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.
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.
