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 listed.
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
updated November 26, 2024
All APLDS clock hours must be awarded through the PowerSchool Professional Learning platform
under the Office of APLDS (Alabama Principal Leadership Development System).
Other Guidance:
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Please contact the professional learning provider with questions regarding session offerings.
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The state-approved list will continue to be updated throughout the school year.
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For ACLD PLUs, participants must also register for the PLU course in PowerSchool Professional Learning to receive PLU credit.
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Professional learning must be approved by supervisors through the Professional Learning Plan (PLP).
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 and early numeracy high-quality professional learning experiences. You can find approved professional learning experiences that meet this requirement below.
For more information about session details (e.g., date, time, location), please contact the professional learning provider.
Area
Early Literacy (K-3)
Title
APLDS - ARI: ELA Dyslexia Awareness Training - Dyslexia: An Overview
Description
PLEASE NOTE: This offering is based on regional availability. Please contact your RIC Director for further information.
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.
Professional Learning Provider:
Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI)
Regional Inservice Center:
All
APLDS Clock Hour(s):
3
PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:
320626
Area
Early Literacy (K-3)
Title
APLDS - ARI: Help! I'm an Elementary Administrator in Charge of Implementing the Alabama Literacy Act
Description
PLEASE NOTE: This offering is based on regional availability. Please contact your RIC Director for further information.
As the 2024-2025 school year begins, there are additional facets of the Alabama Literacy Act (ALA) that must be put into place to support students in achieving reading proficiency. This includes students who have been retained in third grade and those who have been promoted to fourth grade utilizing a good cause exemption. This session will highlight the steps necessary to build structures at the local level. These structures support full implementation of instruction, based in the science of reading and lead to increased efficacy among teachers. Participants will also have time to collaborate with peers regarding structures that are working to improve literacy outcomes for students. There are some great things happening in Alabama schools!
Professional Learning Provider:
Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI)
Regional Inservice Center:
All
APLDS Clock Hour(s):
3
PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:
320312
Area
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
APLDS Clock Hour(s):
15
PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:
320477
Area
Early Numeracy (K-5)
Title
APLDS - OMI: Book Study - Intentional Talk: How to Structure and Lead Productive Mathematical Discussion
Description
This is a book study of Intentional Talk: How to Structure and Lead Productive Mathematical Discourse by Elham Kazemi & Allison Hintz. The goals for each session are:
Session 1- Chapters 1-2: Four guiding principles of classroom discussions, a brief introduction to the targeted discussion strategies with a focus on Open Sharing Strategy.
Session 2 - Chapters 3-4: This session would focus on two targeted discussion strategies: Compare and Connect and Why? Let's Justify. There are planning documents associated with each strategy.
Session 3 - Chapters 5-6: This session would focus on two targeted discussion strategies: What's Best and Why? And Define and Clarify. There are planning documents associated with each strategy.
Session 4 - Chapters 7-8: This session would focus on the final discussion strategy Troubleshoot and Revise and reflecting on the learning with discussions that include topics like: When discussions are student-centered, what is the role of the teacher? Time constraints? Planning for targeted discussions?
There will be four 90-minute virtual sessions with "homework" in between to grow the understanding of math discourse and make connections to the evidence-based practices. This book study is structured so that the principal and/or math coach could lead the book study at their school based on their learning in the sessions. Because of this, administrators may invite their math coach to attend with them. However, it is not a requirement.
Professional Learning Provider:
Office of Mathematics Improvement (OMI)
Regional Inservice Center:
All
APLDS Clock Hour(s):
6
PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:
326337
State-Approved List
updated November 26, 2024
You can search all state-approved professional learning experiences below by provider and Regional Inservice Center.
For more information about session details (e.g., date, time, location), please contact the professional learning provider.
Title
APLDS - ATiM: Building a Culture of Learning through Schoology (PLUACLD1192)
Description
TO RECEIVE PLU CREDIT, PARTICIPANTS MUST ALSO REGISTER FOR THE ACLD PLU COURSE IN POWERSCHOOL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING.
Building a Culture of Learning through Schoology is a hybrid professional learning group that provides face-to-face and online content to support educational leadership as educators embrace the learning management system purchased by the Alabama State Department of Education, Schoology. Schoology is an advanced learning management system (LMS) that empowers teachers and students with a seamless digital learning environment. 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 ins and outs of the LMS while also learning the importance of blended learning. This professional learning unit will allow participants to explore the Schoology LMS, designed to streamline the entire learning process, from curriculum management to student engagement and assessment. With its user-friendly interface, teachers can easily create, organize, and share course content, assignments, and resources. They can also personalize their instruction by tailoring materials to individual student needs and learning styles. Administrators will collaborate and participate in hands-on activities designed to develop crucial skills for communicating, creating, and interacting with collaborative features, robust assessment capabilities, and integration with other educational tools. Educators will have opportunities to enhance their teaching and learning practices through the use of Schoology.
Professional Learning Provider:
Alabama Technology in Motion (ATiM)
Regional Inservice Center:
All
Target Audience:
All
APLDS Clock Hour(s):
15
PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:
323391
Title
APLDS - ATiM: Common-Sense Best Practices for Implementing Digital Citizenship (PLUACLD1281)
Description
Common-Sense Best Practices for Digital Citizenship is designed to empower educational leaders to equip teachers, students, and stakeholders with the skills for responsible, safe, ethical, and lawful technology use. The purpose of this professional learning is to develop an implementation plan so that schools and LEA's have practical hands-on strategies for educating teachers, students, and parents in digital citizenship, digital literacy, and digital safety. School leaders will explore best practices and look at several successful digital citizenship initiatives in other states and school systems as they develop strategies for implementation of successful digital citizenship training in their school or LEA. Participants will discuss ideas and strategies with other leaders in the group and apply them to their own digital citizenship implementation plan.
Professional Learning Provider:
Alabama Technology in Motion (ATiM)
Regional Inservice Center:
All
Target Audience:
All
APLDS Clock Hour(s):
15
PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:
320659
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
APLDS 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
APLDS 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
APLDS 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
APLDS 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
APLDS Clock Hour(s):
12
PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:
325442
Title
APLDS - CLAS: AAESA Fall 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.
Elementary principals will gather for the annual fall conference themed “Leadership Through Mentoring: Signs Leading to improvement.” Sessions will cover achievement, growth, climate, culture, leadership, intervention, retention prevention, and mental health. Informative speakers, state department leaders, and building principals will present the latest information. This conference also offers a great opportunity to network and learn with peers from across the state.
Professional Learning Provider:
Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS)
Regional Inservice Center:
All
Target Audience:
Elementary Principals and Assistant Principals
APLDS Clock Hour(s):
12
PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:
322808
Title
APLDS - CLAS: AAPASS 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 Alabama Association for Prevention, Attendance and Support Services invites you to join our diverse organization and attend our annual conference held in March. Active AAPASS membership consists of those current CLAS members who are presently engaged in work in the student services support area in Alabama schools. The following are examples of jobs that can join our affiliation- attendance, technology, student discipline, transportation, athletics, at-risk, safe and drug-free schools, Children's First, character education, counselors, nurses, assistant principals, etc. Membership is open to professionals who work in any of these areas, either at the local school or district levels.
Education personnel who work in these areas of student support are encouraged to consider joining AAPASS, as regional meetings and state conferences focus on equipping administrators with knowledge and information to ensure student support in all areas of education. Our annual conference focuses on areas involving attendance and truancy, homelessness, mental health, residency, specialized treatment centers, and a variety of other issues that impact the wellbeing of children in Alabama.
Professional Learning Provider:
Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS)
Regional Inservice Center:
All
Target Audience:
All
APLDS Clock Hour(s):
18
PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:
322841
Title
APLDS - CLAS: AASCD Fall Bootcamp
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 Alabama State Department of Education, along with AASCD and CLAS, invite you to lead by example by participating in a transformative day of learning, all while staying in your own office. These professional learning sessions will address some of today’s most relevant topics. Presenters will meet you where you are, answer your questions, and give a boost to your leadership skills as we all seek to lead with purpose. This one day virtual workshop will provide you with valuable information that you will be able to use immediately to impact your school in a positive way. It’s a day that will be well worth your time no matter where your areas of growth or need might be.
Professional Learning Provider:
Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS)
Regional Inservice Center:
All
Target Audience:
All
APLDS Clock Hour(s):
6
PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:
322836
Title
APLDS - CLAS: AASCD Winter 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.
It’s time to get away and collaborate with other curriculum directors across the state. Join educational leaders for the AASCD Winter Conference, January 27 - 28, 2025, at Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach, Alabama. This two-day conference will explore effective practices designed to transform teaching and learning in school districts. Make connections and take home tools and strategies to understand and implement effective practices in classrooms, schools, and districts. Join AASCD and improve your skills as you participate in this powerful learning opportunity. The conference will be a perfect combination of general sessions led by nationally-recognized speakers and smaller breakout sessions led by outstanding state and local school district presenters. Outstanding curriculum leaders will also be recognized during the Awards Breakfast on Tuesday morning.
Professional Learning Provider:
Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS)
Regional Inservice Center:
All
Target Audience:
All
APLDS Clock Hour(s):
12
PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:
322837
Title
APLDS - CLAS: AASCD Spring BootCamp
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 Alabama State Department of Education, along with AASCD and CLAS, invite you to dive into a time of learning to develop innovative curriculum and instruction strategies that will inspire and empower. For your convenience, you can stay right in your office while fostering access to this cutting-edge professional development. If you are passionate about shaping the future of learning in your schools and leading with impact, join us on this one day virtual workshop. We want to fill your bucket with new learning on a variety of topics that will enhance your leadership skills. You don’t want to miss this convenient, yet impactful, opportunity!
Professional Learning Provider:
Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS)
Regional Inservice Center:
All
Target Audience:
All
APLDS Clock Hour(s):
6
PowerSchool Professional Learning Number:
322839
2024-25 Principal Act State-Approved Professional Learning Conference List
You can search state-approved conferences below.
For more information about session details (e.g., date, time, location), please contact the professional learning provider.
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.
Submission Received By | Review Window |
---|---|
July 1 - 31, 2024 | August 1-31, 2024 |
August 1- September 30, 2024 | October 1-31, 2024 |
October 1 – November 30, 2024 | December 1-31, 2024 |
December 1, 2024 – January 31, 2025 | February 1-28, 2025 |
February 1 – March 31, 2025 | April 1-30, 2025 |
April 1 – May 31, 2025 | June 1-30, 2025 |
June 1 – July 31, 2025 | August 1-31, 2025 |
Principals and assistant principals are encouraged to reach out to the district APLDS program contact for additional guidance.
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