ADE Summit 2026: Full Schedule

10:20am CDT

Applying the TESS Rubric Across Multiple Classroom Roles

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

Join administrators and teachers for a collaborative discussion on supporting teacher growth through observation and coaching. This session will highlight administrators’ use of the TESS rubric and how coaching practices are adapted to meet the needs of educators serving in diverse classroom roles.

Speakers

Andrea Ingram

Special Education Director, Springdale School District

Andy Sullivan

Director of Educator Effectiveness, DESE

Carol Skiba

Principal, Stagecoach Elementary

Alonzo Terrell

Assistant Principal, Springdale School District

Alonzo Terrell is currently an assistant principal at Southwest Junior High in Springdale, AR.

Julie Amstutz

Leadership Development Coach, Office of Coordinated Support and Service

2026 ADE Summit Applying the TESS Rubric final pptx

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
Exhibit Hall B Hot Springs Convention Center

Human Capital, Educator Effectiveness

11:40am CDT

Planning for Impact: Data-Driven Math Interventions in Grades 3–8

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

Exhibit Hall B

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

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 →

Math Interventions 2026 Summit Presentations pdf

Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
Exhibit Hall B Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction, Math

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

2:20pm CDT

The Science of Learning—How Students Actually Learn

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

Exhibit Hall B

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
Exhibit Hall B Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction, Science of Learning

3:40pm CDT

MTSS by Design—Using the Science of Learning to Strengthen Support

Tuesday July 14, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT

Exhibit Hall B

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
Exhibit Hall B Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction, Science of Learning

10:20am CDT

Unlocking Syntax

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

Exhibit Hall B

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
Exhibit Hall B Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction, Literacy

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

Exhibit Hall B

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

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
Exhibit Hall B Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction, Literacy

1:00pm CDT

Schools on the Move: What High Growth Principals Know and Do

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

Exhibit Hall B

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

Tina James

English Teacher, Grade 7, Washington Jr. High School

Brian Kirkendoll

Assistant Superintendent, Alma School District

Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning

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 →

Dr. Kelly Hankins

Learning Design & Innovation Lead, Office of Innovation for Education

I am passionate about helping adults do the work that ultimately changes outcomes for students. My career has spanned classrooms, school leadership, and statewide support, giving me a deep understanding of the complexities educators face every day.I partner with schools and districts... Read More →

Robin Call

Elementary Principal, Genoa Central

Kristina Eisenhower

Arkansas Department of Education

Crystal Beshears Duncan

Associate Director of Innovation, Office of Innovation for Education

Combining 25 years of experience in a variety of educational settings, Crystal Beshears Duncan serves as the Assistant Director of Innovation for the Office of Innovation for Education at the University of Arkansas. Her diverse work includes: teaching social sciences to secondary... Read More →

Sara Hubbs

Library Media Specialist, Literacy Instructional Facilitator, Alma High School

Bradley Wright

Rachel Ford

Washington Jr. High School

Jamie Bond

Rana Pilgreen

Elementary Counselor, Genoa Central Elementary

Andy Sullivan

Director of Educator Effectiveness, DESE

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

Operations, Accountability

2:20pm CDT

New ATLAS Writing Rubric

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

Exhibit Hall B

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 strengthen instruction, support meaningful feedback, and elevate expectations across classrooms.

Speakers

JJ Walker

Assessment Specialist, DESE: PSA, Assessment Unit

I was a classroom teacher (mostly ELA) for 31 years before joining DESE 12 years ago. I have always worked in the Assessment unit and have helped train and administer three state assessments: PARCC, Aspire, and ATLAS. ATLAS 3-10 (reports, data, etc.) and communications (LiveBinders... Read More →

Andress Scott

RISE State Specialist, DESE

Kelly Stone

RISE Specialist, Arkansas Department of Education

Kelly Stone is RISE Literacy Lead with a focus in Adolescent Literacy for the Arkansas Department of Education’s Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). With more than 20 years of experience in education, she has served as a secondary English teacher, K–12 literacy... Read More →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT
Exhibit Hall B Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction, Assessment, Literacy

3:40pm CDT

What do your state reporting reports tell you?

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

Exhibit Hall B

This session will explain what goes into defining and understanding how reports are produced for state reporting

Speakers

Mary Heginger

User Support Coordinator, DESE-Public School Accountability-APSCN

What Do Your State Reporting Reports Tell You pdf

Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
Exhibit Hall B Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations, Data

10:20am CDT

Third-Grade Promotion

Thursday July 16, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

Exhibit Hall B

This session offers an overview of the third-grade promotion law, emphasizing state requirements, available resources, and district support for meeting deadlines. Participants will examine literacy as a shared responsibility to ensure all students achieve reading proficiency by third grade. The session also covers prevention and support strategies for K-3 students, reviews good cause exemptions, and discusses next steps for designing student support.

Speakers

Kiffany Pride

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 →

Sandy Shepard

Lead State RISE Specialist, Arkansas Department of Education

In her 35th year in education, Sandy Shepard partners with districts to align K-5 ELA instruction with the Science of Reading and Arkansas standards.

2026 DESE Summit Third Grade Promotion (1) pdf

Thursday July 16, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
Exhibit Hall B Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction, Literacy

11:40am CDT

De-escalation Curve

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT

Exhibit Hall B

When students have trauma, adversity, chaos, inconsistency (or any number of other things piled on top of that) it's very difficult for them to regulate their emotions. As a result, we need to be increasingly more skilled in our ability to de-escalate the moment and help our students return to a state of regulation. We're not offering quick fixes. We're offering the opportunity to learn how real change happens. In this one-hour preview of our 6-hour workshop, we will focus on the process of escalation and de-escalation. What is important for us to know in the moment? Let’s clarify our goals and put a few tools in our belts.

Speakers

Nicole Fairchild

State Training Lead, Arkansas AWARE

Revised De Escalation Curve docx

TSS Building Handout 4navigating crisis (1) pdf

PBIS Strategies for De escalating Student Behavior in the Classroom pdf

De escalation Curve 2026 DESE Summit (1) pdf

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
Exhibit Hall B Hot Springs Convention Center

Student Support

1:00pm CDT

Using Data Without Drowning in It: Monitoring HIT for Continuous Improvement

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Exhibit Hall B

High-impact tutoring requires data—but not data overload. This session helps districts distinguish between required reporting data and the data that truly drives improvement. Participants will explore district examples of monitoring routines for attendance, dosage, and student progress, and learn how to use data to make timely instructional and programmatic adjustments within an integrated system rather than viewing data collection as a compliance task.

Speakers

Lesley Nelms

Federal Programs Coordinator/ Curriculum Coordinator, Hamburg School District

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

Data Specialist, Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education

Using Data Without Drowning in It HIT Monitoring (1).pptx (4) pdf

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Exhibit Hall B Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction, High-Impact Tutoring

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