CLAS School Leader - Summer Issue 2021 by clasleaders

The Official Publication of CLAS Summer Issue 2021 Volume 49, No. 3

and... We’re

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Literacy Professional Development

Alabama Approved Professional Development on the Science of Reading

The state is now funding Alabama LETRS® (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling), a course that teaches educators the science of reading and gives them the skills to teach language and literacy to every student, even those with reading challenges like dyslexia.

LETRS is accredited by the IDA

Educators can choose from: • LETRS for Early Childhood Educators • LETRS for Elementary • LETRS for Administrators (Principals and district-level administrators)

Participants will earn valuable CEUs or PLUs! Meet the requirements of the Alabama Literacy Act and have your educators register for Alabama LETRS Cohort 5 today! Learn more by visiting, voyagersopris.com/info/al-solutions

If you have any questions about LETRS, please contact me! Laura Woolf, J.D. Sales Executive for Alabama p: 205.394.1872 e: laura.woolf@voyagersopris.com

2021-2022 CLAS Board of Directors CLAS Officers President...........................................................Donald A. Turner Calhoun County Schools

Alabama Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (AASCD)

Past President..............................................Dr. Susan Patterson Cullman City Schools

Dr. Lisa Beckham.......................... Mountain Brook City Schools Ashley Catrett.................................... Crenshaw County Schools Dr. Patrick Chappell.......................................................... Retired Dr. Justin Hefner................................... Homewood City Schools Dr. Jan Tribble...................................Limestone County Schools

Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP)

Alabama Association for Prevention, Attendance and Support Services (AAPASS)

David Diaz.......................... Katherine H. Hankins Middle School Dr. Jason Goodwin................................ Russellville High School Van Phillips, Sr. ................................... Center Point High School Wes Rogers..................................... Elmore County High School David Sikes................................................... Fort Dale Academy Bennie Shellhouse.................................. Andalusia High School Seth Taylor.......................................Pleasant Valley High School Vacant Position

Dr. Frederick Abernathy, Jr..........................Decatur High School Casey Davis..................................... Tallapoosa County Schools Bobby Jackson................................................................. Retired

Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators (AAESA)

School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA)

President-Elect...................................................... Dr. Bob Lawry Hoover City Schools

Veronica Coleman......................... Chastang-Fornier K-8 School Tricia Culpepper.............................Cullman City Primary School Dr. Charles Gardner................... Hokes Bluff Elementary School Waller Martin......................... Enterprise Early Education Center Rodney Richardson.......................... Horizon Elementary School Dr. Stan Stokley.............................. Saraland Elementary School Dr. Dilhani Uswatte................... Rocky Ridge Elementary School

Alabama Association of Middle School Principals (AAMSP) Cassandra Anderson............................. Straughn Middle School Andy Carpenter........................................... Pizitz Middle School Tony Sanders.................................... Greensboro Middle School Keith York.................................................Opelika Middle School

Alabama Council of Administrators of Special Education (ALA-CASE) Dr. Charla DeLeo....................................... Brewton City Schools Dr. Annie Spike.....................................Marshall County Schools Courtney Utsey...................................... Morgan County Schools

Alabama Child Nutrition Directors (ACND) Melinda Bonner............................................ Selma City Schools

Alabama Leaders Advocating for English Learners (ALA-EL) Stefanie Underwood................................... Decatur City Schools

Alabama Association of Career/ Technical Administrators (ACTA) Chris McCullar................... Walker County Center of Technology Dr. Rhinnie Scott......................... Greene County Career Center

Christie Finley.......................................... Huntsville City Schools Dr. Heath Grimes...................................Russellville City Schools Dr. Charles Ledbetter, Jr. ....................... Pike Road City Schools Dr. Aaron Milner........................................ Saraland City Schools Dr. Timothy Thurman....................................Linden City Schools

Alabama Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA) Dr. David Asbury....................................... Gadsden City Schools Dr. Michelle Washington.............................. Lee County Schools

Alabama Association of 504 Coordinators (ALA504) Dr. Richard Templeton..................... Muscle Shoals City Schools

Affiliate Presidents Dr. Carlos Nelson............................................ AASCD President Judith Ross.......................................................AAESA President Michael Romine.................................................. ACTA President Casey Davis ................................................. AAPASS President Andrea Dennis..................................................AASSP President Dr. Allison Mays................................................ AASPA President Chresal Threadgill................................................ SSA President Dr. Tamala Maddox.......................................... AAMSP President Lana Tew....................................................ALA-CASE President Stephanie Watson............................................. ACND President Dr. Michael Douglas........................................ ALA-EL President Dr. Annie Spike................................................ALA504 President

Summer Issue 2021

Mission Statement The mission of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools is to coordinate and facilitate the resources of all members for the advancement of public education.

Acknowledgments Publisher: CLAS - Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools Editor: Alyssa L. Godfrey, CLAS Director of Communications and Technology Contributors: Dr. Stoney Beavers; Mark Boardman; Dr. Jeff Cornelius; Dr. Amy L. Dagley; Dr. David Dagley; Alyssa Godfrey; Dr. Eric Mackey; Dr. Demica Sanders; Dr. Amy Serafini; Dr. Vic Wilson

About CLAS P.O. Box 428 | Montgomery, AL 36101 926 Pelham St. | Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 265-3610 | (800) 239-3616 www.clasleaders.org CLAS School Leader (USPS#494-450) is the official publication of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools, 926 Pelham Street, Montgomery, AL 36104. CLAS School Leader is published in September (Back to School), February/March (Legislative), April (Convention), and July (Year End). The articles published in each issue represent the ideas or beliefs of the writers and are not necessarily the views of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools. Of the CLAS membership dues, $15.00 goes toward subscription to the CLAS School Leader. Periodical postage paid at Montgomery, AL. CLAS is a non-profit organization exempt from income tax under code section (c)(6). Contributions or gifts are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Management has determined that 7% of membership dues paid are attributable to lobbying activities and are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to CLAS School Leader, P.O. Box 428, Montgomery, AL 36101-0428

CLAS School Leader

Director’s View: “Where Did Summer Go?” 8

CLAS Convention Highlights 11

SDE Spotlight: “Thank You, Teachers. We Teach Alabama.”

Special Feature: “Sim-Mentoring: A Novel Approach in the Preparation of School Leaders”

Official Convention Sponsors

2021-2022 CLAS Leadership Announced

2021-2022 CLAS President & President-Elect

Certified Instructional Leader Credentials Awarded

Dr. Stan Stokley Receives CLAS Leadership Award

Administrators of the Year

Membership Information

26 28

30 32 34 38 40

Upcoming Professional Learning Opportunities Legal Forum: “Learning about Islam in a Seventh-Grade World Cultures Course”

Professional Learning Update: “One Mile ‘Til Empty” Ethically Speaking: “Accepting Tickets from Vendors”

Collegiate Composition: “Improving Student Achievement”

Best Practices: “Relationships Are Not Accidents”

CLAS Partnership Directory Summer Issue 2021

Director’s View

Where did summer go? Summer is all but gone. Where did it go, and how did it go so quickly? Perhaps June, July and August have passed so quickly because the 20202021 school year seemed to last forever. Maybe we tried too hard to do too many summer activities due to missing those last summer. Regardless, we now find ourselves with the 2021-2022 school year having begun. Hopefully, your summer allowed you to prepare for a productive school year for everyone under your care.

decision has been made, the best course of action is to communicate carefully and completely to all stakeholders in a timely manner. When new data arises that necessitates a change in the plan, then changes should be made in the same manner as the original plan. Transparency is critical to the success of the plan. Stakeholders may not like what is occurring; however, they will be able to understand why a decision was made when clear lines of communication have been used.

Covid has not left us, and everyone has prepared for the school year by using the best data possible for your school or district. Unfortunately, most information coming to our school leaders arrives in the form of recommendations only, and therefore, the local systems are left to make decisions based on data obtained from your area. While we all love local control, making decisions of this nature are difficult even when you have clear and compelling data. However, when the data used to make decisions change so quickly, decisions become more difficult and leave leaders in a lose/lose situation because people are passionate on both sides of the issue.

Of this I am certain…each one of you will do the best job you can to lead the learning process in a safe and effective manner. At the end of the day, no one can ask more of you. Often, the biggest critic to your plan is the person you see in the mirror every day. This is normal and can be productive; however, it is important that you not be too critical of yourself.

So, what are school leaders to do in situations such as the Covid pandemic? The answer is both easy and hard. Make the best decision possible for your situation using the best data possible. Once a 6

CLAS stands ready to help you in any way we can. As usual, we have a great year of professional learning, networking, communication, and more in store for CLAS members. I encourage you to check our website for the professional learning opportunities available to you. I also encourage you to attend as many events as you can during your leadership journey. Call us at any time if you have a question about

CLAS School Leader

CLAS or education in the great state of Alabama. Thank you for all you do for those under your care! You are all rock stars in my book! Warmest regards,

Vic

Vic Wilson, Ed.D. Vic Wilson is the Executive Director of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools. He joined the CLAS staff in July of 2017. Vic has 28 years in public education as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, superintendent, and now as the executive director of CLAS. Vic is married to Felecia Dailey Wilson, and they are the parents of Dailey (25), Emma (21), and Paul (18). Aside from spending time with his family, Vic loves reading, sports, and the arts.

@Othell Summer Issue 2021

CLAS School Leader

The 2021 CLAS Convention was our 50th annual convention, and it was an amazing FONTS: SESATIONS AND QUALITIES, MOON FLOWER BOLD experience! We were able to host approximately 850 Alabama school and system leaders at the BJCC in Birmingham with another 150 participating virtually. Attendees were able to participate in sessions presented by nationally reknowned speakers including Thomas Murray, Damon West, Sanee Bell, and Andrew Marotta. Local and regional education experts also presented on topics relevant to educators today. Between sessions, attendees had time to network, peruse the exhibit hall, and fellowship with one another. Many administrators also made progress on PLUs. We are already making plans for the 2022 Convention. We’ll be back in Birmingham at the BJCC. More details will be coming soon. Please make plans to join us June 12-15, 2022!

Summer Issue 2021

Educators quickly identify and reach their communities with SchoolCast. Each contact can decide how you communicate, based on an emergency or non-emergency situation. Voice and SMS text messages, and enhanced e-mail - as well social media connections all can be delivered at rapid speed. Take advantage of multi-language communication tools, auto-attendance and lunch balance notifications, parent dashboard, and non-emergency message "tagging" for sponsors and revenue generation. Plus, with the SchoolCast for MeTM mobile app, schools and districts can provide a complete customized parent communication tool. Deliver grade books, videos, alerts and much more!

• Reminders • Delays/Cancellations • Rumor Control • Daily Attendance • Lunch Balances

• Weather • Threats • Crisis Communication

888.988.5884

www.schoolcast.com

SDE Spotlight

Thank You, Teachers. We Teach Alabama. Welcome to the start of another school year. As much as we want to start this school year with all the optimism and excitement that traditionally accompanies the start of school… we must be cognizant of the fact that we are not out of the woods with our fight against COVID-19. With that said, we also cannot let COVID-19 distract us from our goals and expectations for the coming school year. First, I want to encourage every single teacher, staff worker, administrator, and everyone who spends their day in the vicinity of our students to get vaccinated if you have not done so already. By getting vaccinated, those who are eligible and able to get the vaccine help to protect the health of those who are too young for the vaccine. We are truly all in this thing together. Also, thank you to all the dedicated teachers, coaches, administrators, parents, and students who made the most of their summertime by staying engaged in the learning process! We affectionately called this summer, the Fifth Quarter, as it has served as an extension of the previous school year. The literacy camps, field trips, reading initiatives, and intensive learning opportunities provided over the summer months were invaluable to so many students. Many students were staying ahead of the curve this summer, others were catching up from learning loss experienced during the previous year. Either way, thank you to the education professionals who made learning possible.

As we start the new year, the ALSDE has established a new website: www.alabamaachieves.org. We have also started a new campaign to recruit and retain Alabama’s best and brightest into one of the most noble professions of them all – education. The new website, as all websites are, is a consistent work in progress. Our goal was to provide a user-friendly, mobile-friendly, and data-rich portal to instruct, inform, and inspire.

Dr. Eric Mackey Dr. Eric G. Mackey currently serves as the Alabama State Superintendent of Education. Prior positions include executive director of the School Superintendents of Alabama, superintendent of Jacksonville City Schools, principal, and assistant principal. Throughout his career, Dr. Mackey has been an advocate for increased rigor and advanced high school courses as well as challenging elementary and middle school classes. He and his wife, Robin, have three boys, John (22), Brandon (19), and Christopher (14).

@egmackey

The WE TEACH campaign is an attempt to show those who have committed their lives to the field of education how much they are appreciated. At the same time, we are encouraging those who feel the calling to teach to accept that calling. Whether a college student with a desire to make a difference or someone in the twilight of their career who may want to teach after retirement – we want those who feel the desire to teach to know they are welcomed in Alabama. Please go to www.weteachalabama.com to learn more about the exciting opportunities available for those who chose to teach in Alabama. Yes, we have plenty of challenges ahead of us this school year. Still, I challenge everyone to go into this year full of optimism and squarely focused on all our primary objectives – student performance and quality education. Thank you for all you do. Please take care of yourselves and your families. In the words of the 80’s television show, Hill Street Blues… “Let’s be Careful Out There.”

Summer Issue 2021

Special Feature

Sim-Mentoring: A Novel Approach in the Preparation of School Leaders A school leader requires a broad range of skills and competencies that are not only specialized but also flexible enough for the everchanging circumstances that exist within our schools. As a member of the Educational Leadership program at Auburn University, I am responsible for developing the next generation of school leaders. As the teacher of aspiring school leaders, my quest is to teach adaptive expertise through an active learning approach that combines practical, problem-based experiences, research-based knowledge, and mentoring. What is my approach of choice? SimMentoring. Sim-Mentoring is a term I coined through the engagement and facilitation with educational leadership simulations. Before arriving at Auburn, I was a school principal in fast-growing east El Paso, only a few miles from the U.S./Mexico border. Having recently been a practitioner in the field, I acknowledge the challenges of adequately preparing school leaders. The choice to implement a simulated reality platform to provide a safe, risk-free environment in which to better train school leaders seemed like an obvious one. I knew this type of technology had been widely used in fields such as medicine, aviation, and the military. Simulations were posited to be a powerful pedagogical tool for my graduate-level classes. However, I did not realize how powerful until my mentoring training collided with simulations. To implement Sim-Mentoring, I share a simulated reality scenario. I share on an individual basis in a one-on-one setting or in a group setting. Each simulation sparks discussion as the aspiring leader interacts with the simulation and attempts to make decisions at key points during the scenario. The simulations are developed around dilemmas that are most likely new and unique and include issues related to special populations, such as 12

Dr. Amy Serafini Dr. Amy Serafini is an Assistant Professor at Auburn University. She earned her doctorate in educational

special education or leadership at The University of Texas bilingual education, legal matters, ethical at El Paso (UTEP). Dr. Serafini holds conundrums, school a superintendent certification in Texas financing challenges, and served as a school leader along personnel issues, the U.S./Mexico border for nearly 10 or social media years. Broadly, Dr. Serafini’s research is challenges. I have centered on leadership development. found that the use of simulations forces students to serafini@auburn.edu think deeply and critically about the decisions related to the job. Importantly, students have an opportunity to identify gaps in their preparedness as school leaders. The need for Sim-Mentoring was an organic construct that developed through the use of the simulations, mentoring those who wish to lead our schools, all while meeting the individualized needs of my students. While the benefits of simulations for training school leaders have been widely praised, there is a lack of substantial research to validate these claims. To that end, I have secured internal funding in order to provide the immersive experiences for Auburn’s aspiring school leaders. The preliminary research findings regarding the efficacy of this strategy for learning indicates significant positive effects across the areas examined. For more information about Sim-Mentoring or the educational leadership preparation program at Auburn University, I can be contacted at serafini@auburn.edu.

CLAS School Leader

thanks our 2021 CLAS Official Convention Sponsors! FONTS: SESATIONS AND QUALITIES, MOON FLOWER BOLD

Interior

Elements

Learning Solutions

Summer Issue 2021

for the 2021-2022 year and will finish his term as past president in the 2022-2023 year. Turner currently serves as the superintendent of the Calhoun County school system. He is also a member of the Alabama Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (AASCD) and the School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA). Turner’s presidential nomination was made by AASCD.

2021-2022 CLAS Leadership Announced At the 2021 CLAS Convention, CLAS welcomed incoming president Donald Turner, Jr., and announced Dr. Bob Lawry, as president-elect. At the Closing General Session, Dr. Susan Patterson bestowed the presidential position upon Turner during the Passing of the Gavel ceremony. Turner was elected to a three-year term, starting as president-elect, on the CLAS Board of Directors in 2020. He will preside over the CLAS organization

Outgoing President Dr. Susan Patterson was presented with a plaque commemorating her service. She was also presented with a president’s ring provided by Herff Jones. Patterson has recently retired from the Cullman City school system where she served as the superintendent. She was nominated for CLAS president by the SSA in 2019. On July 1, Patterson assumed the past president’s position on the CLAS Board of Directors.

Dr. Susan Patterson passes the gavel and confers upon Donald Turner, Jr., the CLAS presidency during a ceremony at the 2021 CLAS Convention.

Advertiser Index Advertising in the CLAS School Leader Magazine is available to CLAS Corporate Partners as a partnership benefit. For information regarding advertising opportunities in this publication, please contact Alyssa Godfrey at (800) 239-3616 or via email at alyssa@clasleaders.org. American Fidelity..................................................................................................................... 37 Lexia.......................................................................................................................................... 2 PowerUpEDU.......................................................................................................................... 16 Samford University Orlean Beeson School of Education........................................................ 19 SchoolCast.............................................................................................................................. 10 Stride Learning Solutions (previously Fuel Education)............................................................ 25 14

CLAS School Leader

Donald Turner, Jr., Assumes CLAS Presidency

Dr. Bob Lawry Announced as CLAS President-Elect

Donald Turner, Jr., superintendent of the Calhoun County School System, has assumed the presidential role for the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools. Turner was elected by CLAS members in 2020 as president-elect. He will serve as president for a one-year term, then as past president for an additional year. The presidency was previously held by Dr. Susan Patterson who relinquished the role to Turner during the Passing of the Gavel ceremony at the CLAS Convention on June 17, 2021.

Dr. Bob Lawry who serves as the director of student services for the Hoover City School System, has been elected as CLAS president-elect for 20212022. This position was held by Donald Turner, Jr., who has assumed the CLAS presidency as of July 1. Lawry will serve as president-elect for a one-year term, then he will become the CLAS president for the 2022-2023 year. His selection was announced at the CLAS Convention on June 17, 2021.

“Donald Turner has been such an asset to our organization throughout his numerous terms on the CLAS Board,” said Vic Wilson, Ed.D., executive director of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools. “He is highly respected as a school system leader as well as a member of the CLAS Board of Directors. I look forward to working with him as the CLAS president.”

“Dr. Lawry has been a very active member and leader in the Alabama Association for Prevention, Attendance and Support Services (AAPASS) affiliate. I am excited that he has joined the CLAS Board of Directors as president-elect and look forward to his leadership in CLAS over the next few years,” comments Vic Wilson, Ed.D., executive director of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools.

Awards & Recognitions Visit us online for program details and application information

www.clasleaders.org/awards Summer Issue 2021

Albertville City Schools Getting “Powered Up” STEM Careers Pathways Curriculum & Marty the Robot “…With vertically aligned STEM pathways, from kindergarten to 12th grade, our students will be engaged in dynamic learning that empowers them to be successful in college or in a career.” “[PowerUpEDU] offers the best of the best for what you need in the classroom. They are not just a company we purchase from, but family. They care about what they sell and they care about how you use it in the schools and classrooms.” Spring Charles, ACS Technology Coordinator

In Partnership with PowerUpEDU offers technology & professional learning solutions for ALL Classroom Learning Environments.

Back to School ~ Time to STEM Up & POWER Up!

Introducing the All NEW PowerGlass Classroom Studio! The PowerGlass Classroom Studio is a fully integrated, ready-to-use classroom presentation solution designed to dramatically improve learning in remote, hybrid and in-person classrooms PowerGlass ~ A Clear Way to Dramatically Impact Learning. Contact PowerUpEDU Today & learn more. Click HERE or moreinfo@powerupedu.com

Certified Instructional Leader Credentials Awarded

Convention.The following individuals received their Certified Instructional Leader credential this year:

Michele Eller

Sylacauga City Schools

Erica Hall

Beverlye Intermediate School for the Arts Dothan City Schools

In 2013, the CLAS Board of Directors established the Certified Instructional Leader (CIL) program. This program is designed to identify school or district administrators who demonstrate the knowledge and skills which are essential to the practice of effective instructional leadership. For the eighth year of this program, 18 participants were selected after an extensive application and review process. The 2020-2021 cohort began in June 2020 with blended delivery methods incorporating online and quarterly face-to-face meetings. Candidates were required to implement learned content in their school and/or district and meet benchmarks on student growth and achievement, school culture, strategic management, effective instructional practices, and ethical leadership.

Emily Jackson

Eufaula Primary School Eufaula City Schools

Christina Johnson

Morris Slingluff Elementary School Dothan City Schools

Jeremy Madden

Blue-PMS281C Red-PMS1797C

Nakeyla Mullins

University Place Elementary School Tuscaloosa City Schools

Preeti Nichani

Tuscaloosa Magnet School Elementary Tuscaloosa City Schools

Terry Roller

A CIL Commission was established to be an independent certifying body, which is responsible for the governance of the program, policies, and standards related to the CIL credential. This unique CIL program is administered by members of the CLAS staff who implement the policies. The CIL faculty delivers the identified content.

Alabama State Department of Education

Harriette Thompkins Wylam K-8 School Birmingham City Schools

Dilhani Uswatte

After completing extensive coursework and providing evidence of systemic, systemized, job-embedded implementation for competent instructional leadership, CIL participants met with the CIL Commission to determine their CIL credential status as “Accepted” or “Not Accepted: Revisions Needed.” Ramona Robinson served as a faculty member and program coordinator along with faculty members Sarah Fanning and Dr. Linda Felton-Smith. The 2021 CIL Commission members were Veronica Coleman, Rebecca Dunnivant, Charles Gardner, Davida Hill-Johnson, Maria Johnson, Robert Kyle McCartney, and Datie Priest. The Certified Instructional Leader credentials are awarded annually during the Awards Luncheon at the CLAS

Fayette County High School Fayette County Schools

Rocky Ridge Elementary School Hoover City Schools

Deltonya Warren Eufaula City Schools

Shondra Whitaker Pike County Schools

Pamela Wimbish

Birmingham City Schools If you are interested in pursuing the Certified Instructional Leader (CIL) credential, please visit the CIL webpage at www.clasleaders.org/CIL for detailed information. The application process will open in April for the 2022-2023 cohort.

Summer Issue 2021

Dr. Stan Stokley Receives CLAS Leadership Award

Dr. Stokley has been very active in AAESA and has served as the AAESA district 2 president. He is also a two-time nominee for Alabama’s NAESP National Distinguished Principal Award as the principal of Saraland Elementary School.

Schools are an important part of every community, and Dr. Stokley has demonstrated his community outreach efforts on numerous occasions. When Dr. Stan Stokley, principal of Saraland Elementary the city of Saraland announced a partnership with School in Saraland City Schools, was chosen as the Saraland City Schools and a local church on a food 2021 CLAS Leadership Award recipient sponsored distribution program, Dr. Stokley worked with other by Horace Mann. This award was announced during volunteers and made the Saraland Elementary the Awards Luncheon at CLAS Convention on June 16, 2021. CLAS Executive Director Dr. Vic Wilson and School kitchen available for food storage. representatives from Horace Mann presented Stokley Dr. Stokely is also a bit of a celebrity. Using videos with a $1,000 check. Horace Mann sponsors this for academic reminders, pledge of allegiance, and award annually. morning announcements when the schools closed in Out of ten very worthy nominees for this honor, Stokely best exemplified the leadership characteristics the award is intended to recognize. His nomination was made by the Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators (AAESA). This prestigious award has been given each year since 1980 by the CLAS Board of Directors to a CLAS member who is proven to be an exemplary leader, not only in the local school system, but also in their affiliated member organization.

March 2020, he hoped to provide a sense of normalcy for his students. However, the first video became a viral sensation and has since been featured in the local news, AL.com, and RSA Alabama Success Stories. U.S. Secretary of Education DeVos even recognized Stokley’s efforts to reach his community during quarantine.

CLAS Leadership Award Nominees (left to right): Dr. Frederick Abernathy, Jeff Cole, Jim Cunningham, Cacyce Davis, Dr. Elisabeth Davis, Dr. Allison Mays, Tony Sanders, Ken Sealy, Dr. Stan Stokley, and Lana Tew.

Photo (left to right): 2020-2021 CLAS President Dr. Susan Patterson, CLAS Leadership Award Winner Dr. Stan Stokley, and Horace Mann Representative Don Jarrett.

CLAS School Leader

CLAS Leadership Award Nominees Dr. Frederick Abernathy

Tony Sanders

Alabama Association for Prevention, Attendance and Support Services (AAPASS)

Alabama Association of Middle School Principals (AAMSP)

Jeff Cole

Ken Sealy

Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP)

Jim Cunningham

School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA)

Cacyce Davis

Alabama Association of Career and Technical Administrators (ACTA)

Dr. Stan Stokley

Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators (AAESA)

Alabama Child Nutrition Directors (ACND)

Dr. Elisabeth Davis

Alabama Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (AASCD)

Lana Tew

Alabama Council of Administrators of Special Education (ALA-CASE)

Dr. Allison Mays

Alabama Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA)

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Go to samford.edu/education to apply today or to learn more about our other graduate programs! Summer Issue 2021

Administrators of the Year Ron Pinson, Principal Chilton County High School Chilton County Schools Sponsor: Office Makeover:

Interior

Chelsea Middle School Shelby County Schools Sponsor: Interior

Madison County Elementary School Madison County Schools Sponsor: Interior

Wetumpka High School Elmore County Schools Sponsor:

Aqila Malpass, Assistant Principal Rocky Ridge Elementary School Hoover City Schools CLAS School Leader

A ASSP 2021

Alabama’s NAESP National Distinguished Principal

A A ESA 2021

Elements

Harland Drew Glass, Assistant Principal

Middle School Principal of the Year

Elements

Amy Mason, Principal

Office Makeover:

A ASSP 2021

Elements

Caroline Obert, Principal

Office Makeover:

High School Principal of the Year

Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year

A ASSP 2021

Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year

A A ESA 2021

2021-2022 Membership Information Professional Learning

Advancing Public Education

Networking Opportunities Legal Defense & Support Legislative Advocacy Communication & Information Awards & Recognition Programs

PO Box 428 | Montgomery, AL 36101-0428 800.239.3616 | 334.265.3610 |334.265.3611 - fax www.clasleaders.org

2021-2022 MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools

www.clasleaders.org P.O. Box 428, Montgomery, AL 36101-0428 (334) 265-3610 | (800) 239-3616 | (334) 265-3611 Fax

How to Join CLAS Complete the membership form and check the appropriate payment type. If you are already a member on payroll deduction, then use this form ONLY for changes. For questions, please contact the CLAS office at (800) 239-3616.

CLAS Membership Dues Full Membership

Title II funds cannot be used to pay for legal defense ($30)

Individual membership is paid by the individual and is open to those who hold positions in educational leadership. CLAS provides professional development, communications, legal services, legislative representation, recognition, and more to all members .................................................$284.00

Alabama Association of Prevention, Attendance, and Support Services (AAPASS) ..........................................................................................................$30 Alabama Child Nutrition Directors (ACND) ...................................................$25 Alabama Association of Career/Technical Administrators (ACTA/AACTE) .....................................................................................$125 Alabama Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA) ............................................................................................................. $40 Alabama Leaders Advocating for English Learners (ALA-EL)............................................................................................................ $50 Alabama Association of 504 Coordinators (ALA504) ............................................................................................................ $25

National Membership Dues

Institutional membership is paid and owned by the school, system, or educational institution for that position and is transferrable. The individual will receive all membership benefits...............................................$284.00

Membership in these national organizations is not required unless otherwise specified; however, CLAS supports the concept of total involvement and recommends national membership.

Other Membership Options

National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) Active ...................................................................................... $235

Retired membership is open to retired school administrators (will retain legal defense with continuous membership) ..................................... $75.00 At Large membership is open to employees who are not employed in a school system. This includes State Department of Education personnel, educational leadership professors, etc............................................... $75.00 Aspiring Administrator/Emerging Leader membership is open for those who hold or seek administrative certification, or any educator identified as a potential leader who is not yet practicing in a leadership role (teachers, non-administrators) ...............................$75.00 Other memberships are not permitted to hold office, vote, utilize the Legal Defense Fund, and are not required to join an affiliate.

Affiliate Membership Dues For individual or institutional members, membership in one of the following organizations is required.

Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) Active .........................................................................................................$95 Reduced price for new Active members .................................................$50 Aspiring Administrator..............................................................................$50 Reduced price for new Aspiring Administrators......................................$30 Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators (AAESA) Active ........................................................................................................$106 Aspiring Administrator...............................................................................$33 Retired ...........................................................................................................$0 Alabama Association of Middle School Principals (AAMSP) ......................$70 Reduced price for new members ..............................................................$35 School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA) SSA System Membership ............................... Approved by Superintendent Retired or Associate members ................................................. Join thru SSA Alabama Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (AASCD) ...........................................................................................................$50 Alabama Council of Administrators of Special Education (ALA-CASE) .....................................................................................................$40

Includes $2 million liability insurance.

Institutional .............................................................................. $280 Includes $2 million liability insurance.

Assistant Principal ................................................................... $195 Includes $2 million liability insurance.

Aspiring Administrator .............................................................. $80 Emeritus ..................................................................................... $80 Association of Career Technical Education (ACTE) ....................... $80 The Council for Exceptional Children/Council of Administrators of Special Education (CEC/CASE) ............................................... $135 National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Active ...................................................................................... $250 Includes $1 million liability insurance.

Institutional .............................................................................. $250 Includes $1 million liability insurance. Membership is transferable.

Reduced price for new Active or Institutional ......................... $215 Retired Member (must have been a member for at least one year)... $50

Method of Payment We accept purchase orders and payment-in-full with a school/ system check, personal check, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, and Discover). Payroll deduction is available if your system participates. Dues will be deducted monthly, and will automatically renew each year. If payroll deduction is selected, please complete the other side of this form, sign the payroll deduction authorization, and return to CLAS.

Please make checks payable to: CLAS P.O. Box 428 Montgomery, AL 36101-0428 Return forms by email to membership@clasleaders.org, fax to (334) 265-3611, or join/renew online at www.clasleaders.org

COUNCIL FOR LEADERS IN ALABAMA SCHOOLS www.clasleaders.org

2021-2022 Membership Form Individual Information

____________________________________________ Prefix

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July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022

Regardless of Join Date

Preferred Phone: ¨ Mobile ¨ Home ¨ Work

Recruiter Information - New Members Only

PLEASE VERIFY YOUR SYSTEM’S PARTICIPATION

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I was recruited by: ____________________________________________________________ Payroll Deduction Authorization (please verify your system’s participation): I autho-

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rize the Board of Education to automatically deduct dues each year for membership in the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools and such other affiliated professional organizations as indicated on this form unless I revoke this authorization in writing prior to Sept. 15 of any given school year. If for any reason employment is terminated, any amount still owed will be deducted from the last payroll check or be the individual’s responsibility. Death of the member shall revoke this authorization, and no further deduction shall be made. This authorization shall permit and accept any changes in the amount of dues officially adopted by CLAS and affiliated organizations on this form.

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I. CLAS DUES - Full Membership with Legal Services

II. CLAS DUES - Membership without Legal Services

A. CLAS Membership - Required

(For school/system employees with administrative or supervisory positions ONLY) Title II funds cannot be used to pay for legal defense ($30)

Individual/Institutional ...................................................................................... ¨ $284

B. State Affiliate Dues - At Least One Affiliate is Required AASSP Active (Secondary Principals) ...................................... ¨ $95 Renew AAESA Active (Elementary Principals) ................................................................... AAMSP (Middle-Level Principals) ............................................ ¨ $70 Renew SSA (Superintendents)........................... Must be approved by Superintendent AASCD (Curriculum & Supervision) ......................................................................... ALA-CASE (Special Education)............................................................................... AAPASS (Prevention, Attendance, Support) ................................................................ ACND (Child Nutrition) ......................................................................................... ACTA/AACTE (Career/Tech) ............................................................................... AASPA (Personnel & HR) ........................................................................................ ALA-EL (Leaders of English Learning) ....................................................................... ALA504 (504 Coordinators) .....................................................................................

¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨

$50 New $106 $35 New

¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨

$235 $280 $195 $80 $135 $215 New $215 New

$50 $40 $30 $25 $125 $40 $50 $25

C. National Affiliate Dues - Optional NAESP Active* (Elementary Principals) ................................................................. NAESP Institutional* (Elementary Principals)........................................................ NAESP Assistant Principal* (Elementary Principals) ............................................ ACTE (Career/Tech) ............................................................................................... CEC/CASE (Special Education)............................................................................... NASSP Active** (Secondary Principals) .................................. ¨ $250 Renew NASSP Institutional** (Secondary Principals, Transferrable) ..... ¨ $250 Renew * **

NAESP Active, Institutional, and Assistant Principal Memberships Include $2 Million Liability Insurance. NASSP Active and Institutional Memberships Include $1 Million Liability Insurance.

GRAND TOTAL: $_______

Where to Send This Form Mail to: CLAS P.O. Box 428 Montgomery, AL 36101-0428

Fax to:

(334) 265-3611

Email to: membership@clasleaders.org

(For retirees, consultants, SDE, Higher Ed., teachers, non-supervisory employees, etc.)

Retired................................................................................................................... ¨ Emeritus membership may include legal services if no lapse from from full membership.

At Large (Non-School/System Employee)...................................................................... ¨ Aspiring Administrator/Emerging Leader....................................................... ¨

$75 $75 $75

B. State Affiliate Dues - Optional AASSP Active (Secondary Principals) ...................................... ¨ $95 Renew AASSP Aspiring Admin (Secondary Principals) .................... ¨ $50 Renew AAESA Aspiring Admin (Elementary Principals) .................................................. AAESA Emeritus (Elementary Principals, For Retirees Only) ...................................... AAMSP (Middle-Level Principals) ............................................ ¨ $70 Renew SSA (Superintendents)........................... Must be approved by Superintendent AASCD (Curriculum & Supervision) ......................................................................... ALA-CASE (Special Education)............................................................................... AAPASS (Prevention, Attendance, Support) ................................................................ ACND (Child Nutrition) ......................................................................................... ACTA/AACTE (Career/Tech)................................................................................ AASPA (Personnel & HR) ........................................................................................ ALA-EL (Leaders of English Learning) ....................................................................... ALA504 (504 Coordinators) .....................................................................................

¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨

$50 New $30 New $33 $0 $35 New

¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨

$80 $80 $80 $135 $50

$50 $40 $30 $25 $125 $40 $50 $25

C. National Affiliate Dues - Optional NAESP Aspiring Administrator (Elementary Principals) ...................................... NAESP Retired (Elementary Principals) .................................................................. ACTE (Career/Tech) ............................................................................................... CEC/CASE (Special Education) ............................................................................... NASSP Retired (Secondary Principals) ....................................................................

GRAND TOTAL: $_______

Address questions to (800) 239-3616 or membership@clasleaders.org

CLAS is a non-profit organization exempt from income tax under Code Section 501 (c)(6). Contributions or gifts are not deductible as charitable contributions for Federal Income Tax purposes.

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Upcoming Professional Learning Opportunities Information and registration is located at clasleaders.org/PL/events CLAS Leadership Institute: The Heart of the School Community: Engaging and Empowering Families Daphne, AL

LEArn and LEAd Session: Mobile, AL LEArn and LEAd Session: Pike Road, AL CLAS Lunch & Learn Webinar: Achieving Equity and Dismantling Disproportionality by Addressing Systemic Beliefs CLAS Leadership Institute: Optimize Teaching & Learning with PowerSchool + Schoology + Edgenuity Hoover, AL CLAS Leadership Institute: Optimize Teaching & Learning with PowerSchool + Schoology + Edgenuity Montgomery, AL CLAS Leadership Institute: Optimize Teaching & Learning with PowerSchool + Schoology + Edgenuity Mobile, AL ALA-CASE Fall Legal Conference: Point Clear, AL

AASSP/AAMSP Fall Conference: Point Clear, AL AAESA Fall Conference: Orange Beach, AL CLAS Secretaries Conference: Montgomery, AL ALA504 Conference: Birmingham, AL CLAS Lunch & Learn Webinar: Achieving Equity and Dismantling Disproportionality by Addressing Systemic Beliefs SSA Legislative Conference: Montgomery, AL

SSA Fall Conference: Florence, AL

CLAS Leadership Institute: Practical Trauma-Informed Social and Emotional Learning Strategies for the Classroom Mobile, AL

LEArn and LEAd Session: Birmingham, AL LEArn and LEAd Session: Madison, AL CLAS Leadership Institute: The Heart of the School Community: Engaging and Empowering Families Florence, AL CLAS Leadership Institute: The Heart of the School Community: Engaging and Empowering Families Hoover, AL 26

AASCD Fall Curriculum & Instruction Bootcamp: Virtual

CLAS School Leader

CLAS Leadership Institute: Practical Trauma-Informed Social and Emotional Learning Strategies for the Classroom Montgomery, AL CLAS Leadership Institute: Practical Trauma-Informed Social and Emotional Learning Strategies for the Classroom Huntsville, AL ALA-EL Winter Conference: Tuscaloosa, AL

CLAS Aspiring Administrators Conference: Tuscaloosa, AL

AAPASS Spring Conference: Mobile, AL

AASCD Winter Conference: Virtual

CLAS Leadership Institute: Key Indicators of Highly Effective Technology Integration Montgomery, AL

CLAS Assistant Principals Conference: Point Clear, AL

CLAS Leadership Institute: Key Indicators of Highly Effective Technology Integration Florence, AL

AASPA Winter Conference: Montgomery, AL CLAS Aspiring Administrators Conference: Montgomery, AL

CLAS Lunch & Learn Webinar: Playing Catch Up: Combatting the Achievement Gap CLAS Culture Training (Day 2 of 2): Tuscaloosa, AL

CLAS Lunch & Learn Webinar: Lessons Learned from COVID-19: Rethinking Leadership

CLAS Law Conference: Prattville, AL

CLAS Culture Training (Day 1 of 2): Tuscaloosa, AL CLAS Leadership Institute: Another Year in Review: What’s Been Going On in Special Education Law? Florence, AL CLAS Leadership Institute: Another Year in Review: What’s Been Going On in Special Education Law? Montgomery, AL CLAS Leadership Institute: Another Year in Review: What’s Been Going On in Special Education Law? Mobile, AL CLAS Assistant Principals Conference: Florence, AL

CLAS Lunch & Learn Webinar: Topic TBD CLAS Leadership Institute: Engaged Leaders = Engaged Learners Mobile, AL CLAS Leadership Institute: Engaged Leaders = Engaged Learners Montgomery, AL CLAS Leadership Institute: Engaged Leaders = Engaged Learners Hoover, AL ACTA Spring Conference: Orange Beach, AL

AASCD Winter Curriculum & Instruction Bootcamp: Virtual

CLAS Lunch & Learn Webinar: Updates from the State Department of Education

CLAS Assistant Principals Conference: Prattville, AL

CLAS Convention 2022: Birmingham, AL

ALA-CASE Spring Conference: Birmingham, AL CLAS Leadership Institute: Key Indicators of Highly Effective Technology Integration Mobile, AL

Summer Issue 2021

Legal Forum

Learning about Islam in a Seventh-Grade World Cultures Course In a batch of court cases recently distributed through the national reporting system is a case in which a parent objected to the inclusion of information about Islam in a seventh-grade social studies course. The case is Hilsenrath ex rel. C.H. v. Sch. Dist. of Chathams, 500 F.Supp.3d 272, 390 Educ. L. Rep. [189] (D.N.J. 2020). This case is instructive for students of school law in two regards. First, it lays out the judge’s decision in a concise way, which displays the role of civil procedure in understanding the issues of a case and how the fortune of a court case rises and falls at each procedural step. Second, this case also examines, follows, and reinforces a long-standing rule about the teaching of religion in public schools. C.H. was a seventh grade student in a school district in New Jersey. The school’s curriculum included a social studies course called World Cultures and Geography. The purpose of the course was to “develop a broad understanding of the world and its people” so that “students will become active and informed global citizens.” The course included units of study regarding each of the world’s major geographic regions. As part of that study, students also learned about the religions commonly practiced in each region. One of the units studied the Middle East and North Africa, which included information about Islam, the dominant religion in that part of the world. This unit contained nine lessons, mostly focused on geography and current events, but Islam was discussed in two of the lessons.

Dr. David Dagley

The first lesson was about the benefits and dangers of making generalizations, using the lens of Islam to drive the lesson. The teacher opened the lesson using a PowerPoint, which was also posted on Google Classroom, so it could be accessed at home. The last slide of the PowerPoint asked students to write down words they associated with Islam and asked students to watch a five-minute introductory video about Islam. The students

various legal topics.

CLAS School Leader

Dr. Dave Dagley serves as professor emeritus of educational leadership with the University of Alabama. Dagley holds the PhD degree from the University of Utah and the JD degree from Cumberland Law School. He has served as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, superintendent, and school board attorney. Dagley is a frequent presenter at CLAS events on

He has also been a long-time contributor to this publication.

did not watch the video at school. However, C.H. and his mother watched it at home. The first part of the video showed pictures of places and people in the region, with questions and answers about Islam, “What is Islam? Who is Allah? Who is Muhammed? What is the Quran? What does history say about Islam?” The last part of the video focused less on Islam and more on cultural achievements in the region, such as in art, mathematics, and architecture. The second lesson again had the teacher presenting a PowerPoint providing an overview of Islam’s characteristics, plus the five pillars, or obligations, every Muslim must fulfill to live a good life. The discussion then was led using a worksheet in which students would fill in blanks in the script. Again, a five-minute video on the pillars of Islam was posted on Google Classroom, but was not watched in class nor given as homework. Again, C.H. and his mother watched the video at home. After viewing the videos with her son and reviewing the worksheet, C.H.’s mother expressed concerns that the lessons favored Islam over Christianity and Judaism, so she sent emails expressing her concerns to the social studies supervisor, the assistant superintendent for curriculum, the superintendent, and to the school board. She followed up by attending a school board meeting to voice her concerns. Following policy, the board convened a curriculum committee to review the curriculum and materials and recommend action to the superintendent. The curriculum committee recommended that no changes were necessary at a later school board meeting, and underscored its view that the curriculum aligned with the school board policy on religious neutrality. Before the later school board meeting, C.H.’s mother appeared on national television voicing her complaints, which resulted in threats against board members and school employees. The superintendent then had the links to the videos removed from the PowerPoint outlines.

Dr. Amy L. Dagley Amy Dagley, PhD, is an assistant professor in educational leadership at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She previously worked for the University of Louisiana at Monroe, and as a public educator in Alaska. She has earned bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Alaska Southeast, and a PhD from the University of Alabama. Amy Dagley is the daughter of long-time columnist for this magazine, Dr. Dave Dagley.

C.H.’s mother sued the school district, the school board, the superintendent, the assistant superintendent, the principal, the curriculum supervisor, and the two teachers who taught the course. The individual defendants were named in their official capacity (which is important in assessing the role of 42 U.S.C. § 1983, a civil rights statute, in the case, and therefore whether damages can be assessed against the defendants out of their own funds). C.H.’s mother alleged that the curriculum, especially the videos and worksheet, violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. She then asked for an injunction requiring the school to quit funding and providing religious instruction that favors the Islam religion; a declaration that the defendants violated her and her son’s rights under the Establishment Clause; a declaration that the defendants’ training, supervision, policies, practices, customs, and procedures that promote Islam violate the Establishment Clause; and, a request for nominal damages and the award of attorney’s fees. The school defendants moved to dismiss the case, but because the complaint alleged a constitutional violation, the judge denied the request, and the case went to the next stage, discovery

Continued on page 36 Summer Issue 2021

Professional Learning Update

One Mile Till Empty As many of you know, I am an avid reader! I enjoy reading blogs, books, and online shopping ads (you may be saying that this is not reading, but there is a lot of reading involved and a little bit of math, too- I’m just saying!). In June, we had our 50th CLAS Convention with wonderful speakers from various placessome local, some not so local! One of the speakers that presented was Andrew Marotta. Those of you who attended his session enjoyed his witty presentation and the knowledge that he shared with you. As I was reading my email the other day, I came across this timely blog from Andrew. It provided a very timey message, and I was granted permission to share it with you. On a beautiful spring Saturday morning, with the music playing in my wife’s car, I drove into town to do some errands. I was using my wife’s car as mine was in the shop for repair. When I arrived back home from town, the fuel light came on, and I realized I had only 10 miles of 30

Demica Sanders, Ed.D. Prior to her appointment as CLAS Director of Professional Learning, Demica Sanders was the superintendent in Midfield City Schools. In addition, her educational career encompassed a variety of roles including special education coordinator, adjunct instructor, staff development trainer and classroom teacher.

gas left. We live about 5 miles from the nearest gas station in town. Like many parents, Saturday’s include playdates, sports practice, etc., so I had to run back out. I stopped at my Demica is married to Tim Sanders and in-laws and made a few other they are the parents of Jaylon (18) and stops, all while still nowhere Kameron (14). She enjoys spending time near the gas station. By the with her family, traveling, and shopping. time I returned home again late Saturday afternoon, I was @demica_sanders left with just 5 miles until the tank was empty. I was quite uneasy about this, yet I knew I still could get to the gas station on Sunday morning on our way to church.

Sunday morning came and I had my two girls in the car with me. As we departed, my girls quickly noticed the gas tank situation and exclaimed “Dad we’re going to run out of gas!” I told them not to worry that we would just make it. Down the hill we coasted... 4 miles... 3 miles... 2 miles. The tank meter actually even read 1 mile before empty. I thought about shifting the car to neutral to literally coast into the gas station. The girl started to scream, “Daaaaaaad we’re running out of gas!!!! I laughed jokingly but deep down I was concerned and embarrassed that we actually could run out of gas. The gas tank reading said stop for gas and did not change to the shameful number zero, but we all knew we were empty. As I pulled into the gas station, I had a sigh of relief. The girls continued to scold me and asked why did I do that? Why didn’t I take care of filling the tank earlier? A 14-year-old and 9-year-old stated the absolute truth: How could I let that happen? I’m the leader and protector of the family. This caused great anxiety and angst for the girls. That prompted the topic of this blog: preparation of the controllables. How could I have missed filling the gas tank? How could I not have realized it CLAS School Leader

was so low? How could I have not taken care of the simple task of filling the tank before heading home? It is inexcusable as a father and leader of the family to have this happen. That’s my responsibility. This leadership point stretches and points to so many things. Take care of the things that you have easy control over. Like the beautiful serenity prayer that we learned when we were young: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Manage, prepare, and control the controllables. There’s no excuse as a leader. Make your to-do list and get it done, especially the easy things. The hard ones, that maybe you don’t have total control over, or things that are out of your control can be challenging and may need more time. This one however was easy. I apologized to my girls and told them it wouldn’t happen again. I will definitely be more mindful.

but take the time to make sure that you control those things that you can - scheduling, safety, and well-being of students, etc. Kelly A. Morgan reminds us that “Changes are inevitable and not always controllable. What can be controlled is how you mange, react to, and work through the change process.” Remember this as you progress through this year! The professional learning staff have been busy preparing for the upcoming year. Like many of you, we will be watching this new Delta variant and making decisions on the best way to provide our professional learning opportunities to ensure your safety. Check the website, https://clasleaders.org/ professional-development, for updates….and as always, if CLAS can ever do anything for you, do not hesitate to contact us! Reprinted with Permission:

Marotta, A (2021, August 2). #ELBlog #169: 1 Mile Till Empty. https://mailchi.mp/a2d4b0f982a6/elblog-169-1-mile-till-empty?e=cb0f4b45be

This situation was not a dire need, but it could have been. What if we were on the interstate late at night? What if I had left my wallet at home and I didn’t have the resources to fill it up? All valid questions. Take care of the things that you can control in your life and get them done early and often. Many of you are about to start school soon and unfortunately, we are still living in a time of uncertainty. At the end of the year, we were all hopeful that this year would somehow be different, but it doesn’t appear so. As a matter of fact, this year may prove to be just as difficult as the last one! There are a lot of things that you can’t control – mask mandates, social distancing, etc., Summer Issue 2021

Ethically Speaking

Accepting Tickets from Vendors SCENARIO: You have been offered free tickets to a major college football game by a school vendor. Can you take the tickets? SHORT ANSWER: Unless the tickets are offered purely out of longstanding friendship and/or unless you pay for the tickets, you should not take the tickets. ANALYSIS: We love football in Alabama! This issue of CLAS School Leader is the issue closest to the beginning of football season. Football is so important that the Alabama Ethics Act addresses football tickets. The Ethics Act defines a “thing of value” as any “tickets or passes to an entertainment, social, or sporting event.”1 The law, as you know, if very clear: “No public official or public employee shall . . . receive anything for himself or herself or for a family member of the public employee or family member of the public official for the purpose of corruptly influencing official action, regardless of whether or not the thing solicited is a thing of value.”2 Fortunately for college football fans, there are exceptions. If you pay the ticket holder the face value of the tickets, then you have bought the tickets and will not be guilty of an improper transaction, absent other circumstances. The Alabama Ethics Act defines the value of the ticket as “the face value printed on the 32

ticket.”3 Likewise, if the gift of tickets is motivated by longstanding friendship, particularly from someone who was your friend long before you became a person with a position of power, then, like a wedding gift to your child, the Ethics Act does not apply.4 Thus, for example, if the ticket holder invites you to accompany him or her to the game, that might be an indication of a longstanding friendship. This rules does not apply to high school games where your school or school district is involved. When the legislature changed the law in 2010 to more specifically exclude tickets, both SSA and AASB petitioned the Ethics Commission. Both pointed out that having faculty members and board members attend games serves two important functions. First, faculty and board member attendance shows support of the students. Second, and probably more important, the presence of school employees (and board members) at games “has the added benefit of being a deterrent to misbehavior.”5 Perhaps one could make an argument that, if the vendor gives you tickets, the vendor is not attempting to corruptly influence you. For example, that was the ruling in a 1999 Ethics Opinion, prior to the 2010 change in the law.6 But that argument is now a difficult one to make, because in this scenario, you receive tickets from a school vendor. Even if you are not a decision maker, you could possibly influence the school board’s business with the vendor. But,

CLAS School Leader

even if that is not the case, do you want to run the risk of facing an ethics charge, to explain to the Ethics Commission that you really have no authority to make any decisions and could not be “corruptly influenced?” It is much simpler, and a safe harbor, if you pay the vendor for the face value of the ticket. Few people would recommend you ignore the safe harbor of paying the vendor the face value of the ticket.7 We play football at a high level in Alabama, at high school and at college. Hold yourself to that same high level! 1 Alabama Code section 36-25-1(34)(a) 2 Alabama Code section 36-25-7(b) 3 Alabama Code section 36-25-1(35) 4 See, for example, “The Ethics Act and Wedding Gifts,” CLAS School Leader, Winter 2020, page 10 5 Advisory Opinion 2011-13, page 3. 6 Advisory Opinion 99-16. 7 One could also argue the “hospitality exception” found in Advisory Opinions 96-65 and 2008-15. But that is far outside the scope of this fact situation and, under current law, this exception, if even still allowed, probably will not apply to a CLAS member.

Mark Boardman Mark Boardman is an attorney who represents governments and employees of state and local governments, including 123 boards of education. In addition, he also defends individuals before the Alabama Ethics Commission. Boardman has served as a past president of the Alabama Council of School Board Attorneys. He also served two years as president of the Alabama Association of Municipal Attorneys. Boardman is a frequent presenter for CLAS as well as other education entities.

Summer Issue 2021

Collegiate Composition

Improving Student Achievement How can principals improve student achievement? To answer this question, I will first discuss research grounded in this area. In addition, I will share some practical leadership strategies that assisted me during my career as a school-based principal. This article will also explore the effects of leadership on student learning. Leithwood, Louis, Anderson, and Wahlstrom (2004) suggested that leadership only ranks second to classroom instruction in terms of what students learn at school. This is a powerful statement to say the least. If leadership ranks at this level, it may be worth our time to reflect on our own leadership to ultimately impact student achievement.

Related Studies May, Huff, and Goldring (2012) analyzed the results of a 3-year longitudinal study of all elementary and middle school principals in one school district in the southeastern United States from a variety of school-level demographics (24%-100% minority enrollment). The study investigated how the amount of time a principal allocated to an activity correlated with changes in student performance. Each principal maintained a web-based log of leadership activities and functions during the course of the day. The log included the following nine categories: building operations, finances, community/parent relations, school district functions, student affairs, personnel issues, planning/setting goals, instructional 34

leadership and principal professional growth. The study collected achievement data for English and math state assessments over a three-year period to compare the amount of time spent on the nine leadership actions with student performance over a three year time period. The findings of the study revealed that school context drives principals’ activities. In other words, the time spent on different leadership activities varied based on the kind of school the principal was employed. For example, principals spent more time on finance and personnel issues if he or she worked in a school with higher test scores. Moreover, principals spent more time on planning/setting goals and instructional leadership if he or she worked in a school with lower test scores. What is the takeaway here? Again, the school context influenced the principals’ activities. This study helps us learn that the activities of a principal are related to contextual factors such as school size, level, and poverty. Therefore, as principals, we must be fluid in shifting our focus leadership attention to activities that prioritize what we wish to accomplish based on contextual factors. Mackey, Pitcher, and Decman (2006) conducted a study to investigate characteristics of elementary principals with standardized reading test scores. The study was derived from another study of second graders in four urban schools using four different reading programs. The findings of the study indicated three concepts that enable an

CLAS School Leader

elementary principal to impact the school reading program and student test scores. These findings are as follows: 1) the vision of the principal; 2) the educational background of the principal; and 3) the principal’s role as an instructional leader. As a principal, we should consider these concepts when making decisions.

Practical Experience As a previous building-based school principal, I want to share some practical strategies that you may want to consider in order to improve student achievement. Listed below are practical strategies that may assist you in the improvement of student achievement.

Dr. Jeff Cornelius Dr. Jeff Cornelius is a Professor of Education and Department Chair at the University of North Alabama. A native of Tuscumbia, AL, he received degrees from Mississippi State University, University of North Alabama, and Samford University. He also has served as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, and assistant superintendent.

•

Ensure that you have a clear vision with stakeholder buy-in. This includes teachers and community members as part of the stakeholder group. Everyone needs to be paddling in the same direction.

•

Complete professional development and/or advanced degrees to enhance your own knowledge. If you are uneducated, you are not on the same playing field as others. The old adage, “knowledge is power” has validity.

•

Ask yourself the question, “what did I do to improve instruction today?” If you are unable to answer this question, it might be a good time to engage in sound research about improving instruction.

•

Plan intentional trust building activities to increase trust levels between the teachers and the principal. This finding appears over and over in the research. Trust is paramount if you wish to reach great achievement levels.

•

Lead by action. Delegating is a necessary leadership activity. However, use caution on “what is” being delegated and “how often” things are being delegated. If not, you may risk losing staff morale very quickly.

Conclusion This article discusses some concepts and strategies to reflect upon in order to improve student achievement. Moreover, the article shared some practical insights from the lens of a previous principal. It is my hope that the article provided you with both theoretical and practical knowledge of improving student achievement as well as some reflective strategies to improve student achievement. References

jdcornelius@una.edu

Leithwood, K., Seashore Louis, K., Anderson, S., & Wahlstrom, K. (2004, September). How leadership influences student learning. Retrieved from https://www.wallacefoundation.org/knowledge-center/ Documents/How-Leadership-Influences-Student-Learning.pdf Mackey, B., Pitcher, S., & Decman, J. (2006). The influence of four elementary principals upon their schools’ reading programs and students’ reading scores. Education, 127(1), 39. May, H., Huff, J., & Goldring, E. (2012). A longitudinal study of principals’ activities and student performance. School Effectiveness & School Improvement, 23(4), 417–439. https://doi.org/10.1080/09243453.2012.678866

Summer Issue 2021

adherents. But for secular educators to teach and study about such statements is not to espouse them, or to proselytize. 500 F.Supp.3d at 294.

Legal Forum (Continued)

and the collection of evidence by the parties. After discovery, both parties moved (cross-moved) for summary judgment. The court ruled that C.H.’s mother did not have standing (the right to be heard) on her request for injunctive relief or declaratory relief. The suit was filed when C.H. was in eighth grade. When this decision was reported, C.H. was in high school. Because the alleged wrongs done to her son were in the past, she did not have standing on those claims. However, she did have standing on her claim for nominal damages. Unlike the earlier claims, damages are retrospective, meaning they seek to make a party whole, after the fact. Whether “nominal” damages—usually in the amount of $1—provide standing is an open question, not yet decided by the Supreme Court. Here, the judge awarded standing on nominal damages, because the high court has not yet said one cannot. Then, the judge examined the legal standing of each defendant, and determined that the school board, not the school district, administrators, or other employees, was the only defendant. The main legal question to be addressed, then, was whether the board had violated the Establishment Clause in continuing the two units on Islam in the seventh-grade course. The judge then deployed the long-standing test from Lemon v. Kurtzman, 403 U.S. 602 (1971), which requires the court to address three questions: (1) whether the government practice had a secular purpose; (2) whether its principal and primary effect advanced or inhibited religion (i.e., was neutral); and, (3) whether it created excessive entanglement between the government and religion. Regarding secular purpose, the court answered the mother’s complaints about the videos and worksheets with the following observation:

Regarding the second question under the Lemon test, whether the practice is neutral, the court determined that the school’s practice was neutral. “When, as here, religious beliefs are presented to educate, not convert, students, there is no endorsement of religion.” 500 F.Supp.3d at 297. On the third question under the Lemon test, whether there is excessive entanglement between government and religion, the court observed that the curriculum supervisor and teachers wrote the lesson the plans, completely without interaction with religious authorities. Consequently, the court held that the curriculum did not violate the Establishment Clause, and awarded summary judgment in favor of the school board. In so doing, neither nominal damages nor an award of attorney’s fees was possible. It should be mentioned that the Supreme Court has adopted two other questions to measure Establishment Clause cases: whether the practice endorses religion; and, whether the practice coerces a religious viewpoint. In this case, the court mentioned both. In discussing the neutrality of the practice under the second question under the Lemon test, the court noted that neutrality means, at least in part, no endorsement of the religion. 500 F.Supp.3d at 295. Elsewhere, the court noted that in his deposition, C.H. said that he did not feel coerced to adopt a viewpoint about Islam. 500 F.Supp.3d at 276. School principals and other school officials stand in the middle of many culture wars. Some community members believe that learning includes learning about the world and what different cultures do and believe. Some community members believe that learning that about other cultures and their beliefs is an affront to dominant practices and beliefs in their community. The legal rule remains the same as it has been for decades: It’s okay to teach about religion; it’s not okay to teach religion.

Of course, the statements of a religion’s adherents have a religious purpose, in the mouths of those 36

CLAS School Leader

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Best Practices

Relationships Are Not Accidents: Using the Smiles and Frowns Activity to Build a Positive Classroom Culture The Alabama Best Practices Center provides cuttingedge, collaborative professional learning opportunities for Alabama’s teachers and school leaders. Have you read our Professional Learning Blog? Each month, we write about best practices in instruction and leadership for educators looking to advance their learning. Here’s an example of our work from Assistant Director, Dr. Stoney Beavers! Scan the QR code above to read more posts like it. I have followed the work of teacher Monte Syrie for some time, connecting casually through social media on Twitter chats and through other colleagues. I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about how he conducts his classroom and how he spends his time outside of school in Cheney, Washington. I reached out to Monte to discuss his take on student voice – something that has become a growing interest for me since joining the Alabama Best Practices Center. Monte Syrie seemed like the perfect person to push my thinking in this area, and his passion for the topic did just that. Try the Smiles and Frowns Strategy One of the strategies that Monte uses to build relationships in his secondary ELA classroom is called Smiles and Frowns. It’s a quick five minutes or so that really highlights the human aspect of the classroom. Take a minute to read Monte’s description of the protocol below. Try it out, and continue to explore other ways to really open up your classrooms to fully appreciate the human aspect of learning that students 38

bring in every day. For additional resources in this area, consider looking at Russell J. Quaglia and Michael J. Corso’s Student Voice: The Instrument of Change and Myron Dueck’s Giving Students a Say. This is one of the first things I tell my young aspiring teacher candidates in my classroom management course at Eastern Washington University. I then go on to tell them, with that in mind, we will spend a lot of time talking about relationships, for they are the foundation for everything. And then I continue to tell them that when I was in their seats many years ago (literally, for the desks have not changed in the 25 years since I, too, was a young teacher candidate taking the same course at EWU!) no one talked to me about relationships. No, instead I was led to believe that good management was keeping kids in their seats quietly – silently – working from bell-to-bell. I have since learned that management is not about management; it’s about culture. And really, it’s about relationships. My emphasis on culture stems from my belief that great teachers are not managers of classrooms but creators of culture. And from that place, I challenge my college students to capture their dreams of their ideal cultures, so we can then set to work on discovering and implementing the practices that will help make their ideals their realities. An activity that I do with my high school students to make relationships an intentional part of my classroom culture. I call it Smiles and Frowns:

CLAS School Leader

Here’s the basic approach

Dr. Stoney Beavers Dr. Beavers is a recently retired assistant superintendent of Blount County Schools. He was named the assistant director of the Alabama Best Practices Center in February 2020. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Montevallo. While teaching at Hoover High School, he completed a Masters in Secondary Education. From there, Beavers decided to pursue a dream and joined the United States Peace Corp where he applied and received an invitation to work as a teacher in Paraguay. Beavers was an award-winning teacher before moving into the field of administration.

@StoneyBeavers

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I sit among the kids if there is an empty desk. If not, my default perch is a seat at the front of the room. I prefer to sit among the kids. My desks are generally arranged in two half circles. But arrangement varies, so we adapt accordingly. If the arrangement is not conducive to a good sharing-and-listening environment, we will all stand in a big circle around the room.

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Each person has an opportunity to share a smile and/or frown from his/ her school or personal life. This is the heart of the activity. This is such a great opportunity for us all to learn about each other as individuals, learning that transfers into so many other aspects of our culture over the course of the year.

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Each person has the right to pass. No one is forced to share. Sadly some kids always pass. On occasion I will pass, too, to honor those kids who are exercising their rights.

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Each person has the responsibility to listen. I don’t want my kids to be good listeners. I want them to be great listeners. And that takes practice. For us, it begins here. My rules for listening are pretty simple. No talking while others are sharing. Make an effort to make eye-contact with the speaker (which means one may have to turn around depending on seating arrangement). Use non-verbal gestures to put the speaker at ease (nod, smile, etc.). Not much makes me grumpy as a teacher, but if kids aren’t working at being great listeners, I get grumpy.

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We start at random places. Often, I will ask for volunteers to start us off. Sometimes, I will choose. Sometimes, I will begin.

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It takes five minutes. Sometimes, it takes a little more, but I am the guard at that gate. If I find that there is something that the kids are excited about or have stuck in their craws, we will spend the extra time. My culture. My choice.

How I will introduce it to the kids We are going to learn a lot this year. A lot. I am going to push you to make the most of our opportunity together. And while the content of the course will occupy the majority of our learning experiences, it is not the most important thing we will learn together. Yes, syntax and rhetoric are important, and, yes, we will treat them as such, but they are secondary to what matters most: the people around us. Our worlds will always be full of important stuff, but they will also be full of people. And it is my belief that if we want to learn about the world and to learn about ourselves, we first have to focus on the people around us. So we, my young friends, will spend time each day learning about each other. Relationships are key. They are not accidents. They require intention. I talk a lot about that. And I have found that if my mouth is moving, my feet need to keep up. I have to walk my talk. And so, to that end, I make relationships a priority, and Smiles and Frowns is just one way that I am intentional about that. Yes, I have content to cover – there’s always content to cover – but at any given moment in my day, there are also thirty other bodies in the room with whom I engage the important work of learning the world. There is content. There are people. The content can wait. People first. Always first. Summer Issue 2021

Cognia

Jeff Wooten and Jeff Langham 888-413-3669 jeff.wooten@cognia.org jeff.langham@cognia.org cognia.org

Curriculum Associates

Curriculum Associates designs research-based print & online instructional materials, assessments, & data management tools necessary for teaching diverse student populations, fostering learning for all students. Kelly-Ann Parson 205-949-7744 kparson@cainc.com www.curriculumassociates.com

33 Systems Inc.

School Security – Panic Alert Button -- The NEXT STEP in school safety. Help is only a click away. Get HELP in classrooms. Barry Peterson (813) 822-0045 info@33systems.net www.33helpme.com

ABM

ABM offers energy and infrastructure upgrades that is budget neutral such as lighting, HVAC and water conservation as well as janitorial and enhanced cleaning services. Don McPherson 256-709-3051 don.mcpherson@abm.com www.abm.com

ACCESS Virtual Learning

The goal of the distance learning plan is to create equity through additional educational offerings for all Alabama public high school students. Maria Kilgore (256) 774-4609 mdkilgore@madisoncity.k12.al.us www.accessdl.state.al.us

American Fidelity Assurance

American Fidelity Assurance Company provides employer cost-savings solutions and supplemental insurance benefits specific to K12 education within the state of Alabama. John Cole 205-987-0950 john.cole@americanfidelity.com www.americanfidelity.com

Background Investigation Bureau

We Help You Create Safer Environments with Background Checks, Drug Testing and Occupation Health Services. Jennifer Drake (877) 439-3900 jdrake@bib.com www.bib.com

Bill Miller Photographers We provide full-service photographic solutions for your school. Other services include cap and gown, composites, ID badges, yearbooks and so much more. Bill Miller 800-523-5960 50ddockery@gmail.com www.billmillerphotographers.com

Campus Benefits

Campus Benefits is a full-service employee benefits brokerage/consulting and compliance firm serving public school districts across the southeast. Together we’re US. Todd Boozer tboozer@campusbenefits.com 205-223-3108 www.campusbenefits.com

E3 Strategic Solutions, LLC

We provide strategic and developmental consulting services to educational nonprofit, and governmental organizations. Our specialty areas include strategic planning, leadership solutions, and funding solutions. Dr. Darrell Cooper 334-209-8050 dcooper@e3strategicsolutions.com www.e3strategicsolutions.com

Edgenuity

Edgenuity provides online and blended learning solutions for grades K-12 that propel student success, empower teachers, and enable schools to meet their academic goals. Steve Santora 480-675-7284 steve.santora@edgenuity.com www.edgenuity.com

FluencyRev by Languametrics Carnegie Learning

We’ve dedicated decades of research to understanding how students learn best, so you can propel them toward better outcomes. The future of learning starts here. Amanda Creswell 888-851-7094 acreswell@carnegielearning.com carnegielearning.com

Classworks

Classworks® is a comprehensive, online intervention solution that includes assessment, instruction, reporting, and progress monitoring. Screen, intervene, and monitor using one intuitive program! David Constantine 251-545-9903 dconstantine@classworks.com www.classworks.com

CLAS School Leader

Fluency is the gateway to Comprehension. Lack of oral reading practice with feedback constrains the flow. FluencyRev™ opens the floodgates. Randy Starner 813-279-1907 rstarner@languametrics.com www.fluencyrev.com

FOCUS Program

Empower students in Grades 9-12 to successfully lead the prevention of adolescent risk behaviors by offering FOCUS as an elective class or extra-curricular activity. Sue Jones (256) 453-0655 sjones@thefocusprogram.com thefocusprogram.com

Get More Math

Get More Math provides cumulative math practice driven by teachers and uniquely tailored to each student’s needs, supporting mastery of new skills and long-term retention. Kenan McDonald (209) 288-5523 kmcdonald@getmoremath.com getmoremath.com

Great Southern Recreation

We design, sell and build commercial playgrounds, splashpads, site amenities, pavilions and sunshades. Abby Vance (800) 390-8438 info@greatsouthernrec.com greatsouthernrec.com

Hammill Recreation

Playground, shade, surfacing, and site furnishing supplier. Made in Alabama. Angela Collins 205-706-3993 playgrounds@hammill.net www.hammill.net

Horace Mann Companies

We are dedicated to helping educators make informed financial decisions so they can stay in the job they love. Leslie Weitl, FSCP 800-999-1030 Leslie.Weitl@horacemann.com horacemann.com ®

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) is a learning company committed to delivering connected solutions that engage learners, empower educators and improve student outcomes. Tabitha Reever (855) 969-4642 tabitha.reever@hmhco.com www.hmhco.com

Imagine Learning

Imagine Learning partners with educators, providing supplemental digital literacy, math, and assessment programs for students in preK through grade 8. Christy Sanders 205-470-9807 christy.sanders@imaginelearning.com www.imaginelearning.com

Interior Elements

School Furniture Supplier with on staff interior designers that can redesign any of your classroom, library, cafe, etc spaces to enhance the overall learning environment. Dan Chappell 334-332-9708 dc@in-elements.com www.in-elements.com

Interior

Elements

IXL Learning

IXL is personalized learning. With a comprehensive K-12 curriculum, a real-time diagnostic, individualized guidance, and real-time analytics, IXL meets the unique needs of each learner. David Mickelsen (256) 566-5545 davidm@ixl.com www.IXL.com

Jumpstart Test Prep

Jumpstart Test Prep, crafted by ACT experts, provides students of all ability levels with a unique preparation method of online, on-demand streaming video modules. Sha Walker (833) 835-8329 info@jumpstarttestprep.com jumpstarttestprep.com

Lathan Associates Architects

Lathan Architects is a full-service architectural firm known for long-term client relationships. The experience of a project with us is personal, collaborative, and unique. Carol Coleman 205-988-9112 ccoleman@lathanassociates.com www.lathanassociatesarchitects.com

LeanStream Resource Partners

LeanStream: a unified full-service fundraising and education commerce solution designed for school systems, individual schools, athletic boosters, PTAs/ PTOs, and other school support organizations. Jason Taylor 256-289-9781 jtaylor@leanstreamrp.com leanstreamrp.com leanstreamrp.com

LEGO Education

LEGO® Education solutions are designed to build confidence in STEAM learning from pre-K through secondary education. Our tools make learning playful, engaging and relevant. Felicia Bustle 843-290-3526 felicia.bustle@lego.com education.lego.com/en-us

Summer Issue 2021

Lexia Learning

Lexia and Voyager Sopris have united to bring Alabama educators the best personalized literacy instruction and professional development that is grounded in the Science of Reading. Laura Woolf 205-394-1872 laura.woolf@lexialearning.com www.lexialearning.com

Lifetouch Studios

School Portraits and Yearbooks Bryan McCarter 256-534-1001 bmccarter@lifetouch.com www.lifetouch.com

Lightspeed Technologies

Lightspeed offers instructional audio solutions for the whole classroom, distance learning applications, and small groups. Steve Bishop (800) 732-8999 steve.bishop@lightspeed-tek.com www.lightspeed-tek.com

Locker Pro, LLC

22 years as a school lock & locker distributor & maintenance company. Locker Pro can handle all of your locker maintenance, sales & installation needs. Tyler Wiechman (205) 663-3211 tyler@lockerpro.com www.lockerpro.com/

MasteryPrep

MasteryPrep is a mission driven organization focused on helping low-income and first-generation students achieve a college-ready score on the ACT, SAT, TSIA2, and more. Chris Gilliland 855-922-8773 chris@masteryprep.com

masteryprep.com/

OnToCollege

Engaging ACT prep and college counseling for schools. We help students improve their test scores, scholarships, and college choices. Becky Voss (636) 368-7497 becky@ontocollege.com www.ontocollege.com

OverDrive Education

OverDrive Education is the leading global digital reading platform for K-12, offering the industry’s largest catalog of ebooks, audiobooks and streaming video. Scott Higinbotham (216) 573-6886 shiginbotham@overdrive.com www.overdrive.com

Pet and Playground

Outdoor amenities and activities for Early childhood through high school. Jessica Hoagland 334-296-7503 jessica@petandplayground.com petandplayground.com

PowerSchool

PowerSchool is the leading provider of cloud-based software for K-12. Our mission is to power the education ecosystem with unified technology that helps support educators/students. Jenny Scott 251-656-1397 jenny.scott@powerschool.com www.powerschool.com

PowerUpEDU

Georgia-based PowerUpEDU, is an award-winning education technology solutions provider for classrooms in the southeast. PowerUpEDU creates learning environments that engage students and empower teachers. Jerry Gaillard (888) 517-3824 jerry@powerupedu.com powerupedu.com

Presentation Solutions, Inc.

We are the company who sells the full-color indoor/ outdoor ColorPro Poster Printers, the Recognizer ULTRA Award System & the CoolLam non-heat and non-electric laminator! Steven Sanders (800) 280-7809 steven@presentationsolutions.com presentationsolutions.com

Publishers’ Warehouse

Publishers’ Warehouse has long been Alabama’s official textbook depository. Now with EBSCOed, schools enjoy access to all their instructional resources with a single signer login. Patrick Chappell (205) 516-5821 pchappell@ebsco.com publisherswarehouse.com

Reading Horizons

Reading Horizons empowers teachers with an explicit phonics curriculum that helps all K-3 students build a solid fouundation in reading and spelling. Nate Smeding 801-971-3693 nate.smeding@readinghorizons.com www.readinghorizons.com

Renaissance

Stride Learning Solutions

Samford University School of Education

Learning Solutions

As a leader in assessment, reading, and math solutions for pre-K–12, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth. Karen Winn 800-338-4204 karen.winn@renaissance.com www.renaissance.com

Graduate Programs from Samford University School of Education Marcie Harchuck (205) 726-4337 mjparson@samford.edu samford.edu

Scantron

From digital and paper assessment to world-class analytics to school stakeholder surveys, Scantron solutions provide actionable results. See what Scantron can do for you today! Tim Butterfield (815) 922-4365 tim.butterfield@scantron.com www.scantron.com

SchoolCast

SchoolCast is a flexible notification system that lets your key stakeholders decide how they want you to communicate with them in an emergency or nonemergency. 888-988-5884 support@highgroundsolutions.com www.highgroundsolutons.com

School Shares

A digital platform that brings schools, business & Communities together...with benefits for all three. David Bannister (205) 936-4783 david@myschoolshares.com

SchoolStatus

The only student data analytics platform paired with communication tools to grow engagement between school and home. Beth Curington (205) 821-0951 samantha@schoolstatus.com www.schoolstatus.com

Stride (formerly K12) Learning Solutions offers flexible online and blended learning options that boost modern instruction and promote lifelong student success. Benj Sampson 844-638-3533 bsampson@k12.com stridelearning.com/learning-solutions

Teachers of Tomorrow

Teachers of Tomorrow’s state-approved teacher certification approach is trusted nationwide. Teachers complete training/coursework/requirements to receive their Conditional Certificate in a Teaching Field. Dave Saba (334) 604-7114 dave@teachersoftomorrow.org www.teachersoftomorrow.org/alabama

Terrell Enterprises, Inc.

We provide school furniture, equipment, lunchroom tables, and services for the PreK-12 market. Al Brannon 334-382-7415 al@terrellenterprises.com www.terrellenterprises.com

The Hope Institute Dr. Jodi Newton info@hopeinstitute.org www.hopeinstitute.org

The University of Alabama

The University of Alabama offers many of its topranked graduate degrees in flexible online formats with affordable tuition so you can earn a premier degree at a cut-rate price. Nicole Springer 800-467-0227 online@ua.edu online.us-edu/clas

ThriveWay

Peer Helpers is an evidence-based K-12th grade prevention and support program equipping students to support a wide range of emotional, societal and behavioral challenges. Allison Moore (844) 705-1981 Ruby@thriveway.com thriveway.com

UA Early College

The UA Early College program allows students to take college courses online or on-campus while still in high school, earning up to 30 credit hours. Sergio Ceja (205) 348-7083 saceja@ua.edu uaearlycollege.ua.edu

CLAS School Leader

University of West Alabama

At the University of West Alabama Online, you’ll pursue your personal and career goals in a culturally, intellectually diverse, and flexible environment. Jessica Hughes (205) 533-0131 jhughes@uwa.edu www.uwa.edu

UR Turn, SBC

Goal-setting and progress-tracking app (that plugs into PowerSchool) helps monitor student progress through high school (9-12) and offers college and career guidance. Angie Eilers (651) 253-7142 angie@urturn.org www.urturn.org

VCM Sales, Inc

Local representative for Bottle Filling Stations by Elkay and hands free sensor plumbing products from Zurn. William Cone (205) 324-0669 billcone@vcmsales.com vcmsales.com

Virco

American owned manufacturer of classroom, library, cafeteria and admin that sells direct to Alabama public schools. Please call me to disucss your next need. John Havicus 205-721-0514 johnhavicus@virco.com www.virco.com

Summer Issue 2021

Zaner-Bloser

Zaner-Bloser is an educational-solutions company that specializes in delivering explicit instruction and a solid academic foundation for PreK–8 students in reading and language arts. Teresa Cornett (614) 487-2637 danielle.lepage@zaner-bloser.com www.zaner-bloser.com

P.O. Box 428 Montgomery, AL 36101 (800) 239-3616 www.clasleaders.org

It’s Renewal Time! You have some amazing benefits with your CLAS membership. Don’t lose them. Renew today!

Benefits for all members: • • • • • • • •

Discounts on professional learning activities sponsored by CLAS Access to CLAS communications and updates The quarterly magazine, CLAS School Leader Complimentary subscription to The Main Idea, a monthly email newsletter with book summaries on the latest education-related books. Access to membership directory online Access to CLAS job bank Access to networking opportunties Discounts on insurance through Horace Mann Companies

Additional Benefits For Individual and Institutional members • Legal defense fund • Legal counsel, information, and support • Contract review service

See pages 21-24 for more information, or visit us online at www.clasleaders.org/membership

CLAS School Leader - Summer Issue 2021

Articles inside

Special Feature: “Sim-Mentoring: A Novel Approach in the Preparation of School Leaders”

CLAS Convention Highlights

2021-2022 CLAS Leadership Announced

Legal Forum: “Learning about Islam in a Seventh-Grade World Cultures Course”