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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 - AMSTI: 2019 ALCOS: Mathematics Overview (K-5): Navigation & Implementation

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 K-5 2019 Alabama Course of Study: Mathematics Overview is professional learning for elementary teachers, special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and elementary math coaches. The 3-hour session focuses on understanding the new 2019 Alabama Course of Study: Mathematics and its conceptual framework: Position Statements, Mathematical Teaching Practices, Student Mathematical Practices and the K-5 Content Areas. This session provides opportunities for participants to apply their learning from the Math Foundational Training and take their learning deeper as they analyze learning progressions and determine how to incorporate the mathematical practices throughout math instruction.

Professional Learning Provider:

Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI)

Regional Inservice Center:

All

Clock Hour(s):

3

PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:

320542

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 - CLAS: AP Conferences

Description

PLEASE NOTE: If you are participating in this professional learning experience in partial fulfillment of the requirements for an ACLD PLU, you may be awarded credit for this PowerSchool Professional Learning Course but not be awarded full credit for the clock hours stated in the PLU.

Take advantage of this highly focused two-day training designed to support the daily work and challenges of the assistant principal. Participate in engaging discussions from varied perspectives at this event designed for the novice and veteran AP. Held in three locations throughout the state, sessions content delivers targeted information every assistant principal should know. Gain insightful messages from inspirational and knowledgeable speakers needed to successfully perform you job. Walk away with an expanded professional network and ideas to immediately improve your leadership practice.

Professional Learning Provider:

Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS)

Regional Inservice Center:

All

Target Audience:

Assistant Principals

Clock Hour(s):

10

PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:

323242

Title

APLDS - CLAS: Law Conference

Description

PLEASE NOTE: If you are participating in this professional learning experience in partial fulfillment of the requirements for an ACLD PLU, you may be awarded credit for this PowerSchool Professional Learning Course but not be awarded full credit for the clock hours stated in the PLU.

The CLAS Law Conference is Alabama’s premiere education law event featuring presentations on the diverse legal issues impacting school and district administrators. Join respected experts in the field of school law and learn to navigate legal encounters with much greater knowledge. Do not miss this opportunity to sharpen your legal knowledge.

Professional Learning Provider:

Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS)

Regional Inservice Center:

All

Target Audience:

All

Clock Hour(s):

5

PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:

324621

Title

APLDS - CLAS: LEArn and LEAd Training Sessions (Training regarding IEPs)

Description

PLEASE NOTE: If you are participating in this professional learning experience in partial fulfillment of the requirements for an ACLD PLU, you may be awarded credit for this PowerSchool Professional Learning Course but not be awarded full credit for the clock hours stated in the PLU.

There are many people who touch the lives of students who receive special education services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The Local Education Agency (LEA) representative is an important and required team member of each student's IEP team. As a member of the IEP team, this person works collaboratively with other IEP team members to develop a program based on each student's unique needs. Unfortunately, this is not always the case because some of the LEA representatives are not certain of their role nor do they understand their legal and professional job duties as the IEP meeting's "process leader." Through a partnership with Resolutions in Special Education, Havard Educational Consulting, and ALA-CASE, this PLU will provide educational leaders who serve as IEP Team LEA representatives the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in this role.

Professional Learning Provider:

Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS)

Regional Inservice Center:

All

Target Audience:

All

Clock Hour(s):

6

PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:

324622

Title

APLDS - CLAS: September LI: Empathy and Repairing Harm

Description

PLEASE NOTE: If you are participating in this professional learning experience in partial fulfillment of the requirements for an ACLD PLU, you may be awarded credit for this PowerSchool Professional Learning Course but not be awarded full credit for the clock hours stated in the PLU.

Forbes magazine (2021) and other research institutes state that “empathy is the most important leadership skill...” This finding relates not only to the business world but also to schools. Navigating the social-emotional needs of students and staff requires us to suspend judgment, and instead emotionally understand another’s experience. This training will link the core assumptions outlined in the book, Circle Forward: Building a Restorative School Community, to the practice of empathy and repairing harm. Through a deep understanding of empathy, restorative work, and the tenets of dialogue vs. discussion, school leaders can develop a true understanding of the core assumptions. Additionally, educational leaders will hone the vital skills of unconditional positive regard and presumption of positive intentions.

Professional Learning Provider:

Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS)

Regional Inservice Center:

All

Target Audience:

All

Clock Hour(s):

4

PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:

322814

Title

APLDS - CLAS: October LI: Appealing to the 10% of Students Misbehaving

Description

PLEASE NOTE: If you are participating in this professional learning experience in partial fulfillment of the requirements for an ACLD PLU, you may be awarded credit for this PowerSchool Professional Learning Course but not be awarded full credit for the clock hours stated in the PLU.

Be inspired to transform your outlook towards the 10% of students who often experience disciplinary issues. By embracing a positive and constructive perspective, learn to unlock the potential of these students and help them succeed. Kristen, a former school bully, will share her journey and how her assistant principal gave her a second chance. She will introduce seven classroom rituals aimed at helping all students unwind, practice resilience, adapt to change, form identity, enhance communication skills, and form stronger bonds with teachers. Return to school with strategies to focus students on learning and reduce time spent on behavior issues.

Professional Learning Provider:

Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS)

Regional Inservice Center:

All

Target Audience:

All

Clock Hour(s):

4

PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:

322817

Title

APLDS - CLAS: November LI: Supports for an Engaging Classroom

Description

PLEASE NOTE: If you are participating in this professional learning experience in partial fulfillment of the requirements for an ACLD PLU, you may be awarded credit for this PowerSchool Professional Learning Course but not be awarded full credit for the clock hours stated in the PLU.

There are three pillars upon which all engaging, well managed classrooms are supported. In this training, educators will examine the three pillars, explore the importance of each one and why the three are necessary to create the platform for an engaging and well managed classroom! After participating, educators will be equipped to more effectively manage their classrooms and engage students in learning!

Professional Learning Provider:

Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS)

Regional Inservice Center:

All

Target Audience:

All

Clock Hour(s):

4

PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:

322818

Title

APLDS - CLAS: January LI: The 3 E's: Environment, Engagement and Empowerment

Description

PLEASE NOTE: If you are participating in this professional learning experience in partial fulfillment of the requirements for an ACLD PLU, you may be awarded credit for this PowerSchool Professional Learning Course but not be awarded full credit for the clock hours stated in the PLU.

Environment, Engagement, and Empowerment are not just trend-”E” buzz words, they’re Everything. From classroom transformations to student-led conferences to building student collaborative groups and teacher-led initiatives, Jeff Norris, 2024 Alabama Teacher of the Year, will lead participants through a journey of both immediate ideas to integrate in classrooms, as well as strategies and suggestions for school leaders to consider. Come away Energized and Excited!

Professional Learning Provider:

Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS)

Regional Inservice Center:

All

Target Audience:

All

Clock Hour(s):

4

PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:

322819

Title

APLDS - CLAS: February LI: The General Rules of Students with Disabilities and their Practical Application

Description

PLEASE NOTE: If you are participating in this professional learning experience in partial fulfillment of the requirements for an ACLD PLU, you may be awarded credit for this PowerSchool Professional Learning Course but not be awarded full credit for the clock hours stated in the PLU.

One of the most challenging issues that public school educators face in the area of special education law is discipline. The laws and rules are complex and, in some instances, seem to be unworkable and unrealistic considering the significant increase in mental health issues and dangerous behaviors seen in schools. Join Julie Weatherly, Esq. in this Institute to first define and address the “General Rules of Discipline” for students with disabilities, specifically the use of suspension, expulsion and other disciplinary removals under federal law and the AAC, primarily IDEA and Section 504. Once a foundational understanding of the General Rules is in place, Julie will address the practical application of these Rules based upon frequently asked questions and common scenarios.

Professional Learning Provider:

Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS)

Regional Inservice Center:

All

Target Audience:

All

Clock Hour(s):

4

PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:

322820

Title

APLDS - CLAS: March LI: Leveraging Data Analysis for Strategic Educational Planning: A Professional Learning Session

Description

PLEASE NOTE: If you are participating in this professional learning experience in partial fulfillment of the requirements for an ACLD PLU, you may be awarded credit for this PowerSchool Professional Learning Course but not be awarded full credit for the clock hours stated in the PLU.

Join this interactive professional learning experience designed to empower educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to harness the power of data analysis in the context of school report cards. Delve into the intricacies of interpreting school report cards and leveraging data-driven insights to inform strategic decision making and plan for academic success. Facilitated by experienced educators and data analysis experts, this Institute will provide practical strategies and resources to support educators in utilizing data as a powerful tool for continuous improvement and informed decision-making. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or instructional leader, this training will equip you with the skills and confidence to leverage data analysis effectively in your school or district.

Professional Learning Provider:

Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS)

Regional Inservice Center:

All

Target Audience:

All

Clock Hour(s):

4

PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:

322823

Title

APLDS - CLAS: April LI: Brand Building for Schools

Description

PLEASE NOTE: If you are participating in this professional learning experience in partial fulfillment of the requirements for an ACLD PLU, you may be awarded credit for this PowerSchool Professional Learning Course but not be awarded full credit for the clock hours stated in the PLU.

Through this engaging and interactive seminar with Rhodes Branding, Alabama’s district leaders and educators will learn the four essentials of brand building for schools: Positioning, Narrative, Service, and Identity. Facilitators will utilize a fictional profile of an Alabama K-12 district, leading participants through collaborative activities, including performing a competitive analysis and developing a value proposition (Positioning), developing brand messaging and using brand storytelling as a strategy (Narrative), drafting a value proposition (Service) and ultimately developing a brand archetype (Identity). These small group exercises will facilitate the application of K-12 brand-building strategies, preparing participants to strengthen their own districts’ K-12 brands and communicate their unique value to their communities.

Professional Learning Provider:

Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS)

Regional Inservice Center:

All

Target Audience:

All

Clock Hour(s):

4

PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:

322828

Title

APLDS - CLAS: Culture Training

Description

PLEASE NOTE: If you are participating in this professional learning experience in partial fulfillment of the requirements for an ACLD PLU, you may be awarded credit for this PowerSchool Professional Learning Course but not be awarded full credit for the clock hours stated in the PLU.

Though often invisible to the eye, a school's culture influences everything that takes place under its roof. How a school builds its culture is incumbent on the school leadership, school relationships with faculty, families and community partners, and the essential practice of making the school welcoming for all – a place of belonging and trust for every student and family.

Attend this specialized, highly interactive two-day training and learn to build a positive school culture that is critical to student achievement. Gain strategies for pinpointing the type of culture you have, the type you want, and the actions needed to bridge
the two.

Professional Learning Provider:

Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS)

Regional Inservice Center:

All

Target Audience:

All

Clock Hour(s):

10

PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:

322829

Title

APLDS - CLAS: New Principals Institute

Description

PLEASE NOTE: If you are participating in this professional learning experience in partial fulfillment of the requirements for an ACLD PLU, you may be awarded credit for this PowerSchool Professional Learning Course but not be awarded full credit for the clock hours stated in the PLU.

New to the Principals' position? Connect with colleagues for this two-day event designed specifically for first- and second year principals. With an experienced mentor at each participant table to help guide the conversation, delve into the challenges and responsibilities of your new role. Learn up-to-date information to help overcome the obstacles new principals encounter. Build a professional network of support and develop your capacity as a school leader by gaining new ideas and top-notch resources to make your job easier.

Professional Learning Provider:

Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS)

Regional Inservice Center:

All

Target Audience:

First- and second-year principals

Clock Hour(s):

10

PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:

322807

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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