ADE Summit 2026: Full Schedule

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7:30am CDT

Morning Snacks

Tuesday July 14, 2026 7:30am - 8:30am CDT

Grand Lobby

Tuesday July 14, 2026 7:30am - 8:30am CDT
Grand Lobby Hot Springs Convention Center

General

7:30am CDT

Registration Check-in

Tuesday July 14, 2026 7:30am - 8:30am CDT

Grand Lobby

Tuesday July 14, 2026 7:30am - 8:30am CDT
Grand Lobby Hot Springs Convention Center

General

8:30am CDT

KEYNOTE - How to Unleash the Science of Learning in your Classroom

Tuesday July 14, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

Exhibit Halls C & D

Teaching might be an art, but learning is a science. Dr. Pooja K. Agarwal, cognitive scientist, educator, and book author shares practical teaching strategies—based on 100 years of research—that dramatically improve student learning. Equipped with scientific knowledge and evidence-based tools, turn your teaching into powerful teaching and unleash the science of learning in your classroom.

Speakers

Pooja Agarwal

Dr. Pooja K. Agarwal (@RetrieveLearn) is a cognitive scientist, conducting research on how students learn for more than 20 years. She is the lead author of the book Powerful Teaching, editor of the book Smart Teaching Stronger Learning, and an Associate Professor of Psychology at... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Exhibit Halls C & D Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction, Science of Learning

10:20am CDT

95% More Applicants: How the New Statewide Job Board Is Working for AR Districts

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

Room 205

This hands-on workshop teaches district leaders the Pixar Story framework — a proven storytelling structure — to help you cut through job market noise and attract the right candidates. You'll leave with a district story you can start using immediately in your recruiting.

You'll also learn about DESE's partnership with Nimble, which gives Arkansas districts free, grant-funded access to the new statewide job board and recruiting tools. Participating districts have seen applicant volume increase by an average of 95% — this session shows you how to take advantage of these tools for free before the year is out.

Speakers

Capri Salaam

State Director of the Education Renewal Zones / 2023 Arkansas Teacher of the Year, Arkansas Department of Education

Lauren Dachille

Founder & CEO, Nimble

Krista Pfeiffer

Marketing Manager, Nimble

[Branding your District] Pixar Story Framework pdf

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
Room 205 Hot Springs Convention Center

Human Capital, Recruitment & Retention

10:20am CDT

Applying the TESS Rubric Across Multiple Classroom Roles

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

Exhibit Hall B

Join administrators and teachers for a collaborative discussion on supporting teacher growth through observation and coaching. This session will highlight administrators’ use of the TESS rubric and how coaching practices are adapted to meet the needs of educators serving in diverse classroom roles.

Speakers

Andrea Ingram

Special Education Director, Springdale School District

Andy Sullivan

Director of Educator Effectiveness, DESE

Carol Skiba

Principal, Stagecoach Elementary

Alonzo Terrell

Assistant Principal, Springdale School District

Alonzo Terrell is currently an assistant principal at Southwest Junior High in Springdale, AR.

Julie Amstutz

Leadership Development Coach, Office of Coordinated Support and Service

2026 ADE Summit Applying the TESS Rubric final pptx

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
Exhibit Hall B Hot Springs Convention Center

Human Capital, Educator Effectiveness

10:20am CDT

Algebra 1 Readiness

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

Room 105

This one-hour session highlights the essential skills that support Algebra 1 readiness and the classroom data levers that most effectively reveal student needs. Participants will learn how simple, everyday data can guide targeted instruction and strengthen students’ pathway to Algebra 1 success.

Speakers

Kisa Morman

K-12 Math Program Manager, Arkansas Division of Elementary & Secondary Education

Kisa Morman, a native of Little Rock, is a K–12 Math School Program Manager with over 20 years in education. She is passionate about helping all students build confidence in math by mastering numeracy, accessing effective interventions, and engaging in problem-solving to foster... Read More →

Ciara Gulley

State Math Specialist, ADE

Ciara Gulley is a highly motivated and student-centered educational leader with a strong foundation in secondary mathematics education and a passion for advancing student success. Currently serving as a State Mathematics Specialist with the Arkansas Department of Education, Ciara... Read More →

Algebra 1 Readiness pdf

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
Room 105 Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction, Math

10:20am CDT

Closing the Research-to-Practice Gap

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

Horner Hall

One of the most challenging problems facing schools today is the gap between what research has demonstrated to be effective and the instructional practices implemented in many classrooms. This session will address how to access reliable information on research findings, as well as how to identify claims that are not backed by research.

Speakers

Holly Lane

University of Florida Literacy Institute

Dr. Holly Lane is the founding Director of the University of Florida Literacy Institute, more commonly known as UFLI. She is also the Irving and Rose Fien professor of education. Her research focuses on effective reading instruction and intervention, and helping teachers develop... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
Horner Hall Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction

10:20am CDT

Combining AI Efficiency with the Human Touch: Scaling Writing Feedback in Arkansas Classrooms

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

Room 207

In this session, educators from Harrison Public Schools and EnlightenAI will share how Arkansas teachers are using AI to dramatically increase the amount of personalized writing feedback students receive without creating an unsustainable grading burden for teachers. The session will explore how teachers can maintain control over grading quality and instructional judgment while using AI to streamline feedback workflows, support student revision, and create more opportunities for writing practice. Participants will also see how these tools can help schools measure student writing growth over time while staying grounded in research-backed instructional best practices around timely, actionable feedback.

Speakers

Gautam Thapar

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
Room 207 Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction, AI

10:20am CDT

Street Smart: How the Arkansas Department of Transportation is Bringing Road Safety Education to Classrooms Statewide

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

Room 104

Street Smart is a free, children’s road safety education program available to all Arkansas educators. In this session, learn how the Arkansas Department of Transportation and the Arkansas Department of Education worked together to fill a gap in road safety education. This ADE-approved, comprehensive curriculum includes lessons, activities, and professionally-produced videos – ready-made for the classroom.

Speakers

Travis Brooks

Division Engineer for Planning & Research, Arkansas Department of Transportation

ADE Summit Street Smart Brooks ARDOT pptx

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
Room 104 Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction

10:20am CDT

Work-Based Learning in Action: From Practicum to Apprenticeship in Arkansas

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

Rooms 201 & 202

Work-Based Learning (WBL) is a critical bridge between education and the workforce—but understanding how it is structured and recognized in Arkansas is key to scaling its impact. This panel session will explore the continuum of WBL opportunities in the secondary setting, including Internships, Career Practicum, Pre-Apprenticeships, and Youth Apprenticeships. Hear directly from educators, leaders, and industry partners as they share how these experiences are implemented, aligned to pathways, and designed to build durable skills. Participants will leave with greater clarity and practical insights to strengthen and expand WBL in their own contexts.

Speakers

Ross White

State Career and Technical Education Director, Arkansas Department of Education

Ross White, director of Career and Technical Education (CTE), has served as the state CTE director since May 2021, bringing extensive experience in secondary and statewide CTE leadership. He has led the update of the state Perkins V plan, the implementation of Success Ready Gradu... Read More →

Patti Priest

Teacher, Har-Ber High School

Debora Cosen

Coordinator of Work based Learning, Arkansas Department of Education/Divison of Career and Technical Education

Work based Learning Coordinator at the Division of Career and Technical Education (DCTE) supporting program operations, data reporting, and compliance for CTE initiatives.

Markous Jewett

President & CEO, Academies of Central Arkansas Foundation

Derrick Daniels

7 14 26 Work Based Learning Panel pdf

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
Rooms 201 & 202 Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction, CTE

10:20am CDT

Healthier Schools, Stronger Communities: Expanding Support for Child Nutrition Programs

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

Room 208

School and district leaders balance competing priorities every day—often relying on child nutrition teams to keep students fed, focused, and ready to learn without adding to operational strain. This session highlights how strategic support for child nutrition programs can strengthen both student outcomes and district success.

Participants will learn how UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation (ICHI) has partnered with schools to enhance nutrition services through staff training, healthier food purchasing, student engagement, and operational guidance. We will also explore emerging opportunities through the Rural Health Transformation Grant, including expanded, no-cost support designed to build staff confidence, improve program sustainability, and navigate evolving requirements.

Attendees will gain insight into common challenges facing child nutrition programs, lessons learned from successful implementations, and practical resources—such as the UAMS CHEFS Toolkit—that can be used immediately in their districts. District leaders will also have the opportunity to consider future partnerships that support the whole child—academically, physically, and emotionally.

Speakers

Sara Sorrell

Associate Data Analyst, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Sara works with child nutrition teams in Northwest and rural Arkansas to understand the students' perceptions of new food offerings through surveys and focus groups. She has worked in and observed kitchens across the state and interviewed child nutrition directors, cafeteria managers... Read More →

Alexa Cueto

Associate Project Manager, UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation

CHEFS ADE Presentation July 2026 pdf

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
Room 208 Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations, Child Nutrition

10:20am CDT

New Coordinators Session

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

Room 209

This session is tailored for NEW SIS Coordinators to provide an in-depth understanding of their responsibilities, available resources, communication importance, and to learn about the SIS system and the state reporting process.

Speakers

Reshmi Jose

IT Coordinator, Office of Information Technology

Jessica Bowman

APSCN User Support Coordinator, Arkansas Dept of Education

NEW SIS Coordinator 2026 Template PDF pdf

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
Room 209 Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations, Data

10:20am CDT

Partnering for Success: State Classroom Inspections & Support

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

Room 102

Provides educators, administrators, and school staff with a comprehensive understanding of state classroom inspections and how they serve as a tool for growth and improvement rather than just oversight. Participants will learn about the inspection process, key focus areas, and best practices for preparing their classrooms while fostering a positive and collaborative relationship with inspectors.

Speakers

Travis Spence

Senior Area Project Manager, Arkansas Dept of Education

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
Room 102 Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations

Tag New

10:20am CDT

Stronger Together: Partnering with Business to Expand Child Care Access

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

Room 103

Alison Williams, Business Coalition Director, Excel by 8, and Jennifer Douglas, Early Childhood Program Administrator, DESE, OEC, will hold an interactive discussion about early childhood education as a critical driver of both current workforce stability and future economic growth. Participants will explore how cross-sector partnerships move beyond traditional philanthropy to impact systemic issues of workforce and economic development.

Speakers

Jennifer Douglas

Early Childhood Program Administrator, ADE: DESE Office of Early Childhood

Alison Williams

Business Coalition Director, Excel by 8

ADE Summit one pager 2026 pdf

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
Room 103 Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations, Early Childhood

10:20am CDT

Triand Reports that Raise the Grade

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

Rooms 203 & 204

This session will explore the reports available in Triand and how they can be used to inform and strengthen the work of school counselors and school leaders. Participants will learn how to use Triand reports to monitor student progress, understand Merit and Distinction status, track bottom-quartile students, and analyze graduation cohorts—providing practical tools to support data-informed decision-making.

Speakers

Morgan Malugen

ADE

Angel Peugh

Echo Dickson

APSCN - SMS IT Project Coordinator, Arkansas Department of Education

Hope Worsham

Assistant Commissioner of Public School Accountability, Arkansas Department of Education

Hope Worsham serves as the Assistant Commissioner of Public School Accountability at the Arkansas Department of Education, where she leads statewide efforts to support school performance and ensure meaningful use of data in decision-making. With a career spanning multiple leadership... Read More →

Triand Reports that Raise the Grade pdf

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
Rooms 203 & 204 Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations, Data

11:40am CDT

Milestones: Navigating Licensure Updates, Pathways, and Progress Points

Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT

Room 207

As the educator landscape evolves, staying informed on certification requirements is essential for maintaining a stable and qualified workforce. This session provides a comprehensive look at recent licensure updates and the diverse pathways available for educators to achieve full certification.
We will analyze current unlicensed teacher data to identify critical gaps and introduce a strategic framework focused on preservice teacher completion. Attendees will explore specific progress points from initial entry and testing milestones to clinical experiences, including the year-long residency,designed to ensure candidates move successfully through the pipeline. Whether you are a district leader or a preparation provider, you will leave with actionable strategies to support educators in reaching full licensure.

Speakers

Dr. Matthew Sutherlin

Director of Educator Preparation and Licensure, Educator Effectiveness and Licensure

Matthew Sutherlin brings over twenty-three years of experience in education, having served in both K–12 and higher education across four states. His career includes classroom teaching as well as leadership roles in higher education, where he has held positions such as Director... Read More →

Milestones Licensure Updates 2026 Key Takeaways Handout pdf

Science of Reading Proficiency Assessment (13) pdf

AR Educator Licensure Pathways One Pager pdf

Milestones Licensure Updates 2026 (Blended) (1) pdf

Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
Room 207 Hot Springs Convention Center

Human Capital, Licensure

11:40am CDT

All In: Leading for Meaningful Access

Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT

Room 208

When schools Decide, Align, Teach, and Communicate with shared direction over time, access becomes more durable and less fragile. This session focuses on how sustained attention across these actions shapes students’ long‑term opportunity and post‑graduation readiness.

Speakers

Chelsey Moore

Education Professional I, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

My work has always centered on building relationships to support learning, from early childhood and higher education to statewide leadership in family engagement and student success. Whether teaching in the public-school classroom, directing the 3D Program at UA-Pulaski Tech, or leading... Read More →

Becky Bell

Coordinator of Assessment & Curriculum, DESE-OSE

ADE Summit 2026 Leading for Meaningful Access pdf

Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
Room 208 Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction, Special Education

11:40am CDT

Planning for Impact: Data-Driven Math Interventions in Grades 3–8

Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT

Exhibit Hall B

In this one-hour session, participants will explore the core components of effective math intervention, including using data to identify student needs, setting clear and attainable learning goals, and monitoring progress to inform instructional decisions. The session will highlight how to align interventions to standards progressions and select appropriate diagnostics that support targeted instruction. Participants will leave with streamlined tools and resources they can immediately use to strengthen math intervention systems in grades 3–8.

Speakers

Kisa Morman

K-12 Math Program Manager, Arkansas Division of Elementary & Secondary Education

Math Interventions 2026 Summit Presentations pdf

Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
Exhibit Hall B Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction, Math

11:40am CDT

Upstream Thinking: Prevention vs Intervention

Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT

Horner Hall

The consequences of low literacy can be dire. We can't keep waiting for children to fail before we provide them with the help they need. Instead, we need to change the way we think about addressing our students' literacy needs by enhancing the quality of instruction in the primary grades. Through effective early ready instruction, most long-term difficulties can be averted. Evidence-based prevention efforts save money, time, and effort, while yielding far better academic, social, and economic outcomes.

Speakers

Holly Lane

University of Florida Literacy Institute

Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
Horner Hall Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction, Literacy

11:40am CDT

Clean Data Matters: SIS and SFA – Common Errors and Solutions

Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT

Rooms 201 & 202

From everyday SIS and SFA mistakes to proven district‑level solutions, this panel‑driven session blends expert insights with practitioner voices. Hear directly from district leaders as they unpack real challenges, share what works, and chart a clear path toward cleaner, more reliable data.

Speakers

Renee Curtis

Director of Administrative Services, Bryant Public Schools

Renee Curtis received her latest degree, Educational Specialist, from Henderson State University and is currently the Director of Administrative Services for Bryant Public Schools. Renee obtained her degree of Bachelor of Science in Education from University of Central Arkansas and... Read More →

Jamie Dickelman

Admin Assistant, eSchool Administrator, Eureka Springs School District

Jill Johnson

APSCN Student Applications Manager, Arkansas Department of Education

Pam Carter

Data Systems Manager, Cabot Public Schools

Jeffrey Fetters

District Review Manager, Arkansas Department of Education

Copy of ADE Summit 2026 Clean Data Matters pdf

Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
Rooms 201 & 202 Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations, Data

11:40am CDT

Closing the Gap V2: How Pre‑K Outcomes Shape Long‑Term Success

Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT

Room 103

Closing the Gap Before It Begins 2.0: The Power of Pre‑K Outcomes” This session explores how the Early Development Instrument (EDI) serves as a powerful population-level tool to identify and address developmental inequities before children enter the classroom. Participants will learn how to analyze EDI data across five key domains to pinpoint community vulnerabilities, strategically allocate resources, and foster cross-sector collaborations. By moving from individual assessment to community-wide snapshots, we will demonstrate how to create targeted interventions that ensure every child, regardless of zip code, starts school ready to succeed.

Speakers

Ellie Hill

EDI Project Director, Arkansas Research Center

Jennifer Douglas

Early Childhood Program Administrator, ADE: DESE Office of Early Childhood

Sarah Argue, PhD

Managing Director, Arkansas Research Center

Emily Smith

Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
Room 103 Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations, Early Childhood

11:40am CDT

Reclaiming Local Control: Arkansas’ Unified Education Plan

Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT

Rooms 203 & 204

Arkansas is seeking federal approval for a Unified Education Plan that streamlines accountability, reduces administrative burden, and puts education decisions back in the hands of local districts, educators, and families. Built on the foundation of the Arkansas LEARNS Act, the plan aligns state and federal systems to focus on what matters most—student achievement, growth, and readiness for life after high school.
This session provides an overview of the Unified Education Plan, the federal flexibilities being requested, and how these changes support districts in directing time and resources toward students rather than compliance. Attendees will learn how Arkansas’ accountability system, reporting innovations like the AR App, and LEARNS investments work together to support a student-first, locally powered education system.

Speakers

Matt Sewell

Assistant Commissioner of Federal Programs, Arkansas Department of Education

Matt Sewell was named the Assistant Commissioner of Federal Programs in July 2023. In this role, he oversees all federal programs, including Special Education. Sewell joined the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education in 2018 as the director of Special Programs, which included... Read More →

Stacy Smith

Deputy Commissioner, Arkansas Department of Education

Stacy Smith is a dedicated education professional currently serving as the Deputy Commissioner for the Arkansas Department of Education. With a passion for improving education in the state for all students and educators alike, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the state's educational... Read More →

Hope Worsham

Assistant Commissioner of Public School Accountability, Arkansas Department of Education

AR Waiver Superintendent Deck pdf

Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
Rooms 203 & 204 Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations

11:40am CDT

School Choice

Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT

Room 102

This session will review the various options families of students in Arkansas have in finding the best educational options for that student. Specifically, the presentation will address the obligations and opportunities various School Choice options present to the local public school.

Speakers

Daniel Shults

Julia Raney

Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
Room 102 Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations, Legal

11:40am CDT

SIS Updates

Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT

Room 209

SIS Coordinators! this session we will discuss the features of the state reporting system (SIS) and discuss how the features can be utliized in the state reporting process.

Speakers

Reshmi Jose

IT Coordinator, Office of Information Technology

Jeff Cantwell

System Administrator, ADE DESE

Statewide Information System

Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
Room 209 Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations, Data

11:40am CDT

Staffing with Intention: Understanding Long‑Term Budget Impacts

Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT

Room 104

Staffing decisions are among the most consequential choices district leaders make. With salaries and benefits comprising the majority of a district’s operating budget, even small staffing changes can have long‑term fiscal implications that extend well beyond a single budget year.
This session is designed for superintendents, school business managers, and principals who play a role in staffing decisions and resource allocation. Participants will explore how Arkansas funding structures interact with staffing choices over time. The session highlights the true cost of adding positions, implementing salary schedule increases, and maintaining staffing levels during periods of enrollment change.
Attendees will examine the distinction between positions and programs, learn when restricted funds may appropriately be used for salaries, and discuss strategies for avoiding unsustainable staffing growth. The session will also introduce practical fiscal tools available to district leaders, such as enrollment projections and staffing models, to support proactive, data‑driven planning.

Speakers

Jason Miller

Office of Coordinated Support and Service/ Leadership Development & Fiscal Services, Arkansas Department of Education

Jason Miller currently serves as a State Leadership Development Coach at the Arkansas Department of Education, where he provides statewide guidance on district operations, school finance, effective use of personnel, and resource management. He also oversees the Fiscal Services and... Read More →

Staffing with Intention ADE Summit pptx

Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
Room 104 Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations, Finance

11:40am CDT

The State of the State Scholarships

Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT

Room 205

State scholarships play a critical role in helping Arkansas students access and afford postsecondary education. This session will provide an overview of the current landscape of Arkansas state scholarship programs, including updates to existing awards, recent policy and legislative changes, and key information affecting student eligibility and participation.

Participants will gain insight into scholarship processing, timelines, and common challenges that institutions and counselors encounter when assisting students. The session will also highlight strategies for ensuring students receive accurate, timely information about available opportunities and requirements.

Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how state scholarships are evolving and how they can best support students in navigating these programs successfully.

Speakers

Alisha Lewis

Assistant Commissioner, Arkansas Division of Higher Education

Alisha Lewis began service to the Arkansas Department of Higher Education in March 2017 where she serves as the Associate Director of Communications. Through Arkansas State Transformation, her role transitioned to Chief Communication Director for the new encompassing Department... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
Room 205 Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations, Finance

1:00pm CDT

EPP Deans & Directors Meeting

Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Ballrooms 1 & 2 (Hotel Hot Springs)

Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Ballrooms 1 & 2 (Hotel Hot Springs) Hotel Hot Springs

General

1:00pm CDT

Career Advising That Counts: Leveraging rootEd and DCTE to Support Student Success

Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Room 207

College and career advising plays a critical role in helping students navigate pathways, make informed decisions, and prepare for life after high school. This session will provide a clear look at Arkansas’ two primary college and career advising models—rootEd and DCTE—highlighting their unique focuses, impact data, and how they support students in different ways. Participants will gain clarity on how each model functions and leave better equipped to determine the right approach to meet the needs of their students and strengthen college and career advising systems

Speakers

Mary Beck

Regional Specialist, DCTE

Sonja Wright-McMurray

Assistant Director of Operations, ADE

Dr. Sonja Wright-McMurray is the Assistant Director for Operations at the Arkansas Department of Education, Division of Career and Technical Education. In 2009, she began working for the Division of Career and Technical Education to implement and lead the Arkansas Career Coach Program... Read More →

Ali Jeffrey

Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Room 207 Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction, CTE

1:00pm CDT

From the Science of Learning to Instruction—Designing What Works

Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Exhibit Hall B

Building on the Science of Learning, this session focuses on translating research into daily instructional decisions. Participants will examine what high-impact, evidence-based instruction looks like in classrooms, how to use data responsively, and how to avoid common instructional pitfalls. Emphasis is placed on strengthening Tier 1 instruction so more students succeed with core learning—reducing the need for intensive intervention later.

Speakers

Amanda VanDerHeyden

RISS Keynote Speaker, Spring Math

Dr. Amanda VanDerHeyden is a policy adviser and thought leader who actively conducts research focused on improving learning outcomes for students. In addition to publishing ten books and over 100 scholarly articles and chapters, she regularly delivers webinar, panel and keynote sessions... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Exhibit Hall B Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction, Science of Learning

1:00pm CDT

Leveraging AI to Elevate Student Outcomes

Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Room 208

As writing expectations evolve and AI becomes part of the assessment landscape, districts are exploring innovative ways to strengthen writing instruction across all content areas. In this session, technology specialist from Jackson County School District will share their journey of implementing MagicSchool AI to support a district-wide Writing Across the Curriculum initiative. Participants will learn how the district partnered with curriculum leaders, piloted writing feedback tools, gathered teacher input, and scaled implementation to prepare students and educators for AI-assisted evaluation. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for leveraging AI to provide consistent feedback, increase writing opportunities, and improve student achievement across the HQIM curriculum and other content areas.

Speakers

Jaime Courtright

Account Executive, MagicSchool

MagicSchool is on a mission to bring an AI assistant to every teacher in the world to help tackle teacher burnout while bringing AI Literacy for students to the classroom. MagicSchool is the leading, most secure, and comprehensive AI platform in education with over 5 million educators... Read More →

Holly Robbins

Jackson County School District

Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Room 208 Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction, AI

1:00pm CDT

What's on the Menu? Interactions

Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Room 102

Arkansas is currently in a CLASS pilot year. As Local Leads, part of our job is to visit all publicly funded classrooms, administer a CLASS assessment, and support programs in building positive, meaningful interactions. The four presenters for this season have collectively completed more than 150 CLASS observations in the last year and a half across infant, toddler, and pre-K settings.
We started noticing the same pattern over and over: teachers are working hard during large group, centers, and small group time to build relationships, model language, and support problem-solving. But mealtimes and snack times — which easily take 30 to 45 minutes of a child’s day — are often treated as “get through it” moments instead of intentional interaction time. That is a huge missed opportunity for building connections, positive interactions, concept development, scaffolding, and language modeling. “What’s on the Menu? Interactions!” is designed to change that.

Speakers

Wendy Green

Local Lead, Crowley's Ridge Educational Service Cooperative

Chrissy Sain

Local Leads, Northeast Arkansas Education Cooperative

Jodi Whitman

Senior Director, Partnerships, LENA

Jodi Whiteman, M.Ed., CEIM, IMH-E® is the Senior Director of Partnerships at LENA. In this position she supports early childhood programs, organizations and states to transform children’s future through early talk technology and data-driven programs. She has over 25 years of experience in the early childhood field... Read More →

Katlin Niemeyer

Local Leads Captain, SWAEC

Shasta Pentecost

Local Lead, Dawson Education Cooperative

Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Room 102 Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction, Early Learning

1:00pm CDT

Becoming the First Choice: Designing schools that students love, families choose, and communities trust

Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Room 103

How clarity, coherence, and trust drive sustainable enrollment over time. Enrollment health reflects trust, clarity, and coherence. This session reframes student recruitment, retention, and enrollment management as a leadership and governance responsibility, not a marketing task. Participants will explore how families make enrollment decisions, why schools lose students over time, and how mission clarity, program quality, staff alignment, and family experience drive demand. The session emphasizes enrollment as an early indicator of organizational health and long-term sustainability.

Speakers

Dr. Kelly Hankins

Learning Design & Innovation Lead, Office of Innovation for Education

I am passionate about helping adults do the work that ultimately changes outcomes for students. My career has spanned classrooms, school leadership, and statewide support, giving me a deep understanding of the complexities educators face every day.I partner with schools and districts... Read More →

Crystal Beshears Duncan

Associate Director of Innovation, Office of Innovation for Education

Combining 25 years of experience in a variety of educational settings, Crystal Beshears Duncan serves as the Assistant Director of Innovation for the Office of Innovation for Education at the University of Arkansas. Her diverse work includes: teaching social sciences to secondary... Read More →

Darrell Smith

Assistant Commissioner of School Choice & Parent Empowerment, Arkansas Department of Education

Darrell Smith has been involved in education for over 30 years. He spent almost 20 years in Arkansas serving as a teacher, principal, and administrator, helping to lead one of the largest private schools in the country to National Blue Ribbon status. He has recently led a number of... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Room 103 Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations

1:00pm CDT

Coordinated School Safety: Incident Communication Protocols and Building Design Considerations

Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Room 104

This session will provide an overview of DESE’s School Safety Incident and Communication Protocol, explaining how Arkansas school districts, educational cooperatives, the Safe Schools Unit, and DESE leadership collaborate during school safety incidents and other significant events. Participants will learn how the tiered, bidirectional communication structure supports the clear, timely exchange of critical information and enables coordinated responses at the local, regional, and state levels.
In addition, the session will address key school safety building considerations, highlighting how facility design, access control, and emergency response features support incident prevention and mitigation. This portion of the presentation underscores how thoughtful planning and building design can strengthen physical security and enhance overall safety for students and staff.

Speakers

Jason Weatherly, PhD

Public Safety Supervisor / Expert, Arkansas Department of Education

An Arkansas native, Dr. Weatherly brings extensive expertise in school safety, emergency management, and facilities oversight to the Safe Schools Unit. His comprehensive training spans Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), CERT, school site assessments, emergency... Read More →

Summit 2026 SSU Incident Communication Protocols and Buidling Designs pdf

Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Room 104 Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations, School Safety

1:00pm CDT

Data Without the Drama: Google Sheets Strategies Worth Sharing

Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Horner Hall

“It’s not what you know — it’s what you share.” In a data-driven educational environment, spreadsheets can feel intimidating or overly technical. Yet the goal of any data conversation isn’t complexity — it’s clarity. This session is built around a simple promise: I hope you learn one new thing.

Designed for school leaders, coordinators, and support staff at all experience levels, this session highlights practical Google Sheets strategies that turn everyday data into meaningful insight. Participants will explore essential formulas (SORT, FILTER, SUMIF, COUNTIF), simple automation tools, data-cleaning techniques, and quick visual summaries that support confident decision-making. Whether you’re brand new to spreadsheets or could probably teach the session yourself, you’ll leave with at least one strategy you can implement immediately — and one you’ll want to share with someone else in your district.

Because when we share what works, data becomes less about compliance — and more about impact.

Speakers

Susan Gilley

Executive Director, Harrison School District

Data without Drama ADE Data Summit 2026 pdf

Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Horner Hall Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations

1:00pm CDT

FOIA & FERPA

Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Room 209

This session will offer a review of the law governing Arkansas Public Schools release of information as well as the law governing the meeting of a public governing body such as a school board. These subjects are primally governed by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Speakers

Daniel Shults

Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Room 209 Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations, Legal

1:00pm CDT

Food Service Management Company Contracts and Federal Child Nutrition Programs

Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Room 105

We will address what you should know about the FSMC procurement process and requirements.

Speakers

Nancy Dill

Public School Program Manager, DESE, Child Nutrition Unit

Registered Dietitian; BS University of Arkansas, Dietetic Internship University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, MS University of Central Arkansas. The world of Nutrition and Dietetics has taken me through various clinical settings and eventually to a place in the DESE, Child Nutrition... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Room 105 Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations, Child Nutrition

1:00pm CDT

Maximizing Time & Meeting Standards: Smart Strategies for New Administrators

Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Rooms 203 & 204

New administrators often face unexpected challenges that can impact accreditation. This session uses real scenarios to unpack common pitfalls and offers clear, practical strategies to address them before they become bigger issues.

Speakers

Andy Sullivan

Director of Educator Effectiveness, DESE

Brooke McCain

Director of Monitoring and Accreditation, Arkansas Department of Education

Brooke McCain is a leading expert in accreditation and monitoring, with a passion for district improvement, recognized for equipping school leaders with the practical tools needed to manage compliance and drive real results. Heading Arkansas’s on-site monitoring and accreditation... Read More →

Dr. Jeanie Johnson

PSA Coordinator of Monitoring & Accreditation, ADE DESE

As Coordinator of Monitoring & Accreditation within the Office of Public School Accountability, I work alongside my team to support school districts across Arkansas in understanding and fulfilling their responsibilities under state and federal laws, rules, and regulations. Our unit... Read More →

Amber Pirnique

DIrector of Special Projects, Arkansas Department of Education

Amber Pirnique serves as Director of Special Projects for the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), leading priority, cross‑agency initiatives that advance statewide goals in literacy, coaching, and system support. Her portfolio includes The Writing Revolution... Read More →

ADE Summit 2026 Maximizing Time and Meeting Standards pdf

Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Rooms 203 & 204 Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations, Accountability

1:00pm CDT

Real Talk: Online Safety Q&A with Arkansas State Police ICAC

Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Rooms 201 & 202

This Q&A session features analysts from the Arkansas State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, offering practical insights into how to better equip children with the skills they need to navigate the digital world safely. This session explores effective strategies for teaching online safety, increasing awareness of potential digital risks, and fostering critical thinking in young students.

Speakers

Cassie Harris

Criminal Intelligence Analyst, Arkansas State Police

Lenore Paladino

2026ConferenceRealTalk pptx

ai and child safety online guide educators pdf

sextortion what parents should know pdf

Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Rooms 201 & 202 Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations, School Safety

Tag New

1:00pm CDT

Trauma Resource Initiative for Schools (TRIS): Trainings, Resources and Supports for Schools to Prepare and Respond to Traumatic Events

Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Room 205

TRIS exists because in Arkansas, two-thirds of youth will face at least one potentially traumatic event before adulthood and educators often see the impacts of those events on their campus. This presentation is an overview of the trainings, resources and supports TRIS offers to school staff to help them prepare, support and respond to traumatic events.
• At the end of this presentation the audience will walk away with access to trainings for school staff on how to help them become more trauma-informed and trauma responsive on their campus.
• Participants will gain knowledge on how to use the TRIS Crisis Support Toolkit in their school’s preparation and response to traumatic events.

Speakers

Emily Robbins

Social Work Program Manager for Trauma Care, UAMS

Emily has spent 20 years working with children and families in various professional roles. The past 15 years she has been trained in evidenced based mental health treatments to treat trauma in youth ages 0-17. Strongest passion is with those involved with the court and DCFS. She has... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Room 205 Hot Springs Convention Center

Student Support

2:00pm CDT

Afternoon Snacks

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:00pm - 2:20pm CDT

Grand Lobby

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:00pm - 2:20pm CDT
Grand Lobby Hot Springs Convention Center

General

2:20pm CDT

LAUNCH for Students: A Framework for Student Success Planning

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT

Rooms 203 & 204

This session provides an overview of LAUNCH for Students, a statewide student success planning framework. Participants will learn the purpose, key components, and expectations for implementation to support student achievement and postsecondary readiness.

Speakers

Dr. Lupe Peña de Martínez

Director of Student Support Services, ADE-DESE

Dr. Lupe Peña de Martínez is a native of San Diego de Alejandría, Jalisco, México. She has been a proud Arkansan since 1998. Her husband, Adelso, is a native of Belize and they have a beautiful, blended family, together they have an energetic ten-year-old son and an additional... Read More →

Lindsay Reed

Director of School Counseling, Arkansas Department of Education

Jake Walker, PhD

Chief Research Officer, ARData-Arkansas Office of State Technology

I am the Chief Research Officer for the ARData Team in the Arkansas Department of Shared Administrative Services. I have almost two decades of professional experience working with governmental administrative data systems and hold a Ph.D. in Instructional Systems and Workforce Development... Read More →

Summit 2026 LAUNCH for Students A Framework for Student Success pdf

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT
Rooms 203 & 204 Hot Springs Convention Center

Student Support

2:20pm CDT

Merit Fund Incentive Program & the Arkansas Excellence in Teaching Fellowship

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT

Rooms 201 & 202

Each year, thousands of Arkansas teachers receive merit pay. In 2025-26, two dozen of those teachers were selected as fellows for the inaugural cohort. In this session, severeal of the fellows will share about their experience, which gave them a front-row seat to policymakers and connected them with other high-performing teachers across the state.

Moderators

Capri Salaam

State Director of the Education Renewal Zones / 2023 Arkansas Teacher of the Year, Arkansas Department of Education

Speakers

Lyndsey Laster

Third Grade Teacher, Poyen school district

Third grade teacher at Poyen Elementary, Secretary for the Arkansas Literacy Association, Membership Chair for the Grant County Reading Council.

Carlie Qualls

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT
Rooms 201 & 202 Hot Springs Convention Center

Human Capital, Recruitment & Retention

2:20pm CDT

New ATLAS Writing Rubric

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT

Horner Hall

Join us for an engaging educational summit introducing the new ATLAS Assessment Writing Rubric—a shared framework designed to bring clarity, consistency, and rigor to student writing. Together, we’ll explore how the rubric can strengthen instruction, support meaningful feedback, and elevate expectations across classrooms.

Speakers

JJ Walker

Assessment Specialist, DESE: PSA, Assessment Unit

I was a classroom teacher (mostly ELA) for 31 years before joining DESE 12 years ago. I have always worked in the Assessment unit and have helped train and administer three state assessments: PARCC, Aspire, and ATLAS. ATLAS 3-10 (reports, data, etc.) and communications (LiveBinders... Read More →

Andress Scott

RISE State Specialist, DESE

Kelly Stone

RISE Specialist, Arkansas Department of Education

Kelly Stone is RISE Literacy Lead with a focus in Adolescent Literacy for the Arkansas Department of Education’s Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). With more than 20 years of experience in education, she has served as a secondary English teacher, K–12 literacy... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT
Horner Hall Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction, Assessment, Literacy

2:20pm CDT

Supporting Accelerated Learning: Cambridge Programming

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT

Room 205

Join Cambridge and Rogers Public School District as they share about implementation of Cambridge Education Programming to support accelerated learning opportunities for students. Rogers is in early stages of implementation and will share their current program implementation status and their plans for expanding program offerings in their district, aligned to providing accelerated learning opportunities, supporting attainment of the Cambridge AICE diploma and ensuring graduates are success ready.

Speakers

Charles Lee

Assistant Superintendent, Rogers Public Schools

I am an Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education at Rogers Public Schools. We are currently working on accelerated learning opportunities and the Cambridge International program at our secondary schools. I have been in education in Arkansas for 37 years serving at Assistant... Read More →

Dr. Kristy Brown

Assistant Superintendent, Rogers Public Schools

Joette Viggiano

School Development Manager, Cambridge

Joette Viggiano, School Development Manager for the Southeast U.S. with Cambridge, has 16 years of educational experience which began with teaching Cambridge Lower Secondary Science. With a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a master’s degree in Administration and Supervision, her... Read More →

Jeff Brewer

School Implementation Manager, Cambridge International

Jeff Brewer, School Implementation Manager for North America with Cambridge International, has 25+ years of educational experience which coincided with him leading the opening the 6th Cambridge school in the United States in 2004. With a master’s and specialist's degree in School... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT
Room 205 Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction, Accelerated Learning

2:20pm CDT

The Science of Learning—How Students Actually Learn

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT

Exhibit Hall B

This session grounds participants in the Science of Learning, exploring how attention, memory, practice, feedback, and cognitive load shape student learning. Drawing on research-informed principles, participants will examine what effective instruction must include for learning to stick—especially for students who struggle. This foundational session establishes a shared language for instruction and sets the stage for stronger classroom practice and system-level decision-making.

Speakers

Amanda VanDerHeyden

RISS Keynote Speaker, Spring Math

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT
Exhibit Hall B Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction, Science of Learning

2:20pm CDT

Using AI to Improve Student Outcomes

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT

Room 209

Artificial intelligence is giving school and district leaders powerful new ways to make sense of assessment data and drive instructional improvement. In this practical, one-hour workshop, administrators from Harrison School District will share how a deliberately structured suite of AI tools can help evaluate assessments and instructional materials against Achievement Level Descriptors — all with the goal of improving assessment scores and accelerating student growth.
Critically, participants will see not just what Harrison School District is doing with AI, but how the district has built a responsible data governance framework around these tools — including how different AI platforms are assigned different roles based on their compliance posture, and how data is structured to minimize privacy exposure while maximizing instructional utility. Participants will leave with both instructional strategies and a replicable privacy framework they can bring back to their leadership teams right away.

Speakers

Debbie Wilson

Curriculum Instruction and Assessment, Harrison School District

Kevin Kaeser

7-12 Technology Facilitator, Harrison School District

I am the canvas administrator for my school district as well as a technology coach for grades 7-12.

Emily Barrett

Technology Facilitator, Harrison School District

ADE Summit 2026 Debbie Wilson pdf

ADE Summit 2026 Emily Barrett pdf

ADE Summit 2026 Kevin Kaeser pdf

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT
Room 209 Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction, AI

2:20pm CDT

From High School to College: Introducing the AR Direct Application Portal (DAP)

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT

Room 104

In response to the recently enacted ACCESS legislation, the Arkansas Division of Higher Education is launching the AR Direct Application Portal (DAP), a new statewide application platform designed to simplify the college application process for Arkansas students. Through a secure portal, high school seniors will be able to submit a single application and apply to multiple participating Arkansas institutions, reducing barriers and streamlining access to postsecondary education.

This session will introduce the AR DAP and explain how it supports the Eligibility component of the ACCESS framework by making it easier for students to take the first step toward college enrollment.

In addition to the introduction of AR DAP, participants will learn how the system works, which institutions participate, and how counselors and educators can support students in using the platform effectively. Attendees will also receive an overview of the implementation timeline, student eligibility considerations, and how the AR DAP integrates with other state initiatives designed to expand college access and opportunity for Arkansas students.

Speakers

Alisha Lewis

Assistant Commissioner, Arkansas Division of Higher Education

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT
Room 104 Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations, Finance

2:20pm CDT

Fueling Student Success: Nutrition Programs for your District

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT

Room 102

Join Nutrition Services for an informative session that will highlight the range of nutrition programs available to support your students. Attendees will gain an understanding of program benefits, and the application process along with practical strategies to maximize participation while staying in compliance.

Speakers

Bailey Kelly

Area Specialist, ADE, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, Child Nutrition Unit

Samantha Gray

Area Specialist Supervisor, Department of Education - Child Nutrition Unit

Samantha Gray holds a bachelor’s degree in nutrition. Her career has taken her through health systems, early childhood programs like Head Start, and now into the world of school meals with the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. She has a knack for making nutrition... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT
Room 102 Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations, Child Nutrition

2:20pm CDT

Leading School Improvement

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT

Room 208

Step into the year with clarity and momentum. This session highlights practical strategies for leading school‑wide improvement efforts, building trust quickly, and identifying the right levers for early wins. Perfect for new district administrators ready to make a meaningful impact from day one.

Speakers

Dr. Julie Workman

Teacher Center Coordinator, Arch Ford ESC

Andy Sullivan

Director of Educator Effectiveness, DESE

Brooke McCain

Director of Monitoring and Accreditation, Arkansas Department of Education

Ashley Harris

Director of Learning and Development

Ashley Harris, Ed.S, is an educational leader currently serving as the Director for Learning and Development in Arkansas, where she is dedicated to transforming education by prioritizing high-quality instructional opportunities for students. She holds an Education Specialist degree... Read More →

ADE Summit 2026 Leading School Improvement pdf

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT
Room 208 Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations, Accountability

2:20pm CDT

Title IX

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT

Room 105

This session will review the federal law which ensure fair treatment between men and women in an educational environment. Key topics will include the requirements Title IX places on public school districts and the process a school district must engage in when a Title IX Compliant is filed.

Speakers

Alisha Price

Attorney, Arkansas Department of Education

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT
Room 105 Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations, Legal

2:20pm CDT

A Pound of Prevention: From Data Entry to State Reporting

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 4:20pm CDT

Room 207

This session will give guidance on frequent data entry errors in the eSchoolPLUS system, which can impact the accuracy of data used for state reporting and other state systems. It offers direction for best practice and procedures of data entry to prevent errors that can have a negative effect on a district and how to solve the errors, if they do occur. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Speakers

Lynda Burt

Information System Business Analyst, ADE/APSCN

My employment under APSCN began in 1997. I enjoy assisting districts with issues they may be having with eSchool, Cognos, and/or State Reporting. A couple of my duties are to create/edit eSchool documentation and to test state reporting cycles. I find these challenging and like to... Read More →

2026 APSCN Preventive Measures New Design DESE 6387 pdf

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 4:20pm CDT
Room 207 Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations, Data

2:20pm CDT

Finance Cycles and Troubleshooting Tips

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 4:20pm CDT

Room 103

This session will cover data fields within the FinancePLUS software that are reported in the state reporting cycles and will troubleshoot cycle errors and corrections. This session is for any users who enter data into the eFinance software, especially for the SIS Coordinator for cycles 1,8,9.

Speakers

Jessica Wiley

APSCN Financial Support, Arkansas Dept of Education

FinanceCyclesTroubleshooting (FY26 27) FINAL pdf

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 4:20pm CDT
Room 103 Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations, Finance

3:40pm CDT

Turning “Gotcha” into “I’ve Got You!”

Tuesday July 14, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT

Room 208

TESS and LEADS support a continuous cycle of learning for educators and leaders throughout the observation and feedback process. This session will share updates of the Educator Effectiveness System regarding pre/post observations questions and a refined feedback protocol developed during the Calibration pilot and summer learning series

Speakers

Andy Sullivan

Director of Educator Effectiveness, DESE

Pearce Peacock

Evaluation State Support Specialist, DESE

Turning Gotcha Into I've Got You pptx

Tuesday July 14, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
Room 208 Hot Springs Convention Center

Human Capital, Educator Effectiveness

3:40pm CDT

Accelerating Student Success: Updates to Accelerated Learning in Arkansas

Tuesday July 14, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT

Horner Hall

This session provides a comprehensive overview of Arkansas’s vision for accelerated learning and how it translates into actionable practice across schools and districts to support student success. Participants will revisit the foundational goals of accelerated learning before exploring key components of the Accelerated Learning Guide, including accelerated learning options, teacher training, and the role of weighted credit and course codes. Attendees will gain clarity on frequently asked questions and leave with practical insights to effectively implement accelerated learning within their local context.

Presentation materials are available at https://bit.ly/44obiVw.

Speakers

Krystal Nail

Director, Office of Accelerated Learning and Gifted Education, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education

Krystal Nail currently serves as the program director for the Office of Accelerated Learning and Gifted Education at the Arkansas Department of Education’s Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. With 20 years of experience in education in Arkansas, Krystal previously served... Read More →

Dr. Lupe Peña de Martínez

Director of Student Support Services, ADE-DESE

Tuesday July 14, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
Horner Hall Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction, Accelerated Learning

3:40pm CDT

Arkansas Imagination Library: The First High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) Arkansas Children Receive

Tuesday July 14, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT

Room 102

Arkansas children begin developing the foundational skills for literacy long before they enter kindergarten. The Arkansas Imagination Library provides children from birth to age five with developmentally appropriate, high-quality books mailed directly to their homes each month—creating what may be the first High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) many children experience.
This presentation will explore how Arkansas Imagination Library supports early language development, vocabulary acquisition, phonological awareness, family engagement, and kindergarten readiness through consistent access to high-quality children’s literature. Participants will learn how local school districts can partner with Arkansas Imagination Library to strengthen literacy outcomes before children ever enter a classroom.
Recent national and state research will be shared that consistently demonstrates that early access to books and shared reading experiences significantly impact future academic achievement, including third-grade reading proficiency. By supporting Arkansas Imagination Library, school leaders can help ensure children arrive at kindergarten with stronger literacy foundations, increased exposure to print, and positive reading routines already established in the home.
This session will provide practical partnership models, funding strategies, enrollment outreach ideas, and examples of how Arkansas districts can position Arkansas Imagination Library as a foundational component of their early literacy pipeline.

Speakers

Tammy Benson

Local Program Partner Director, Arkansas Imagination Library

Retirement happened to me last year after 34 years of teaching at the University of Central Arkansas. However, I found the perfect part time position doing all the things I love. My career focused on children, books, literacy and service. Working with the local program partners... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
Room 102 Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction, Literacy

3:40pm CDT

MTSS by Design—Using the Science of Learning to Strengthen Support

Tuesday July 14, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT

Exhibit Hall B

This session connects the Science of Learning directly to effective MTSS implementation. Participants will explore how strong Tier 1 instruction anchors the system, how interventions should align—not compete—with core instruction, and how data informs movement across tiers. The focus is on building a coherent MTSS framework where instruction, assessment, and intervention work together to improve outcomes for all students.

Speakers

Amanda VanDerHeyden

RISS Keynote Speaker, Spring Math

Tuesday July 14, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
Exhibit Hall B Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction, Science of Learning

3:40pm CDT

Turning Metrics into Momentum: Leveraging Lexile and Quantile Measures to Accelerate Student Success

Tuesday July 14, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT

Room 209

This session explores the Lexile Framework for Reading and the Quantile Framework for Mathematics as reported on the ATLAS exam and their practical applications across Arkansas. Participants will gain insights into how Lexile measures support literacy development and how Quantile measures support numeracy while aligning with state educational goals.
The session will highlight effective use of the free Hub tools and resources, showing how these measures can be applied directly in classrooms. Attendees will learn strategies to inform instruction, integrate Lexile and Quantile tools into lesson planning, goal setting, and differentiated assignments, and communicate results effectively with caregivers to promote family engagement.
Participants will leave with practical, ready-to-use strategies to enhance literacy and numeracy outcomes. Join us to deepen your understanding of the Lexile and Quantile Frameworks and empower your schools with tools that drive student success!

Speakers

JJ Walker

Assessment Specialist, DESE: PSA, Assessment Unit

Julie Worden

Senior Director, State Partnerships, MetaMetrics

Leveraging Lexile and Quantile Measures pdf

Tuesday July 14, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
Room 209 Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction, Assessment

3:40pm CDT

Writing to Learn in Math and Science: Expanding the Impact of The Writing Revolution

Tuesday July 14, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT

Rooms 203 & 204

Discover how The Writing Revolution (TWR) strengthens learning in math and science classrooms. This session highlights real examples of TWR strategies in action across grade levels, including high school, showing how structured writing supports reasoning, problem solving, and scientific thinking. Educators and administrators will see how brief, intentional writing tasks deepen comprehension, clarify student thinking, and enhance communication—helping math and science instruction become more precise, coherent, and impactful.

Speakers

Serena White

Director of State and District Partnerships, The Writing Revolution

Implementation of The Writing Revolution

Kiersten Peltier

Senior Manager of School Partnerships, The Writing Revolution

Kiersten Peltier is a Senior Manager of School Partnerships at The Writing Revolution, where she works directly with schools to build capacity for implementing the Hochman Method across grade levels and content areas. She holds a Master of Education from Louisiana State University... Read More →

Cassidy Burns

Senior Faculty, The Writing Revolution

Tuesday July 14, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
Rooms 203 & 204 Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction, Literacy

3:40pm CDT

AR App: How to Read/Use/Collaborate Between General Education and Special Education

Tuesday July 14, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT

Room 104

Discover the essential special education data points districts should analyze when building their strategic plan using the AR App. This session highlights how targeted data review can help LEAs pinpoint critical focus areas and drive improved outcomes for all students.

Speakers

Josh Hart

Office of Special Education - Finance, Arkansas Dept of Education

Heather O'Shields

Office of Special Education - Finance, Arkansas Department of Education

Summit Results Driven Accountability Exhibit pdf

Summit Annual Performance Report Exhibit pdf

Arkansas Statewide SPED Peer Review FY25 FY26 xlsx

Summit CCEIS Exhibit pdf

AR App pptx

Tuesday July 14, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
Room 104 Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations, Data

3:40pm CDT

Coordinated School Safety: Incident Communication Protocols and Building Design Considerations

Tuesday July 14, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT

Room 105

Speakers

Jason Weatherly, PhD

Public Safety Supervisor / Expert, Arkansas Department of Education

Summit 2026 SSU Incident Communication Protocols and Buidling Designs pdf

Tuesday July 14, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
Room 105 Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations, School Safety

3:40pm CDT

On-Site & In-Coding: What to expect for accreditation in 2026-27

Tuesday July 14, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT

Room 205

Accreditation is getting a refresh. Come learn what DESE will be looking for on‑site and how next year’s process and timeline will work differently. Walk away with clarity, direction, and a head start on preparing your district.

Speakers

Operations, Accountability

4:40pm CDT

District Team Debrief

Tuesday July 14, 2026 4:40pm - 5:40pm CDT

Horner Hall

School/District teams will have the opportunity to meet during this time and share what they learned.

Tuesday July 14, 2026 4:40pm - 5:40pm CDT
Horner Hall Hot Springs Convention Center

General