Explore how Star City School District is moving from instructional alignment to measurable impact. This session highlights how the district uses its District Dashboard to connect curriculum, instruction, and assessment, ensuring decisions are driven by real-time data. Participants will learn practical strategies for creating instructional coherence and using district systems to strengthen teaching and improve student success.
A virtual campus option that assists districts in retaining students, expands learning opportunities, offers flexible learning pathways, and strengthens public education.
I hold a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Gifted & Talented Education. I spent 13 years teaching students in grades 2–8, during which I also served on numerous curriculum and instructional leadership committees. Currently, I serve as the Administrator of the Virtual... Read More →
Assistant Principal, The Virtual Academy at the River
Krystle Summers is a knowledgeable and approachable leader in the field of virtual education. With experience in instructional design, student engagement, and special education, she’s a trusted resource for practical strategies, meaningful collaboration, and ensuring success in... Read More →
Tuesday July 28, 2026 11:30am - 12:15pm CDT Ouachita (MCC)
How can thoughtful instructional design improve student learning outcomes? This session provides an overview of the Science of Learning and explores how research- based instructional decisions can strengthen student understanding, retention, and transfer of knowledge. Participants will examine key terms, foundational research, and the cognitive principles that inform effective teaching practices.
Brooke Suyal is an Implementation Specialist at Virtual Arkansas with over nine years of experience in online learning, specializing in instructional design. At Virtual Arkansas, Brooke has designed and developed numerous courses and project-managed the creation of key programs, including... Read More →
This session will share findings from a study of Arkansas school board voting patterns, including divided votes, failed motions, and the issues that most often produce disagreement. Results will also explore how board conflict may be associated with district academic performance. Practical strategies will be provided for district leaders to reduce unnecessary conflict, encourage productive disagreement that leads to better governance, and maintain effective board–superintendent relationships that support student success.
Assistant Professor, University of Central Arkansas
Dr. Matthew White is an assistant professor at the University of Central Arkansas. A former Arkansas K-12 teacher and administrator, he now coordinates the building and district level leadership preparation programs at UCA. His research centers around school governance and effective... Read More →
Assistant Professor, University of Central Arkansas
Dr. Rick Gales is a faculty member in the University of Central Arkansas’s College of Education, Department of Leadership Studies, following a 25‑year career in K–12 public education. His professional background includes classroom teaching (grades 7–12), school administration... Read More →
Tuesday July 28, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT Ouachita (MCC)
Most existing teacher support models are reactive, only intervening after performance issues arise. Imagine, instead, a system where exceptional performance is a structured journey and comprehensive support is a universal right. This session will introduce a powerful, four-level framework designed to shift school culture from one of monitoring ("surveillance") to one of continuous, "sustained improvement." We will delve into a model that starts with a robust, school-wide Tier 1 Foundation. This tier provides consistent instructional standards and guaranteed collaborative support for every staff member. From there, the framework progresses through targeted and intensive intervention levels. The system culminates in the Distinguished Tier, a space created to empower high-performing educators to innovate, lead, and shape best practices.
Participants will receive a practical blueprint to audit their current support structures and a clear roadmap for implementing a system that respects every teacher's current skills while intentionally guiding them toward distinction.
