ADE Summit 2025: Full Schedule

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10:20am CDT

Closing the Gap Before it Begins

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

Explore how early developmental instruments, collaborative discussions, and local partnerships can significantly impact student outcomes and kindergarten readiness. This session will highlight effective tools for assessing early childhood development, share strategies for fostering meaningful dialogue among educators, families, and community stakeholders, and demonstrate how building strong local partnerships can support a child's transition to kindergarten.

Speakers

Sarah Argue

Jennifer Douglas

Assistant Director, ADE: DESE Office of Early Childhood

Jessi Rice Woods

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA

Instruction, Early Learning

10:20am CDT

Elevating Instruction with HQIM: Advancing Year-Round Professional Learning Through Content Coaching

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

TBA

High-quality instructional materials (HQIM) are a powerful tool for improving student outcomes, but their impact depends on how effectively educators use them. In this session, district leaders and instructional coaches will explore strategies for building teachers’ capacity to skillfully implement HQIM through content-focused coaching. Participants will engage in discussions on best practices for coaching, learn how to support teachers in making meaningful instructional shifts, and examine real-world examples of districtwide implementation of literacy labs. Walk away with practical tools and strategies to strengthen HQIM use across your schools.

Speakers

Kiffany Pride

Assistant Commissioner, Arkansas Department of Education

Kiffany Pride currently serves as the Assistant Commissioner of Learning Services for Arkansas’ Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). With 27 years of experience, Dr. Pride has recently served as the Director of Curriculum and Assessment and RISE Assessor for the... Read More →

Dorothy Doolittle

TNTP

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA

Instruction, HQIM

Tag TLC

10:20am CDT

It's a HIT! Successes and Lessons Learned in High-Impact Tutoring

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

TBA

In this session, participants will gain a comprehensive overview of high-impact tutoring data for math and literacy from the 2024-2025 school year. We will explore the various tutoring programs implemented across the state, focusing on key metrics such as frequency, dosage, attendance, and assessment data. Participants will also hear firsthand from district representatives who have each implemented different tutoring models—whether in-person, virtual, or asynchronous—and gain insights into what they believe is crucial for a successful tutoring program. The session will conclude with an introduction to the tools and resources available to districts currently implementing high-impact tutoring initiatives.

Speakers

Amy Counts

Director of Curriculum Projects, Arkansas Division of Elementary & Secondary Education

Since 2003, I have worked in K-12 education in Massachusetts, Texas, Maryland, and Arkansas. During that time, I have worked in both rural and urban school districts, teaching students in fifth to twelfth grade. In 2019, I joined the Arkansas Division of Elementary & Secondary Education... Read More →

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA

Instruction, Math, Literacy

Tag Beginning Administrator

10:20am CDT

K2 Assessment System-Purpose driving Design - Ready for Fall 2025

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

TBA

Embark on an enlightening journey with our session, where we unravel the intricacies of the cutting-edge K-3 screener and K-2 assessment system. Discover the purpose behind this seamlessly integrated educational powerhouse, gaining insights into its purpose, key components, and the art of skillfully utilizing data. Join us to not only understand but to master the innovative features of this system, empowering you to elevate your teaching practices through informed decision-making and a deeper understanding of student needs. Let's turn data into actionable strategies, making education a dynamic and tailored experience for both educators and students alike.

Speakers

Britney Nalley

State Math Specialist, DESE

Sandy Shepard

Lori Smith

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA

Instruction, Assessment

10:20am CDT

Syntax: A Multi-Tool for Reading Comprehension and Writing

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

TBA

William van Cleave reminded us that “syntax matters” in reading and writing instruction. What makes syntax a multi-tool? Syntactic knowledge enables students to improve semantics, reading comprehension, and written expression. Syntax should be explicitly taught, focusing on function and connected to content. In this session, participants will learn how to systematically teach syntax to improve reading comprehension and written expression. The focus is the function of words in sentences and not about memorizing parts of speech.

Speakers

Michelle Elia

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA

Instruction, Literacy

10:20am CDT

Youth Engineering Solutions: High Quality Engineering Curriculum for preK-8 STEM Teaching and Learning

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

TBA

This STEM session introduces Youth Engineering Solutions (YES), a free, high-quality PreK-8 engineering curriculum aligned with science standards. Designed to support STEM schools in integrating engineering into science instruction, YES serves as a valuable supplemental resource for STEAM labs, makerspaces, and classroom learning. PreK-8 educators, school leaders, instructional facilitators, elementary and middle school science teachers, engineering teachers, EAST teachers, and library media specialists will discover how YES can enhance hands-on, inquiry-based STEM education in their schools.

Speakers

Dr. Katie Bateman

Michele Snyder

State STEM Integration Specialist, Arkansas Department of Education Division of Elementary and Secondary Education

AR STEM Model Program, AR Ready for STEM Initiative, STEM Integration, Arts Integration, K-8 STEM career competencies

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA

Instruction, STEM

11:40am CDT

Blended Learning: The Coming Necessity of Digital Content Utilization

Tuesday July 15, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT

TBA

As artificial intelligence transforms education, the need for high-quality digital content is becoming increasingly essential. True personalized learning—where students receive tailored instruction based on real-time data—requires digital content that is fully aligned with both curriculum standards and assessments. However, many educators mistakenly believe that using digital content turns them into “online teachers.” In reality, digital content is a powerful tool within a blended learning framework that enhances—not replaces—teacher instruction. In this session, educators, curriculum coordinators, and education leaders will explore why digital content is crucial for AI-driven personalization, how it supports immediate and actionable data for remediation, and how to effectively implement it in a brick-and-mortar classroom. Participants will also gain insights into effective blended learning strategies, ensuring that digital content is used to enhance student engagement and success rather than replace traditional teaching.

Speakers

John Ashworth

Executive Director & Superintendent, Virtual Arkansas

Mr. John Ashworth is the Superintendent and Executive Director of Virtual Arkansas, a State Virtual School (SVS) providing supplemental online course options to Arkansas schools. Mr. Ashworth spent eight years as a secondary science teacher and seven years as a building-level principal... Read More →

Rainbow Bagsby

UX Design Specialist, Virtual Arkansas

Rainbow Bagsby is the UX Design Specialist at Virtual Arkansas (VA) with 12 years of experience in online education. At Virtual Arkansas, Rainbow has designed and developed numerous courses and project managed the creation of the Department of Career and Technical Education’s Blended... Read More →

Candice McPherson

Tuesday July 15, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, AI

11:40am CDT

Bridging the Gap: The Arkansas Career Coach Program Helping Students to Thrive

Tuesday July 15, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT

TBA

Join us for an engaging breakout session exploring the Arkansas Career Coach Program and its impact on student success. In this interactive session, you will first get an overview of the program and how it supports students. Then, hear from a panel of career coaches and school staff who have seen the program in action. They'll answer key questions about career planning, mentorship, and how coaching can transform a student’s journey. Whether you're a superintendent, principal, educator, or counselor, this session will provide practical takeaways on how career coaching can lead to success.

Speakers

Mary Beck

Regional Specialist, DCTE

Dawsyn Cole

Johnathan Crossley

Lindsey Johnson

Julie Rhodes

Ashley Shaw

Tuesday July 15, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, CTE

11:40am CDT

Pre-K AR STEM Model Program Rubric and Early Childhood STEM Professional Learning Resources

Tuesday July 15, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT

TBA

This STEM session for PreK educators and school leaders will explore why early childhood is the ideal stage to introduce STEM teaching and learning. Participants will learn about the PreK STEM Model School designation and the benefits of becoming an Arkansas STEM Model Program School. The session will feature insights from early childhood STEM experts in Arkansas and provide an overview of the Arkansas STEM Model Program PreK Rubric along with valuable professional learning resources to support high-quality STEM instruction in early childhood settings.

Speakers

Romona Haney

Michele Snyder

State STEM Integration Specialist, Arkansas Department of Education Division of Elementary and Secondary Education

AR STEM Model Program, AR Ready for STEM Initiative, STEM Integration, Arts Integration, K-8 STEM career competencies

Tuesday July 15, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, STEM

11:40am CDT

Teaching and Learning Collaborative: Strengthening System and Instructional Coherence Through High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) and High-quality Professional Learning (HQPL)

Tuesday July 15, 2025 11:40am - 1:10pm CDT

Horner Hall

System and instructional coherence don’t happen by chance—they are intentionally built through aligned leadership, shared vision, and the thoughtful use of high-quality instructional materials and professional learning. In this collaborative session, district curriculum leaders will explore how leveraging HIQM and HQPL can serve as powerful conduits for supporting teachers, aligning instruction to standards, and ensuring consistent, grade-level learning experiences across classrooms. Participants will examine real-world examples, engage in cross-district dialogue, and reflect on strategies to build coherence from the district office to the classroom. Leave with a clearer roadmap for using materials not just as resources but as catalysts for instructional transformation.

Speakers

Jamila Newman

Vice President of Transformation, TNTP

As Vice President of Transformation, Jamila Newman strengthens the quality of TNTP’s work in the field and drives the learning, codification, and ongoing knowledge management that supports our client-facing teams. Prior to this role, Jamila served as a Senior Partner, leading a... Read More →

Tuesday July 15, 2025 11:40am - 1:10pm CDT
Horner Hall Hot Springs Convention Center

Instruction, Lunch & Learn

Tag TLC

1:00pm CDT

Cracking the Code: Merit & Distinction in Success-Ready Pathways

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

TBA

With recent updates to Success-Ready Pathways, it's essential for educators, counselors, and administrators to have a clear understanding of the Merit and Distinction designations. This session will break down the key changes, outline what they mean for students and schools, and provide clarity on implementation. In addition to a detailed overview, attendees will hear from showcase schools that have successfully guided their students to achieve Merit and Distinction. These schools will share their strategies, challenges, and best practices to help others replicate their success. Join us for an insightful session that combines information and inspiration to prepare students for success.

Speakers

Ross White

State CTE Director, Arkansas Department of Education

Ross White, Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE), brings a wealth of CTE experience and knowledge to the division. Before serving as vice principal at Siloam Springs High School, a position he has held since July 2019, White was the director of the school’s CTE program... Read More →

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, CTE

1:00pm CDT

Meaningful Access for Students with Disabilities

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

TBA

This session will provide an overview of the Arkansas Meaningful Access and Participation Project, which supports schools in ensuring all students, including those with disabiltiies, have access to high-quality core instruction. Participants will hear success stories from participating schools and explore key data trends, lessons learned, and the projcet's impact on improving student outcomes.

Speakers

Jeff Adams

SSIP Coordinator, Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education

Becky McIver

SSIP Coordinator, DESE

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, Special Education

Tag Beginning Administrator

2:20pm CDT

AR STEM Model Program

Tuesday July 15, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT

TBA

Learn about the benefits of being a STEM school and being a designated model STEM school in Arkansas. Meet the school leaders who are doing this well in designated model schools from rural, urban and suburban PreK - 12 schools across the state.

Speakers

Michele Snyder

State STEM Integration Specialist, Arkansas Department of Education Division of Elementary and Secondary Education

AR STEM Model Program, AR Ready for STEM Initiative, STEM Integration, Arts Integration, K-8 STEM career competencies

Tuesday July 15, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, STEM

2:20pm CDT

Arkansas Celebrates America 250: Integrating History Across the Curriculum

Tuesday July 15, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT

TBA

As the nation prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Arkansas educators have a unique opportunity to bring this historic milestone to life in their classrooms. This professional development session will explore ways to integrate the Arkansas Celebrates America 250 initiative across multiple content areas, including ELA, social studies, and fine arts.

Educators will discover engaging strategies to enhance literacy instruction through historical reading, writing, and discussion. Social studies teachers will gain practical resources to deepen students' connection to America’s past, while fine arts educators will explore creative approaches—through music, theater, and visual arts—to celebrate our nation’s heritage. By highlighting diverse contributions and inspiring civic engagement, this session will provide a roadmap for making America 250 a meaningful learning experience for all students.

Join us to explore lesson ideas, best practices, and cross-disciplinary approaches that will help bring this historic celebration into Arkansas classrooms!

Speakers

Amber Pirnique

Disciplinary Literacy Program Manager, Arkansas Department of Education

Currently serving as Disciplinary Literacy Program Manager for DESE, Amber Pirnique began her education career in 1999 in Waxahachie, Texas, graduating with degrees in secondary education: History and English. She taught in the Dallas Fort Worth area and in rural Missouri. Before... Read More →

Tuesday July 15, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, Social Studies

2:20pm CDT

Key Levers for Instructional Leaders: Strengthening Math Instruction Through Observation and Feedback

Tuesday July 15, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT

TBA

In this session, participants will explore observation trends in math classrooms through the lens of five key instructional levers for leaders: Structures for Learning, Aligned Content, Direct Instruction, Student Practice, and Assessment/Differentiation. Participants will walk away with a deeper understanding of key "Look Fors" in math instruction and strategies for setting targeted coaching goals at the teacher, grade level, and school level to drive meaningful change.

Speakers

Ciara Gulley

State Math Specialist, ADE

Tekeeta Funchess

Tuesday July 15, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, Math

Tag TLC

2:20pm CDT

Lab Partner 2.0: Revolutionizing Hands-On Science in the Digital Age

Tuesday July 15, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT

TBA

How do students experience authentic hands-on science in an online learning environment? This session explores Virtual Arkansas' innovative approach to delivering high-quality science education in the digital space. We'll share our hybrid model that integrates Labster's immersive simulations, PhET interactive experiments, and hands-on lab kits to create meaningful learning experiences that meet rigorous academic standards. Through practical examples and live demonstrations, we'll examine how virtual tools and physical materials work together to develop essential lab skills. The session will also explore an emerging frontier: the role of AI as a lab partner. Can AI effectively guide students through experiments, assist with data analysis, and foster scientific thinking? Join us for an interactive discussion about creating dynamic, student-centered science experiences where cutting-edge technology and hands-on learning converge.

Session Outcomes:
•Discover strategies for blending virtual and physical lab experiences
•Explore specific tools and platforms for virtual science instruction
•Examine the potential role of AI in enhancing online lab experiences
•Learn practical approaches for meeting science standards in a virtual environment

This presentation includes time for audience Q&A and collaborative discussion about the future of labs in virtual classrooms

Speakers

Rainbow Bagsby

UX Design Specialist, Virtual Arkansas

Justin Howell

Cecilia Gray

CTE Design Specialist, Virtual Arkansas

Mrs. Gray serves as the CTE Design Specialist for Virtual Arkansas, where she also manages online Career and Technical Education (CTE) curriculum creation projects. Prior to this role, she taught the three concurrent credit and CTE credit Pre-Educator courses for Virtual Arkansas... Read More →

Tuesday July 15, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, Science

2:20pm CDT

Leveraging Morphological Awareness for Vocabulary and Comprehension

Tuesday July 15, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT

TBA

Morphemes are the building blocks of meaning, tools for decoding, and critical structures for syntax. They are truly mesmerizing units of language that, when taught explicitly, can improve students' reading comprehension and written expression. This session will review why and how we should teach to build morphological awareness. Spoiler alert: It’s not about memorizing morphemes!

Speakers

Michelle Elia

Tuesday July 15, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, Literacy

3:40pm CDT

Key Levers Tool for Leaders - Comprehension

Tuesday July 15, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT

TBA

In this session, participants will explore observation trends in literacy classrooms through the lens of five key instructional levers for leaders: Structures for Learning, Aligned Content, Direct Instruction, Student Practice, and Assessment/Differentiation. Participants will walk away with a deeper understanding of key "Look Fors" in literacy instruction and strategies for teaching comprehension to support grade level reading.

Speakers

Tieal Hollimon

Senior Effectiveness Coach, TNTP

Sandy Shepard

Tuesday July 15, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, Literacy

Tag TLC

3:40pm CDT

Practice, Practice: Learning is Not a Spectator Sport

Tuesday July 15, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT

TBA

When students have consistent, active engagement in quality practice opportunities, they develop the essential skills needed for reading and writing proficiency. Grounded in research, this session emphasizes the importance of actively engaging all learners in sufficient, frequent, and varied student practice opportunities during foundational skills instruction. In this session, educators will explore effective strategies for increasing student practice in literacy leveraging High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM). Participants will acquire practical engagement strategies to skillfully implement into their HQIM.

Speakers

Meredith Cotter

Senior Manager, TNTP

LaShanda Simmons Fason

TNTP, Inc.

Ashley Harris

Tuesday July 15, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, HQIM

3:40pm CDT

Supporting Accelerated Learning with International Baccalaureate Programs

Tuesday July 15, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT

TBA

Come learn more about various programming available through the International Baccalaureate Organization and how to implement the programming in your school to support student learning and pathways to employment, enrollment and enlistment. Programs include the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, which is utilized to earn the IB Diploma.

Speakers

Francis Lansiquot

Development Manager, International Baccalaureate Organization

Tuesday July 15, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, Accelerated Learning

3:40pm CDT

Understanding the Decoding Threshold for Reading Success

Tuesday July 15, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT

TBA

Unlock the science behind early reading success by diving into the concept of the Decoding Threshold. In this session, participants will explore research-based insights into how reaching a critical level of decoding accuracy transforms reading comprehension and fluency outcomes for students. We will highlight Magpie’s collaboration with Little Rock School District (LRSD) and Lighthouse Charter Schools, where intentional focus on achieving the Decoding Threshold led to measurable gains in literacy.

Tuesday July 15, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
TBA

Instruction, Literacy