Alabaster City Schools recently welcomed instructional leaders from across Alabama to the ACS Central Office for the ARI District Leadership Lab, an event dedicated to strengthening collaboration and advancing literacy instruction statewide. Hosted by Michelle Brakefield, the Region 7 Regional Literacy Leadership Specialist, the session brought district leaders together to network and discuss key components of the Alabama Literacy Act, including effective literacy practices, routines, and structures. Brakefield emphasized the importance of the lab, noting that participants deepened their understanding of their unique roles in fully implementing all aspects of the Literacy Act and left with valuable ideas to better support students in their own districts.
Throughout the day, attendees engaged in guided discussions, examined data-driven strategies, and exchanged successful approaches for supporting K–12 reading development. ACS also showcased elements of its own work, including a leadership portion led by Kim Bice, Coordinator of Elementary Curriculum, who highlighted an ACS district WST meeting as an example of strong instructional alignment. The collaborative format allowed leaders to learn from one another’s successes, address shared challenges, and explore innovative practices designed to enhance literacy instruction across the state.
As part of the visit, participants gained insight into Alabaster City Schools’ commitment to ensuring that all students receive high-quality reading support. District leaders expressed appreciation for the opportunity to collaborate and strengthen their efforts toward improving literacy outcomes for Alabama students. Brakefield described it as “a great day of learning and collaborating to ensure the success of all students in Alabama,” underscoring the meaningful impact of the Leadership Lab and ACS’s role in hosting the region’s inaugural session.