2026 AAEA Summer Conference

As one of the first to implement the Cambridge International pathway in Arkansas, the Rogers Public School District navigated the uncharted territory of bringing a globally recognized curriculum to the Natural State. Join us for a practical, "nuts and bolts" guide for administrators to launch Cambridge as an accelerated learning opportunity to YOUR district. We will share our firsthand experience and provide a clear roadmap for implementation, covering essential steps like curriculum mapping to Arkansas standards, structuring the master schedule, securing specialized teacher training, and building critical community buy-in. Whether you are actively exploring alternatives to AP and IB or simply curious about the Cambridge model, you will leave with an actionable playbook for your district.

The new Woodland Junior High School in Fayetteville is being designed as a next-generation model for sustainable and wellness-focused school construction. Through thoughtful architecture, natural materials, abundant daylight, and strong connections to outdoor learning environments, the campus prioritizes the emotional well-being, health, and academic success of adolescents.

The project is pursuing WELL Building Standard certification, placing student mental and physical wellness at the center of the design, while also incorporating sustainable construction strategies that reduce environmental impact and create healthier learning spaces.

This presentation explores how Woodland Junior High’s integrated approach to sustainability, wellness, and educational design can serve as a replicable model for school districts seeking to build environments that support both student well-being and environmental responsibility.

With so many presentations focusing on why schools need to become a PLC, and what they are, my proposal is a “nuts and bolts” session where the focus will be on “How” to build high performing teams quickly utilizing the PLC process. This will give any administrator, or guiding coalition, an authentic experience on how to implement a PLC. Specifically, the focus will be on essential leadership traits and mindset, how to create norms that work, agendas that track, table talk roles for building high functioning teams, and a proven process that focuses on the 4 questions in a way that makes sense so teams quickly move from “forming” to giving high quality CFA’s, share effective strategies based on team data, and start real tier 2 intervention in months and not years.

Join Rogers Public School District Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Mr. Charles Lee, Director of Advanced Programs Mr. Dustin Seaton, and District Math Specialist Erin McCain as they present their district's plan for middle school math acceleration. Learn how to accelerate students the right way—without skipping essential "power" standards—while ensuring data is at the heart of every decision made.

Join Rogers Public School District Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Mr. Charles Lee, Director of Advanced Programs Mr. Dustin Seaton, and District Math Specialist Erin McCain as they present their district's plan for middle school math acceleration. Learn how to accelerate students the right way—without skipping essential "power" standards—while ensuring data is at the heart of every decision made.