This professional learning experience is designed to help school leaders maintain high expectations for educational teams and learners by focusing on the quality of instruction in their schools that emphasizes evidence-based strategies to improve teaching and learning as outlined in the Alabama Core Teaching Standards (ACTS). This experience will promote a culture of ongoing, collaborative professional learning that builds collective efficacy and leads to student learning (adapted from the Alabama Standards for School Leaders: Instructional Leadership - 2b, 2f).

In this informative session, classroom observers gain invaluable insights into effectively applying the Cognia Scoring Rubric to accurately and consistently rate the instructional practices of classroom teachers. Participants will leave the session with increased skill, confidence, and readiness to conduct post-observation conferences. The professional learning experience will focus on - Viewing teacher practices through the lenses of implementation, authenticity, and effect on learners - Assigning rating values to observed teacher practice by correlating ATOT items with Alabama Core Teaching Standards - Providing a common language and understanding of effective teaching - Conducting post-observation conferences using a six-step protocol

The Alabama Educational Technology Conference (AETC) is our premier educational technology conference designed to empower educators with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to leverage technology effectively in the classroom. Held annually, this conference offers a comprehensive program featuring concurrent sessions, hands-on workshops, inspiring keynote presentations, and valuable networking opportunities.

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 we will explore and discover the positive and negative impacts of AI and how we can use it to transform education.  

Common-Sense Best Practices for Digital Citizenship is a comprehensive professional learning unit offering a blend of in-person and online resources. It empowers educational leaders to equip teachers, students, and stakeholders with the skills for responsible, safe, ethical, and lawful technology use. Digital Citizenship evolves alongside the emergence of new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, applications, and websites, shaping the digital landscape for both educators and learners. The Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) mandates vigilance regarding children's exposure to inappropriate online content. CIPA establishes obligations for schools and libraries, particularly those benefiting from the E-rate program, to develop and enforce Internet safety policies. These policies must address various aspects, including preventing minors' access to harmful content, ensuring their safety during online interactions, curbing unauthorized activities like hacking, safeguarding personal information, and implementing measures to shield minors from potentially harmful materials. 

This hybrid professional learning experience provides both face-to-face and online content to support educational leadership and productivity in a technological world focusing on communication, collaboration and creativity. For this professional learning unit, school administrators will work with the Technology in Motion specialists to learn and improve productivity using Google tools and develop skills using effective strategies to better support their teachers and improve student learning, motivation, and achievement.

This professional study equips school leaders to effectively use Google tools to share their visionary leadership with all stakeholders. Delivered entirely online, the course consists of an introductory module, five learning modules, and a final project. The final project allows participants to apply their learning by integrating Google tools into their leadership practices.

During this course participants will explore technology and teaching, specifically Universal Design for Learning, in relation to special education students and regular classrooms. They will develop an Action Plan focused on a problem specific to their organization and create an implementation proposal towards a solution to that problem. The course will be divided into 6 weekly academic session followed by a 3-week period for developing the Action Plan Template.

This PLU will show creative applications to cultivate reflective school culture via M2 for self-assessment & reflection while using AI. We will explore practical strategies for integrating reflection into everyday classroom use. ATIMs will facilitate 4 professional learning group meetings. Participants must attend all meetings and participate in all online activities.

This is for the APLDS program.  You will receive 15 credit hours after finishing PLU 1417-The Canva Connection.