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Thursday, July 16
 

10:20am CDT

Transforming CTE: From Pathways to Durable Skills That Drive Arkansas Forward
Thursday July 16, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
CTE in Arkansas is evolving—from simply offering pathways to intentionally developing durable skills that prepare students for long-term success. In this session, participants will explore how Success-Ready Pathways and durable skills align with workforce needs and the LEARNS Act. Walk away with practical strategies to strengthen programs, elevate messaging, and ensure students are truly prepared for what’s next.
Speakers
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 →
Thursday July 16, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA

11:40am CDT

Expanding Military Career Awareness in Arkansas: Ensuring Equitable Access Through the Military Service & Security Pathway
Thursday July 16, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
While Arkansas continues to strengthen career pathways statewide, structured military career awareness has historically been limited, leaving many rural and smaller districts without knowledge of the wide range of careers available through the military. In response, Arkansas developed the Arkansas Military Service and Security Pathway (AMSSP) to ensure that all high school students, regardless of geography, can explore military service and related security careers within our existing Career and Technical Education framework.

In this session, presenters will walk through the Arkansas development sequence, including collaboration among Virtual Arkansas, the Arkansas National Guard, and the Arkansas Division of Career and Technical Education. Participants will learn how districts can provide access to students, either locally or through other avenues. We will review program requirements, credit structures, and implementation considerations so districts can determine the best fit for their context. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how this pathway supports informed student choice, workforce alignment, and equitable access across Arkansas schools.
Speakers
avatar for John Ashworth

John Ashworth

Executive Director & Superintendent, Virtual Arkansas
Mr. John Ashworth is the Superintendent and Executive Director of Virtual Arkansas, a State Virtual School (SVS) providing supplemental online course options to Arkansas schools. Mr. Ashworth spent eight years as a secondary science teacher and seven years as a building-level principal... Read More →
avatar for Paula McDougald

Paula McDougald

Lead Course Design Specialist, Virtual Arkansas
Paula McDougald joined Virtual Arkansas in 2015 as a high school math teacher and transitioned to the design department in 2018. Now the Assistant Director of Design and Development, she manages course design projects and oversees organizational branding. With 19 years in education... Read More →
Thursday July 16, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA

11:40am CDT

Integrating Core Academics into CTE: A professional reflection of Math Pathways in CTE
Thursday July 16, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
CTE is not separate from academics—it’s one of the most powerful ways to bring them to life. This panel explores how a school moved beyond isolated instruction to intentionally embed math, literacy, and science within Career and Technical Education. Participants will examine what meaningful integration looks like in practice and leave with strategies to strengthen rigor, increase relevance, and better prepare students for enlistment, enrollment, and employment.
Speakers
AM

Adam Musto

Director of Computer Science Education, Arkansas Department of Education
MM

Manesseh Moore

Alma School District
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 →
Thursday July 16, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA
 
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