Summer 2021
Professional Learning

A Note from the Regional Inservice Center Director
If you have questions about any of the sessions, please contact me at patricia.maze@athens.edu.
We're looking forward to a great summer of learning.
Patty
Director, Athens State University Regional Inservice Center
Additional Format for Browsing Sessions

Instructional Strategies (Book Study)
Description: The New Art and Science of Teaching focuses on student learning outcomes, with researched-based strategies teachers can use to help students grasp the information and skills transferred through their instruction. Participants in this book study will explore instructional strategies that correspond to each of the 43 elements of The New Art and Science of Teaching, which Marzano categorizes into three overarching categories of teaching (feedback, content, and context). This session includes two 3-hour face-to-face meetings and two 2-hour virtual sessions. See all dates listed below.
Books will be provided for all Region 2 participants.
*If you are not comfortable attending the face-to-face sessions, there is the option of asynchronous work via Google Classroom.
Date: June 10, 2021
Time: 9:00-11:00 AM
Format: Virtual
Date: June 24, 2021
Time: 8:30-11:30 AM
Format: In Person
Location:
Athens State Regional Inservice Center
1115 Highway 31 S.
Athens, AL 35611
Date: July 8, 2021
Time: 9:00-11:00 AM
Format: Virtual
Date: July 15, 2021
Time: 8:30-11:30 AM
Format: In Person
Location:
Athens State Regional Inservice Center
1115 Highway 31 S.
Athens, AL 35611
Facilitator: Cindy Wales, Limestone County Instructional Technology Coach
CEU: 14 Hours
Classroom Management
Description: In this session, participants will learn classroom management hacks to help them more effectively manage the classroom and help it run more smoothly. These techniques will also help teachers focus on small group instruction and the flow of learning rather than on disruptions.
Date: June 29, 2021- Rescheduled for July 15, 2021
Time: 8:30-11:30 AM - Rescheduled for 12:30-3:30 PM
Format: Virtual
Target Audience: PreK - 2 Teachers
Facilitator: Dr. Stephanie Parker, Huffman Academy (Birmingham City Schools)
CEU: 3 Hours

Proficiency Scales
Description: Gain a deep understanding of the power of developing and using proficiency scales in the classroom with all students. A proficiency scale is a tool that illustrates related learning goals and scores for determining the current level of performance of individual students on measurement topics. This learning opportunity will overview what scales are and why they are important. Participants will engage in examining multiple approaches to developing high-quality proficiency scales, as well as primary uses of proficiency scales in the classroom.
*Participants must attend all three sessions of Proficiency Scales training to receive the 6 hour credit. No partial credit is given.
Date: June 8,10, and 16, 2021
Time: 1:00-3:00 PM
Format: Virtual
Target Audience - K-12 Educators; Administrators; Instructional Coaches
Facilitator: Dr. Phil Warrick (Marzano Resources)
CEU: 6 Hours
Assessing Standards
Session: What Does a Grade Mean to You? A Discussion about Standards-Based Grading & Equity of Grading
Description: Grades K-12, are you considering a more equitable approach to grading? Dr. Shields will share insights regarding the shift to standards-based lesson planning, grading, and/or reporting (why and how). She will also share many resources, including tools, book studies, and K-12 samples (core and non-core), to inform these practices.
Date: June 16, 2021
Time: 12:30-3:30 PM** New Time as of May 21, 2021
Format: Virtual (Zoom)
Target Audience: K-12 Educators; Administrators, Instructional Coaches
Facilitator: Dr. Melissa Shields, ALSDE Office of School Improvement
CEU: 3 Hours
Assessment Data Resources
Description: This presentation offers an introduction to The Lexile Framework for Reading and addresses the following points: (1) What is The Lexile Framework for Reading? (2) What are the Lexile measures for students and Lexile measures for text? (3) Where are Lexile measures found? (4) How can The Lexile Framework be used? (5) What are the benefits of The Lexile Framework? (6) What resources are available for The Lexile Framework?
Requirements: Participants should have an electronic device with internet capabilities. This session requires an email address provided by an Alabama public school system in order to access the account.Date: July 27, 2021
Time: 9:00-10:30 AM
Format: Virtual (Zoom)
Target Audience: K-12 Educators; Instructional Coaches
Facilitator: Jane Scott, Senior Educational Facilitator (MetaMetrics)
CEU: 1.5 Hours
Session: MetaMetrics Quantile Framework for Mathematics
Description: This presentation offers an introduction to The Quantile Framework for Mathematics and addresses the following points: (1) What is The Quantile Framework for Mathematics? (2) What are Quantile measures for students and Quantile measures for math materials? (3) Where can Quantile measures be found? (4) What can be done with Quantile measures? (5) How can Quantile measures be used in the classroom? (6) What resources are available for The Quantile Framework?
Requirements: Participants should have an electronic device with internet capabilities. This session requires an email address provided by an Alabama public school system in order to access the account.Date: July 27, 2021
Time: 12:30-2:00 PM
Format: Virtual
Target Audience: K-12 Educators. Instructional Coaches
Facilitator: Jane Scott, Senior Educational Facilitator (MetaMetrics)
CEU: 1.5 Hours

Leading During Distance Learning
Pre and post-self-assessment designed by Fisher, Frey, Smith, and Hattie (2020)
Four Modules including both synchronous and asynchronous sessions
The synchronous sessions will be hosted via Zoom and the asynchronous sessions will be hosted using Google Classroom.
Dates : June 8; June 22; July 13; July 27, 2021
Time: All sessions are 3:00-4:30 PM
Format: Virtual
Target Audience: Educators with Admin. Certifcation
Facilitator: Mrs. Patty Maze, NBCT; Athens State University Regional Inservice Center Director
PLU: 1 ACLD PLU

Description: Want to increase the rigor in your classroom and increase student engagement? Performance tasks are a great way to allow students to apply their learning. These activities allow students to approach problems in a multitude of ways and connect math concepts and skills to real-world situations. Join us as we explore what performance tasks are and how to incorporate them into your curriculum.
Date: June 7, 2021
Time: 9:00-11:00 AM
Format: Virtual
Target Audience: K-5 Math Educators
Facilitator: Michelle Frye, Classroom Teacher, Hayden Elementary School
CEU: 3 Hours
Session: Math Fact Fluency
Description: The struggle is real! Each year students struggle to learn or retain basic facts. And, each year teachers try to find ways to bridge this gap. Basic math fact fluency is a skill that is fundamental for mastery of the four operations of math. Join this PD to learn about games, tips, and programs to boost your students’ fact fluency.
Date: June 10, 2021
Time: 9:00-11:00 AM
Format: Virtual
Target Audience: 2nd-5th Grade Math Educators
Facilitator: Michelle Frye, Classroom Teacher, Hayden Elementary School
CEU: 3 Hours

STEAM Labs
Description: Are you ready to STEAM-up your classroom? Join us for a one-day training and learn how to provide your students with engaging, real-world lessons that will make them WANT to be in your classroom. No matter your financial situation, STEAM can be implemented into your daily routine. From building with popsicle sticks and straws to learning how to fly on a flight simulator, using VR as an immersive experience, and designing and printing 3D models, you will learn how to start your own STEAM lab and build it into a state-of-the-art lab! Participants will experience an actual STEAM lab equipped with a flight simulator, Oculus VR Headset, zSpace VR/AR computer, RVR Robots, 3D Printer, drafting tables for blueprints, Hydroponics tower, Drones, Piper Build-it-Yourself computer, and a Glowforge laser cutter.
Date: June 15, 2021
Time: 9:00-3:00 PM
Format: In Person (Lunch will be provided.)
Location:
Susan Moore Elementary School
3996 Susan Moore Road
Blountsville, AL 35031
Target Audience: K-12 Educators; Career Tech Educators; Administrators
Facilitator: Jennifer Priest, NBCT; Susan Moore Elementary STEAM Lab Teacher
CEU: 6 Hours

Youth Mental Health First Aid
Description: Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach teachers and school staff how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addiction challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.
Date: June 21, 2021
Time: 8:00-3:30 PM
Format: In Person
Location:
Alabama Center for the Arts
133 2nd Avenue NE
Decatur, AL 35601
Target Audience: 6th-12th Grade Educators; Administrators; Counselors
Facilitator: Briana Hawkins and Heather Hicks, Madison City Schools
CEU: 8 Hours
Social Emotional Learning
Description: We already know too well that many of our students have experienced trauma in their lives, deeply affecting their social and emotional learning, as well as their academic performance. Dr. Shields will share information, resources, and trauma-informed instructional tools to arm educators with a better knowledge to address these critical needs. She will also review ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) research and how ACEs impact resiliency, stress, learning. Participants will learn what an ACE score might reveal about responses, stresses, and potential health risks. This session will provide learning that has direct implications for instruction, leadership, and policy, as well as personal wellbeing.
Date: June 28, 2021
Time: 8:30-11:30 AM
Format: Virtual
Target Audience: K-12 Educators
Facilitator: Dr. Melissa Shields, ALSDE Office of School Improvement
CEU: 3 Hours

New or Current Candidates
Description: This course will provide an overview of the NBCT process for aspiring, current, and renewing candidates. The following topics will be covered: Overview of the NBCT Process; Technology Considerations; Integration of the Five Core Propositions, Maintenance of Certification; Grant Application Tips; and Writing Resources. Current NBCT teachers will offer their expertise and tips for achieving NBCT certification. There is a virtual and a face-to-face option for this course. Participants will receive 5 CEUs for this course.
Date: June 9, 2021
Time: 8:00-1:00 PM
Format: Virtual
Target Audience:
K-12 Educators; Counselors; Reading Coaches; Music Educators; Physical Education Educators; Art Educators; Career Tech Educators; Special Needs Educators; English Language Educators
Facilitators:
Philomena Compton, Courtney Hamilton (ATiM Specialist), Sue Noah, Kate Armstrong, Ashly Johnston, Deanna Hanks, Leah Hembree, Julie Rhodes
CEU: 5 Hours
Session: NBCT Bootcamp (In Person)
Description: This course will provide an overview of the NBCT process for aspiring, current, and renewing candidates. The following topics will be covered: Overview of the NBCT Process; Technology Considerations; Integration of the Five Core Propositions, Maintenance of Certification; Grant Application Tips; and Writing Resources. Current NBCT teachers will offer their expertise and tips for achieving NBCT certification. There is a virtual and a face-to-face option for this course. Participants will receive 5 CEUs for this course.
Date: July 19, 2021
Time: 8:00-1:00 PM
Format: In Person (Lunch will be provided.)
Location:
Athens State University Regional Inservice Center
1115 Highway 31 South
Athens, AL 35611
Target Audience:
K-12 Educators; Counselors; Reading Coaches; Music Educators; Physical Education Educators; Art Educators; Career Tech Educators; Special Needs Educators; English Language Educators
Facilitators:
Philomena Compton, Courtney Hamilton (ATiM Specialist), Sue Noah, Kate Armstrong, Ashly Johnston, Deanna Hanks, and Julie Rhodes
CEU: 5 Hours
Renewal Candidates
Description: Participants in this course will be provided an overview of the NBCT renewal process and the new NBCT MOC process.
Date: June 23, 2021
Time: 9:00-11:30 AM
Format: Virtual
Target Audience: Current NBCT Teachers
Facilitator: Mrs. Patty Maze, NBCT; Director, Athens State University Regional Inservice Center
CEU: 2.5 Hours

Technology in the Classroom
Description: During this 3-hour session, attendees will engage in a hands-on learning experience that would serve to strengthen their understanding of Virtual Reality (VR) in education. The session will lend to an overall explanation of what VR is and how it can be used in the K-12 classroom to transform learning. The primary platform will be Google Expeditions and Google VR Headsets (provided for use during the session). If you are interested in learning more about exposing your students to learning beyond the classroom while staying in the classroom, this is the session for you!
Date: July 20, 2021 - Canceled
Time: 8:30-11:30 AM
Format: In Person
Location: TBD
Target Audience: K-12 Educators; Library Media Specialists
Facilitator: Jessica Lindsey, Library Media Specialist, Julian Harris Elementary
CEU: 3 Hours

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)-This session has been canceled. 6/5/21
Description: The Learning Tree’s Consultation and Outreach Services team is pleased to present the following training at Athens State University: Filling Your Behavioral Toolbox, Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP), and Discrete Trial Training. In this training, participants will gain a basic understanding of behavior, common applied behavior analytic (ABA) strategies, data collection methods, assessment and intervention techniques, and skill acquisition teaching approaches.
Date: June 14, 2021 - Canceled
Time: 8:30-3:00 PM
Format: In Person
Location:
Alabama Center for the Arts
133 2nd Avenue NE
Decatur, AL 35601
Target Audience: K-12 Educators, Paraprofessionals, Administrators, School Support Personnel
Facilitator: The Learning Tree Consultants
CEU: 6 Hours
Autism
Description: Participants in this session will describe, define, and demonstrate the principles of visual structure as they pertain to the physical classroom environment, visual schedules, task analysis, and directives. Additionally, they will describe and create materials necessary to correctly implement structured independent work systems and be able to describe the components of visual structure as they apply to social and behavioral concerns.
Date: June 24, 2021
Time: 8:00-3:00 PM
Format: In Person
Location:
Alabama Center for the Arts
133 2nd Avenue NE
Decatur, AL 35601
Target Audience: K-12 Educators
Facilitator: Dr. Whitney Meade, Regional Autism Network-UAH
CEU: 6 Hours

Foundations of Reading
Description: Oral language, the complex system that relates sounds to meanings, is made up of three components: phonological, semantic, and syntactic. In this session, participants will explore the three components, learn how oral language fits into the science of reading, and receive practical strategies for making the classroom a language-rich environment.
Date: June 3, 2021
Time: 8:30-3:30 PM
Format: Virtual (Zoom)
Facilitator: Dr. Erica Rutherford, Cullman City Schools
CEU: 6 Hours
Session Title: Alabama Reading Initiative Foundations of Reading: Phonemic Awareness
Description: Phonemic Awareness is the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate the smallest sounds (phonemes) in spoken words. It is the foundation for instruction in word-level reading skills. This session explores the scientific evidence and provides practical application ideas for all educators who work with young children.
Date: June 7, 2021
Time: 8:30-3:30 PM
Format: Virtual (Zoom)
Facilitator: Dr. Erica Rutherford, Cullman City Schools
CEU: 6 Hours
Session Title: Alabama Reading Initiative Foundations of Reading: Phonics
Description: Phonics is the conscious awareness of the individual speech sounds in spoken syllables and the ability to consciously manipulate those sounds. Children need to learn the code of written language to become independent readers. This session explores the scientific evidence and provides practical application ideas for all educators who work with young children.
Date: June 10, 2021
Time: 8:30-3:30 PM
Format: Virtual (Zoom)
Facilitator: Dr. Erica Rutherford, Cullman City Schools
CEU: 6 Hours
Session Title: Alabama Reading Initiative Foundations of Reading: Vocabulary
Description: Vocabulary is a significant predictor of overall reading comprehension and student performance. When readers know many words, they can read more complex texts. When writers know many words, they can compose more sophisticated documents. This session explores the scientific evidence and provides practical application ideas for all educators who work with young children.
Date: June 14, 2021
Time: 8:30-3:30 PM
Format: Virtual (Zoom)
Facilitator: Dr. Erica Rutherford, Cullman City Schools
CEU: 6 Hours
Session Title: Alabama Reading Initiative Foundations of Reading: Fluency
Description: Reading fluency is the ability to read text easily, quickly, and with expression. It includes accurate and automatic word recognition, grouping words into meaningful phrases, expressive oral reading, and comprehension (i.e., actively building and self-regulating meaning. This session explores the scientific evidence and provides practical application ideas for all educators who work with young children.
Date: June 17, 2021
Time: 8:30-3:30 PM
Format: Virtual (Zoom)
Facilitator: Dr. Erica Rutherford, Cullman City Schools
CEU: 6 Hours
Session Title: Alabama Reading Initiative Foundations of Reading: Comprehension
Description: Reading comprehension is the ability to process text, understand its meaning, and integrate it with what the reader already knows. It involves constructing meaning from the written word. Without a firm grasp on the comprehension process, learners will struggle in every subject they encounter. This session explores the scientific evidence and provides practical application ideas for all educators who work with young children.
Date: June 28, 2021
Time: 8:30-3:30 PM
Format: Virtual (Zoom)
Facilitator: Dr. Erica Rutherford, Cullman City Schools
CEU: 6 Hours
Session Title: Alabama Reading Initiative Foundations of Reading: Writing
Description: Writing is a valuable tool for communication, learning, and self-expression. Reading and writing are communicative processes and there are cross-modal benefits derived from each. This session explores the scientific evidence and provides practical application ideas for all educators who work with young children.
Date: June 29, 2021
Time: 8:30-3:30 PM
Format: Virtual (Zoom)
Facilitator: Dr. Erica Rutherford, Cullman City Schools
CEU: 6 Hours
Neuhaus Reading Sessions
**This course is coupled with an online (on demand) course "Reading Readiness", which requires participants to complete an additional course via Canvas. Reading Readiness is a 6-hour course and should be completed by September 1, 2021. Participants registered for Language Enrichment will automatically be registered for Reading Readiness and will receive course information from Neuhaus.
Description: This class provides teachers with the Science of Reading through opportunities to plan instruction to meet student needs in the context of their classroom while gaining knowledge on reliable reading and spelling patterns, development of oral language and word knowledge, and metacognitive strategies for comprehension. The coaching staff at Neuhaus will follow up with each participant during the school year to assist you as you apply what you have learned in your classroom to best fit the needs of your students. The first Cohort of teachers who participated in this professional learning opportunity increased their knowledge of the science of reading by an average of 19% over the course of the class. NO PARTIAL CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN FOR THIS CLASS, SO PLEASE CHECK YOUR CALENDAR BEFORE YOU SIGN UP.
Date: June 21-25, 2021
Time: 9:00-2:00 PM
Format: Virtual
Target Audience: K-3 Educators
Facilitators: Neuhaus Instructors
CEU: Reading Readiness: 6 Hours Language Enrichment: 30 Hours *Must attend all sessions for credit. No partial credit will be given for the Language Enrichment course.
Title: Language Enrichment for Older Students
Description: Language Enrichment for Older Students (LEOS) is an evidence-based reading solution for remediating struggling readers. Instruction includes learning about reliable reading and spelling patterns, the development of vocabulary and world knowledge, and metacognitive strategies for comprehension. It also provides teachers with opportunities to practice lessons and plan instruction to meet student needs in the context of their classroom. The target audience for this course is 4th-8th grade ELA educators.
Date: July 12-16, 2021
Time: 9:00-2:00 PM
Format: Virtual
Target Audience: 4th-8th Grade ELA Educators
Facilitator: Neuhaus Instructors
CEU: 30 Hours *Must attend all five days for credit. No partial credit will be given.
Literacy Act Overview
Session: Literacy Act Overview
Description: This one-hour session, provided by ARI regional literacy leadership specialists, will provide an overview of the Alabama Literacy Act and its requirements for preservice teachers and others that may want an overview of it.
Date: July 8, 2021
Time: 9:00-10:00 AM
Format: Virtual
Target Audience: K-12 Educators, Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Preservice Teachers
Facilitator: Paula Young, ARI Regional Leadership Literacy Specialist
CEU: 1 Hour
English Learners
Description: This session will address the unique challenges English learners (ELs) face when learning a second language and math simultaneously. Participants will explore second language acquisition, evidence-based math instructional strategies for ELs, building background knowledge, and increasing academic vocabulary to support ELs as they learn mathematics.
Date: June 22, 2021
Time: 8:00-9:30 AM
Format: Virtual
Target Audience: K-5 Educators, EL Educators, SPED Educators, Administrators, Paraprofessionals, Math Coaches
Facilitator: Robin Stutts, ALSDE EL Regional Specialist
CEU: 1.5 Hours
Session: EL: Secondary Math Strategies
Description: This session will address the unique challenges English learners (ELs) face when learning a second language and math simultaneously. Participants will explore second language acquisition, evidence-based math instructional strategies for ELs, building background knowledge, and increasing academic vocabulary to support ELs as they learn mathematics.
Date: June 22, 2021
Time: 10:00-11:30 AM
Format: Virtual
Target Audience: 6-12 Educators, EL Educators, Administrators
Facilitator: Robin Stutts, ALSDE EL Regional Specialist
CEU: 1.5 Hours
Description: This session will address some causes and concerns that may contribute to the misidentification of English learners(ELs) in Special Education. The presenter will also outline several factors that educators and referral teams may consider when determining if a student has a language acquisition issue or learning disability. Participants also will explore strategies to help support ELs who require special education services.
Date: June 22, 2021
Time: 12:00-1:30 PM
Format: Virtual
Target Audience: K-12 Educators, EL Educators, SPED Educators, Problem-Solving Teams
Facilitator: Robin Stutts, ALSDE EL Regional Specialist
CEU: 1.5 Hours
Session: EL: Remote Learning for English Learners
Description: This session will focus on ways to make remote learning for English learners engaging and meaningful. Educators will explore strategies and activities that foster learning for ELs.
Date: June 22, 2021
Time: 2:00-3:30 PM
Format: Virtual
Target Audience: K-5 Educators, EL Educators, SPED Educators, Administrators
Facilitator: Robin Stutts, ALSDE EL Regional Specialist
CEU: 1.5 Hours
Dyslexia
Description: 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. This simulation, formerly known as “Put Yourself in the Shoes of a Person with Dyslexia,” is a hands-on experience that evolved in the early 1980s.
There are three in-person options and three virtual options. Click on the "Date" of the session to register in PowerSchool.
In-Person Sessions (2 Options)** The first training, June 23, 2021, morning session (8:30-11:30) has been moved to virtual.
Date: June 23, 2021 - This training has been moved to Virtual.
Time: 8:30-11:30 AM
Location: Athens State University Regional Inservice Center
1115 Highway 31 South
Athens, AL 35611
Target Audience: K-3 Educators, Reading Coaches, Administrators
Facilitators: Mr. Tim Cobb and Mrs. Melinda Willingham, ARI Regional Literacy Specialists
CEU: 3.0 Hours
Date: July 14, 2021
Time: 8:30-11:30 AM
Location: Athens State University Regional Inservice Center
1115 Highway 31 South
Athens, AL 35611
Target Audience: K-3 Educators, Reading Coaches, Administrators
Facilitators: Mr. Tim Cobb and Mrs. Melinda Willingham, ARI Regional Literacy Specialists
CEU: 3.0 Hours
Date: July 21, 2021
Time: 8:30-11:30 AM
Location: Athens State University Regional Inservice Center
1115 Highway 31 South
Athens, AL 35611
Target Audience: K-3 Educators, Reading Coaches, Administrators
Facilitators: Mr. Tim Cobb and Mrs. Melinda Willingham, ARI Regional Literacy Specialists
CEU: 3.0 Hours
Virtual Sessions (3 Options)**The June 23, 2021, morning session above is now virtual. To register for that section, please click on the original date above.
Date: June 23, 2021
Time: 12:30-3:30 PM
Location: Virtual (Zoom)
Target Audience: K-3 Educators, Reading Coaches, Administrators
Facilitators: Mr. Tim Cobb and Mrs. Melinda Willingham, ARI Regional Literacy Specialists
CEU: 3.0 Hours
Date: July 14, 2021
Time: 12:30-3:30 PM
Location: Virtual (Zoom)
Target Audience: K-3 Educators, Reading Coaches, Administrators
Facilitators: Mr. Tim Cobb and Mrs. Melinda Willingham, ARI Regional Literacy Specialists
CEU: 3.0 Hours
Date: July 21, 2021
Time: 12:30-3:30 PM
Location: Virtual
Target Audience: K-3 Educators, Reading Coaches, Administrators
Facilitators: Mr. Tim Cobb and Mrs. Melinda Willingham, ARI Regional Literacy Specialists
CEU: 3.0 Hours
Writing
Description: Capitalize on your students' visual learning styles and create a classroom of exceptional readers and writers. Melissa will demonstrate several successful image-based lessons that engage and challenge students, including those most at-risk. Those lessons include warm-up activities, journaling, response to literature, literature circles, life graphs, and other project-based lessons. Melissa will also demonstrate Harry Noden’s successful “Brush Stroke Writing” strategies, also known as “Image Grammar.” Using images to stimulate thinking and word choice, students learn how to layer their writing with varied word structure and deliberate uses of different parts of speech. Participants will receive hands-on training, as well as ready-to-use classroom presentations and lessons to begin implementation in their own 4th-9th grade language arts classrooms.
Date: June 28, 2021
Time: 12:30-3:30 PM
Format: Virtual
Target Audience: 4th-9th Grade Educators
Facilitator: Dr. Melissa Shields, ALSDE Office of School Improvement
CEU: 3 Hours
ELA Course of Study Overview Sessions
Description: This professional learning will introduce participants to the 2021 ELA COS. Participants will have an opportunity to explore the components that make up the document, as well as take a first look at their own grade-level standards. They will be able to interact with, not only teachers who teach the same grade, but other grade levels to explore the similarities and differences as students move through the progression of English Language Arts standards.
Target Audience for All Sessions: K-12 Teachers, Administrators, Instructional Coaches
To register in PowerSchool for a session, click on the preferred, hyperlinked date/time.
Date: June 9, 2021
Time: 8:30-11:30 AM
Format: In Person
Location:
Athens State University Regional Inservice Center/AMSTI Building)
1115 Highway 31 South
Athens, AL 35611
Target Audience: K-12 Educators, Administrators, Central Office Staff
Facilitator: Mrs. Paula Young, ARI Regional Leadership Literacy Specialist
CEU: 3.0 Hours
Date: June 9, 2021
Time: 12:30-3:30 PM
Format: Virtual
Target Audience: K-12 Educators, Administrators, Central Office Staff
Facilitator: Mrs. Paula Young, ARI Regional Leadership Literacy Specialist
CEU: 3.0 Hours
Date: June 29, 2021
Time: 8:30-11:30 AM
Format: In Person
Location:
Athens State University Regional Inservice Center/AMSTI Building
1115 Highway 31 S
Athens, AL 35611
Target Audience: K-12 Educators, Administrators, Central Office Staff
Facilitator: Mrs. Paula Young, ARI Regional Leadership Literacy Specialist
CEU: 3.0 Hours
Date: June 29, 2021
Time: 12:30-3:30 PM
Format: In Person
Location:
Athens State University Regional Inservice Center/AMSTI Building
1115 Highway 31 S
Athens, AL 35611
Target Audience: K-12 Educators, Administrators, Central Office Staff
Facilitator: Mrs. Paula Young, ARI Regional Leadership Literacy Specialist
CEU: 3.0 Hours
Date: July 12, 2021
Time: 8:30-11:30 AM
Format: Virtual
Target Audience: K-12 Educators, Administrators, Central Office Staff
Facilitator: Mrs. Paula Young, ARI Regional Leadership Literacy Specialist
CEU: 3.0 Hours
Date: July 12, 2021
Time: 12:30-3:30 PM
Format: In Person
Location:
Athens State University Regional Inservice Center/AMSTI Building
1115 Highway 31 S
Athens, AL 35611
Target Audience: K-12 Educators, Administrators, Central Office Staff
Facilitator: Mrs, Paula Young, ARI Regional Leadership Literacy Specialist
CEU: 3.0 Hours
Date: July 19, 2021
Time: 8:30-11:30 AM
Format: In Person
Location:
Athens State University Regional Inservice Center/AMSTI Building
1115 Highway 31 S
Athens, AL 35611
Target Audience: K-12 Educators, Administrators, Central Office Staff
Facilitator: Mrs. Paula Young, ARI Regional Leadership Literacy Specialist
CEU: 3.0 Hours
Date: July 19, 2021
Time: 12:30-3:30 PM
Format: Virtual
Target Audience: K-12 Educators, Administrators, Central Office Staff
Facilitator: Mrs. Paula Young, ARI Regional Leadership Literacy Specialist
CEU: 3.0 Hours
AlaKiDS Assessment (Introduction)
Description: This is a 6-hour virtual training that will take place in 2, 3-hour blocks. The professional learning session will identify the purpose of using AlaKiDs, review the assessment prompts and observation process, explore the AlaKiDs Materials Kits, and demonstrate how to enter the information into the AlaKiDs portal.
Click on the preferred date/time to register in PowerSchool.
Date: July 13-14, 2021
Time: 9:00-12:00 PM
Format: Virtual
Target Audience: Kindergarten Educators (New Hires and Untrained);
Facilitator: Teaching Strategies Consultants
CEU: 6 Hours
Date: July 13-14, 2021 (Group I)
Time: 1:00-4:00 PM
Format: Virtual
Target Audience: Kindergarten Educators (New Hires and Untrained);
Facilitator: Teaching Strategies Consultants
CEU: 6 Hours
Date: July 13-14, 2021 (Group II)
Time: 1:00-4:00 PM
Format: Virtual
Target Audience: Kindergarten Educators (New Hires and Untrained);
Facilitator: Teaching Strategies Consultants
CEU: 6 Hours
AlaKiDS: A Deeper Dive (Previously Trained)
Session: AlaKiDS: A Deepter Dive
Description: This is a 3-hour virtual training session. The professional learning session will review the purpose of using AlakiDS, review the assessment prompts and observation process, provide strategies to using the data to inform instruction and demonstrate how to pull reports - family reports, classroom reports, schoolwide reports.
Click on the preferred date/time to register in PowerSchool.
Date: July 23, 2021
Time: 9:00-12:00 PM
Format: Virtual
Target Audience: AlaKiDS Trained Educators
Facilitators: Teaching Strategies Instructors
CEU: 3 Hours
Date: July 23, 2021
Time: 1:00-4:00 PM
Format: Virtual
Target Audience: AlaKiDS Trained Educators
Facilitators: Teaching Strategies Instructors
CEU: 3 Hours
AlaKiDS (Administrators and Leaders)
Session: AlaKiDS: Administrator & Leader Session
Description: This is a 3-hour virtual training session. The professional learning session will review the purpose of using AlaKiDS, review how teachers are using the assessment, and demonstrate how to pull and utilize reports to support teachers and the program.
Date: July 28, 2021
Time: 9:00-12:00 PM
Format: Virtual
Target Audience: Administrators/Leaders of Kindergarten Teachers Using AlaKiDS
Facilitators: Teaching Strategies Instructors
CEU: 3 Hours
Date: July 28, 2021
Time: 1:00-4:00 PM
Format: Virtual
Target Audience: Administrators/Leaders of Kindergarten Teachers Using AlaKiDS
Facilitators: Teaching Strategies Instructors
CEU: 3 Hours

Alabama Center for the Arts

Professional Development for Art Educators
Description: Students’ lack of critical thinking skills is the bane of a teacher’s existence! How can we help them to learn to think critically in our classrooms and still give them the joy of creativity? Let’s explore together.
Date: June 10, 2021
Time: 9:00-12:00 PM
Format: In Person
Location:
Alabama Center for the Arts (3M Room/Room #118)
133 2nd Avenue NE
Decatur, AL 35601
Target Audience: K-12 Art Educators
Facilitator: Dr. Donna Estill, Dean of Humanities & the Social Sciences, Calhoun Community College
CEU: 3 Hours
Session: Premier Rush: A Fundamentals Workshop in Video Editing and Animation
Description: Learn the basics of video creation using Adobe Premiere Rush. In this workshop, we will cover fundamental skills of importing video, editing, typography, and more. There are no prerequisites for this workshop.
Date: June 24, 2021
Time: 1:00-5:00 PM
Format: In-Person - This session has been moved to a virtual format.
Location:
Alabama Center for the Arts (Room #225)
133 2nd Avenue NE
Decatur, AL 35601
Target Audience: K-12 Art Educators
Facilitator: Jessica Spowart, Assistant Professor of Art/Graphic Design, Athens State University
CEU: 4 Hours
Session: Theatre Educators' Survival Guide: An Open Forum
Description: It’s tough being a one-person theatre department, particularly in the K-12 arena! In this open forum, theatre professors Lauren Cantrell Salerno and Jax Vadney will explore tips and tricks of theatrical production for theatre educators at any level. Topics will include how to multi-task, stretching a budget, fundraising ideas, student and community engagement, and tips for directing and technical production. Come with your burning questions in towe!
Date: June 30, 2021
Time: 9:00-12:00 PM
Format: In Person
Location:
Alabama Center for the Arts (Studio Theatre)
133 Second Avenue NE
Decatur, AL
Target Audience: Theatre Educators
Facilitators: Lauren Cantrell Salerno, Theatre Instructor, Calhoun Community College; Jax Vadney, Assistant Professor of Drama & Theatre Arts, Scenic & Lighting Design, Athens State University
CEU: 3 Hours
Session: Digital Photography - Portraiture
Description: Learn how to change the settings on your digital camera to achieve gorgeous portraits every time. Lessons included: Shutter speed, Aperture, and ISO; Depth of Field; Color Correction in Photoshop; Using the Camera RAW Editor; How to Set Up a Home Studio; The Best Time to Take Outdoor Portraits. *This workshop was offered summer of 2020 and will be the same class in 2021. Please do not register if you have already received credit for this workshop.
Date: July 9-16, 2021
Time: On Demand
Format: Virtual
Target Audience: K-12 Art Educators
Facilitator: Kim Parker, Visual Communications Instructor, Calhoun Community College
CEU: 4 Hours
Session: Assigning for the Portfolio
Description: Guide art students to develop a mini body of work.
Date: July 14, 2021
Time: 10:00-11:00 AM
Format: Virtual
Target Audience: Art Educators
Facilitator: Dr. Mary Beth Johns, Associate Professor Visual Art Education, Athens State University
CEU: 1 Hour