February 27, 2025
9:00 am - 3:15 pm
Virtual Conference

Special Thanks to Our Conference Partners

Concurrent Sessions 1 - 9:00 am - 10:00 am

New Updates to Alabama’s High School Graduation Requirements

Changes are coming to Alabama’s high school graduation requirements! On December 12, 2024, the Alabama State Board of Education approved key updates to better prepare students for the future. Starting with the Class of 2032, students on the General Education Pathway will gain valuable tech skills by completing an ALSDE-approved computer science course. Plus, a brand-new diploma option—Option B—is now available, offering more flexibility for students to achieve success. Join this session to learn updates and guidance on this new rule.

Presenter:
Sean Stevens

Facilitator:
Sheila Jones

Unleashing Potential: High-Leverage Practices for Supporting Students with Disabilities in General Education

This session will delve into the power of High-Leverage Practices (HLPs) to create inclusive and effective learning environments for students with disabilities within general education classrooms. Participants will gain a practical understanding of the core principles behind HLPs for instruction in behavior and academics and explore specific, evidence-based strategies that can be immediately implemented to improve student achievement.

Presenter:
Elizabeth Greene and Patrice Harvill

Facilitator:
Tiffany Yelder

Break 10:00 am - 10:15 am

Concurrent Sessions 2 - 10:15 am - 11:15 am

MTSS/District Compliance Monitoring: Ensuring Success for Every Student

Effective implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) requires ongoing compliance monitoring to ensure fidelity and impact. This session will explore best practices for tracking interventions, documenting progress, and meeting state and federal requirements— all while keeping student success at the center. Join us to streamline your MTSS process and stay audit-ready!

Presenter:
Kristie Shankles & Stacy Roster

Facilitator:
Sheila Jones

Balancing Innovation, Ethics, and Student Safety in the Age of AI. 

GenAI is still a new challenge educators face and there are pros and cons to consider. Being ‘future-ready’ includes looking at ethical and responsible AI use in education, protecting data privacy, AI literacy, and access to AI tools. Expand your vision on how policies can be designed to align with district values and goals. In this session, we will explore Gen AI gain actionable insights that will prepare us for future Gen AI conversations.

Presenter:
Angie Clark

Facilitator:
Tiffany Yelder

Lunch 11:15 am - 11:45 pm

Session 3 -  11:45 pm - 12:45 pm

Tiered Instruction in Secondary Schools: Meeting Every Student’s Needs

Differentiation doesn’t have to be daunting! This session will dive into practical strategies for implementing tiered instruction in middle and high school settings. Learn how to support diverse learners through structured interventions, flexible grouping, and targeted supports—all while maintaining rigorous, grade-level expectations.

Presenter:
Wendy Arnold, Carol Clemmons and Kristie Shankles

Facilitator:
Tiffany Yelder

Break 12:45 pm - 1:00 pm

Session 4 - 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

2024 Alabama Course of Study-Social Studies: Changing, Challenging, and Creating

This session is designed to provide K-12 social studies teachers and curriculum leaders with a comprehensive understanding of Alabama's new Social Studies Course of Study. Participants will explore key updates, pedagogical shifts, and interdisciplinary strategies that align with the revised standards. The session will highlight practical applications, including curriculum planning, assessment design, and resource utilization tailored to the new standards.

Presenters:
Blake Busbin

Facilitator:
Tiffany Yelder

Session 5 - 2:15 pm - 3:15 pm

Maximize Your Impact: A Special Session for New Curriculum Directors!

Are you a new curriculum director looking for expert insights to wrap up the school year on a high note? Join us for an exclusive session where seasoned curriculum directors will share practical tips on closing out the year effectively and starting the next one strong!

✅ Learn strategies to energize your staff for the new year
✅ Gain insights on supporting principals as instructional leaders
✅ Walk away with actionable steps to set your district up for success!

Don’t miss this chance to network, learn, and lead with confidence!

Presenters:
Sheila Jones, Evelyn Nettle-Hines, Katie Dalrymple and Lisa Adair

Facilitator:
Demica Sanders

For assistance, please email help@clasleaders.org.