Frequently Asked Questions

updated October 4, 2024

General Questions

Q1: What is the School Principal Leadership and Mentoring Act?
A1: The School Principal Leadership and Mentoring Act (§§ 16-6I-1 — 16-6I-7) was passed in June 2023 to (1) create and implement the Alabama Principal Leadership Development System for public K-12 education, (2) provide for the creation and implementation of a mentoring program for new principals and a continuing professional learning program for principals and assistant principals, and (3) provide annual stipends for principals and assistant principals who satisfactorily complete the requirements of the Alabama Principal Leadership Development System.

Q2: Why focus on school leadership?
A2: School leaders are critical to student achievement and school success. They lead the work that creates the conditions for quality teaching and learning to occur in a school. For example, they determine how effective teachers are hired, developed, and retained, build a positive school climate, secure necessary resources, and ensure a safe and orderly learning environment. In a recent report synthesizing research on how principals impact students and schools, Grissom et al. (2021) stated that “principals really matter. Indeed, it is difficult to envision an investment with a higher ceiling on its potential return than a successful effort to improve principal leadership” (p. 43).

Q3: What is the goal of the Alabama Principal Leadership Development System (APLDS)?
A3: The overarching goal of the APLDS is to increase the effectiveness of school administrators resulting in improved academic outcomes for all students. The indicators of success are improved principal retention, school climate, and student outcomes (e.g., achievement, growth).

Q4: What are the components of the Alabama Principal Leadership Development System (APLDS)?
A4: There are several components of the APLDS including: (1) Alabama Standards for School Leadership, (2) Alabama Principal Leadership Framework, (3) School Leadership Evaluation System, (4) High-Quality Professional Learning, (5) Alabama New Principal Mentoring Program, and (6) Leadership Academy. The program will also provide additional resources for schools that have difficulty in recruiting and retaining effective school administrators as well as competitive grants and/or technical assistance for local school districts to develop principal pipeline programs. (Note: Competitive grants will be pending legislative appropriations.)

Q5: What is the design and implementation timeline?
A5: The APLDS will be developed and implemented in phases with full implementation by the 2029-30 school year. The timeline is outlined in the informational flyer titled "Principal Act Timeline".

Q6: Who is eligible to participate in the Alabama Principal Leadership Development System (APLDS)?
A6: The School Principal Leadership and Mentoring Act and APLDS only apply to school principals and assistant principals.

Professional Learning Plan Questions

Q27: What are the new requirements for school administrators' PLP?
A27: Beginning with the 2024-25 school year, the PLP must include (1) at least one goal for student academic growth and/or achievement, (2) at least one goal for school climate, and (3) 5 Days (30 clock hours) of high-quality professional learning from the ALSDE-Approved List that target school leadership development and align to the Alabama Standards for School Leadership, Alabama Principal Leadership Framework, and Alabama Standards for Professional Learning.

Q28: How will school administrators complete their PLP for the 2024-25 school year?
A28: All principals and assistant principals will complete their PLP in the AIM Teaching Effectiveness application. The APLDS Dashboard is currently being created in AIM TE and will include the following components:

School Administrator Position Selection: Select the school administrator position that best represents you (e.g., assistant principal).
Professional Learning Plan: This collaboratively developed plan must include (1) at least one goal for student academic growth and/or achievement, (2) at least one goal for school climate, and (3) at least 30 APLDS clock hours of High-Quality Professional Learning from the ALSDE-Approved List in accordance with the School Principal Leadership and Mentoring Act (§§ 16-6I).
Evidence: The school administrator adds evidence based on the Professional Learning Plan as a record of active work towards improvement and participation in professional learning experiences (e.g., at least 30 APLDS clock hours of HQPL from ALSDE-Approved List, New Principal Mentoring Program) in accordance with the School Principal Leadership and Mentoring Act (§§ 16-6I).
Certification of Completion: The school administrator and evaluator must certify successful completion of all Alabama Principal Leadership Development System program requirements in accordance with the School Principal Leadership and Mentoring Act (§§ 16-6I).

Q29: When will the APLDS Dashboard, which includes the PLP, be available in the AIM Teaching Effectiveness application and what are the deadlines for completion?
A29: The new APLDS Dashboard will be available on July 1, 2024. The PLP step must be completed by October 1, 2024. The evidence and certification of completion must be completed by the third week of June. It is strongly recommended that it be completed sooner, especially anyone who is retiring.

Q30: What evaluation system will district administrators use?

A30: LEADAlabama is being replaced by the APLDS School Leadership Evaluation System only for principals and assistant principals. District administrators will still have the option to participate in the LEADAlabama formative evaluation system or use the school district’s selected or developed system.

Q31: Who do educators need to contact if they cannot access the AIM Teacher Effectiveness application?
A31: Contact the local school district’s Education's Directory Editor. If the school district editor needs assistance, he/she can contact the ALSDE Service desk by emailing servicedesk@alsde.edu or by calling 334-694-4777.

Annual Stipend Questions

Q7: What are principals and assistant principals required to do for the annual stipend?
A7: The stipend is based on successful completion of all Alabama Principal Leadership Development System (APLDS) requirements. The program requirements increase over time as the APLDS is fully implemented and differ for principals and assistant principals to reflect the scope of responsibilities assigned to the positions. Additionally, the APLDS includes different components to support the needs of new principals within their first and second year in the position. To further clarify requirements for the first year of implementation, see Q&A 9-12.

Q8: When do the stipends for principals and assistant principals start?
A8: Pending appropriations from the Legislature, school administrators who successfully complete all program requirements of the Alabama Principal Leadership Development System (APLDS) for the 2024-25 school year will be able to receive the stipend by Fall 2025.

Q9: I am a principal, and my contract started before July 1, 2024. How can I successfully complete all APLDS program requirements for the 2024-25 school year and receive the annual stipend?
A9: You are considered an existing principal To successfully complete all program requirements for the 2024-25 school year and receive the annual stipend (pending legislative appropriations), you will need to:

Complete a Professional Learning Plan (PLP) in the AIM Teaching Effectiveness application which includes:
(1) at least one goal for student academic growth and/or achievement
(2) at least one goal for school climate
(3) at least 5 additional days of professional learning from the approved list
Participate in at least 5 additional days (30 clock hours) of professional learning from the approved list that are identified in your PLP

Q10: I am a new principal (contract started on or after July 1, 2024), and I have never been a principal before. How can I successfully complete all APLDS program requirements for the 2024-25 school year and receive the annual stipend?
A10: You will be considered a newly employed, first-time principal for the 2024-25 school year if you begin employment on or after July 1, 2024. To successfully complete all program requirements for the 2024-25 school year and receive the annual stipend (pending legislative appropriations), you will need to:

Complete a Professional Learning Plan (PLP) in the AIM Teaching Effectiveness application which includes:
(1) at least one goal for student academic growth and/or achievement
(2) at least one goal for school climate
(3) at least 5 additional days of professional learning from the approved list
Participate in at least 5 additional days (30 clock hours) of professional learning from the approved list that are identified in your PLP
Participate in a state-approved new principal mentoring program

Q11: I am an assistant principal. How can I successfully complete all APLDS program requirements for the 2024-25 school year and receive the annual stipend?
A11: There is not a distinction between new or existing assistant principals in terms of APLDS program requirements. To successfully complete all program requirements for the 2024-25 school year and receive the annual stipend (pending legislative appropriations), you will need to:

Complete a Professional Learning Plan (PLP) in the AIM Teaching Effectiveness application which includes:
(1) at least one goal for student academic growth and/or achievement
(2) at least one goal for school climate
(3) at least 5 additional days of professional learning from the approved list
Participate in at least 5 additional days (30 clock hours) of professional learning from the approved list that are identified in your PLP

Q12: How much are the annual stipends for principals and assistant principals?
A12: Pending appropriations from the Legislature, principals and assistant principals who successfully complete the Alabama Principal Leadership Development System (APLDS) program requirements will receive the following annual stipends.

Principals: up to $10,000 and up to an additional $5,000 for serving high-poverty and/or low-performing schools
Assistant Principals: up to $5,000 and up to an additional $2,500 for serving high-poverty and/or low-performing schools

(Note: The Legislature may also provide additional stipends to principals serving in high-poverty and/or low-performing schools who meet or exceed student growth goals as identified through the APLDS Evaluation System which will not be implemented until the 2027-28 school year.)

Q13: If our district or school has a different position title for school administrators, will they still be eligible to receive the annual stipend?

A13: Yes. Regardless of title (e.g., Program Specialist), all principals and assistant principals who are full-time employees, properly certified by the ALSDE with a leadership certificate, and successfully complete all program requirements of the Alabama Principal Leadership Development System will receive the annual stipend (pending legislative appropriations) if they are properly identified in the following ways:

Assigned the Staff Position of Principal or Assistant Principal in the Education Directory
Assigned as a principal or assistant principal in LEAPS

The principal or assistant principal must also be serving a cost center with students where they manage the daily operations, students, and staff.

Q14: If I am not a full-time principal or assistant principal, will I be eligible for the annual stipend?
A14: No, only full-time principals or assistant principals (1.0 FTE) will be eligible.

Q15: Will principals and assistant principals who are locally funded also be eligible to receive the annual stipend?
A15: Yes.

Q16: Are interim principals eligible for the program stipend?

A16: No, interim principals will not be eligible.

Q17: I am a superintendent/assistant superintendent and principal. Do I qualify for the program stipend?

A17: No, superintendents/assistant superintendents will not be eligible.

Q18: Will a principal or assistant principal who is hired after the start of the school year be eligible for the program stipend?

A18: A principal or assistant principal must be on contract no later than October 1, 2024 in order to be eligible.

Q19: Is there an application process that principals and assistant principals will need to complete in order to receive the annual stipend?
A19: No.

Q20: How and when will the stipends for principals and assistant principals be allocated?
A20: Program requirements of the Alabama Principal Leadership Development System (APLDS) must be successfully completed by June 20, 2025. Pending appropriations from the Legislature, a one-time stipend will be allocated to local school districts once they certify that each principal and assistant principal has successfully completed all program requirements.

Q21: Will I still receive the annual stipend if I successfully complete all program requirements by June 20, 2025 but retire before the start of the school next school year?
A21: Yes

Q22. Can someone who does not serve in a position for a full year be eligible for the stipend?
A22: No, the administrator must serve in the position for the full year in order to be eligible for the stipend. For example, a principal or assistant principal who retires before the school year ends will not be eligible for the stipend. Moreover, an assistant principal who moves into the principalship after the school year begins will not be eligible for the principal stipend until the following year but will still be eligible for the assistant principal stipend.

Q23: I have successfully completed all program requirements for the 2024-25 school year stipend and served in my school administrator position for the full year. However, I will retire over the summer before the next school year. Will the 2024-25 school year stipend count toward my average final salary for retirement (average of the highest three years out of the last 10 years of contribution)?
A23: In order for the stipend to be included, it will have to be paid before the retirement date. The ALSDE will begin processing payments once certification of program requirements are completed in the AIM Teaching Effectiveness application (APLDS Dashboard). It is highly recommended that the district APLDS contact person notify the ALSDE as soon as possible when certification has been completed. More information about the notification process will be forthcoming.

Q24: What schools are considered high-poverty?
A24: High-poverty schools have a free and reduced federal lunch student percentage of at least 75% or provide meals to all students through the Community Eligibility Provision.

Q25: What schools are considered low-performing?
A25: Low-performing schools include those that are identified as a Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) school, Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) school, Additional Targeted Support and Improvement (ATSI) school, a school with a D or F grade as defined by the Alabama Education Report Card, or a full support or limited support school as defined by the Alabama Literacy Act or the Alabama Numeracy Act.

Q26: How do principals and assistant principals know if they serve a high-poverty and/or low-performing school?
A26: Someone from the local school district who serves as the contact for the Child Nutrition Program, Accountability, or Curriculum and Instruction should be able to help principals and assistant principals know if they serve a school that meets the criteria for being a high-poverty or low-performing school.

High-Quality Professional Learning Questions

Q32: The law states that principals and assistant principals are required to complete 5 additional days of high-quality professional learning targeting their school leadership skill development as identified in the annual Professional Learning Plan (PLP). Does this add 5 days to the school administrators’ contracts?

A32: No, contracts will not be affected by this program requirement. Local school districts determine contracts for school administrators.

Q33: The law requires a certain number of professional learning (PL) days from a state-approved list. Since PL is calculated in clock hours, how many clock hours will I need to complete each year?

A33: The Principal Act requires principals and assistant principals to participate in at least 5 days of high-quality professional learning targeting leadership development from an approved list. Principals and assistant principals should complete sufficient professional learning to equate to five (5) workdays. A minimum of six (6) hours is required to qualify as a “day” of professional learning. Therefore, principals and assistant principals should participate in at least 30 clock hours from the state-approved lists each year.

Q34: What professional learning will be on the state-approved list and count toward the required 30 clock hours?

A34: The professional learning experiences must align to the new Alabama Standards for School Leadership, Alabama Standards for Professional Learning, and provide comprehensive, sustained, job-embedded, and collaborative approaches to improving the effectiveness of principals and assistant principals in elevating student achievement through professional study. There will be a process for districts to request approval and application process for vendors. The Alabama State Department of Education will also provide professional learning opportunities that meet the requirements.

Q35: Do Alabama Council for Leadership Development Professional Learning Units (ACLD PLUs) count toward the required 30 clock hours of professional learning?

A35: Yes.

Q36: What is the timeframe to complete the required 30 clock hours of professional learning?

A36: Principals and assistant principals must complete at least 30 clock hours of professional learning from the state-approved list between July 1, 2024 - June 20, 2025. However, it is strongly recommended that the professional learning experiences be completed by May 2025 so there is time to upload evidence demonstrating the application of new learning in the evaluation system.

Q37: How will the PLUs that count toward the Principal Act stipend requirement also count toward my Professional Leadership Certification?

A37: Please contact Educator Certification at edcert@alsde.edu or 334-694-4557 with the subject line: PLU question.

New Principal Mentoring Program Questions

Q38: Who will participate in the principal mentoring program?

A38: Beginning with the 2024-25 school year, all newly employed, first-time principals (employed on or after July 1, 2024) will be required to participate in a principal mentoring program for two consecutive years to successfully complete all program requirements of the Alabama Principal Leadership Development System (APLDS) and receive the annual stipend (pending legislative appropriations). The School Principal Leadership and Mentoring Act does not include mentoring for existing principals or assistant principals.

Q39: How will newly employed, first-time principals have access to a principal mentoring program?

A39: Beginning with the 2024-25 school year, all newly employed, first-time principals (employed on or after July 1, 2024) will be required to participate in a principal mentoring program for two consecutive years to successfully complete all program requirements of the Alabama Principal Leadership Development System (APLDS) and receive the annual stipend (pending legislative appropriations). Newly employed, first-time principals whose contract began in June 2024 may participate in the mentoring program if requested by the superintendent and funds are available. The program will not be available to principals whose contract began before June 2024 or to assistant principals.

Q40: How will newly employed, first-time principals be supported through the Alabama New Principal Mentoring Program?

A40: New principals will participate in a program orientation and extended learning opportunity for approximately half a day each semester (pending available funding through legislative appropriations). They will be partnered with a trained mentor who will support their professional, academic, and personal development through professional learning sessions, on-site visits, and weekly check-ins (e.g., email, phone call). All program materials for new principals will be publicly available for interested stakeholders (e.g., superintendents, principal supervisors).

Q41: How will mentors be selected?

A41: A principal mentor will be selected based on his or her successful experience as a school leader and commitment to developing principal mentees in school leadership. The principal mentoring program offered through CLAS had an online application (click here for the application), and a committee scored applicants using a rubric. The application for the 2024-25 school year has now closed. Final mentor applicants will sign a contract with CLAS demonstrating they meet required qualifications and are willing to perform the roles and responsibilities detailed in the application. Currently employed administrators will not be eligible to serve as mentors through the principal mentoring program offered through CLAS.

Q42: How will mentors receive training?

A42: A training program for the principal mentors is currently being developed by CLAS in partnership with the Design Team and will be ready for full implementation by Fall 2024. All curriculum and training materials for mentors will be publicly available for interested stakeholders (e.g., superintendents, principal supervisors).

Q43: How will mentors receive financial compensation?

A43: CLAS will manage all contracts and payments for the mentors selected through the application process.

Q44: What if our district already provides a mentoring program for new principals?

A44: A state program called the Alabama New Principal Mentoring Program will be provided to all new principals in order to support their leadership development and meet requirements for the annual stipend. If a district opts not to participate in the state program, please contact the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) at principalact@alsde.edu in order to request additional information for approval of an alternate program. Requests for approval must be completed by June 30, 2024.