ADE Summit 2026: Full Schedule

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8:30am CDT

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

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

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

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

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 →

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

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

Gautam Thapar

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

Travis Brooks

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

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.

Derrick Daniels

Markous Jewett

Patti Priest

Teacher, Har-Ber High School

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

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

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

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

Kisa Morman

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

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

Holly Lane

University of Florida Literacy Institute

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

Instruction, Literacy

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

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 →

Mary Beck

Regional Specialist, DCTE

Ali Jeffrey

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

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

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

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

Instruction, Early Learning

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

Andress Scott

RISE State Specialist, DESE

Kelly Stone

RISE Specialist, Arkansas Department of Education

JJ Walker

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

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

Tina McClure

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

Amanda VanDerHeyden

RISS Keynote Speaker, Spring Math

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

Emily Barrett

Technology Facilitator, 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.

Debbie Wilson

Curriculum Instruction and Assessment, Harrison School District

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

Instruction, AI

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

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 →

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

Mary Beth Hatch

Chief of Education, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

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

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

JJ Walker

Julie Worden

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

Amanda VanDerHeyden

RISS Keynote Speaker, Spring Math

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

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

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 →

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

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