ADE Summit 2026 has ended

Create Your Own Event

ADE Summit 2026

9:30am CDT

Teaching & Learning Collaborative (TLC) Pre-Conference

Monday July 13, 2026 9:30am - 4:30pm CDT

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 →

TLC July 2026.pptx pdf

Monday July 13, 2026 9:30am - 4:30pm CDT
Horner Hall Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction

10:20am CDT

Closing the Research-to-Practice Gap

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

One of the most challenging problems facing schools today is the gap between what research has demonstrated to be effective and the instructional practices implemented in many classrooms. This session will address how to access reliable information on research findings, as well as how to identify claims that are not backed by research.

Speakers

Holly Lane

University of Florida Literacy Institute

Dr. Holly Lane is the founding Director of the University of Florida Literacy Institute, more commonly known as UFLI. She is also the Irving and Rose Fien professor of education. Her research focuses on effective reading instruction and intervention, and helping teachers develop... Read More →

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

Instruction

11:40am CDT

Upstream Thinking: Prevention vs Intervention

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

The consequences of low literacy can be dire. We can't keep waiting for children to fail before we provide them with the help they need. Instead, we need to change the way we think about addressing our students' literacy needs by enhancing the quality of instruction in the primary grades. Through effective early ready instruction, most long-term difficulties can be averted. Evidence-based prevention efforts save money, time, and effort, while yielding far better academic, social, and economic outcomes.

Speakers

Holly Lane

University of Florida Literacy Institute

Dr. Holly Lane is the founding Director of the University of Florida Literacy Institute, more commonly known as UFLI. She is also the Irving and Rose Fien professor of education. Her research focuses on effective reading instruction and intervention, and helping teachers develop... Read More →

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

Instruction, Literacy

1:00pm CDT

Data Without the Drama: Google Sheets Strategies Worth Sharing

Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

“It’s not what you know — it’s what you share.” In a data-driven educational environment, spreadsheets can feel intimidating or overly technical. Yet the goal of any data conversation isn’t complexity — it’s clarity. This session is built around a simple promise: I hope you learn one new thing.

Designed for school leaders, coordinators, and support staff at all experience levels, this session highlights practical Google Sheets strategies that turn everyday data into meaningful insight. Participants will explore essential formulas (SORT, FILTER, SUMIF, COUNTIF), simple automation tools, data-cleaning techniques, and quick visual summaries that support confident decision-making. Whether you’re brand new to spreadsheets or could probably teach the session yourself, you’ll leave with at least one strategy you can implement immediately — and one you’ll want to share with someone else in your district.

Because when we share what works, data becomes less about compliance — and more about impact.

Speakers

Susan Gilley

Executive Director, Harrison School District

Data without Drama ADE Data Summit 2026 pdf

Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Horner Hall Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations

2:20pm CDT

New ATLAS Writing Rubric

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

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 →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT
Horner Hall Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction, Assessment, Literacy

3:40pm CDT

Accelerating Student Success: Updates to Accelerated Learning in Arkansas

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

This session provides a comprehensive overview of Arkansas’s vision for accelerated learning and how it translates into actionable practice across schools and districts to support student success. Participants will revisit the foundational goals of accelerated learning before exploring key components of the Accelerated Learning Guide, including accelerated learning options, teacher training, and the role of weighted credit and course codes. Attendees will gain clarity on frequently asked questions and leave with practical insights to effectively implement accelerated learning within their local context.

Presentation materials are available at https://bit.ly/44obiVw.

Speakers

Krystal Nail

Director, Office of Accelerated Learning and Gifted Education, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education

Krystal Nail currently serves as the program director for the Office of Accelerated Learning and Gifted Education at the Arkansas Department of Education’s Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. With 20 years of experience in education in Arkansas, Krystal previously served... Read More →

Dr. Lupe Peña de Martínez

Director of Student Support Services, ADE-DESE

Dr. Lupe Peña de Martínez is a native of San Diego de Alejandría, Jalisco, México. She has been a proud Arkansan since 1998. Her husband, Adelso, is a native of Belize and they have a beautiful, blended family, together they have an energetic ten-year-old son and an additional... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
Horner Hall Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction, Accelerated Learning

4:40pm CDT

District Team Debrief

Tuesday July 14, 2026 4:40pm - 5:40pm CDT

School/District teams will have the opportunity to meet during this time and share what they learned.

Tuesday July 14, 2026 4:40pm - 5:40pm CDT
Horner Hall Hot Springs Convention Center

General

10:20am CDT

Drowning in Data - Guide to State Data

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 →

Arkansas Data Leadership Training Summit.pptx pdf

Arkansas Data Leadership Training Summit (1) pptx

Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
Horner Hall Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations, Accountability

11:40am CDT

Enhancing Instructional Practices Through Walkthrough Tools and Targeted Feedback

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

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.

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 →

Brandie Benton

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 →

TESS & KL ADE Summit 2026 pdf

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

Human Capital, Educator Effectiveness

1:00pm CDT

Hot Topics with ADE Leadership

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

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

Moderators

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 →

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 →

Matt Sewell

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 →

Ross White

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 →

Hope Worsham

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 →

Brandie Benton

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 Hall Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations

2:20pm CDT

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

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

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

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 →

Dr. Jeanie Johnson

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 →

Kristina Eisenhower

Arkansas Department of Education

Matt Douglas

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

Christi Parrish

ADE Summit 2026 On Site & In Coding What's New in Accreditation pdf

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

Operations, Accountability

3:40pm CDT

Exceptional Growth - Instructional Strategies to Grow Students and Teachers

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

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.

Moderators

Nicky DeMoss

Consultant, Forward Arkansas

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!

Speakers

Cheron Atkins-Butcher

Teacher, PCSSD

Lou Petrone

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 →

Kimberly Herdes

4th Grade Teacher

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 Hall Hot Springs Convention Center

Human Capital, Educator Effectiveness

4:40pm CDT

District Team Debrief

Wednesday July 15, 2026 4:40pm - 5:40pm CDT

School/District teams will have the opportunity to meet during this time and share what they learned.

Wednesday July 15, 2026 4:40pm - 5:40pm CDT
Horner Hall Hot Springs Convention Center

General

10:20am CDT

Growing vs. growth - what's the difference

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

This session will focus on the important difference between doing better on a test and meeting individual student growth targets. Participants will explore the distinction between proficiency gains and value-added growth, including how the value-added growth score is calculated and what it truly measures. By unpacking common misconceptions, this session will help educators better understand how students can grow academically—even if test scores do not move as expected—and how growth measures provide a more complete picture of student progress.

Speakers

Hope Worsham

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 →

The Two Lenses of Growth (1) (1) pptx

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

Operations, Accountability

11:40am CDT

From Crisis to Capability: Making Progress towards School and District Turnaround

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

Failure is not inevitable. This high-impact, one-hour session provides school and district leaders with research-backed actions for sustainable transformation. This presentation focuses on the "radical improvement" required to shift school environment, instruction, and results.
By the end of this session, attendees will be able to view their school or district through the following lenses:
*Establish Urgent Leadership: Signal the need for immediate, dramatic change while building a team dedicated to turnaround goals.
*Leverage Data for Action: Utilize real-time, student-level data to adjust instructional strategies and reduce absenteeism.
*Rebuild Environment and Trust: Implement transparent communication strategies to unite staff, parents, and the community.
*Optimize Resources: Align budgetary and human resources with "mission-critical" interventions rather than widespread, superficial reforms.

Speakers

Dr. Xavier M. Hodo, Sr.

Superintendent, Helena - West Helena School District

Dr. John West

Leadership Development Coach, AR Dept. of Ed.

John M. West, Ed.D. is a State Leadership Development Coach for the Arkansas Department of Education’s Office of Coordinated Support and Service. With over two decades of administrative experience at every level of K-12 education , he works alongside Arkansas district and building leaders to optim... Read More →

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

Human Capital, Educator Effectiveness

1:00pm CDT

LAUNCH for Students: A Framework for Student Success Planning

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

This session provides an overview of LAUNCH for Students, a statewide student success planning framework. Participants will learn the purpose, key components, and expectations for implementation to support student achievement and postsecondary readiness.

Speakers

Dr. Lupe Peña de Martínez

Director of Student Support Services, ADE-DESE

Dr. Lupe Peña de Martínez is a native of San Diego de Alejandría, Jalisco, México. She has been a proud Arkansan since 1998. Her husband, Adelso, is a native of Belize and they have a beautiful, blended family, together they have an energetic ten-year-old son and an additional... Read More →

Lindsay Reed

Director of School Counseling, Arkansas Department of Education

Jake Walker, PhD

Chief Research Officer, ARData-Arkansas Office of State Technology

I am the Chief Research Officer for the ARData Team in the Arkansas Department of Shared Administrative Services. I have almost two decades of professional experience working with governmental administrative data systems and hold a Ph.D. in Instructional Systems and Workforce Development... Read More →

Summit 2026 LAUNCH for Students A Framework for Student Success pdf

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

Student Support

2:00pm CDT

District Team Debrief

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT

School/District teams will have the opportunity to meet during this time and share what they learned.

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Horner Hall Hot Springs Convention Center

General