You’ll also gain strategies for fostering a strong partnership between coaches, teachers, and school leaders to create a culture of continuous improvement in mathematics instruction.

Professional Learning Provider:

Office of Mathematics Improvement (OMI)

Regional Inservice Center:

All

Clock Hour(s):

1.5

PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:

328960

Title

Early Numeracy (K-5)

Title

APLDS - OMI: Elementary Math Intervention

Description

This session explores the critical components of a systematic approach to Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III instruction in K-5 mathematics. Participants will gain practical strategies to identify student needs, align interventions, and monitor progress effectively. Learning gained during this session will strengthen the multi-tiered systems of support within a school and ensure every learner thrives in mathematics. Participants will leave with actionable insights to support student growth at every level of instruction.

Professional Learning Provider:

Office of Mathematics Improvement (OMI)

Regional Inservice Center:

All

Clock Hour(s):

1.5

PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:

328933

Title

Early Numeracy (K-5)

Title

APLDS - OMI: Empowering Young Minds through Mathematical Discourse

Description

This session, designed specifically for principals, focuses on fostering student discourse to enhance mathematical learning. It encourages active participation, problem-solving, and collaborative learning among students. Join us to explore how you can support teachers in promoting rich mathematical conversations in the classroom—watch curiosity flourish as students engage deeply with mathematical concepts!

Professional Learning Provider:

Office of Mathematics Improvement (OMI)

Regional Inservice Center:

All

Clock Hour(s):

1.5

PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:

328961

Title

Early Numeracy (K-5)

Title

APLDS - OMI: Everyone Counts SY 24-25

Description

Everyone Counts is designed to address the distinct needs of principals and assistant principals within all Alabama Schools catering to kindergarten through fifth-grade students. These professional learning sessions aim to enhance the foundation necessary for developing a strong and comprehensive mathematics program. Participants will explore collaborative team structures to engage in high-quality, evidence-based practices and leverage the strengths of all stakeholders to maximize student opportunities. This year, an ACLD-PLU may be earned, pending approval, for participation in the Everyone Counts sessions.

(Note: Participants must also register for the ACLD PLU PowerSchool Professional Learning course for the PLU credit.)

Professional Learning Provider:

Office of Mathematics Improvement (OMI)

Regional Inservice Center:

All

Clock Hour(s):

15

PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:

320477

Portfolio

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 - ATiM: Connecting Computer Science across the K-12 Curriculum (PLUACLD1081)

Description

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

Connecting Computer Science across the K-12 Curriculum" is a hybrid professional learning group that provides face-to-face and online content to support educational leadership as educators embrace the Alabama course of study standards for Digital Literacy and Computer Science. The components of Computer Science allows digitally and computationally literate students to transition from being consumers of information and media to being producers as well. These components will be embedded throughout this professional learning unit. Those components will help build computational thinkers, global collaborators, digital citizens, computing analysts, and innovative designers. 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 Digital Literacy Computer Science Course of study. This professional learning unit will allow participants to explore how educators can empower students to use technology responsibly and appropriately to create, collaborate, think critically and apply algorithmic processes and computational thinking. Administrators will collaborate and participate in hands-on activities designed to develop crucial skills for communicating, creating, and interacting with each other as they lead teachers and students in a global society. Alabama Technology in Motion Specialists will facilitate three to five professional learning group meetings and participants must attend all meetings and participate in all online activities. Meeting topics are as follows: Computational Thinking, Algorithmic Thinking and Programming and Development. In addition to attending group meetings members will meet online to complete technology explorations, digital readings and participate in discussion forums. Each administrator must complete an action plan and a presentation of how to best execute the action plan.

Professional Learning Provider:

Alabama Technology in Motion (ATiM)

Regional Inservice Center:

All

Target Audience:

All

Clock Hour(s):

15

PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:

323390

Title

APLDS - ATiM: Google Workspace for Education; Enhancing Administrative Success (PLUACLD1282)

Description

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

Google Workspace for Education; Enhancing Administrative Success; ALSDE Technology Initiatives is a hybrid professional learning group that provides both face-to-face and online content to support educational leadership and productivity in a technological world focusing on communication, collaboration and creativity. There are many tools including the Google Workspace for Education tools that can assist administrators to become more productive and efficient in their day to day tasks. For this professional learning unit school leaders and administrators will develop skills using proven effective tools and strategies to better support their teachers and improve student learning, motivation and achievement. Administrators will work with the Technology in Motion specialists to learn and improve productivity using Google tools. The candidates for this professional learning unit will prove the use of these technology tools by providing evidence through discussions, and by modeling the professional use of technology throughout the course. Candidates will discuss ideas, strategies and best practices with other leaders in the course and apply what they learn to their own practice. Participants will go through a series of tasks and hands-on experience to learn about each component of Google Workspace for Education. This professional learning unit aims to promote the utilization of Google Workspace for Education apps and tools, coupled with best practices, to enhance productivity levels. Candidates will gain proficiency in utilizing Google apps and tools, providing them with the opportunity to pursue certification as Level 1 and/or Level 2 Google Certified Educators. The purpose of this professional learning unit is to encourage the use of the Google Suite for education apps and tools along with best practices to ensure an increase of productivity. The candidates will also be well versed in using the Google apps and tools that they will have the option to become a Level 1 and/or Level 2 Google Certified Educator.

Professional Learning Provider:

Alabama Technology in Motion (ATiM)

Regional Inservice Center:

All

Target Audience:

All

Clock Hour(s):

15

PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:

323392

Title

APLDS - ATiM: Increasing Productivity Using Google Tools for Administrators (PLUACLD986)

Description

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

Increasing Productivity Using Google Tools for Administrators is designed to support educational leadership and productivity in a technological world. School leaders and administrators will develop skills using proven effective tools and strategies to better support their teachers and improve student learning, motivation, and achievement. The purpose of this professional learning unit is to encourage the use of the Google Suite for education apps and tools along with best practices to ensure an increase of productivity. Candidates will have the option to become a Level 1 and/or Level 2 Google Certified Educator.

Professional Learning Provider:

Alabama Technology in Motion (ATiM)

Regional Inservice Center:

All

Target Audience:

All

Clock Hour(s):

15

PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:

320658

Title

APLDS - Bailey Education Group: PLUACLD1276: Igniting Leadership Excellence: A Professional Study in Principal Leadership Development

Description

Embark on a transformative journey to unlock your leadership potential and shape the future of education. Our five day professional study is designed to empower educators across five crucial areas of leadership: visionary, instructional, managerial, relational, and innovation. The purpose of this study is to equip educators with the knowledge and tools to develop and articulate a clear vision for their schools or districts, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. Through interactive workshops, case studies, and reflective exercises, participants will dive into the characteristics of visionary and innovative leadership and their practical application in enhancing managerial, instructional, and relational skills. Groups will analyze real-world examples and craft compelling vision statements aligned with their educational goals. Requirements for participation include a commitment to active engagement in all sessions, collaboration with peers, and completion of assigned readings and activities. There are no formal prerequisites for this professional study. Selected cities and towns will serve as host sites for this professional study, providing educators with convenient access to a diverse range of perspectives and experiences. Participants will have ample opportunities to network with colleagues, share best practices, and collaborate on innovative solutions to common challenges. Upon successful completion of the professional study, participants will earn 1 ACLD PLU (Professional Learning Unit). The professional study will be offered annually for a period of three years, ensuring ongoing opportunities for educators to deepen their understanding of leadership strategies and drive positive change in their educational communities.

For PLU credit, participants must also register for the ACLD PLU course in PowerSchool Professional Learning.

For more information, please contact Kim Hall at khall@baileyarch.com or 256-595-0908.

Professional Learning Provider:

Bailey Education Group LLC

Regional Inservice Center:

All

Target Audience:

All

Clock Hour(s):

30

PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:

322590

Title

APLDS - Bailey Education Group: Igniting Leadership Excellence - Relational and Visionary Leadership Excerpt from ACLDPLU1276

Description

This two-day professional study is designed to empower educators across two crucial areas of leadership: visionary and relational. The purpose of this study is to equip educators with the knowledge and tools to develop and articulate a clear vision for their schools or districts, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. Through interactive workshops, case studies, and reflective exercises, participants will dive into the characteristics of visionary and relational leadership and their practical application in the school environment. Requirements for participation include a commitment to active engagement in all sessions, collaboration with peers, and completion of assigned readings and activities. There are no formal prerequisites for this professional study. Selected cities and towns will serve as host sites for this professional study, providing educators with convenient access to a diverse range of perspectives and experiences.

For more information, please contact Kim Hall at khall@baileyarch.com or 256-595-0908.

Professional Learning Provider:

Bailey Education Group LLC

Regional Inservice Center:

All

Target Audience:

All

Clock Hour(s):

12

PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:

325442

Title

APLDS - Bailey Education Group: Innovative Leadership - Igniting Leadership Excellence

Description

Innovative Leadership:  Driving Educational Innovation Through Creativity and Design Thinking
In a rapidly evolving world, innovation is essential to preparing students for the future. This session empowers school leaders to embrace forward-thinking strategies and foster an environment that encourages creativity, adaptability, and continuous improvement.

For more information, please contact Kim Hall at khall@baileyarch.com or 256-595-0908.

Professional Learning Provider:

Bailey Education Group LLC

Regional Inservice Center:

All

Target Audience:

All

Clock Hour(s):

6

PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:

327961

Title

APLDS - Bailey Education Group: Instructional Leadership - Igniting Leadership Excellence

Description

Instructional Leadership: Strengthening Teaching and Learning Through Data and Feedback
Instructional Leadership is at the heart of student success. This session focuses on equipping school leaders with the knowledge and skills to improve teaching practices, provide meaningful feedback, and use data-driven decision-making to enhance student achievement.

For more information, please contact Kim Hall at khall@baileyarch.com or 256-595-0908.

Professional Learning Provider:

Bailey Education Group LLC

Regional Inservice Center:

All

Target Audience:

All

Clock Hour(s):

6

PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:

327960

Title

APLDS - Bailey Education Group: Operational Leadership - Igniting Leadership Excellence

Description

Operational Leadership: Managing Schools Effectively for Student and Staff Success
Operational Leadership ensures that schools function efficiently, allowing teachers and students to thrive. This session equips leaders with practical tools for time management, personnel supervision, budgeting, and conflict resolution.

For more information, please contact Kim Hall at khall@baileyarch.com or 256-595-0908.

Professional Learning Provider:

Bailey Education Group LLC

Regional Inservice Center:

All

Target Audience:

All

Clock Hour(s):

6

PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:

327959

Title

APLDS - Bailey Education Group: Relational Leadership - Igniting Leadership Excellence

Description

Relational Leadership - Building Strong Relationships for School Success:
Effective leadership is rooted in strong relationships. Relational Leadership focuses on cultivating trust, collaboration, and shared accountability among staff, students, families, and the broader school community. This session will provide school leaders with strategies to build and sustain positive relationships that foster a supportive and productive learning environment.

For more information, please contact Kim Hall at khall@baileyarch.com or 256-595-0908.

Professional Learning Provider:

Bailey Education Group LLC

Regional Inservice Center:

All

Target Audience:

All

Clock Hour(s):

6

PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:

327955

Title

APLDS - Bailey Education Group: Visionary Leadership - Igniting Leadership Excellence

Description

Visionary Leadership: Crafting a Compelling Vision for Educational Excellence
Great leaders inspire action by articulating a clear and compelling vision. This session focuses on helping participants define and refine their leadership vision, align it with school and district goals, and communicate it effectively to stakeholders.

For more information, please contact Kim Hall at khall@baileyarch.com or 256-595-0908.

Professional Learning Provider:

Bailey Education Group LLC

Regional Inservice Center:

All

Target Audience:

All

Clock Hour(s):

6

PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:

327958

Title

APLDS - BBB Educational Enterprise: Charting the Course with Do the Math Intervention - A Leader's Guide for School Success

Description

Please note the ALSDE is not responsible for costs associated with the professional learning experience.

This leadership professional development is strategically aligned to those systems/schools who have adopted Do the Math Intervention. This learning will enable leaders to provide explicit classroom support and feedback. Our overall goal is to shift instructional practices and pedagogy while leveraging the Do the Math intervention. Our consultants will coach school leaders on how to lead and conduct school-specific data analysis and extrapolation within leadership teams, as well as give specific coaching on how to fill in learning gaps that have been identified in the area of mathematics. This professional learning will include the visionary, instructional, and innovative areas from the Alabama Leadership Standards. Building a learning-focused school climate will include the following steps in this leadership professional development:
Step 1: Data Analysis: Discovering trends/patterns to ensure strengths and gaps are identified.
Step 2: Scheduling and Eliminating Barriers.
Step 3: Professional learning regarding instruction and effective feedback: It is vital for leaders to provide specific feedback on the components within the intervention.
Step 4: Look For's: Provided to leaders to target math classroom observations aligned to the Do the Math. Classrooms will be visited with the leaders and coach with targeted effective feedback.
Step 5: Next Steps: Consultant/coach will provide school/district leaders recommendations for targeted support and intervention for year 2 of implementation.

For more information, please contact Lisa Russian at ljonesorr@gmail.com.

Professional Learning Provider:

BBB Educational Enterprise

Regional Inservice Center:

All

Target Audience:

All

Clock Hour(s):

30

PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:

328999

Title

APLDS - Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence: 25th Annual Conference

Description

Please note the ALSDE is not responsible for costs associated with the professional learning experience.

The BRSE Conference is an annual conference that is held at Disney for educators who have gone through the BRSE school improvement process or would like to grow in nine different categories:
- Student Focus and Support
- School Organization and Culture
- Challenging Standards and Curriculum
- Active Teaching and Learning
- Technology Integration
- Professional Community
- Leadership and Educational Vitality
- School, Family, and Community Partnerships
- Indicators of Success

Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence (BRSE) is a non-profit 501©3 organization that has been serving schools across the nation since 2001. We are passionate about education and want schools to be the best for students! The BRSE one-of-a-kind assessment survey provides actionable insights to be used as the starting point for school improvement. Our comprehensive approach to helping schools includes professional development and support, best practice sharing, conferences, and networking.

Professional Learning Provider:

Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence

Regional Inservice Center:

All

Target Audience:

All

Clock Hour(s):

18

PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:

329005

Portfolio

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.​​​

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The Way Forward:  Maximizing Your PLC at Work

Multiple Dates

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AEA PR&R Conference

April 4-5, 2025

Portfolio

Archived State-Approved Conference List

The deadline has passed to receive APLDS Clock Hour credit for the following state-approved conferences.

Conference
Dates
Link
TAASRO Conference 2024
June 3-7, 2024
https://www.alabamaprincipals.org/taasro-conference
CLAS Conference 2024
June 9-12, 2024
https://www.alabamaprincipals.org/clas-conference
A+ College Ready Leadership Institute 2024
June 10-11, 2024
https://www.alabamaprincipals.org/a-college-ready-leadership-institute
AETC Conference 2024
June 19-21, 2024
https://www.alabamaprincipals.org/aetc-conference
MEGA Conference 2024
July 8-12, 2024
https://www.alabamaprincipals.org/mega-conference
SREB Making Schools Work Conference 2024
July 9-12, 2024
https://www.alabamaprincipals.org/sreb-making-schools-work-conference
UNITED Conference The National Conference on School Leadership
July 15-17, 2024
https://www.alabamaprincipals.org/united-conference
Alabama CTE Summer Professional Development Conference 2024
July 24-26, 2024
https://www.alabamaprincipals.org/al-cte-summer-conference
AP Annual Conference
July 24-27, 2024
https://www.alabamaprincipals.org/ap-conference
PLC at Work Institute 2024
multiple dates
https://www.alabamaprincipals.org/plc-at-work-conference
Cognia IMPACT Conference
multiple dates
https://www.alabamaprincipals.org/cognia-impact-conference
High Reliability Schools Institute
multiple dates
https://www.alabamaprincipals.org/hrs-institute
2024 AEA Minority Leadership Training (MLT) Conference
November 1-3, 2024
https://www.alabamaprincipals.org/aea-mlt-conference
PSU Express: Alabama
December 2-4, 2024
https://www.alabamaprincipals.org/psu-express
2024 nSide School Safety Summit
December 9-11, 2024
https://www.alabamaprincipals.org/nside-school-safety-summit
2024 Southeast ACT Summit
December 10-11, 2024
https://www.alabamaprincipals.org/act-summit
High Reliability Schools Summit
January 29–31, 2025
https://www.alabamaprincipals.org/hrs-summit
2024 AEA Administrator Division Conference
January 31 - February 1, 2025
https://www.alabamaprincipals.org/aea-administrator-division-conference
ACEA 2025 Conference
February 26-28, 2025
https://www.alabamaprincipals.org/acea-conference
2025 1st Biennial State of Alabama Transition Conference (SATC)
March 2 - 5, 2025
https://www.alabamaprincipals.org/state-of-al-transition-conference

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:

  • The graduate course credit must be awarded July 1, 2024 - June 20, 2025 to count toward the 2024-25 APLDS program requirements. 

  • Credit will only be awarded to principals and assistant principals.

  • The final course grade must be at least a B.

  • 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

Search by Date

Alabama State Department of Education

Every Child. Every Chance. Every Day.

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