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Tuesday, July 14
 

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
avatar for Pooja Agarwal

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

Applying the TESS Rubric Across Multiple Classroom Roles
Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA
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
avatar for Julie Amstutz

Julie Amstutz

Leadership Development Coach, Office of Coordinated Support and Service
avatar for Andy Sullivan

Andy Sullivan

Director of Educator Effectiveness, DESE
Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA
  Human Capital, Educator Effectiveness

10:20am CDT

From Vacancy to Vitality: Strengthening the Educator Pipeline with Nimble
Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA
Across the country, districts are reimagining how they recruit, select, and support educators. Join Nimble, for a forward-looking discussion on transforming hiring practices to better serve schools, candidates, and communities.
This session will explore how technology and strategic workforce planning can help districts:
Expand access to high-quality candidates
Increase efficiency in screening and selection
Reduce time-to-hire
Strengthen long-term retention through better matching
Participants will gain insight into how hiring systems can function as a lever for broader educator pipeline improvement and student success.
Speakers
avatar for Krista Pfeiffer

Krista Pfeiffer

Marketing Manager, Nimble
avatar for Capri Salaam

Capri Salaam

2023 Arkansas Teacher of the Year, Arkansas Department of Education

LD
Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA
  Human Capital, Recruitment & Retention

10:20am CDT

Algebra 1 Readiness
Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA
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
avatar for Ciara Gulley

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 →
avatar for Kisa Morman

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 →
Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA
  Instruction, Math

10:20am CDT

Closing the Research-to-Practice Gap
Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA
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
avatar for Holly Lane

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
TBA
  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
TBA
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
GT
Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA
  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
TBA
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
TB
Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA
  Instruction

10:20am CDT

Work-Based Learning in Action: From Practicum to Apprenticeship in Arkansas
Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA
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
avatar for Debora Cosen

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.

DD
MJ
avatar for Patti Priest

Patti Priest

Teacher, Har-Ber High School
avatar for Ross White

Ross White

Education Divison Administrator, ADE - DCTE - Office of Leadership
Ross White, Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE), brings a wealth of CTE experience and knowledge to the division. Before serving as vice principal at Siloam Springs High School, a position he has held since July 2019, White was the director of the school’s CTE program... Read More →
Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA
  Instruction, CTE

10:20am CDT

Healthier Schools, Stronger Communities: Expanding Support for Child Nutrition Programs
Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
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
avatar for Sara Sorrell

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 →
AC
Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
  Operations, Child Nutrition

10:20am CDT

New Coordinators Session
Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA
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
avatar for Jessica Bowman

Jessica Bowman

APSCN User Support Coordinator, Arkansas Dept of Education
RJ

Reshmi Jose

IT Coordinator, Office of Information Technology
Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA
  Operations, Data

10:20am CDT

Stronger Together: Partnering with Business to Expand Child Care Access
Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA
Allison Williams E8 - Early childhood education is 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 accessibility, affordability, and quality in early learning.
Speakers
avatar for Alison Williams
avatar for Jennifer Douglas

Jennifer Douglas

Early Childhood Program Administrator, ADE: DESE Office of Early Childhood
Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA
  Operations, Early Childhood

10:20am CDT

Triand Reports that Raise the Grade
Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA
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
avatar for Lindsay Reed

Lindsay Reed

Director, Office of School Counseling, Arkansas Department of Education


avatar for Echo Dickson

Echo Dickson

APSCN Field Analyst, Arkansas Dept of Education
avatar for Angel Peugh
avatar for Hope Worsham

Hope Worsham

Asst. Commissioner of Public School Accountability, DESE
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 →
Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA
  Operations, Data

11:40am CDT

Milestones: Navigating Licensure Updates, Pathways, and Progress Points
Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA
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
avatar for Matthew Sutherlin

Matthew Sutherlin

Director of Educator Preparation and Licensure, Educator Effectiveness and Licensure
Matthew Sutherlin brings over twenty-two 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, Department... Read More →
Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA
  Human Capital, Licensure

11:40am CDT

All In: Meaningful Access
Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA
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
avatar for Chelsey Moore

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 →
avatar for Becky Bell

Becky Bell

Coordinator of Assessment & Curriculum, DESE-OSE
Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA
  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
TBA
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
avatar for Kisa Morman

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 →
Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA
  Instruction, Math

11:40am CDT

Upstream Thinking: Prevention vs Intervention
Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA
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
avatar for Holly Lane

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 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA
  Instruction, Literacy

11:40am CDT

Clean Data Matters: SIS and SFA – Common Errors and Solutions
Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA
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
avatar for Pam Carter

Pam Carter

Data Systems Manager, Cabot Public Schools
avatar for Renee Curtis

Renee Curtis

Director of Administrative Services, Bryant Public Schools
Renee Curtis received her latest degree, Educational Specialist, from Henderson State University and has recently been named as the Director of Administrative Services for Bryant Public Schools. Renee obtained her degree of Bachelor of Science in Education from University of Central... Read More →
avatar for Jill Johnson

Jill Johnson

APSCN Student Applications Manager, Arkansas Department of Education
avatar for Jeffrey Fetters

Jeffrey Fetters

District Review Manager, Arkansas Department of Education

JD
Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA
  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
TBA
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
avatar for Jennifer Douglas

Jennifer Douglas

Early Childhood Program Administrator, ADE: DESE Office of Early Childhood
Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA
  Operations, Early Childhood

11:40am CDT

Reclaiming Local Control: Arkansas’ Unified Education Plan
Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA
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
avatar for Matt Sewell

Matt Sewell

Assistant Commissioner, DESE
avatar for Stacy Smith

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 →
avatar for Hope Worsham

Hope Worsham

Asst. Commissioner of Public School Accountability, DESE
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 →
Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA
  Operations

11:40am CDT

School Choice
Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA
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
JR
DS
Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA
  Operations, Legal

11:40am CDT

SIS Updates
Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA
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
JC
RJ

Reshmi Jose

IT Coordinator, Office of Information Technology
Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA
  Operations, Data

11:40am CDT

Staffing with Intention: Understanding Long‑Term Budget Impacts
Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA
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
avatar for Jason Miller

Jason Miller

Office of Coordinated Support and Services/ 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. 

Mr. Miller specializes in budget development, internal controls, and strategic resource use, delivering professional development and fiscal guidance to superintendents, CFOs, and district leaders. He also plays a key role in evaluating the financial health of districts and analyzing... Read More →
Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA
  Operations, Finance

11:40am CDT

The State of the State Scholarships
Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA
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
avatar for Alisha Lewis

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
TBA
  Operations, Finance

1:00pm CDT

Career Advising That Counts: Leveraging rootEd and DCTE to Support Student Success
Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA
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
avatar for Sonja Wright-McMurray

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 →
avatar for Mary Beck

Mary Beck

Regional Specialist, DCTE
AJ
Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA
  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
avatar for Amanda VanDerHeyden

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

Magic School AI
Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA
Speakers
avatar for Jaime Courtright

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 →
Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA
  Instruction, AI

1:00pm CDT

What's on the Menu? Interactions
Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
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
avatar for Wendy Green

Wendy Green

Local Lead, Crowley's Ridge Educational Service Cooperative
avatar for Chrissy Sain

Chrissy Sain

Local Leads, Northeast Arkansas Education Cooperative
avatar for Jodi Whitman

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 →
KN

Katlin Niemeyer

Local Leads Captain, SWAEC
avatar for Shasta Pentecost

Shasta Pentecost

Local Lead, Dawson Education Cooperative
Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
  Instruction, Early Learning

1:00pm CDT

Coordinated School Safety: Incident Communication Protocols and Building Design Considerations
Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA
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
avatar for Jason Weatherly, PhD

Jason Weatherly, PhD

Public Safety Supervisor / Expert, Arkansas Department of Education
Dr. Weatherly is an Arkansas native. He has completed trainings in various areas of school safety, including Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), School Safety Coordinator (Basic and Advanced), School Site Assessment and... Read More →
Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA
  Operations, School Safety

1:00pm CDT

Data Without the Drama: Google Sheets Strategies Worth Sharing
Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA
“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
avatar for Susan Gilley

Susan Gilley

Executive Director, Harrison School District
Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA
  Operations

1:00pm CDT

FOIA & FERPA
Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA
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
DS
Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA
  Operations, Legal

1:00pm CDT

Food Service Management Company Contracts and Federal Child Nutrition Programs
Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA
We will address what you should know about the FSMC procurement process and requirements.
Speakers
ND

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
TBA
  Operations, Child Nutrition

1:00pm CDT

Innovation & New Models: MicroSchools as a Public School Strategy
Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA
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
avatar for Darrell Smith

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
TBA
  Operations

1:00pm CDT

Maximizing Time & Meeting Standards: Smart Strategies for New Administrators
Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA
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
avatar for Dr. Jeanie Johnson

Dr. Jeanie Johnson

PSA Coordinator of Monitoring & Accreditation, ADE DESE
As Coordinator of Special Projects 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 provides... Read More →
avatar for Brooke McCain

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 →
avatar for Amber Pirnique

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 →
avatar for Andy Sullivan

Andy Sullivan

Director of Educator Effectiveness, DESE
Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA
  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
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
CH

Cassie Harris

Criminal Intelligence Analyst, Arkansas State Police
LP
Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
  Operations, School Safety

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
TBA
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
ER
Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA
  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
TBA
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
avatar for Dr. Lupe Peña de Martínez

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 →
avatar for Lindsay Reed

Lindsay Reed

Director, Office of School Counseling, Arkansas Department of Education


JW
Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT
TBA
  Student Support

2:20pm CDT

Merit Fund Incentive Program & the Arkansas Excellence in Teaching Fellowship
Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT
TBA
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
avatar for Meghan Thompson Busbey

Meghan Thompson Busbey

Senior Director, Programs, Forward Arkansas
Speakers
CQ
avatar for Lyndsey Laster

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.
Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT
TBA
  Human Capital, Recruitment & Retention

2:20pm CDT

New ATLAS Writing Rubric
Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT
TBA
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 strengthens instruction, support meaningful feedback, and elevates expectations across classrooms.
Speakers
avatar for Andress Scott

Andress Scott

RISE State Specialist, DESE
avatar for Kelly Stone

Kelly Stone

RISE Specialist, Arkansas Department of Education
JW
Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT
TBA
  Instruction, Assessment, Literacy

2:20pm CDT

Supporting Accelerated Learning: Cambridge Programming
Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT
TBA
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
avatar for Charles Lee

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 →
DK

Dr. Kristy Brown

Assistant Superintendent, Rogers Public Schools
TM
avatar for Joette Viggiano

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 →
Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT
TBA
  Instruction, Accelerated Learning

2:20pm CDT

The Science of Learning—How Students Actually Learn
Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT
TBA
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
avatar for Amanda VanDerHeyden

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 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT
TBA
  Instruction, Science of Learning

2:20pm CDT

Using AI to Improve Student Outcomes
Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT
TBA
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
avatar for Emily Barrett

Emily Barrett

Technology Facilitator, Harrison School District
avatar for Kevin Kaeser

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.
DW

Debbie Wilson

Curriculum Instruction and Assessment, Harrison School District
Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT
TBA
  Instruction, AI

2:20pm CDT

From High School to College: Introducing the AR OneApp
Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT
TBA
In response to the recently enacted ACCESS legislation, the Arkansas Division of Higher Education is launching the AR OneApp, 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 OneApp 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 OneApp, 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 OneApp integrates with other state initiatives designed to expand college access and opportunity for Arkansas students.
Speakers
avatar for Alisha Lewis

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 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT
TBA
  Operations, Finance

2:20pm CDT

Fueling Student Success: Nutrition Programs for your District
Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT
TBA
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
avatar for Courtney Erick

Courtney Erick

Area Specialist Supervisor, Arkansas Department of Education
Courtney Erick is a registered dietitian with a master's degree from Iowa State University. She is Passionate about promoting healthy eating habits. Courtney combines her academic background with practical experience as a ServSafe Instructor and Proctor and a certified Child Nutrition... Read More →
Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT
TBA
  Operations, Child Nutrition

2:20pm CDT

Leading School Improvement
Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT
TBA
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
avatar for Ashley Harris

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 →
avatar for Brooke McCain

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 →
avatar for Andy Sullivan

Andy Sullivan

Director of Educator Effectiveness, DESE
avatar for Dr. Julie Workman

Dr. Julie Workman

Teacher Center Coordinator, Arch Ford Education Service Cooperative
Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT
TBA
  Operations, Accountability

2:20pm CDT

Title IX
Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT
TBA
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
avatar for Alisha Price

Alisha Price

Attorney, Arkansas Department of Education
Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT
TBA
  Operations, Legal

2:20pm CDT

A Pound of Prevention: From Data Entry to State Reporting
Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 4:20pm CDT
TBA
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
avatar for Lynda Burt

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 →
Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 4:20pm CDT
TBA
  Operations, Data

2:20pm CDT

Finance Cycles and Troubleshooting Tips
Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 4:20pm CDT
TBA
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
JW

Jessica Wiley

APSCN Financial Support, Arkansas Dept of Education
Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 4:20pm CDT
TBA
  Operations, Finance

3:40pm CDT

Turning “Gotcha” into “I’ve Got You!”
Tuesday July 14, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
TBA
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
PP

Pearce Peacock

Evaluation State Support Specialist, DESE
avatar for Andy Sullivan

Andy Sullivan

Director of Educator Effectiveness, DESE
Tuesday July 14, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
TBA
  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
TBA
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. 

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Lupe Peña de Martínez

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 →
avatar for Krystal Nail

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 →
Tuesday July 14, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
TBA
  Instruction, Accelerated Learning

3:40pm CDT

AGFC’s Generation Conservation Summit: Inspiring the Next Generation of Conservationists
Tuesday July 14, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
At the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, we believe that learning is rooted in experiences and competition. Join us as we discuss how we are transforming the way students can interact and gain firsthand experience with conservation and compete against schools all across the state through our Generation Conservation Summit.  This one-of-a-kind, FREE event is a way for your students to be introduced and compete in everything from conservation-based culinary competitions to quiz bowl to STEM to air rifle to game calling.  Come find out how your school can take home a banner….and some great prizes….at this year’s Generation Conservation Summit. 
Speakers
avatar for Mary Beth Hatch

Mary Beth Hatch

Chief of Education, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
avatar for Larami Burge

Larami Burge

Generation Conservation Coordinator, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
Tuesday July 14, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
  Instruction, Science

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
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
avatar for Tammy Benson

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
  Instruction, Literacy

3:40pm CDT

Lexile Explained
Tuesday July 14, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
TBA
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
JW
JW
Tuesday July 14, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
TBA
  Instruction, Assessment

3:40pm CDT

MTSS by Design—Using the Science of Learning to Strengthen Support
Tuesday July 14, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
TBA
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
avatar for Amanda VanDerHeyden

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 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
TBA
  Instruction, Science of Learning

3:40pm CDT

Supporting Safe and Responsible AI Use in Schools
Tuesday July 14, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
TBA
This session will introduce state‑developed AI guidance, a model policy, and a resource website to support safe, responsible AI use.
Speakers
avatar for Kelly Griffin

Kelly Griffin

ADE Special Advisor, Arkansas Department of Education
Tuesday July 14, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
TBA
  Instruction, AI

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
TBA
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
avatar for Alex Chalonec

Alex Chalonec

A former teacher, Alexandria is currently Co-Director of Academics at The Writing Revolution. In collaboration with the Louisiana Department of Education, Alexandria led an initiative working with educators to embed the Hochman Method into the state’s ELA curriculum for grades 3... Read More →
avatar for Kiersten Peltier

Kiersten Peltier

Senior Manager of Revolutionary Projects, The Writing Revolution
Kiersten Peltier, Senior Manager of Revolutionary Projects at The Writing Revolution, delivers courses and supports educators in implementing the Hochman Method into their curriculum. Specifically, she manages revolutionary projects, designed to support teachers in revolutionizing... Read More →
Tuesday July 14, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
TBA
  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
TBA
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
JH
HO
Tuesday July 14, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
TBA
  Operations, Data

3:40pm CDT

Coordinated School Safety: Incident Communication Protocols and Building Design Considerations
Tuesday July 14, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
TBA
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
avatar for Jason Weatherly, PhD

Jason Weatherly, PhD

Public Safety Supervisor / Expert, Arkansas Department of Education
Dr. Weatherly is an Arkansas native. He has completed trainings in various areas of school safety, including Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), School Safety Coordinator (Basic and Advanced), School Site Assessment and... Read More →
Tuesday July 14, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
TBA
  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
TBA
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
avatar for Matt Douglas

Matt Douglas

State Monitoring Support Specialist, Arkansas Department of Elementary & Secondary Education
avatar for Kristina Eisenhower

Kristina Eisenhower

Arkansas Department of Education
avatar for Dr. Jeanie Johnson

Dr. Jeanie Johnson

PSA Coordinator of Monitoring & Accreditation, ADE DESE
As Coordinator of Special Projects 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 provides... Read More →
avatar for Brooke McCain

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

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Monday, July 13
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Exhibit Hall A
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Room 207
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TBA
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