CLAS SCHOOL
Winter 2024 Vol. 51 Iss. 4
Ethics Act Changes Learn how changes to the Alabama Ethics Act affect you as a school administrator.
Highlights from National Principals Month Alabama principals were recognized throughout the month of October.
The Legalities of Bullying and Harassment Examine case law that drives decision-making when dealing with bullying and harassment issues.
Countdown to 2024 Legislative Session Things to expect in the ETF budgeting process in the 2024 legislative session.
LEGENDS IN THE MAKING UA Early College helps high school students get a jump-start on their college career by earning college credit with The University of Alabama. Dual credit and dual enrollment options are available year-round online or on campus. Our convenient course options provide flexibility for students’ busy schedules. Automatic tuition scholarships are available. Plus, the one-of-a-kind UAEC 200 College Readiness Course is free!
Start your legendary journey today. Scan to learn about the benefits of participation in UA Early College.
205-348-7083 | UAEARLYCOLLEGE.UA.EDU | EARLYCOLLEGE@UA.EDU @UAEARLYCOLLEGE
CLAS Officers
2023-2024 CLAS Board of Directors
President.............................................................. Chris McCullar Walker County Center of Technology President-Elect............................................ Michelle Washington Lee County Schools Past President............................................................. Bob Lawry Hoover City Schools
Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) Carrie Busby................................... Mountain Brook High School Jeff Cole.........................................Winston County High School David Diaz................................................. Satsuma High School Drew Glass............................................... Tallassee High School Antjuan Marsh.................................................................. Retired Willie Moore.................................................. Athens High School Bennie Shellhouse..................................Andalusia City Schools Seth Taylor....................................................... Saks High School
Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators (AAESA) Dana Bottoms............................W J Carroll Intermediate School Veronica Coleman....................... Chastang-Fournier K-8 School Charles Gardner......................... Hokes Bluff Elementary School Margaret Jones........................... Edgewood Elementary School Waller Martin...............................Brookwood Elementary Center Sheneta Smith..................................... Howell-Graves Preschool Stan Stokley................................... Saraland Elementary School Dilhani Uswatte........................ Rocky Ridge Elementary School
Alabama Association of Middle School Principals (AAMSP) Andy Carpenter......................................... Wellborn High School Tamala Maddox............................... i3 Academy - Middle School Ross Reed.........................................Auburn Junior High School Tony Sanders.................................... Greensboro Middle School
Alabama Council of Administrators of Special Education (ALA-CASE) Christy Jackson..................................... Fort Payne City Schools Bruce Prescott...................................... Tuscaloosa City Schools Lana Tew.................................................... Pelham City Schools La’Keisha Newsome.................................Henry County Schools
Alabama Child Nutrition Directors (ACND) Melinda Bonner........................................... Hoover City Schools
Alabama Leaders Advocating for English Learners (ALA-EL) Stefanie Underwood................................... Decatur City Schools
Alabama Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (AASCD)
Lisa Beckham................................................ Samford University Ashley Catrett.................................... Crenshaw County Schools Patrick Chappell............................................................... Retired Justin Hefner........................................ Homewood City Schools Chris Mitten................................................ Dale County Schools Carlos Nelson............................................Sheffield City Schools Evelyn Nettles-Hines........................... Birmingham City Schools Tiffany Yelder.............................................. Opelika City Schools
Alabama Association for Prevention, Attendance and Support Services (AAPASS) Floyd Collins............................................... Pelham City Schools Amanda Hood............................... Mountain Brook City Schools Bobby Jackson................................................................. Retired
Alabama Association of Career/ Technical Administrators (ACTA) Connie Davis..........................................Demopolis City Schools Chris McCullar................... Walker County Center of Technology
School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA) Suzanne Lacey................................... Talladega County Schools Chuck Ledbetter ........................................ Pelham City Schools Ed Nichols............................................Madison County Schools Cindy Wigley........................................Marshall County Schools Timothy Thurman.........................................Linden City Schools
Alabama Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA) David Asbury............................................ Gadsden City Schools Allison Mays.................................... Tuscaloosa County Schools
Alabama Association of 504 Coordinators (ALA504) Annie Spike..........................................Marshall County Schools
Affiliate Presidents Jan Tribble....................................................... AASCD President Karissa Lang....................................................AAESA President Chris Kennedy.................................................... ACTA President Amanda Hood .............................................. AAPASS President Seth Taylor........................................................AASSP President Resia Brooks.................................................... AASPA President Heath Grimes....................................................... SSA President Caroline Obert................................................. AAMSP President Charla DeLeo.............................................ALA-CASE President Patrick McGavin................................................ ACND President Jason Barnett.................................................. ALA-EL President Kelly McCollough.............................................ALA504 President
ISSUE
contents 07 Celebrating Principals National Principals Month Highlights
10
08 Director’s View End of Year Reminders
08 Membership Benefits Renew before December 31 to retain member benefits
12 CLAS Leadership
SDE Update Practice Winning Every Day
14 Legal Forum Stopping Bullying and Harassment
2023-2024 CLAS Board of Directors
16 Legislative Update From Bills to Budgets: Countdown to the 2024 Legislative Session
18
20
23
Awards & Recognition
Ethically Speaking
Advocacy Days
Banner School Nominations Open Until November 17
Changes to the Alabama Ethics Act
Advocate for education on scheduled advocacy days
26
28
30
Upcoming Events
Professional Learning Update
Partnership Directory
Professional Learning Activities
Think Strong. Be Strong. Finish Strong.
Winter Issue 2024
2022-23 CLAS Business Partners & Sponsors
5
E M P L O Y E R B E N E F I T S O L U T I O N S F O R E D U C AT I O N
“American Fidelity is a partner with our employees, and they’re always going to look for what’s best.”
Renee Hendrick Education professionals deserve a specialist. Since 1960, the education community has turned to us for employee benefits, education, and enrollment they can trust. We’d love to help you, too.
Associate Superintendent, Orange County Dept. of Education
See more of this story: americanfidelity.com/California
Learn more at americanfidelity.com/education
SB-32685-1019
Learn more at americanfidelity.com/education
American Fidelity Assurance Company
The celebrations don’t stop at the state level. Alabama’s principals receive recognition at the national level as well. The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) play pivotal roles in acknowledging the hard work and commitment of principals across the country.
Alyssa Godfrey
Director of Communications CLAS In October, the state of Alabama joined the nation in honoring and celebrating National Principals Month. This special occasion recognized across the United States is an opportunity to show appreciation for the invaluable contributions of school principals and their tireless commitment to shaping the future of our students. From the Governor’s proclamation to resolutions by the State Board of Education and national recognition by esteemed organizations, Alabama goes the extra mile to commend its dedicated educational leaders during this month.
Both NAESP and NASSP recognize exceptional principals through various programs and awards during National Principals Month. These accolades serve to not only commend the outstanding leaders in Alabama but also to inspire excellence in educational leadership throughout the nation. Alabama principals who receive these accolades serve as shining examples of dedication and innovation in their field. Throughout October, various events are organized in schools across Alabama to honor principals. Students, teachers, and parents come together to celebrate their educational leaders through activities like special assemblies, awards ceremonies, and appreciation events. These activities not only show gratitude for the hard work of principals but also foster a sense of community within schools. Each October serves as a reminder of the significance of their work and the positive impact they have on the educational landscape. Let us continue to celebrate and support our principals not only in October but throughout the year, as they tirelessly work towards the betterment of our schools and the futures of our students.
Pictured (L to R): Vic Wilson, CLAS Executive Director; Mallory Kincaid, Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year; Karissa Lang, Alabama’s NAESP National Distinguished Principal; Melanie Harris, Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year; Tony Bonds, Middle School Principal of the Year; Eric Mackey, State Superintendent of Education; Daniel Barrentine, High School Principal of the Year; Keith York, AAMSP President-Elect; and Seth Taylor, AASSP President
Winter Issue 2024
7
End of Year Reminders Never underestimate the little things you do and the big impact those things have on everyone. Christmas break will soon be upon us, and I want to remind you of a few important details.
view DIRECTOR’S
Dr. Vic Wilson Executive Director CLAS Hello everyone,
Can you believe we have almost made it to the end of the first semester? Where did the time go? I hope your first semester has been productive, impactful, and fulfilling. I also hope you know that you have made and continue to make a difference in the lives of those under your care. It’s a wonderful life we live as educational leaders, and we need to stop and reflect on the impact we have on those under our care. In the past four months, you have helped students, teachers, staff, parents, community members and more in so many ways. That student you high fived or complimented earlier this semester needed that to get through the day, the week, or the month. The teacher or staff member you helped earlier this semester needed that to keep going. The parent you talked to about their child felt better knowing that you care. Every little thing you do is magic, and your actions are critical to the success for those under your care. 8
1. Attend the Secretaries Conference if you can. If not, invest in your staff and send them to the conference. 2. Talk with your superintendent about the Banner School program. You have some great things going on, so get the superintendent to nominate your school. 3. It’s not too late to renew your CLAS membership. Renew by the end of the year to keep your benefits. 4. Check out the CLAS Events Calendar for upcoming opportunities during the second semester. We have some great events going on, and your presence will make these events even better. 5. Check out the Advocacy tab on the website. We are updating our events, and we will have our CLAS Legislative Priorities up after the November CLAS Board Meeting. So much to do and so little time. I know that you will be working hard to make the end of the first semester successful. Find ways to encourage and lead those under your care during these last few weeks. Everyone is tired, and so are you. However, you can be the catalyst to spur tired people to do great things. As always, let us know how we can help you on your leadership journey. Thank you for all you do for those under your care. You are all rock stars in my book! Sincerely,
Winter Issue 2024
PRACTICE
WINNING
EVERY DAY Dr. Eric Mackey
Alabama State Superintendent of Education
It’s autumn in Alabama. As the leaves fall, school is back in session, and people are falling into their routines, there’s only one thing on the hearts and minds of Alabamians… that’s right – FOOTBALL!
elected officials, business representatives, and others the ability to make informed decisions concerning our strengths and areas in need of improvement in education.
Ok, ok – as educators there are more important concerns than football; however, football is a major part of the culture in this part of the world. And there’s a lot of symmetry between great football and great education. This year in particular, there is a specific goal for educators to aim for that requires the same kind of commitment to excellence that a championship team has.
Although individual students, schools, or even school districts are not graded – the state is. That’s why, although they may seem worlds apart, achieving high scores on the NAEP and winning a championship football game share some surprising similarities.
Once again, we are preparing to participate in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), coming January through March 2024! The NAEP is a congressionally mandated, national assessment in 4th and 8th grade reading and math, given to a portion of students in every state in America for the purpose of measuring student achievement throughout the country. Last year, Alabama made significant strides in 4th and 8th grade reading and math, going from 49th to 39th and 52nd to 40th in the nation respectively. Our goal is to continue to outpace most of the nation, just as Alabama did in 2022. NAEP is different from other assessments because it is the only test administered in every state and provides educators and policymakers with a common measure of student achievement. This allows education leaders, 10
Winter Issue 2024
FOCUS ON
IMPROVEMENT During the last NAEP administration in 2022, the nation was struggling to recover from the COVID crisis and the impact it has on educational outcomes around the world. Although Alabama did manage to hold its own and not regress, as the rest of the national uniformly declined, we are optimistic about even greater results in 2024. Just as football teams aim for continuous improvement throughout the season, refining their strategies and skills, we must continually seek ways to enhance student knowledge and understanding with growth and progress as a shared objective.
GOAL SETTING AND
PREPARATION
In both education and sports, success begins with setting clear goals and meticulous preparation. Just as your favorite football team trains for a championship game, students must dedicate themselves to rigorous study of Alabama educational standards in order to perform well on the NAEP. Both require focused, longterm planning and effort.
TEAMWORK
Football is the ultimate team sport, where players must collaborate seamlessly to achieve victory. Similarly, in the realm of education, teachers and students alike benefit from teamwork. Study groups, collaborative projects, and effective teamwork contribute to success in both areas.
DISCIPLINE
Discipline is a cornerstone of success, whether on the football field or in the classroom. Football players train hard, while students must maintain disciplined study habits. Developing discipline is crucial for achieving excellence on both the gridiron and the grade sheet. Winter Issue 2024
CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS
Just as winning a championship game is a cause for celebration, achieving high scores on the NAEP is an accomplishment worth acknowledging. Recognizing and celebrating success fosters motivation and a positive outlook. Consider this, during the last NAEP administration, Alabama improved in its national ranking in both 4th and 8th grade reading and math and maintained its standing in 8th grade math. No other state in America saw that happen. We should acknowledge and celebrate our teachers and students while not resting on our laurels for the coming year. Although the NAEP and winning football game are vastly different (NAEP being way more important) they share essential qualities and lessons that contribute to personal growth and achievement. They both require a commitment to excellence, the willingness to learn, and the determination to overcome challenges. So, dust your cleats off, strap your helmet on, and let’s prepare to give NAEP our collective best efforts as we embark upon the challenge of representing for Alabama on the 2024 NAEP assessment!
11
2023-2024 CLAS Board of Directors
2023-2024 CLAS President
Chris McCullar CTE Director, Walker County Center of Technology, Walker County Schools
Michelle Washington CLAS PresidentElect
Bob Lawry CLAS Past President
Dana Bottoms AAESA Director
Veronica Coleman AAESA Director
Charles Gardner AAESA Director
Margaret Jones AAESA Director
Waller Martin AAESA Director
Sheneta Smith AAESA Director
Stan Stokley AAESA Director
Dilhani Uswatte AAESA Director
Andy Carpenter AAMSP Director
Tamala Maddox AAMSP Director
Ross Reed AAMSP Director
Tony Sanders AAMSP Director
Floyd Collins AAPASS Director
Amanda Hood AAPASS Director
Bobby Jackson AAPASS Director
Annie Spike ALA504 Director
Lisa Beckham AASCD Director
Ashley Catrett AASCD Director
Patrick Chappell AASCD Director
Justin Hefner AASCD Director
Chris Mitten AASCD Director
Carlos Nelson AASCD Director
12
Winter Issue 2024
Evelyn Nettles-Hines AASCD Director
Tiffany Yelder AASCD Director
David Asbury AASPA Director
Allison Mays AASPA Director
Carrie Busby AASSP Director
Jeff Cole AASSP Director
David Diaz AASSP Director
Drew Glass AASSP Director
Antjuan Marsh AASSP Director
Willie Moore AASSP Director
Bennie Shellhouse AASSP Director
Seth Taylor AASSP Director
Connie Davis ACTA Director
Chris McCullar ACTA Director
Stefanie Underwood Christy Jackson Bruce Prescott ALA-EL Director ALA-CASE Director ALA-CASE Director
Lana Tew ALA-EL Director
Melinda Bonner ACND Director
Suzanne Lacey SSA Director
Cindy Wigley SSA Director Winter Issue 2024
Chuck Ledbetter SSA Director
La’Keisha Newsome ALA-CASE Director
Ed Nichols SSA Director
Timothy Thurman SSA Director 13
STOPPING BULLYING AND HARASSMENT
14
Winter Issue 2024
Dr. Dave Dagley
LEGAL
forum In 2009, the Alabama Legislature adopted the Student Harassment Prevention Act (Code of Alabama (1975), § 16-28B-1, Ala. Act 2009-571)), and, in 2018, renamed the act the Jamari Terrell Williams Student Bullying Prevention Act (Ala. Act 2018-472). A case brought under this act was recently heard in the 11th Circuit Court of Appeal. The case number is No. 22-11317 (11th Cir. September 1, 2023). In that case, the federal district court granted the school district summary judgment, and the appellate court affirmed, based upon the narrow, specific, and exacting standards for awarding damages in cases about student-on-student harassment. In these materials, we typically select a case to describe in detail the facts of the case, the application of law to the facts, and lessons we might glean for school administrators from the case. In this particular case, the appellate court offered only one generalized criticism of the school defendants, in the second paragraph of its opinion: The (parents) appeal the district court’s grant of summary judgment on all their claims. After careful consideration of the record, and with the benefit of oral argument, we affirm. Although the response of the school system and its officials was truly discouraging, the standard for relief of student-on-student harassment is exacting. Thus, despite the tragic facts of this case, we affirm the district court’s decision granting summary judgment to the school system and its officials. (p. 3.) The court apparently heard criticisms in oral argument, but, other than the oblique statement above, provided no information about its criticism in its opinion. Consequently, we offer no criticism of our in-state colleagues. In this commentary, we choose to look more Winter Issue 2024
Professor Emeritus, University of Alabama
and Dr. Amy Dagley
Associate Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham
at the Alabama statutes on harassment, hazing, and bullying of students, and suggest to all schools and school districts a more comprehensive and safer path, for both students and school personnel. Before the anti-bullying act, the Legislature adopted an anti-hazing law, which applied to schools, colleges, and universities. Code of Alabama (1975), (Ala. Act 1981-824). It defines hazing more broadly than conveyed here, but generally includes endangering the mental or physical health of another student, or threatening physical violence to another student, and is limited to actions taken and situations created in connection with initiation into or affiliation with any organization. The primary consequence for hazing is loss of public funding, scholarships, or awards. The Jamari Terrell Williams Student Bullying Prevention Act, as stated above, was first adopted in 2009 and amended twice, in 2016 and in 2018. The act defines bullying more specifically than its definition in common, every-day usage, because the statutory definition includes the reference to “a continuous pattern of intentional behavior,” paired with one of five possible resulting effects (placing another student in reasonable fear of harm; substantially interfering with education; substantially disrupting the operation of the school; creating a hostile environment; or, being severe, persistent, or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for another student). This narrow definition may
Continued on Page 25 15
Whitney Miller-Nichols
CLAS Director of Governmental Relations
From Bills to
BUDGETS Countdown to the 2024 Legislative Session
The primary state advocacy focus for CLAS is always the Education Trust Fund (ETF) budget since this budget determines the state allocation for each school system and school. As a school leader, you know that a budget is also a policy document that should reflect the priorities of the governing body. Our advocacy efforts during the legislative session are guided by the legislative priorities approved by the CLAS board at its December meeting. The CLAS advocacy team engages in all steps of the ETF budgeting process so that the ETF may reflect our members’ priorities, too. And your participation in advocacy efforts during the legislative session reinforces the groundwork laid by the CLAS advocacy team during the “off season.”
Setting Financial Priorities State budget season kicked off when ALSDE staff 16
reviewed the agency’s draft FY2025 ETF Budget Appropriation Requests with the State Board of Education (SBOE) at their August retreat. Staff revised their proposed budgets based on SBOE feedback and presented the revisions at the September SBOE work session. The board must always approve the ALSDE ETF appropriations request no later than their October meeting since state law requires all agencies to submit their budgets to the state’s Executive Budget Office (EBO) by November 1 every year. The EBO will then prepare the Governor’s two budget proposals (one for the ETF and one for the General Fund), adjusting each agency’s requests to reflect the Governor’s priorities for the coming fiscal year. You may remember that the Governor’s Recommended FY2024 ETF Budget made significant adjustments to the ALSDE budget requests. Winter Issue 2024
Garrett’s House Ways & Means Education Committee while the General Fund will start in Sen. Greg Albritton’s Senate Finance & Taxation General Fund Committee. In the 2023 legislative session the ETF budget stayed largely the same from the Governor’s desk through the legislative process; there was much more debate about the $2.8 billion ETF Supplemental Appropriation. State law requires that before both budgets have been sent to the Governor for signature, any legislative action must be accompanied by a Budget Isolation Resolution (BIR). This is an additional vote on every bill up for consideration on the floor; failure to pass a BIR means a bill fails for the session. However, once the budgets have been transmitted to the Governor, a BIR vote is no longer required, and bills can therefore move through the legislative process much more quickly. The Governor has the power to line item veto any line in the two budgets. This is a rarely exercised power, but it is one more opportunity for advocacy. If she returns a line-item veto, the chambers must then reconsider that item only while the rest of the budget is enacted.
ALSDE’s FY2025 budget requests include: Funding to provide an assistant principal for every school with 250 or more students Funding for school administrator stipends in accordance with SB300, the School Principal Leadership and Mentoring Act The Governor signals many of her priorities in the annual State of the State address, delivered to a joint session of the Legislature when they convene for the new legislative session. She has three days to transmit her budgets to the Legislature once they have convened. This year the Legislature comes together on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, so the budgets will be public by Friday, February 9. Look for a breakdown of her address and the ETF budget soon after. The Legislature holds joint budget hearings to give agency heads the opportunity to explain their budget requests to legislators, since there can be variation between what the agency has requested and what has been included in the Governor’s Recommended Budgets. The two chambers alternate which originates each budget that year; in 2024, the ETF budget will start in Rep. Danny Winter Issue 2024
Funding for the Principal Mentor Program for new principals Lowering Grades 4-6 Divisors to support intensive instructional needs from the Literacy and Numeracy Acts Additional math coaches as required by the Numeracy Act Additional funding for reading coaches required by the Literacy Act Expanding ARI to support struggling readers past grade 3 Additional ARI funding to pay for summer reading camps, training, and materials
Continued on Page 22 17
et
ag
pl
m
Ask your superintendent to nominate the program(s) for Banner School recognition.
sa
Do you have an exemplary school-based program(s) that was successful during 2022-23?
e
Attention Principals! ext
& em
e a il m
ss
Awards
Up to 4 programs per school may be nominated from the 2022-23 school year.
Nomination
November 17 Deadline Superintendents received their nomination link via email from CLAS.
clasleaders.org/banner
4 Schools of Distinction per State School Board District
Ethically
Speaking
Mark Boardman
Attorney Boardman, Carr, Petelos, Watkins & Ogle P.C.
C h a n g e s to t h e A l a ba m a E t h i c s ac t Act 2023-543, signed by the Governor on June 14, 2023, amended the Alabama Ethics Act. The amendments take effect this September. This year’s amendment provides that a public official or public employee who faces an Ethics Act complaint will now be given the name of the person who made the complaint, the complaint itself, and other information gathered by the Ethics Commission. The amendment also enhances whistleblower protection. Under the original Ethics Act, the name and identity of the person who made the ethics complaint were kept confidential, even from the public official or public employee accused of violating the Act. The original rationale for this appears to be that keeping the identity of the complainant from the public official or public employee1 encouraged (or perhaps did not discourage) someone from making an ethics complaint. Although the Constitution’s Sixth Amendment provides an accused the right to confront their accuser, this type of 1
20
Ethics Act complaints can be made against you as a public official or public employee. The difference between the two was explained in the Ethically Speaking article in CLAS School Leader, Spring 2020 issue.
Winter Issue 2024
“confidential informant” is not unusual in criminal prosecution. Think of “Crime Stoppers,” for example. If the prosecutor can establish a criminal case without the testimony of the complaining party, then the complaining party previously could be kept confidential in Ethics Act prosecutions. The legislators in this legislative session obviously felt that the interest of a public official or public employee in knowing the identity of the person making the Ethics complaint outweighs the need to keep confidential the identity of that person. In addition, the new amendment requires that the Ethics Commission provide any information it obtains in its investigation to the accused before the accused decides whether to seek an administrative resolution or fight the charges made against him or her. Prior to this amendment, the Ethics Commission was not required to give the accused even exculpatory evidence. As you may know, a criminal prosecutor, however, is required to give full disclosure to the charged party. But since the Ethics Commission functions in the same manner as a grand jury, the Ethics Commission itself does not prosecute officials and employees accused of violating the Ethics Act. Instead, the Ethics Commission recommends the case to prosecutors. For this reason, the Ethics Act had to be amended by the Legislature. The Ethics Commission is still prohibited from accepting verbal complaints, anonymous complaints, or unsigned complaints. Instead, the Commission investigates signed, written complaints. Apparently, in response to concerns that public employees would fail to report Ethics Act violations if their identity is no longer kept confidential, the Legislature also amended the whistleblower protection. The original Ethics Act contained whistleblower protection that a supervisor could not take action against a public employee if the public employee reported, in good faith, a possible violation of the Ethics Act. That whistleblower protection continues; the new amendment extended protection to cover any employee who assists or who speaks with an Ethics Commission investigator, as long as the government employee does not lie. In other words, if either the complaining party or a public employee speaks truthfully to an investigator about an alleged ethics violation, no governmental official can retaliate or take action against them. The Act has always contained a provision that says a public employee who lies to the Ethics Commission is subject to civil suit and being fired from his or her employment. Likewise, the Act has always held a provision that a public employee who willfully files a false claim against a supervisor shall be guilty of the crime of false reporting. Winter Issue 2024
Complaints under the Ethics Act are easy to file with the Ethics Commission. The Ethics Commission website includes a place to “click” for an Ethics Commission complaint. On it, the complaining party lists his/her name, address, phone number, and employment address, along with naming the government official the complaining party accuses of violating the Ethics Act. The complaining party must set out in detail the specific charges. The complaining party then must swear or affirm that the information provided is accurate. The complaining party must agree to cooperate with the Ethics Commission in its investigation and testify if needed. The Ethics Commission tells complainants and requires complainants to acknowledge that if they fail to fully cooperate in the investigation, the complaint could be dismissed. The complaining party also acknowledges in writing that any information on the complaint form may be provided to the accused. The Ethics Commission website (https:// ethics.alabama.gov) states where to send the completed form. Although ethics complaints are easy to make, that does not mean that the Ethics Commission will find that the accused person has violated the Act. The Ethics Commission has three options for any complaint. The Commission can close the investigation because it either does not have jurisdiction or the complaint has expired. The second option is that the Ethics Commission can dismiss the charges based on a lack of evidence to support the complaint. The third option is the option that ends up reported by the press - - where the matter is presented to the Ethics Commission to determine whether there is probable cause to prosecute. A concerned citizen can easily file an ethics complaint. But they may no longer do so anonymously.
21
Legislative Update (continued) Funding to provide a school nurse for every school More funding for College & Career Readiness Grants to fund College & Career Ready Indicators now required by law for graduation All told, ALSDE’s FY2025 requests are a $540 million increase over FY2024 appropriations. Legislators have said for the last two years that schools must brace themselves for the coming “fiscal cliff,” and that we should not ask the Legislature to pay for personnel hires made with COVID dollars once that funding ends. However, many systems used temporary federal funds to pay for positions and obligations the Legislature has mandated, such as reading coaches, math coaches, and summer instructional camps. Others the state ought to fund – adequate school administrators, nurses for every school, career coaches – but so far has not. We need your voice to be one more in the chorus explaining to legislators why these requests are needed in Alabama schools.
Preparation Starts Now Over the next several months, reach out to your school’s state legislators (find his/her name here). Introduce yourself if they don’t already know you and let them know what school and system you represent. Check in with them every few weeks over the next few months, sharing the successes and shortcomings of your school. You are
22
the expert of your domain, and your legislators need to know you are a trusted resource they can call when they have education questions. And when legislators know that a real need is present in their schools, and that those budget requests aren’t just an abstract dollar amount, they can confidently stand up and fight for the funding to meet those needs. We have scheduled Advocacy Days for each affiliate to engage with legislators here in Montgomery. Each day we’ll have members come in two waves, morning and afternoon, overlapping in the middle for lunch. When you get to the office, we’ll brief you on what you need to know and equip you with talking points to take to the State House. We’ll sit in on education committee meetings and walk the halls so that you can talk with your school’s legislators here. Then we’ll reconvene at the office to debrief what you and your legislators talked about. These meetings are also an opportunity for the affiliates to weigh in with the CLAS advocacy team on how pending legislation may impact their schools. Check out the sidebar to see which dates your affiliate is scheduled to be here and go ahead and mark them on your calendar. As a former classroom teacher, I know how hard it can be to get out of the building, but your presence here will make a powerful impression on your legislators. As always, email me at whitney@clasleaders.org if you have questions.
Winter Issue 2024
Ask us about Immersive Learning!
Helping Put the Pieces Together in the Classroom Since 2012
Active Learning | STEM/STEAM | Early Literacy | Esports Professional Learning
Making a Difference for Alabama Classrooms www.PowerUpEDU.com
Legal Forum (continued) provide a barrier against monetary awards under Title IX, which requires a showing of the very high standard of “deliberate indifference” by school officials regarding student-on-student harassment. However, this is not the only duty the act places on school personnel. Elsewhere, the act prohibits a list of behaviors, including bullying. Section § 16-28B-4(a) recites: “No student shall engage in or be subjected to bullying, intimidation, violence, or threats of violence on or off of school property, on a school bus, or at any schoolsponsored function by any other student in his or her school system.” The next provision recites: “No person shall engage in reprisal, retaliation, or false accusation against a victim, witness, or other person who has reliable information about an act of bullying, violence, or threat of violence.” (Section § 16-28B-4(b). These prohibited behaviors are dealt with through the conduct code, as they were by the elementary school in the recent 11th Circuit case. Section § 16-28B-2 of the anti-bullying law asserts that the Legislature intended that a filing of a complaint of bullying should be “in writing and submitted by the affected student, or the parent or guardian of the affected student, and not by an education employee on behalf of an affected student or his or her parent or guardian.” However, a provision describing a model policy prohibiting bullying, violence, and threats of violence requires “a clearly defined procedure for students to use in reporting bullying, including, but not limited to (emphasis added), written reports on local board approved complaint forms and written reports of instances of bullying, intimidation, violence and threats of violence based on the personal characteristics of a student.” (Section § 16-28B-5(11)). Therefore, the “but not limited to” language indicates that written reports are not the only means of reporting bullying, intimidation, violence and threats of violence. Clearly, the Legislature did not intend for the duty of school personnel with respect to bullied students to begin with a written report on the school district’s form. Section §16-28B-6 specifies other duties for school personnel, including: promoting a school environment free of harassment, intimidation, violence, and threats of violence; develop evidence-based practices to prevent
Winter Issue 2024
the negative behaviors; incorporate civility, citizenship, and character education into the curriculum; and, report to the local board and other authorities. The Legislature seems to be asking school leaders to lead their schools to develop cultures of safety and security for all students, regardless of the personal characteristics of students that make the students a target for other students. Section § 16-28B-4(d) requires, at the beginning of each school year, each school to programmatically address the issue of bullying and school violence with faculty and students. Section § 16-28B-8(13) requires annual training for all certified school employees in suicide awareness and prevention. Changing culture is hard work, centered on repeated expressions of what we value. One of the first lessons in basic educational leadership is that safety and security is foundational for everything else we do. Checking the boxes annually on “addressing bullying and school violence” or on “suicide awareness and prevention” does not change a culture. Section § 16-28B-5(13) requires the model policy “to include a procedure for the development of a nonexhaustive list of specific personal characteristics of a student which may often lead to bullying. Based upon experience, a local board of education may add to, but not remove, characteristics from the list. The additional characteristics or perceived characteristics that cause bullying shall be identified by the local board on a case-by-case basis and added to the local board policy.” This provision can be read as a requirement, minimally, that school leaders identify, after-the-fact, those students who are more likely to be bullied or harassed. From a cultural leadership perspective, however, it is likely that what the Legislature is seeking is a school environment in which all students, regardless of their personal characteristics, are accepted, valued, and can expect to be educated in a school environment in which they can all feel safe and secure. In our school visits around the State, we have witnessed leadership teams—in public, private, parochial, and charter schools—in which a culture of acceptance, being valued, and feeling safe and secure is central and primary in everything else that goes in that school. For all of us, that is our primary duty.
25
Upcoming Events November 2023 Leadership Institute: Everything You Need to Know about ChatGPT: The Hottest (and Scariest) Technology of 2023 Prattville, AL
January 2024 NOV 01
Leadership Institute: Everything You Need to Know about ChatGPT: The Hottest (and Scariest) Technology of 2023 Huntsville, AL
NOV 02
AASSP/AAMSP Fall Conference Orange Beach, AL
NOV 05-08
AAESA Fall Instructional Leadership Conference Orange Beach, AL
NOV 12-15
ALA504 Empower Hour #4 Webinar
NOV 16
LEArn & LEAd Gadsden, AL
NOV 16
LEArn & LEAd Auburn, AL
NOV 17
Lunch & Learn: QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer): Keys to Preventing Suicide Webinar
NOV 30
December 2023
26
CLAS Secretaries Conference Huntsville, AL
DEC 06-07
Alabama Association of 504 Coordinators Conference Birmingham, AL
DEC 06-08
Lunch & Learn: Stakeholders Taking Ownership of Their Schools Webinar
JAN 05
Leadership Institute: Whole School Wellness: Beyond Self-Care Daphne, AL
JAN 09
Leadership Institute: Whole School Wellness: Beyond Self-Care Prattville, AL
JAN 10
Leadership Institute: Whole School Wellness: Beyond Self-Care Florence, AL
JAN 11
LEArn & LEAd Birmingham, AL
JAN 17
CLAS Assistant Principals Conference Mobile, AL
JAN 17-18
LEArn & LEAd Florence, AL
JAN 18
AASPA Winter Conference Montgomery, AL
JAN 24-26
CLAS Assistant Principals Conference Florence, AL
JAN 24-25
CLAS Assistant Principals Conference Opelika, AL
JAN 30-31
Winter Issue 2024
February 2024
March 2024
Lunch & Learn: Upping Your D and I Game: Benefits of Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace Webinar
FEB 01
Lunch & Learn: Strategies to Increase Teacher Retention at Your School Webinar
MAR 01
CLAS Culture Training (Day 1 of 2) Montevallo, AL
FEB 5
CLAS Culture Training (Day 2 of 2) Montevallo, AL
MAR 04
Leadership Institute: Current Developments in Special Education Law Hoover, AL
FEB 07
CLAS Law Conference Prattville, AL
MAR 05
Leadership Institute: Current Developments in Special Education Law Prattville, AL
FEB 08
AAPASS Spring Conference Mobile, AL
MAR 05-08
Leadership Institute: Current Developments in Special Education Law Daphne, AL
FEB 09
Leadership Institute: Embracing Change and Staying Resilient Florence, AL
MAR 06
Alabama Conference on Grading and Assessment for Learning (ACGAL) TBD
FEB 09-10
Leadership Institute: Embracing Change and Staying Resilient Prattville, AL
MAR 07
Principals Leadership Symposium Prattville, AL
FEB 12-13
Leadership Institute: Embracing Change and Staying Resilient Daphne, AL
MAR 08
ALA-EL Winter Conference Tuscaloosa, AL
FEB 12-13
ALA-CASE Spring Conference Birmingham, AL
FEB 25-27
LEArn & LEAd (Teachers ONLY) Tuscaloosa, AL
FEB 28
AASCD Curriculum & Instruction Spring Bootcamp Virtual
FEB 29
LEArn & LEAd (Teachers ONLY) Tuscaloosa, AL
FEB 29
April 2024 Lunch & Learn: Leaders in Action: Four Steps to Address the Needs of Our English Learners Webinar
APR 03
Leadership Institute: Summer Learning from Compliance to Core Strategy for Addressing Achievement Gaps Florence, AL
APR 16
Leadership Institute: Summer Learning from Compliance to Core Strategy for Addressing Achievement Gaps Prattville, AL
APR 17
Leadership Institute: Summer Learning from Compliance to Core Strategy for Addressing Achievement Gaps Daphne, AL
APR 18
ACTA Spring Conference Orange Beach, AL
APR 17-20
May 2024 Lunch & Learn: Updates from the ALSDE Webinar
MAY 07
June 2024 CLAS Convention Mobile, AL
Winter Issue 2024
JUN 09-12
27
Dr. Demica Sanders
Director of Professional Learning CLAS
Think Strong.
Be Strong.
F i ni s h Stro n g . On most Friday nights, you will catch me cheering the Clay Chalkville Cougars to a win against various opponents. My daughter, Kameron, is a band student and hearing them play is the highlight of my night. I get excited as I watch the bands battle, playing some of my favorite tunes- especially the drum line. My daughter is a member of the drum line and I do not care what anyone says, the drumline is the heart and beat of the band!
28
Winter Issue 2024
At the beginning of the 4th quarter, you will often see football players, band members and fans alike holding up their four fingers. Everyone who sees this knows that we are in the final quarter of the game. For the winning team, the 4th quarter is a time for intense playing to hold onto the win. For the loosing team, the 4th quarter is a time for intense play to take the lead. Either way it goes, it is a time for intense play ensuring that everyone finishes strong. As you enter the 4th quarter, I want to provide you with some words of wisdom from Tasha McDonald to help you finish strong! Welcome to the final quarter of the year 2023! In just a few months, we will be entering a new year, filled with new challenges and opportunities. We may have had our ups and downs this year, but we have made it this far, which is something to be proud of. Even with everything that is happening, it’s important to remember that we still have time left in the year to make progress towards our goals.
Reflection: As we enter the last quarter
of the year, this is a great time to reflect on the goals we set for ourselves earlier in the year. What have we accomplished so far? What can we do to continue making progress towards our goals? Take some time to review the actions you have taken so far and identify what worked and what didn’t. This will help you focus on what needs to be improved in the last few months of the year.
This could mean setting specific times for tasks or delegating responsibilities to others. By prioritizing your time, you will be able to avoid feeling overwhelmed, and it will allow you to focus on the things that matter most to you.
Celebrate: Take a moment to
acknowledge and celebrate the progress you›ve made so far, no matter how small. Celebrating your achievements can be a great motivator to keep pushing forward. Celebrating helps you realize that you are doing well, and more importantly, it gives you the encouragement to continue moving forward. Treat yourself and continue to work through the last few months of the year!
Stay positive: Finally, as we head
towards the end of the year, it›s essential to maintain a positive and optimistic attitude. The last few months of the year can be stressful, and it’s easy to get burnt out. But by staying positive and optimistic, you will be able to keep going strong. Believe in yourself and trust that you can accomplish what you set out to do.
As we welcome the final quarter of the year 2023, let us approach this time with a refreshed mindset and renewed energy. With less than two months left in the year, we still have time to make progress towards our goals. Take the time to reflect, set new goals, prioritize tasks, celebrate achievements, and maintain Goal setting: Now is also a good time to a positive attitude. With this in mind, we can continue set new goals for the remaining months to push forward and end the year strong. until the year ends. Take the learnings from your reflection and apply them to I’m cheering for you. Keep going strong! As always, setting new goals. Make sure they are if CLAS can ever do anything for you, please do realistic, specific, and measurable. Setting new goals will give you something to not hesitate to contact us and remember to FINISH work towards and keep you motivated for STRONG! the rest of the year.
Prioritize: As we all know, the holidays can be a particularly busy time. It›s essential to prioritize your time and activities to ensure that you continue making progress towards your goals. Winter Issue 2024
Tasha McDonald is the owner of Maximized Growth, LLC. She provides training and development that specializes in leadership development, strategic communications, and team unity. 29
American Fidelity Assurance
Since 1960, American Fidelity has focused on providing a different opinion for school districts and currently serves 4,300 districts across the country. 205-847-2762 john.cole@americanfidelity.com www.americanfidelity.com
American Reading Company
33HelpME
Panic Alert Button -- The NEXT STEP in school safety America’s Favorite, Fastest and Easiest way to call for HELP in classrooms. Barry Peterson (813) 822-0045 info@33helpme.com www.33helpme.com
Abl
Partnering with Abl will increase each student’s access to college and career readiness pathways, maximize district use of resources, and empower leaders to meet goals. Dawn Thompson (404) 906-1984 dthompson@ablschools.com https://www.ablschools.com/
ACCESS Virtual Learning, Madison City Schools ACCESS Virtual Learning is an initiative of ALSDE. Its primary goal is to provide equal access to high quality instruction. Maria Kilgore (256) 797-4946 mdkilgore@madisoncity.k12.al.us https://www.madisoncity.k12.al.us/Domain/21
Adams Learning Resources
Livestream Learning Studio for grades K-5. ACT I: Grades K-2 focus on literacy and elements of story. ACT II: Grades 3-5 focus on STEM enrichment. Matt Adams (205) 936-0552 dadams@adamslearningresources.com www.livestreamlearningstudio.com www.scholarchip.com
Addiction Prevention Coalition
APC is a non-profit community resource that aims to eliminate addiction through our in-school prevention programs, educational events, and our collection of support services. Carie Wimberly (205) 874-8498 carie@apcbham.org https://apcbham.org/
30
Age of Learning, Inc.
Age of Learning® is the leading education technology innovator, creating engaging and effective learning resources to help children build a strong foundation for academic success. Rachel Hursh (866) 788-8868 rachel.hursh@aofl.com https://www.ageoflearning.com/schools/
Alabama Alliance of Black School Educators
AL-ABSE is a professional education organization that serve educators of all races to help eradicate the achievement gaps among African American students in Alabama schools. Fred Primm (251) 583-7941 fredprimm@al-abse.org www.al-abse.org
ARC Core® is a K–12 high-quality curriculum, available in English & Spanish, designed to accelerate learning, dramatically improving outcomes for both students and teachers. Tiffany Burney (610) 992-4150 tiffany.burney@americanreading.com https://www.americanreading.com/
American Village Citizenship Trust
As Alabama’s Semiquincentennial Celebration Capitol, the American Village will be providing resources to registered schools across the state in preparation for America’s 250th birthday. Natalie Steed (205) 665-3535 nsteed@americanvillage.org www.americanvillage.org
Amp Up Arts
Amp Up Arts focuses on statewide development of arts education for preK-12 Alabama schools through networking, advocacy, and professional development of teachers and teaching artists. Ashley Lucier (334) 475-9202 info@ampuparts.org www.instagram.com/ampuparts
Alabama Best Practices Center
Auburn University
Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education
Bailey Education Group, LLC
The ABPC provides networked professional learning to educators across Alabama. Stoney Beavers, Ph.D. (334) 279-1886 dakota@aplusala.org https://aplusala.org/best-practices-center/
High-quality early education provides the foundation for student success. A seamless pre-k to 3rd grade continuum aligns a comprehensive approach during children’s greatest growth years. Ami Brooks (334) 531-5972 ami.brooks@ece.alabama.gov https://children.alabama.gov
American Book Company
ABC’s Alabama Workbooks, eBooks, and Online Testing cover 100% of the Alabama Course of Study Standards in preparation for the ACAP Summative assessments. Kay Eze (888) 264-5877 abck12.com alabama@americanbookcompany.com americanbookcompany.com/alabama
Auburn University Educational Leadership Preparation Programs: M.Ed. Reduced Hour Option (RHO); Ed.S.; Ph.D. AES; Ph.D. ASC Amy Serafini (706) 573-7563 reamseh@auburn.edu https://education.auburn.edu/graduate-degree-cert/ administration-elementary-secondary-education-m-ed-m-s/ Bailey Education Group is committed to partnering with all schools and districts to improve the lives of all children through customized PD and teacher coaching. Pat Ross (601) 707-5778 info@baileyarch.com baileyeducationgroup.com
Beable Life Ready Literacy
The Beable® Life-Ready Literacy® System is the revolutionary, multi-dimensional system that accelerates literacy with proven 5X Lexile growth, includes career development, SEL and ACT/SAT prep. Carol Wilson (678) 523-0302 carol.wilson@beable.com https://beable.com/
Winter Issue 2024
Bill Miller Photographers Specializing in School and Senior photography for over 65 years. Casie Miller Spencer 800-523-5960 50ddockery@gmail.com www.billmillerphotographers.com
Camp Explore for Educators, LLC
Camp Explore for Educators helps stressed educators find joy in their personal life and work so that they can meet the needs of their students. Heather Moore (843) 460-5775 Heather@campexploreinfo.com www.campexploreinfo.com
Campus Benefits
Campus Benefits is a full-service employee benefits brokerage/consulting and compliance firm serving public school districts across the southeast. Eric Tupper (404) 915-7812 etupper@campusbenefits.com www.campusbenefits.com
Capturing Kids’ Hearts
THOUSANDS OF CLASSROOMS. MILLIONS OF STUDENTS. Capturing Kid’s Hearts transforms classrooms and campuses into high-achieving centers of learning where kids really want to attend. Rob Kirk (800) 316-4311 Rob.Kirk@CapturingKidsHearts.org https://www.capturingkidshearts.org
Classworks
Classworks® is an online MTSS program that includes academic screeners, individualized instruction, progress monitoring, SEL and PBIS tools, and reporting. David Constantine 251-545-9903 dconstantine@classworks.com https://www.curriculumadvantage.com/classworks
DreamBox Learning
DreamBox provides schools with high-quality adaptive learning solutions for math & reading, proven to accelerate student growth. Visit www.dreambox.com for more information. Lindsey Hackbarth (513) 913-8133 lindsey.hackbarth@dreambox.com https://www.dreambox.com/
Cognia provides a holistic approach to continuous improvement that encompasses accreditation and certification, assessment, professional learning, and customized improvement services. Jeff Langham (334) 201-5763 jeff.langham@cognia.org cognia.org
Curriculum Associates
Curriculum Associates, LLC designs research-based print and online instructional materials, screens and assessments, and data management tools.. Kelly-Ann Parson 205-949-7744 kparson@cainc.com www.curriculumassociates.com
Winter Issue 2024
Founded in 1945, Horace Mann offers affordable auto and home insurance, as well as retirement strategies and financial wellness education. Leslie Weitle (217) 789-2500 association.relations@horacemann.com horacemann.com ®
Edmentum
Edmentum is the leading provider of K-12 digital curriculum partnering with educators to create instructional technology that is individualized and aligned to state standards. Dee Dee Jones (800) 447-5286 deedee.jones@edmentum.com www.edmentum.com
Ellevation Education
Ellevation is the nation’s leading K-12 software solution dedicated to helping educators and English learners achieve their highest aspirations. La-Toya Facey-Walker (617) 307-5755 kayla.fontalvo@ellevationeducation.com https://ellevationeducation.com/home/default
Flight Works Alabama
We Build It Better is an all-inclusive 18-week, industrydesigned educator-developed, curricular experience that engages middle school students in a work-like STEAM environment. Robin Fenton (251) 379-1034 robin@flightworksalabama.com www.webuilditbetter.org
FOCUS Program
FOCUS empowers students to successfully lead the prevention of adolescent risk behaviors through skill-based learning as an elective class or extra-curricular activity. Sue Jones (256) 453-0655 sjones@thefocusprogram.com www.thefocusprogram.com
Giffen Recreation Inc Cognia
Horace Mann Companies
Giffen Recreation is a full-service Playground contractor located in Pelham, Alabama. We specialize in Poligon Pavilions, Little Tikes Playgrounds, Fabric Shades, Safety Surfacing, and more! Tom Millard (205) 982-6233 Tom@giffenrec.net www.giffenrecreation.com
Great Southern Recreation
We design, sell and build commercial playgrounds, splash pads, site amenities, pavilions and sunshades. Abby Vance (800) 390-8438 Abby@greatsouthernrec.com greatsouthernrec.com
Hammill Recreation, LLC
Playgrounds, shades, site furnishings, and surfacing for elementary schools and First Class Pre-K Classrooms. Angela Collins (205) 706-3993 playgrounds@hammill.net www.hammill.net
Imagine Learning
Imagine Learning provides digital-first PreK–12 learning solutions for core instruction, supplemental and intervention, courseware, and virtual school services. We serve 15 million students nationwide. Steve Santora (201) 577-2514 steve.santora@imaginelearning.com www.imaginelearning.com
Iron City Studios
Iron City Studios is a SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHY COMPANY located in Hoover, AL. We proudly service Hoover City Schools, Shelby County Schools, JefCoEd and more. Alanna Rose (205) 783-5281 info@ironcitystudios.com www.ironcitystudios.com
IXL Learning
IXL is personalized learning. With a comprehensive K-12 curriculum, individualized guidance, and real-time analytics, IXL meets the unique needs of each learner. David Mickelsen (352) 949-0898 davidm@ixl.com www.IXL.com
Jumpstart Test Prep
Jumpstart ACT & ACT WorkKeys on demand review empowers teachers with curriculum & assessments enabling the most improvement in the least amount of review time. George Kushner (833) 835-8329 sha@jumpstarttestprep.com jumpstarttestprep.com
Just Right Reader
Science of Reading decodables with over 410+ researchbased titles filled with vibrant illustrations, engaging authentic stories, and diverse characters representing students in America’s schools. Pam McAuley (813) 928-4083 pam@justrightreader.com https://justrightreader.com/
Karen Maury Jewelry
We do onsite engraving on sterling silver jewelry Karen Maury (205) 790-8349 kayrena16@gmail.com
31
KIDaccount, LLC
KIDaccount is a complete, customizable daily school safety and dismissal system that accounts for all souls on campus – all day, every day. Keith Petty (573) 756-3131 kpetty@kidaccount.com www.kidaccount.com
Kids First Education, LLC
KIDS 1st was founded out of a desire to improve teaching and learning and we provide teaching and learning solutions for administrators, teachers, & students. Reeda Betts (601) 765-5437 info@kidsfirst.llc https://kidsfirst.llc/
Lathan Architects
Lathan Architects is a full-service design firm based in Hoover, Alabama offering a comprehensive range of services to suit the individual needs of each client. Barry Davis (205) 988-9112 bdavis@lathanassociates.com www.lathanassociatesarchitects.com
Learning Blade
Learning Blade is a system of interactive lessons and activities for 5th to 9th graders where students learn about STEM and Computer Science careers. Scott Mains (423) 521-2309 info@learningblade.com www.LearningBlade.com
LEGO Education
Rethink STEAM learning and spark joy in the classroom. LEGO® Learning System, students’ knowledge, skills, and confidence grow with love of learning year after year. Felicia Bustle (843) 290-3526 felicia.bustle@lego.com education.lego.com/en-us
Lexia Learning
Lexia Learning is committed to helping all students become proficient readers and confident learners. Lexia empowers the literacy educators who are essential to student success. Leigh Ann Smith (847) 977-1613 leighAnn.smith@lexialearning.com www.lexialearning.com
Lifetouch School Photography and Yearbooks School Photography and Yearbooks Emalee Buckner (865) 675-6352 EXT 25212 emalee.buckner@shutterfly.com www.lifetouch.com
Maximized Growth, LLC
Opportunity to bring visibility and awareness of available courses centered around Leadership Development, Communication, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (all PLUapproved courses) Tasha Scott (334) 669-3252 tasha@maximizedgrowthllc.com www.maximizedgrowthllc.com
32
McWane Science Center
Presentation Solutions, Inc.
Office of Prosecution Services
Progress Learning
McWane Science Center is driven by an educational purpose: to provide science education experiences,tools and resources to teachers and students through fieldtrips and outreach programs. Roxanne Shuler (205) 714-8371 rshuler@mcwane.org www.mcwane.org The HERO program is a statewide Certified Facility Dog Program to assist in helping victims throughout the criminal process. Tamara Martin (334) 242-4191 tamara.martin@alabamada.gov opsheroinfo.org
OnToCollege
Increase ACT/SAT scores with OnToCollege’s tested and proven materials. Average ACT score jump is 2 points. Many students increase 3-5 points. Roger Reid (870) 834-7635 roger@ontocollege.com www.ontocollege.com
Pearson Assessments
Pearson Assessments solutions, including aimswebPlus and NNAT3, are designed to provide the insights educators need to be able to test less and teach more. Melissa Haney (804) 912-3627 melissa.haney1@pearson.com www.pearsonassessments.com
Playworld Preferred
A distributor of Playworld Systems playground equipment for the state of Alabama.We also provide a variety of other outdoor recreational equipment,safety surfacing and installation services. Jeff Wingo (800) 459-7241 info@playworldpreferred.com www.playworldpreferred.com
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 laminators! Steven Sanders (800) 280-7809 steven@presentationsolutions.com presentationsolutions.com Progress Learning provides a comprehensive, standardsaligned instructional resource and content solution for grades K-12. Zoe McCullough (415) 493-8825 zoe.mccullough@progresslearning.com https://progresslearning.com/
Publishers’ Warehouse
Publishers’ Warehouse is Alabama’s one-stop shop for digital (EBSCOed) and print textbooks and instructional materials for K-12 schools in Alabama. Patrick Chappell (205) 516-5821 pchappell@ebsco.com publisherswarehouse.com
QuantHub
QuantHub provides self-paced and self-contained instruction in topics such as data visualization, statistics, and machine learning. Veronique Brown (205) 335-2285 kweed@quanthub.com www.quanthub.com
Reading Horizons
Offers a foundational reading program that can help all students reach proficiency by the end of third grade, while also addressing gaps in older learners. Walker Hoopes (385) 287-4781 info@readinghorizons.com www.readinghorizons.com
PowerSchool
PowerSchool (NYSE: PWSC) is the leading provider of cloud-based software for K-12 education in North America. Jenny Scott (877) 873-1550 jenny.scott@powerschool.com www.powerschool.com
PowerUpEDU
Focused on education & achievement, delivering interactive technology solutions and coaching for classrooms while creating fun & engaging learning environments. Jerry Gaillard (888) 517-3824 debbie@powerupedu.com powerupedu.com
Recreational Concepts, LLC
Playgrounds, site amenities, splash play, pavilions, shade, surfacing and much more. Melanie Stewart (205) 202-8671 melanie@rec-concepts.com www.rec-concepts.com
Renaissance
Renaissance is a global leader in assessment, reading, math, and early literacy solutions for pre-K–12 schools and districts. Karen Winn (256) 283-1935 karen.winn@renaissance.com www.renaissance.com
Winter Issue 2024
Samford University School of Education Samford University School of Education Graduate Programs Dana Mungenast (205) 726-4337 dgmungen@samford.edu https://www.samford.edu/education/default
Scholastic Inc
For over 100 years, Scholastic offers the support and resources all children deserve to meet their needs, honor their voices, and empower them always. Ms. Lee Berlin (205) 209-2406 lberlin@scholastic.com www.scholastic.com
SchoolsPLP
We offer almost 2000 PreK -12 online courses with multiple instructional designs to a single interface. Our courses include core, elective, credit recovery and CTE. Eric Moon (770) 789-1941 eric@schoolsplp.com schoolsplp.com
Skillastics
For over 20 years, Skillastics has provided simple, easyto-implement physical activity resources and curriculum for physical education, afterschool and classroom instructors. Suzanne Stone (256) 426-3579 sstone@skillastics.com www.skillastics.com
Strawbridge Studios
Strawbridge Studios, Inc. is a 4th generation, family owned, American school portrait and yearbook company located in Durham, N.C. Todd Diefenderfer (334) 301-3562 todd.diefenderfer@strawbridge.net www.strawbridge.net
StreamVu Ed
StreamVu Ed is the leading service provider of educational video management, distribution and storage. From morning announcements to school board meetings. StreamVu Ed, better communication. Amie Briggs (678) 520-3662 abriggs@streamvu.com www.streamvued.com
Stride Learning Solutions
Stride Learning Solutions creates modern learning for any learner, anywhere, with blended and online education to broaden their skills, options, and opportunities. Joseph Sveum (407) 402-7436 jsveum@k12.com StrideLS.com
Learning Solutions
Studies Weekly
Studies Weekly creates award-winning K-6 elementary social studies, science, and well-being curriculum uniquely presented in a periodical format that pairs with an online learning platform. Rachel McInnis (801) 494-4396 conferences@studiesweekly.com https://www.studiesweekly.com
Winter Issue 2024
Terrell Enterprises, Inc.
Twin States Recreation, LLC
The Alabama Best Practices Center
UA Early College
The Hope Institute
University of Louisiana Monroe Online
We provide school furniture, equipment, supplies and learning resources along with turn-key solutions and services for the PreK-12 market. Al Brannon 334-382-7415 al@terrellenterprises.com www.terrellenterprises.com The Alabama Best Practices Center offers impactful, collaborative, and data-driven professional learning opportunities for central office and school-based educators. Dr. Stoney Beavers (334) 279-1886 dakota@aplusala.org aplusala.org/best-practices-center The Hope Institute inspires transformational change by introducing administrator and educator teams to the process of building a character-focused school culture. Patricia Simpson (205) 726-2564 info@hopeinstitute.org www.hopeinstitute.org
The University of Alabama College of Education
The College of Education offers teacher education, kinesiology, and educational neuroscience programs to provide teaching, research, and service for state, regional, national, and international interests. Carlton McHargh (205) 348-0549 edustudentservices@ua.edu education.ua.edu
The University of Alabama Online
The University of Alabama offers over 20 top-ranked graduate education degrees in flexible online and hybrid formats with affordable tuition so you can earn a premier degree around your schedule. Kathryn Morrow (800) 467-0227 online@ua.edu online.ua.edu/clas
ThriveWay
Peer Helpers PLUS is an evidence-based K-12th grade prevention and support program equipping students to navigate a wide range of emotional, societal, and behavioral challenges. Ruby McCullough (251) 604-3781 allison@thriveway.com Thriveway.com
Transaction Point, LLC
Come see the latest Campus Branding product ideas to help you build tradition and support your staff and students. Logo Mats, Apparel, and Appreciation Gifts Britt Matthiessen (800) 396-7301 jbm@transactionpoint.net www.transactionpoint.net
We create innovative play environments for children of all abilities. Twin States Recreation, LLC is the only authorized dealer in Alabama for B.C.I. Burke Company. Max Maxwell (205) 453-4321 max@twinstatesrec.com www.twinstatesrec.com UA Early College allows students to earn college credit while they are in high school and supports them to transition into college. Taylor Eppler (205) 348-7083 lhporter@ua.edu uaearlycollege.ua.edu Online Masters & Doctoral Programs within the College of Education Brandi Tryon (225) 218-7390 brandi.tryon@apdegrees.com online.ulm.edu/brandi
VCM Plumbing Solutions
Elkay Bottle Water Cooler Stations, Isimet Lab Safety Controls for School laboratories. Bill Cone (205) 324-0669 billcone@vcmsales.com www.vcm.org
Verkada
Verkada’s 7product lines - video security cameras, doorbased access control, environmental sensors, alarms, visitor management, mailroom and intercom - all on a single software platform. Austin Baker (704) 962-7254 austin.baker@verkada.com verkada.com
Virco
Amercian owned 70 yr old manufacturer of classroom furniture with local support to listen and offer suggestions for your classrooms, library, cafeteria and admin suite. John Havicus 205-721-0514 johnhavicus@virco.com www.virco.com
Ward Scott Morris
Ward Scott Morris is a full design Architectural firm with 40 years in the K-12 market. Carol Coleman (205) 577-7027 carol@wardscottmorris.com www.wardscottmorris.com
Westcott Studios
School photography. All photography needs for schools in the south. Chris Westcott (256) 441-8741 cwestcott1@gmail.com www.westcottstudios.net
33
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
visit us online at www.clasleaders.org/membership
