Explore how newer AP course offerings create meaningful entry points into rigorous, accelerated learning while helping students prepare for life after graduation. Courses highlighted include AP Seminar/AP Seminar English 10, AP Business with Personal Finance, AP Precalculus, and AP Cybersecurity.
Participants will gain practical strategies to expand AP programs, strengthen alignment to graduation pathways, and equip students with the career-ready skills needed for success beyond high school.
What happens when creativity becomes the heartbeat of instruction? In this engaging and practical breakout session, participants will explore how arts integration can transform student engagement, strengthen academic achievement, and build a thriving school culture. Through real classroom examples, interactive experiences, and ready-to-use strategies, attendees will discover how the arts can move beyond "specials" and become a powerful tool for deeper learning across all content areas. Whether you are a classroom teacher, instructional coach, arts specialist, or school leader, this session will leave participants inspired with creative ideas, collaborative strategies, and practical next steps for bringing learning to life in your school.
Being the District Testing Coordinator is a heavy lift. With new assessments and assessment monitoring coming at us each year, having a system for tracking who was supposed to and who successfully attempted an assessment is paramount to having a successful testing season. Determining eligibilities, managing students expecting to test as students continuously move into and out of the district, and ensuring you reach 95% tested for accountability purposes can all be accomplished by pulling data from the TIDE platform, feeding the dataset into R, and producing an interactive Google Sheet. These sheets allow for tracking of student enrollment along with test completion and produces an overall snapshot of percent tested as we move throughout the testing windows. Completing these sheets at the district level saves schools time and people hours during testing.
District Testing Coordinator, Springdale Public School District
I am the district testing coordinator for Springdale. This is my 21st year in education. Having started out in math education Missouri, I came to Arkansas to attend grad school and never left. I have experience working with accountability models and large data sets.
Starting the school year as a new administrator can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating the complexities of special education. In this session, experienced special education leaders from across the state will share the most critical information new administrators need from day one. From understanding the process of referral to dismissal and everything in between, participants will gain practical guidance to ensure compliance and support student success. This session is designed to build administrator confidence, strengthen decision-making, and set new administrators up for a successful start in leading special education programs.
School improvement efforts are most effective when teachers understand the "why" behind the work and have access to systems that make data meaningful and actionable. This session is designed for principals, assistant principals, and instructional leaders seeking practical strategies for building staff capacity around school improvement initiatives.
Participants will explore how school leaders can increase teacher understanding of state accountability systems by translating complex accountability measures into clear, relevant information that connects directly to classroom practice. Presenters will share strategies used to help teachers develop ownership of school performance goals and understand their role in improving student outcomes.
Additionally, attendees will learn about systems developed to monitor, analyze, and discuss student achievement data throughout the school year. The session will highlight processes for tracking student growth and proficiency, facilitating data conversations, and aligning intervention efforts with school improvement priorities. Through real-world examples from a large junior high school, participants will gain practical tools for connecting accountability, data analysis, and instructional decision-making in ways that strengthen teacher efficacy and improve ATLAS results.
Federal and categorical funds can do more than “cover costs”. They can become powerful tools for accelerating student success when used strategically, creatively, and compliantly. Join Ashten Black (CFO) and Kris Williams (Assistant Superintendent) for a session designed specifically for school and district leaders who want to maximize every dollar while avoiding costly mistakes.
This session provides school administrators and district leaders with a practical overview of how the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) interacts with the overtime requirements established under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Participants will explore what these requirements mean for school districts, how to ensure compliance, and what changes may be needed in current compensation and scheduling practices.
The waters of young adolescence have grown increasingly turbulent. Between the "Great Rewiring" of childhood and the shifting social dynamics of the digital age, educators and leaders are often left wondering how to steady the ship. This session dives deep into the heart of the modern youth experience, using two of the most influential works of our time as our navigational stars. We will begin by exploring the "why" behind the current mental health crisis using Jonathan Haidt's The Anxious Generation. Haidt's research illuminates how the shift from play-based childhood to phone-based childhood has created a "Great Rewiring," leaving many young adolescents adrift in an epidemic of anxiety and isolation. Understanding this landscape is the first step in helping our students find their way back to solid ground. However, diagnosing the problem is only half the battle. To provide a way forward, we turn to David Yeager's 10 to 25. Yeager offers a groundbreaking, science-backed approach to leadership that moves away from the "nagging" or "compliance" models of the past. Instead, we will learn how to tap into the natural neurobiological drives of the adolescent brain, specifically the need for status and respect, to foster resilience, motivation, and genuine connection.
I have been a proud Arkansas Educator for 30 years. I have been involved with Arkansas Schools to Watch since 2008, and currently serve as Arkansas State Co-Director. Becoming an Arkansas School to Watch offers numerous benefits, including national recognition, access to best practices... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 8:15am - 9:15am CDT Manning (M)
This session highlights the transformation of DYS education from non-standardized instructional models to a structured, accountability-driven system in which adjudicated youth now meet—and often exceed—academic growth expectations. Participants will gain an inside look at DYS operations and educational practices, including: • How youth enter custody and the average duration of placement. • Integration of Virtual Arkansas and vocational programming within restrictive environments. • Coordinating academics, behavior intervention, mental health services, and special education simultaneously. • Breaking misconceptions about DYS students and building collaborative Education, Behavior, and Wellness plans aligned with DESE standards.
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 →
What do the teachers with the highest VAM scores across the Arch Ford region have in common? In this session, we’ll share key findings from a regional study conducted in partnership with UCA examining the instructional practices of teachers whose students demonstrate the highest levels of growth in math, ELA, and science. We’ll explore how these teachers are using high-quality instructional materials (HQIM), the instructional routines and supports they prioritize, and the leadership practices that help them succeed. Perhaps most importantly, participants will discuss what these insights mean for their own schools and identify practical strategies administrators can replicate to support teacher effectiveness and accelerate student growth.
Family engagement has always been one of the strongest predictors of student success. When families feel connected to their district and confident navigating school systems, students show better attendance, stronger academic outcomes, and deeper community support.
But many districts struggle to create meaningful engagement because communication is fragmented. Families search for answers across websites, emails, phone calls, and social media, while staff spend hours managing inbound questions and reactive attendance outreach.
In this session, participants will explore how districts are rethinking communication as a foundation for family engagement. Attendees will see how modern districts are creating unified communication experiences that help families find answers, ask questions, and engage in meaningful conversations with their schools—all within a secure, district-branded platform.
Through examples including Community Experience and Attendance Pro, this session will show how districts can reduce communication friction, engage families earlier, and build stronger partnerships that support student success.
You have an AI policy—now what? This session guides district leaders through the next steps of implementing AI initiatives in schools. Participants will explore strategic and ethical considerations, key non-negotiables for implementation, and practical ways to measure the impact of AI on teaching, learning, and district operations.
Dr. Robin Finley is starting her 38th year as an educator in Arkansas. She has been a teacher, coach, athletic director, counselor, building and district administrator, adjunct professor, and Digital Learning Coordinator at DESE. She has helped schools across the state learn to... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 8:15am - 9:15am CDT Drew (SCC)
This session outlines processes for school safety and how SROs are involved. Participants will work through safety, discipline, and search and seizure.
Conway High School Principal, Conway Public Schools
Dr. Katti Worley has dedicated 15 years of service to the students, staff, and families of Conway Public Schools, building a career centered on instructional leadership, organizational growth, and a steadfast commitment to student success. She began her career at Conway Junior High... Read More →
This session equips administrators with practical strategies to proactively support educators in understanding and upholding the Code of Ethics. Participants will explore common ethical pitfalls, how to recognize early warning signs, and what administrators can do to create a culture of ethical awareness and accountability. The session will also offer guidance on how administrators themselves can avoid ethics violations, ensuring they model the professional standards expected of all educators.
This training session, Vision Casting to Create Systems of Communication, guides school leaders and educators through the process of building effective communication systems that strengthen school culture and collaboration. Participants will explore how to identify campus needs, develop a unifying annual theme, and align administrative and teacher teams to support the vision. The session highlights practical tools such as communication structures, behavior support systems, and collaborative team models that streamline information flow and foster shared leadership. Attendees will leave equipped with strategies to enhance engagement, reduce burnout, and create a cohesive, communicative school environment.
My journey in education has been anything but traditional, and I believe that’s what fuels my deep passion for serving students, staff, and families. I began my career in public education as a custodian before becoming a teacher and eventually serving as principal of Cabot Middle... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 8:15am - 9:15am CDT Salon B (M)
How can we anchor our teaching in innovation to ensure every adolescent learner succeeds? This session introduces the Arkansas Adolescent Literacy Intervention, an approach rooted in the internationally recognized Strategic Instruction Model (SIM). Operating on the foundational principle that all students can achieve when provided with research-validated tools, SIM offers a powerful framework for transformative teaching and learning. Participants will explore an overview of innovative strategies and routines designed to boost student engagement, academic growth, and overall success. We will focus on two core components: *Content Enhancement Routines: Discover teacher-focused tools designed for planning and leading learning for a diverse group of students, ensuring content is clear, accessible, and memorable. *Learning Strategies: Explore student-focused strategies that teach students how to learn, equipping them with essential skills for acquiring, storing, and expressing knowledge independently.
Additionally, we will introduce Xtreme Reading, a spiral curriculum designed to help close reading gaps, and discuss its correlation to the Science of Reading.
You will leave this session able to identify specific teaching routines and strategies to enhance literacy and academic success for students in grades 4-12.
Join us to discover how Arkansas’s own SIM powerhouse, the Mashburn Center for Learning at the University of Central Arkansas, supports educators in implementing these evidence-based practices to meet the needs of all learners. Partner with us to explore how to equip your students with the strategic tools they need to thrive and leave with a comprehensive overview of routines and strategies you could learn to implement in your classroom.
Explore how Advanced Placement resources can support subject acceleration and advanced coursework readiness. Participants will explore how AP formative and summative data, provided through AP Classroom and AP Instructional Planning reports, can be used to monitor student progress and guide instructional adjustments. Participants will also explore how AP Potential can be used to identify students for future accelerated coursework through AP.
Participants will leave the session ready to create action plans for using AP data to impact student outcomes.
Starting the school year as a new administrator can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating the complexities of special education. In this session, experienced special education leaders from across the state will share the most critical information new administrators need from day one. From understanding the process of referral to dismissal and everything in between, participants will gain practical guidance to ensure compliance and support student success. This session is designed to build administrator confidence, strengthen decision-making, and set new administrators up for a successful start in leading special education programs.
Conway High School Principal, Conway Public Schools
Dr. Katti Worley has dedicated 15 years of service to the students, staff, and families of Conway Public Schools, building a career centered on instructional leadership, organizational growth, and a steadfast commitment to student success. She began her career at Conway Junior High... Read More →
Federal and categorical funds can do more than “cover costs”. They can become powerful tools for accelerating student success when used strategically, creatively, and compliantly. Join Ashten Black (CFO) and Kris Williams (Assistant Superintendent) for a session designed specifically for school and district leaders who want to maximize every dollar while avoiding costly mistakes.
This session provides school administrators and district leaders with a practical overview of how the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) interacts with the overtime requirements established under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Participants will explore what these requirements mean for school districts, how to ensure compliance, and what changes may be needed in current compensation and scheduling practices.
This session explores the benefits and risks of educators' use of social media. Participants will examine legal considerations related to personal social media accounts, including privacy concerns and potential liability when sharing classroom activities or student information. The session will highlight relevant legal cases and provide best practices for responsible social media use, protecting personal accounts, and maintaining alignment with district policies. The goal for attendees is to leave with the ability to navigate personal social media professionally while minimizing legal and reputational risk.
Dr. Robin Finley is starting her 38th year as an educator in Arkansas. She has been a teacher, coach, athletic director, counselor, building and district administrator, adjunct professor, and Digital Learning Coordinator at DESE. She has helped schools across the state learn to... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT Drew (SCC)
The waters of young adolescence have grown increasingly turbulent. Between the "Great Rewiring" of childhood and the shifting social dynamics of the digital age, educators and leaders are often left wondering how to steady the ship. This session dives deep into the heart of the modern youth experience, using two of the most influential works of our time as our navigational stars. We will begin by exploring the "why" behind the current mental health crisis using Jonathan Haidt's The Anxious Generation. Haidt's research illuminates how the shift from play-based childhood to phone-based childhood has created a "Great Rewiring," leaving many young adolescents adrift in an epidemic of anxiety and isolation. Understanding this landscape is the first step in helping our students find their way back to solid ground. However, diagnosing the problem is only half the battle. To provide a way forward, we turn to David Yeager's 10 to 25. Yeager offers a groundbreaking, science-backed approach to leadership that moves away from the "nagging" or "compliance" models of the past. Instead, we will learn how to tap into the natural neurobiological drives of the adolescent brain, specifically the need for status and respect, to foster resilience, motivation, and genuine connection.
I have been a proud Arkansas Educator for 30 years. I have been involved with Arkansas Schools to Watch since 2008, and currently serve as Arkansas State Co-Director. Becoming an Arkansas School to Watch offers numerous benefits, including national recognition, access to best practices... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT Manning (M)
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 →
What do the teachers with the highest VAM scores across the Arch Ford region have in common? In this session, we’ll share key findings from a regional study conducted in partnership with UCA examining the instructional practices of teachers whose students demonstrate the highest levels of growth in math, ELA, and science. We’ll explore how these teachers are using high-quality instructional materials (HQIM), the instructional routines and supports they prioritize, and the leadership practices that help them succeed. Perhaps most importantly, participants will discuss what these insights mean for their own schools and identify practical strategies administrators can replicate to support teacher effectiveness and accelerate student growth.
This session offers attendees a better understanding of the school letter grade and how it is calculated. Attendees will leave with answers to the following questions. How do I find my bottom quartile? How many points do I need in each tested subject area (and at every grade level) to get to an A? What does it mean to "meet growth?" What exactly is the "growth target?" What is the point value of each student toward the school letter grade? What are some scenarios in which students have a point value in multiple categories? How should I structure my master schedule to support a higher school letter grade? Where should I place my strongest teachers in the master schedule? How do I align teacher accountability to school accountability? ...& many more!
This session provides administrators with current updates to ethics-related processes and procedures, with a focused look at PLSB 24-Hour Standard 1 Reporting and Mandated Reporting of Disqualifying Offenses. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of reporting timelines, responsibilities, and the steps required to remain in compliance with state standards.
This presentation will explore how transformational leadership builds a positive, collaborative school culture through intentional action. We will discuss gathering and responding to authentic feedback from students and staff, motivating and incentivizing student effort, promoting strong team building, and maintaining high leadership visibility. The session will also highlight the importance of data-driven discussions and decision-making to guide improvement efforts. Ultimately, the focus will be on turning feedback and data into meaningful action that strengthens climate, culture, and student success.
Based on a research study of principals whose schools were recognized for academic growth, this session focuses on the leadership moves that some Arkansas principals are making to lead schools that demonstrate the highest academic growth on end of year assessments. Interviews with principals, examination of data, and analysis of leadership practices points to a few fundamental principles and practical strategies that consistently make a difference for student academic growth.
Michael Hensley currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Practice in Educational Leadership at the University of Arkansas. Previously, he worked in the Van Buren School District as assistant principal then principal of the Freshman Academy. He taught English and coached basketball... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT White Oak (MCC)
This presentation shares the story of why one educator remains committed to education, even when the work around us feels increasingly challenging. It is designed as an interactive session that invites participants to reflect deeply on their own "why": why they continue to serve as administrators, teachers, and educators. Participants will engage in meaningful dialogue and reflection, recognizing that this experience will be mutually enriching, with the presenter learning just as much from participants as they will from the presentation.
