ADE Summit 2026: Full Schedule

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10:20am CDT

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

State data can feel overwhelming—this session is designed to help administrators make sense of it all. Participants will gain an overview of the key state data collections, including what data is available, when it is released, and where to access it. The session will also highlight resources and tools to support effective use and interpretation of the data, helping school leaders move from simply receiving data to confidently using it to inform decisions and support school improvement.

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 →

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

Operations, Accountability

10:20am CDT

eSchool What You Need to Know for School Year 2027

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

TBA

During this session we will delve into the additions to state reporting requirements and changes to some eSchoolPLUS processes for 2026-2027. This session would benefit all eSchool data entry users.

Speakers

Aleks Johnson

MicKail Thrasher

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

Operations, Data

10:20am CDT

Federal Programs: You Don't Know What You Don't Know

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

TBA

Informational session for newcomers on basics of Title I, Title II, Title III, Title IV A & B, Title V, Homeless & Foster Students, Migrant Program, Equitable Services, & Paraprofessionals

Speakers

Jayne Green

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

Operations, Federal Programs

10:20am CDT

Leading District Improvement

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

TBA

Step into the year with clarity and momentum. This session highlights practical strategies for leading district‑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

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 →

Mark Taylor

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 →

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

Operations, Accountability

10:20am CDT

Using Performance for Focused Improvement From Reflection to Results

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

TBA

How leaders and boards use performance evidence to set priorities, monitor progress, and adjust early.
High performing schools use performance data to drive focus—not confusion. This session reframes the Annual School Performance Summary and Improvement Priorities as a leadership and governance tool, not a compliance requirement.
Participants will explore how effective schools translate reflection into clear priorities, measurable drivers, and leadership response rules that guide decisions throughout the year. Using an ADE model example, the session illustrates how boards and leaders can monitor progress, stay aligned, and adjust early to improve outcomes.

Speakers

Sarper Turker

Director of Charter Schools, Arkansas Department of Education

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

Operations, Accountability

10:20am CDT

Tier I Training

Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:20am - 12:20pm CDT

TBA

ACA §6-20-2204 requires Superintendents and bookkeepers to attend a minimum of 2 hours of annual training on school laws, expenditure of school funds, fiscal accountability, school finance, ethics, and financial accounting and reporting. This class meets the requirements of the law. Additionally, school districts are required to provide 2 hours of Tier II training. Some districts choose to use this course to meet that requirement.

Speakers

Sharon Chuculate

Financial Services Coordinator, AR Association of Educational Administrtors

Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:20am - 12:20pm CDT
TBA

Operations, Finance

11:40am CDT

Learning Conditions That Drive School Performance How Leadership Shapes the Conditions for Learning

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

TBA

How leadership decisions, adult practice, and systems create—or constrain—student success.
Student success depends on the conditions adults create for learning. This session focuses on how leadership decisions, adult practice, and organizational design shape instructional quality, workforce stability, and overall school performance.
Participants will examine how clarity of expectations, aligned behaviors, consistent routines, and thoughtful communication influence results across classrooms and schools. Rather than focusing on programs or initiatives, this session centers on how everyday leadership actions strengthen—or undermine—the conditions for learning.

Speakers

Sarper Turker

Director of Charter Schools, Arkansas Department of Education

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

Operations, Accountability

11:40am CDT

My School Info: Explore Public Data for Schools and Districts

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

TBA

My School Info brings multiple data sources together, allowing anyone with online access to search and compare public schools and districts across Arkansas. Come learn how easy it is to navigate the system and explore the newly redesigned school and district report cards. These updates reflect Arkansas’s latest accountability system, including the first-ever publication of district letter grades. No previous experience with My School Info is required, and participants are encouraged to bring a laptop to be able to actively participate in the demonstration.

Speakers

Jeff Killingsworth

Coordinator of K12 Cyber Policy and Strategy, Arkansas Department of Education

Jeff Killingsworth was privileged to be in the classroom for 12 years, teaching a variety of math and science classes from kindergarten through eighth grade, before joining the Arkansas Department of Education. He is currently the Coordinator of K12 Cyber Policy and Strategy, and... Read More →

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

Operations, Data

11:40am CDT

The More You Ask, the More You Know (lingering questions on Federal Programs)

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

TBA

Give audience opportunity to ask questions they have from attending You Don't Know What You Don't Know session

Speakers

Jayne Green

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

Operations, Federal Programs

11:40am CDT

What's on the Menu? Interactions

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

Arkansas is currently in a CLASS pilot year. As Local Leads, part of our job is to go into all publicly funded classrooms, provide 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

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

Operations, Early Childhood

1:00pm CDT

Booting Up: A New eSchool Administrator for Success

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

TBA

If you are a new eSchool System Administrator, join us for an insightful session where we’ll provide an overview of key responsibilities, essential resources, and practical tips to help you and your district set a strong foundation for success.

Speakers

Debbie Featherston

APSCN Field Analyst, ADE

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

Operations, Data

1:00pm CDT

Hot Topics with ADE Leadership

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

Horner Hall

Join members of the ADE leadership team as they discuss hot topics in education in Arkansas.

Speakers

Kiffany Pride

Assistant Commissioner, Arkansas Department of Education

Kiffany Pride currently serves as the Assistant Commissioner of Learning Services for Arkansas’ Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). With 27 years of experience, Dr. Pride has recently served as the Director of Curriculum and Assessment and RISE Assessor for the... Read More →

Ashelyn Abney

Brandie Benton

DESE

Matt Sewell

Assistant Commissioner, DESE

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 →

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 →

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 →

Hope Worsham

Asst. Commissioner of Public School Accountability, DESE

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Horner Hall Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations

1:00pm CDT

Keeping Schools Running: Cybersecurity Incidents, Impacts, and Action Steps

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

TBA

Join the Arkansas Department of Education, in partnership with the State Cybersecurity Office, to explore some of the most frequent cybersecurity incidents reported through the Arkansas Legislative Audit and the ADE’s history of events. This session highlights real-world scenarios that have compromised systems, exposed sensitive data, and disrupted district operations, while examining the common tactics and activities behind these incidents. Participants will engage in a practical discussion on what these events mean for schools today and the steps district leaders can take to keep students safe, protect data, and maintain operational continuity.

Speakers

Ray Girdler

IT Infrastructure Architect, Arkansas Department of Shared Administrative Services (SAS) Office of State Technology (OST)

Ray Girdler serves as an IT Infrastructure Architect within the Arkansas State Cybersecurity Office. Prior to this role, he spent several years at the Arkansas Department of Education before transitioning to the Arkansas Office of State Technology. During his time at the Department... Read More →

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

Operations

1:00pm CDT

Schools on the Move

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

TBA

This session will spotlight schools that have demonstrated improvement in their school ratings and highlight the strategies and practices that contributed to their success. Participants will hear directly about what these schools focused on, the changes they implemented, and how they used data, systems, and collaboration to drive improvement—offering practical insights that can be applied in schools across the state.

Speakers

Crystal Brashers

Kristina Eisenhower

Arkansas Department of Education

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

Operations, Accountability

1:00pm CDT

Staffing with Intention: Understanding Long‑Term Budget Impacts

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

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 →

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

Operations, Finance

2:20pm CDT

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

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

Matt Douglas

State Monitoring Support Specialist, Arkansas Department of Elementary & Secondary Education

Kristina Eisenhower

Arkansas Department of Education

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 →

Brooke McCain

Director of Monitoring and Accreditation, Arkansas Department of Education

Christi Parrish

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

Operations, Accountability

2:20pm CDT

SPED Finance 101

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

TBA

This session will highlight essential Special Education fiscal obligations that LEAs face on an annual basis, including High-Cost Occurrence, Maintenance of Effort, and related requirements. The Office of Special Education will also share available supports and resources designed to assist LEAs in maintaining compliance and effectively managing Special Education fiscal responsibilities.

Speakers

Josh Hart

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

Operations, Finance

3:40pm CDT

Target Setting for the New IDEA Part B Package with MySPED and eSchool Resources.

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