ADE Summit 2026

ADE Summit 2026

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8:30am CDT

KEYNOTE - Learning Evolution: The New Era of AI in the Classroom

Wednesday July 15, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

Exhibit Halls C & D

The rapid rise of generative AI will have a dramatic impact on how we teach and learn. "AI-enhanced" learning means gone are the days of focusing on a single product to measure student growth. Responsible and ethical use of AI in education should be a primary focus of schools going forward from grades K-20. In this interactive keynote, we'll discuss the ethical ramifications of AI and look at examples of how using AI in the classroom can actually encourage deeper learning and understanding. After all, learning is more about the process than the product.

Speakers

Carl Hooker

CEO, K12Leaders

Carl Hooker is an educator, consultant and speaker from Austin, TX. He spent the past 27 years as a teacher and administrator supporting the he has held a wide range of roles. From teacher to administrator, he’s always had one common belief – that kids need to drive their own... Read More →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Exhibit Halls C & D Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction, AI

10:20am CDT

Are You Smarter than an AI Chat bot?

Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

TBA

Based on the popular ESPN show “Around the Horn” - this interactive session features Carl as host and moderator in a game that pits 3 humans vs. 1 AI chat bot. Each contestant tries their best to give a one-minute
hot take on a topic in education. The audience is a part of the action too as they post their own responses and give real-time votes for points for the panelists they most agree with. While one panelist ultimately will win and get a “walk off shot”, in the end, everyone wins.

Speakers

Carl Hooker

CEO, K12Leaders

Carl Hooker is an educator, consultant and speaker from Austin, TX. He spent the past 27 years as a teacher and administrator supporting the he has held a wide range of roles. From teacher to administrator, he’s always had one common belief – that kids need to drive their own... Read More →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA

Instruction, AI

10:20am CDT

Arkansas Outdoor Education Initiative: Leveraging State Partners for Outdoor Learning Success

Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

TBA

The Arkansas Outdoor Education Initiative is more than just a set of lessons—it is a statewide movement supported by a network of agencies. This session provides an overview of the many agencies and organizations ready to support your classroom. We will explore how to bridge the gap between school walls and our rich natural and civic resources. Whether you need a geologist to explain the Ozark plateau, a park ranger to host a field trip, or resources to teach bicycle safety on campus, this workshop will show you the landscape of outdoor learning in Arkansas.

Speakers

Michele Snyder

State STEM Integration Specialist, Arkansas Department of Education Division of Elementary and Secondary Education

AR STEM Model Program, AR Ready for STEM Initiative, STEM Integration, Arts Integration, K-8 STEM career competencies

Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA

Instruction, Science

10:20am CDT

Early Career Experiences: The Starting Point for Success Ready Graduates

Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

TBA

This session will highlight the importance of early career exploration for students in grades 5–8 and how intentional exposure to careers helps students make informed decisions about their future pathways. Participants will explore strategies outlined in the Career Readiness Guidebook that support building students’ awareness, exploration, and understanding of career opportunities and high school pathways. The session will emphasize how early engagement helps students connect their interests and strengths to future pathways that can ultimately lead to the designation of a Success Ready Graduate.

Speakers

Sunni Teale

Operations Manager, DCTE

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 →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA

Instruction, CTE

10:20am CDT

Unlocking Syntax

Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

TBA

Explore why syntax is a powerful but often overlooked key to comprehension and writing success. This session will highlight how teaching sentence-level skills in the elementary grades supports both reading and writing development. Participants will walk away with practical, ready-to-use strategies that can be integrated into existing curriculum materials to strengthen students’ sentence construction and literacy proficiency.

Speakers

Shauna Cotte

Keys to Literacy

Shauna serves as Vice President and Senior Director of Professional Development at Keys to Literacy and is an integral member of the senior management team. With over 20 years of experience, Shauna has dedicated her career to advancing literacy achievement for all students. Her journey began as a classroom teacher and literacy interventionist, where she developed... Read More →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA

Instruction, Literacy

11:40am CDT

Grow Your Readers: 3rd-Grade Promotion and Engaging Families for Success

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT

TBA

This session will support district leaders and educators in strengthening family engagement to successfully implement 3^rd-Grade Promotion. Participants will explore effective practices, hear from a district demonstrating strong implementation, and reflect on Year 1 wins and challenges. The session will also focus on planning for Beginning-of-Year (BOY) rollout. Key topics include building trust with families and sharing literacy data effectively—such as communicating screener results, supporting Individual Reading Plans (IRPs), and using family-facing resources. Participants will leave with practical strategies and tools to support strong family partnerships and successful 3rd grade promotion outcomes.

Speakers

Amy Counts

Director of Curriculum Projects, Arkansas Division of Elementary & Secondary Education

Since 2003, I have worked in K-12 education in Massachusetts, Texas, Maryland, and Arkansas. During that time, I have worked in both rural and urban school districts, teaching students in fifth to twelfth grade. In 2019, I joined the Arkansas Division of Elementary & Secondary Education... Read More →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, Literacy

11:40am CDT

Nailed IT!

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT

TBA

In this highly interactive session, attendees will work to complete a series of challenges in a short time limit to see if they “Nailed it”. This session builds on the framework that taking risks can be a good thing when it
comes to creating and sharing ideas. Attendees will walk away with strategies to use in their schools when it comes to engaging learners and getting them to take risks.

Speakers

Carl Hooker

CEO, K12Leaders

Carl Hooker is an educator, consultant and speaker from Austin, TX. He spent the past 27 years as a teacher and administrator supporting the he has held a wide range of roles. From teacher to administrator, he’s always had one common belief – that kids need to drive their own... Read More →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, AI

11:40am CDT

Right-Sizing Assessment: From Scores to Strategy

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT

TBA

How much assessment is enough — and what actually moves instruction forward? Join cadre leaders and a representative from Public School Accountability for a candid conversation about balancing accountability requirements with meaningful classroom practice. This panel will explore how to right-size assessment systems so they reduce noise, elevate clarity, and position formative assessment as the primary driver of daily instructional decisions. Participants will also learn about statewide opportunities to engage in ongoing conversations throughout the year and preview learning modules currently in development to support this work. Walk away with practical insights for building coherence between state measures and classroom moves that accelerate student growth.

Speakers

Michelle Johnson

Director of Assessment, Department of Elementary & Secondary Education

I currently serve as the Director of Assessment and School Performance for the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in Arkansas. In this role, I am committed to ensuring all students have equitable access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. I... Read More →

Chrissy McNabb

Project Manager - CCFAL, Office of Innovation for Education

After seven years in the classroom, Chrissy joined the Office of Innovation for Education to have a greater impact on education. She is passionate about students being the focus of learning and creating a learning environment that supports students. She now leads the charge in the... Read More →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, Assessment

11:40am CDT

The Essentials of Adolescent Literacy: Reading and Writing Instruction in Grades 5-12

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT

TBA

The science of reading is not just for younger learners—all adolescents in grades five to twelve, especially those who struggle with foundational skills, benefit from explicit literacy instruction. Drawing on current research, the first part of this session provides an overview to help secondary educators understand the unique aspects of adolescent literacy. Topics include the three levels of instruction (content literacy, disciplinary literacy, and intervention for basic skills), ways to integrate literacy into all subjects, the importance of connecting reading and writing, and the reasons some adolescents struggle with literacy. The second part of the session offers practical instructional suggestions for key components of literacy: vocabulary, comprehension, text structure, writing, discussion, advanced word study, and fluency.

This session is designed for classroom teachers, intervention specialists, and administrators who want to learn effective strategies for helping students in grades five to twelve strengthen their reading and writing skills.

Speakers

Shauna Cotte

Keys to Literacy

Shauna serves as Vice President and Senior Director of Professional Development at Keys to Literacy and is an integral member of the senior management team. With over 20 years of experience, Shauna has dedicated her career to advancing literacy achievement for all students. Her journey began as a classroom teacher and literacy interventionist, where she developed... Read More →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, Literacy

11:40am CDT

The Power of Practice: How Coaching Labs Elevate Math & Science Instruction

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT

TBA

In this session, we’ll share compelling growth data from classrooms across the state, highlight the instructional shifts teachers are making through lab participation, and unpack what makes this model so effective. Whether you're looking to strengthen your own coaching practice, instructional practice or support growth in your school or district, you’ll walk away with a clear picture of how Coaching Labs work—and why you’ll want to be part of the next cohort.

Speakers

Katie Chacon

Science Program Manager, Arkansas Department of Education

Katie Chacon obtained a bachelors degree from Hendrix College in Environmental Studies, a masters degree in Middle Childhood Education from the University of Arkansas Little Rock, and an Education Specialist degree from Arkansas State University. She taught middle school science for... Read More →

Takeeta Funchess

Sarabecca Mgalle

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 →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, Math, Science

1:00pm CDT

AGFC’s School of Conservation Leadership: Building a Culture of Conservation

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

TBA

Join AGFC staff as we discuss the Arkansas Outdoor Education Initiative and the role that the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission plays in bringing conservation education to schools across the state. We will share success stories through our first two years, discuss the requirements to earn a School of Conservation Leadership designation, and how we can help build a culture of outdoor education on your campus through professional development, free equipment, curriculum resources, and more.

Speakers

Mary Beth Hatch

Chief of Education, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

Derek Ratchford

Arkansas Outdoor Education Initiative Manager, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

Derek Ratchford is the Manager of the Arkansas Outdoor Education Initiative with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Through this position, he empowers teachers as they introduce STEM and conservation statewide. He transitioned to AGFC after spending ten years in public education... Read More →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, Science

1:00pm CDT

AI to Support Student Learning

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

TBA

This session explores how district leaders can evaluate the instructional impact of emerging AI tools in K–12 education. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of how AI systems work and examine a practical framework for determining whether an AI implementation is likely to meaningfully support student learning—rather than simply automate existing practices.

Speakers

Adam Musto

Director of Computer Science Education, Arkansas Department of Education

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, AI

1:00pm CDT

Bridging State and National Expectations: Arkansas's AI Alignment Study with NAEP

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

TBA

This session highlights Arkansas’s AI-supported alignment study comparing Arkansas Academic Standards with the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) frameworks, conducted in partnership with Prometrics. Holly Morado, NAEP State Coordinator, along with Kisa Morman and Amber Pirnique from Learning Services will walk participants through the alignment process, including how artificial intelligence was used to examine content coverage, cognitive demand, and progression across grade levels. The session will identify where Arkansas standards show strong alignment with NAEP, discuss the importance of alignment for understanding national assessment results, and explore how these findings can inform curriculum decisions and classroom instruction. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how standards alignment supports instructional rigor and helps ensure students are prepared for both state and national expectations.

Speakers

Holly Morado

NAEP State Coordinator, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education - Public School Accountability

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 →

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 →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, Assessment

1:00pm CDT

Navigating the Updated Early Childhood HQIM Curriculum List and Submission Requirements

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

TBA

This session offers a concise overview of the new updates to the HQIM Approved Curriculum List, the changes to the curriculum review process, and the next steps programs should take to deepen their understanding of HQIM expectations. Participants will leave with clear guidance to support informed curriculum selection and alignment with state quality standards.

Speakers

Kelly Haley

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, Early Learning

1:00pm CDT

The Writing Revolution: Explicit Writing Instruction in Service of Learning

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

TBA

A Writing Revolution is underway in Arkansas! DESE is continuing its partnership with The Writing Revolution (TWR) for a fifth year, offering Advancing Thinking Through Writing I to K–12 educators across all content areas. This session introduces the Hochman Method—a research-based approach to strengthening student writing through content-rich instruction. Participants will explore practical strategies to elevate writing in any classroom and learn how districts can access this free, year-long professional learning opportunity.

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 →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, Literacy

2:20pm CDT

Arkansas STEM Model Program

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT

TBA

Learn about the benefits of being a STEM school and how schools are designated as model STEM schools in Arkansas. Meet the school leaders who are doing this well in designated model schools from rural, urban and suburban PreK - 12 schools across the state.

Speakers

Michele Snyder

State STEM Integration Specialist, Arkansas Department of Education Division of Elementary and Secondary Education

AR STEM Model Program, AR Ready for STEM Initiative, STEM Integration, Arts Integration, K-8 STEM career competencies

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, Math, Science

2:20pm CDT

Charting the Course: From Pre-K Play to ATLAS Success

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT

TBA

Set your students up for success on the ATLAS screener by bridging the gap between preschool and kindergarten. This session breaks down how to use CDELS standards and HQIM curricula to target essential readiness skills. We’ll also show how CLASS interactions turn everyday moments into powerful learning opportunities that ensure every child walks into kindergarten confident and prepared. - Wendy Green

Speakers

Jennifer Douglas

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

Wendy Green

Local Lead, Crowley's Ridge Educational Service Cooperative

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, Assessment, Early Learning

2:20pm CDT

From Grant to Growth: What High-Impact Tutoring Looks Like in Practice

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT

TBA

High-impact tutoring is one of the most effective strategies for accelerating student learning—but only when implemented with intention. This session highlights how Arkansas districts are translating high-impact tutoring guidance into daily practice. Participants will explore real examples of scheduling, staffing, and instructional alignment, as well as lessons learned from early implementation. Attendees will leave with a clearer picture of what high-impact tutoring looks like in action and practical strategies for strengthening or launching their own programs.

Speakers

Amy Counts

Director of Curriculum Projects, Arkansas Division of Elementary & Secondary Education

Since 2003, I have worked in K-12 education in Massachusetts, Texas, Maryland, and Arkansas. During that time, I have worked in both rural and urban school districts, teaching students in fifth to twelfth grade. In 2019, I joined the Arkansas Division of Elementary & Secondary Education... Read More →

Amy Hindsman

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, High-Impact Tutoring

2:20pm CDT

New ATLAS Writing Rubric

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm 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

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, Assessment, Literacy

2:20pm CDT

Planning for AI: Insights from District Leaders

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT

TBA

District educators will share firsthand experiences developing AI plans to meet their local needs. The panel will explore planning processes, stakeholder involvement, and considerations around instruction, governance, and responsible use.

Speakers

Kelly Griffin

ADE Special Advisor, Arkansas Department of Education

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, AI

2:20pm CDT

Teaching (and Learning) Concurrently: Pathways for Educators and Acceleration for Students

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT

TBA

Concurrent enrollment is no longer just an "extra" in Arkansas; it is a critical pillar of the state’s acceleration and workforce strategy. As these opportunities expand, school and district leaders must navigate the intersection of secondary and postsecondary standards. This session provides an overview of how state agencies, institutions of higher education, and schools can build local capacity by qualifying high school educators to teach college-level courses. Participants will receive an overview of the credentialing requirements, coursework expectations, and the approval process required for instructors to participate in training opportunities and support structures that help educators obtain the necessary qualifications.

We will also dive into the Arkansas Department of Education rules and policy highlights, ensuring your district stays compliant and at the forefront of concurrent trends.

Speakers

Mason Campbell

Assistant Director for Policy and Student Success, Arkansas Division of Higher Education

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, Accelerated Learning

2:20pm CDT

Unlocking Learning: An Introduction to the Science of Learning

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT

TBA

How can thoughtful instructional design improve student learning outcomes?
This session provides an overview of the Science of Learning and explores how research-based instructional decisions can strengthen student understanding, retention, and transfer of knowledge. Participants will examine key terms, foundational research, and the cognitive principles that inform effective teaching practices.

Speakers

Jill Heard

Justin Howell

Becky Mills

Brooke Suyal

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, Science of Learning

3:40pm CDT

AI in Student Writing: Preventing Plagiarism + Enabling Responsible Use

Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT

TBA

Student-facing AI can support inquiry and learning, but also risks AI plagiarism in writing assignments. We must find a way to preserve authentic learning AND enable students to use AI responsibly. Come see how you can do this with Scrible, the world’s first “show your work” writing process platform. It mitigates AI plagiarism by making the writing process visible to teachers and shifting assessment to writing as a process. This is a more pedagogically sound alternative to AI detectors, which have proven unreliable and manipulable. Scrible now also offers Rese, a new genAI chatbot enabling students to use AI responsibly in a safeguarded walled garden for research and writing. It incorporates best practices recommended by AI literacy advocates and educators. Teachers can optionally enable it for assignments in which use of AI is allowed and compatible with student learning outcomes. Come learn how to thread the AI needle!

Speakers

Victor Karkar

CEO, Scrible

Scrible is an award winning all-in-one research and writing platform where students can collect sources, annotate, organize ideas, and draft in one workspace. It supports writing with citation capture, bibliography and outline editors and Google Docs and Microsoft Word integration... Read More →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, AI

3:40pm CDT

AI Playbook: From Awareness to Action

Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT

TBA

AI is already in your classrooms, now what? This session breaks down what artificial intelligence really is, how it’s reshaping instruction and leadership, and what AI literacy must include at every level of a school system. Participants will explore real-world implications for academic integrity, instructional practice, and district policy, then walk away with practical steps schools can take this year to move from reactive conversations to intentional implementation. Leave with clarity, confidence, and a ready-to-use framework for AI-ready schools.

Speakers

Rainbow Bagsby

UX Design Specialist, Virtual Arkansas

Rainbow Bagsby is the UX Design Specialist at Virtual Arkansas (VA) with 12 years of experience in online education. At Virtual Arkansas, Rainbow has designed and developed numerous courses and project managed the creation of the Department of Career and Technical Education’s Blended... Read More →

Candice McPherson

Director of Design and Development, Virtual Arkansas

Candice McPherson is the Director of Design and Development at Virtual Arkansas. Her role includes project management, quality control, and implementation support for course content. She has served on a variety of teams and committees devoted to improving online learning experiences... Read More →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, AI

3:40pm CDT

Math Basic Facts

Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT

In this session, participants will dig into what really sets fluency apart from automaticity and why that difference matters in the classroom. We’ll take a close look at fluency expectations and talk through the kinds of routines, practices, and structures that actually help fluency grow.

Speakers

Kisa Morman

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

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

Jeffrey Nesmith

DESE: State Math Specialist, DESE

Britney Nalley

State Math Specialist, DESE

Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT

Instruction, Math

3:40pm CDT

Outcomes-Based Tutoring Contracts: What Worked in District Pilots

Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT

TBA

Many tutoring contracts focus on inputs—minutes, sessions, and staffing—without clearly tying services to student success. In this session, participants will learn how districts can use outcomes-based contracting to prioritize measurable growth and accountability in High-Impact Tutoring. Using real pilot experiences from districts that implemented outcomes-based tutoring contracts this year, we will discuss what outcomes to measure, how to set fair targets, what data systems are needed, and how to avoid common pitfalls (such as misaligned incentives or weak implementation expectations). This session will provide concrete strategies and examples to support leaders who want tutoring investments to produce clear, documented student learning gains.

Speakers

Amy Counts

Director of Curriculum Projects, Arkansas Division of Elementary & Secondary Education

Since 2003, I have worked in K-12 education in Massachusetts, Texas, Maryland, and Arkansas. During that time, I have worked in both rural and urban school districts, teaching students in fifth to twelfth grade. In 2019, I joined the Arkansas Division of Elementary & Secondary Education... Read More →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, High-Impact Tutoring

3:40pm CDT

We’ve Trained Our Teachers—Now What? Making The Writing Revolution Stick

Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT

TBA

Training is just the beginning. This session focuses on how schools and districts can get the most out of Writing Revolution training through intentional implementation. Participants will explore how to embed TWR strategies within HQIM, leverage AI-supported tools in the TWR digital library, and use the administrator dashboard to monitor progress and support teachers. The session also features insights from schools sharing real implementation experiences, lessons learned, and strategies for scaling writing instruction campus-wide.

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 →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, Literacy