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.
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 →
This session will explore the power of observation and walkthrough tools in providing actionable feedback to promote system coherence and instructional alignment. Participants will discuss how to effectively utilize the Key Levers for Instructional Leaders Tool and the TESS Framework to support school leaders in delivering high-quality, targeted feedback. Through interactive activities and real-world examples, attendees will gain practical strategies for using these tools to drive continuous improvement and strengthen instructional practices across their schools.
Assistant Commissioner of Learning Services, 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 →
Assistant Commissioner of Educator Effectiveness & Licensure, Arkansas Department of Education
Brandie Benton previously served as the deputy superintendent of curriculum and instruction at Virtual Arkansas. Before joining the team at Virtual Arkansas, Benton was the associate provost for enrollment services and admissions at Henderson State University from July 2017 to June... Read More →
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 →
Assistant Commissioner of Learning Services, 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 →
Assistant Commissioner of Federal Programs, Arkansas Department of Education
Matt Sewell was named the Assistant Commissioner of Federal Programs in July 2023. In this role, he oversees all federal programs, including Special Education. Sewell joined the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education in 2018 as the director of Special Programs, which included... Read More →
State Career and Technical Education Director, Arkansas Department of Education
Ross White, director of Career and Technical Education (CTE), has served as the state CTE director since May 2021, bringing extensive experience in secondary and statewide CTE leadership. He has led the update of the state Perkins V plan, the implementation of Success Ready Gradu... Read More →
Assistant Commissioner of Public School Accountability, Arkansas Department of Education
Hope Worsham serves as the Assistant Commissioner of Public School Accountability at the Arkansas Department of Education, where she leads statewide efforts to support school performance and ensure meaningful use of data in decision-making. With a career spanning multiple leadership... Read More →
Assistant Commissioner of Educator Effectiveness & Licensure, Arkansas Department of Education
Brandie Benton previously served as the deputy superintendent of curriculum and instruction at Virtual Arkansas. Before joining the team at Virtual Arkansas, Benton was the associate provost for enrollment services and admissions at Henderson State University from July 2017 to June... Read More →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT Horner HallHot Springs Convention Center
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.
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 →
PSA Coordinator of Monitoring & Accreditation, ADE DESE
As Coordinator of Monitoring & Accreditation within the Office of Public School Accountability, I work alongside my team to support school districts across Arkansas in understanding and fulfilling their responsibilities under state and federal laws, rules, and regulations. Our unit... Read More →
Three Arkansas teachers who achieved high student growth scores will share the strategies that drive their success. All three teachers received merit pay for the 2024-25 school year and were selected as Arkansas Excellence in Teaching fellows for the 2025-26 school year.
Talk to me about the magic of educators, any recent fiction you've loved, the perils of raising three-year-olds or a student who changed your life. When educators gather, the answer is in the room. Grateful to be here!
Algebra Teacher - Woodland Jr High, Fayetteville School District
Algebra just makes sense... After 10 years of banking in New York, Dallas, Sydney and Hong Kong, my wife and I migrated to Fayetteville. I love teaching Algebra and believe we underestimate how much our students can achieve. My lessons are problem based with challenges that... Read More →
I am a fourth-grade teacher at Willowbrook Elementary School in Bentonville. I have been in the classroom for 18 years, the majority of my career has been in third grade.
Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT Horner HallHot Springs Convention Center
