2026 AAEA Summer Conference

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.

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.

A review of the 2026-2027 CTE Pathway Guide and other news from DCTE.

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.

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.

A review of the 2026-2027 CTE Pathway Guide and other news from DCTE.

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.