ADE Summit 2025: Full Schedule

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10:20am CDT

Beyond the numbers - What does the ATLAS summative data tell a leader about their systems?

Wednesday July 16, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

Learn how to leverage your summative data to identify gaps in your curriculum and pinpoint areas of improvement. This session will explore how data can reveal whether curriculum issues, system-wide challenges, or specific teacher or grade-level problems are at the root of performance gaps.

Speakers

Michelle Johnson

Director of Assessment, Department of Elementary & Secondary Education

Andy Sullivan

Director of Educator Effectiveness, DESE

Wednesday July 16, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA

Operations, Data

10:20am CDT

Driving Sustained Success: Effective Use of Monitoring and Accountability Tools

Wednesday July 16, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

TBA

Leaders will explore how AR App goals—developed using current needs assessment data—shape educational systems, inform monitoring efforts, and strengthen accountability partnerships with DESE. By leveraging district resources to meet the identified areas for growth, leaders will ensure that all available tools and supports are maximized to address specific needs. On-site monitoring updates and data collection will be integral to tracking progress, identifying challenges, and ensuring continuous improvement. Staying informed on these critical initiatives will better position leaders to implement a continuous cycle of improvement, enhance educational quality, and effectively utilize monitoring as a tool for sustained growth and success.

Speakers

Matt Sewell

Assistant Commissioner, DESE

Wednesday July 16, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA

Operations, Accountability

Tag Beginning Administrator

10:20am CDT

From Breakfast to Brilliance: Elevating School Breakfast Programs

Wednesday July 16, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

Exhibit Hall B

This panel discussion will cover practical strategies for promoting breakfast in schools, including creative approaches to overcoming barriers such as student awareness and logistical challenges. Additionally, the session discusses navigating Arkansas Act 123.

Speakers

Courtney Erick

Area Specialist Supervisor, Arkansas Department of Education

Courtney Erick is a registered dietitian with a master's degree from Iowa State University. She is Passionate about promoting healthy eating habits. Courtney combines her academic background with practical experience as a ServSafe Instructor and Proctor and a certified Child Nutrition... Read More →

Wednesday July 16, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
Exhibit Hall B Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations, Child Nutrition

10:20am CDT

Hot Topics with ADE Leadership

Wednesday July 16, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

Horner Hall

Moderators

Stacy Smith

Deputy Commissioner, Arkansas Department of Education

Stacy Smith is a dedicated education professional currently serving as the Deputy Commissioner for the Arkansas Department of Education. With a passion for improving education in the state for all students and educators alike, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the state's educational... Read More →

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 →

Matt Sewell

Assistant Commissioner, DESE

Sheila Whitlow

Associate Deputy Commissioner, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education

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 →

Darrell Smith

Assistant Commissioner of School Choice & Parent Empowerment, Arkansas Department of Education

Darrell Smith has been involved in education for over 30 years. He spent almost 20 years in Arkansas serving as a teacher, principal, and administrator, helping to lead one of the largest private schools in the country to National Blue Ribbon status. He has recently led a number of... Read More →

Tonya Williams

Hope Worsham

Asst. Commissioner of Public School Accountability, DESE

Wednesday July 16, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
Horner Hall Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations

10:20am CDT

Finance Cycles and Troubleshooting Tips

Wednesday July 16, 2025 10:20am - 12:20pm CDT

TBA

This session will cover data fields within the FinancePLUS software that are reported in the state reporting cycles and will troubleshoot cycle errors and corrections. This session is for any users who enter data into the eFinance software, especially for the SIS Coordinator for cycles 1,8,9.

Speakers

Jessica Wiley

APSCN Financial Support, Arkansas Dept of Education

Wednesday July 16, 2025 10:20am - 12:20pm CDT
TBA

Operations, Finance

11:40am CDT

Cyber Safety and Digital Wellness: Helping Students Be Safer and Healthier in a Digital World

Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT

TBA

This session will provide an overview of cyber safety and digital wellness for students including topics such as media literacy, online safety, critical thinking skills, and physical and emotional impacts.

Speakers

Ray Gridler

Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA

Operations, Cybersecurity

11:40am CDT

Developing an Emergency Operations Plan

Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT

TBA

A presentation on creating an emergency operations plan (EOP) for public schools using the DESE EOP template outlines essential steps for preparedness and response. Topics include risk assessment, communication strategies, evacuation procedures, and coordination with first responders. The Safe Schools Unit emphasizes proactive planning, staff training, and student safety to ensure a swift, organized response to various emergencies.

Speakers

Jerry Keefer

Arkansas Safe Schools Director, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education

Prior to joining ADE, Keefer worked as a special agent in charge of the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office since 2020. During that time, he supervised various units including the Executive Protection Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children Investigations Unit, and Digital Forensics... Read More →

Jason Weatherly

Safe School Coordinator, Arkansas Department of Education - DESE

Jason is an Arkansas native. He has over twenty-five years experience in construction, building inspections, and academic facilities. Before joining the Safe Schools Unit, Jason worked for ADE DPSAFT as a Facilities Project Manager where he reviewed and inspected construction projects... Read More →

Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA

Operations, School Safety

Tag Beginning Administrator

11:40am CDT

From Policy to Plate: The Latest Child Nutrition Updates Impacting Schools

Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT

Exhibit Hall B

This is a must-attend session for school foodservice professionals looking to stay up-to-date with the latest child nutrition policies, regulations, and best practices. As child nutrition continues to evolve, it’s essential for foodservice teams to understand how new changes impact their operations. This session will include a look into Buy American, Direct Certification with Medicaid and more.

Speakers

Krista Jackson

Program Operations, Child Nutrition, ADE, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education

Krista Jackson is the Associate Director of Program Operations with the Child Nutrition Unit. Ms. Jackson has 14 years of experience working in Child Nutrition. She currently trains, hires, and supports Area Specialist who administer the Administrative and Procurement Reviews in... Read More →

Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
Exhibit Hall B Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations, Child Nutrition

11:40am CDT

Scheduling Simplified!

Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT

TBA

This session will provide an overview of how scheduling works, the factors influencing course placement, and the collaborative efforts required to build a balanced, student-centered schedule.

Speakers

Echo Dickson

APSCN Field Analyst, Arkansas Dept of Education

Lindsay Ledgerwood

Lupe Peña de Martínez

Director of Student Support Services, ADE-DESE

Lupe Peña de Martínez is a native of San Diego de Alejandria, Jalisco, México. Recently celebrating her 26-year anniversary as an Arkansan, having moved to the Natural State in July 1998, by way of California. Her husband, Adelso, is a native of Belize and they have a beautiful... Read More →

Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA

Operations, Data

Tag Beginning Administrator

1:00pm CDT

Beyond Diapers -The Reasons and Benefits of Serving Babies!

Wednesday July 16, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

TBA

Find out which school districts are serving infant and toddler aged children; Serving infants and toddlers in school districts is a growing trend, and the reasons behind it are both practical and impactful. Research shows that early intervention during the first three years of life—when brain development is at its peak—can significantly enhance cognitive, social, and emotional growth. High-quality early childhood settings provide nurturing environments that foster these developments, setting a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Beyond developmental benefits, serving younger children can address broader community needs. For example, it supports working families by providing reliable care and education, and it helps identify and address developmental delays early, reducing the need for intensive interventions later. Additionally, programs like Early Head Start and similar initiatives ensure access to resources for low-income families.

Speakers

Brandy Ishmon

Andrea Martin

Superintendent, Greenland School District

Dr. Andrea Martin currently serves as Superintendent for the Greenland School District, and has worked as a Title I paraprofessional, a Language Arts, ELL and Math Teacher and an Adult Education Teacher for the Danville School District. Additionally, her experience includes working... Read More →

Lisa McGhee

Southside School District

Wednesday July 16, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA

Operations, Early Childhood

Tag Beginning Administrator

1:00pm CDT

eSchool What You Need to Know for School Year 2026

Wednesday July 16, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

TBA

During this session we will delve into the additions to state reporting requirements and changes to some eSchoolPLUS processes for 2025-2026. This session would benefit all eSchool data entry users.

Speakers

Melissa Young

APSCN Student Field Support, ADE

Wednesday July 16, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA

Operations, Data

1:00pm CDT

Integrating Cybersecurity Into School Emergency Operations Plans

Wednesday July 16, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

TBA

The goal of this session is to provide background information on why cybersecurity is important in the context of school safety planning, to identify common cyber threats facing K-12 networks and systems, and to discuss the importance of developing a Cyber annex as part of the school emergency operations plan.

Speakers

Ray Gridler

Wednesday July 16, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA

Operations, Cybersecurity

1:00pm CDT

Screen Time: Guidance and Guardrails

Wednesday July 16, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

TBA

In an age of digital learning, how much screen time is too much? This session shares how Fayetteville Public Schools developed K–12 screen time guidance rooted in the latest research and responsive to the developmental needs of students. Learn how district leaders crafted practical guardrails to support healthy, purposeful technology use in the classroom—without compromising innovation or engagement. Participants will leave with replicable strategies and insights for developing balanced screen time policies in their own schools or districts.

Wednesday July 16, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA

Operations

2:20pm CDT

Clean Data Matters: SIS and SFA – Common Errors and Solutions

Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT

TBA

This session will focus on the importance of maintaining clean data within both SIS and SFA systems. Participants will learn about common data errors, their impact, and practical strategies for identifying and correcting them. The session aims to equip administrators and data stewards with the knowledge needed to ensure data accuracy and support effective program management.

Speakers

Jeffrey Fetters

School Performance Program Advisor, Arkansas Department of Education

Jill Johnson

APSCN Student Applications Manager, Arkansas Department of Education

Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT
TBA

Operations, Data

Tag Beginning Administrator

2:20pm CDT

Feeding the Future: Leveraging AI to Enhance Child Nutrition Programs

Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT

Exhibit Hall B

This session will explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the child nutrition meal programs. Attendees will learn how AI can optimize meal planning, increase participation, and promote your school’s child nutrition program. We will highlight real-world applications of AI in managing programs, from creating a HACCP food safety plan, generating a newsletter, to driving participation with menu planning.

Speakers

Courtney Erick

Area Specialist Supervisor, Arkansas Department of Education

Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT
Exhibit Hall B Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations, Child Nutrition

2:20pm CDT

No-Cost Meals for Every Student

Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT

TBA

Ensuring that every student has access to nutritious meals at no cost is a crucial step toward academic success and overall well-being. This session will provide an overview of key programs such as Provision 2 and the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), along with other district-funded initiatives that allow schools to offer meals at no cost to students. We will explore how federal and state funding can support school districts in implementing these programs, reducing financial burdens on families while improving student nutrition. Additionally, we will discuss the role of enhanced student achievement funding and its potential impact when electing these meal programs. Join us to gain valuable insights into the funding strategies and program options available to ensure that every student has access to healthy, no-cost meals.

Speakers

Krista Jackson

Program Operations, Child Nutrition, ADE, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education

Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT
TBA

Operations, Child Nutrition

2:20pm CDT

School Safety and Security 101

Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT

TBA

A presentation on best practices in public school safety and security, highlighting key strategies for ensuring a secure learning environment. Topics include emergency preparedness, threat assessment, access control, staff training, and student engagement. The Safe Schools Unit will discuss proactive measures, crisis response protocols, and collaboration with law enforcement to enhance school safety effectively.

Speakers

Jerry Keefer

Arkansas Safe Schools Director, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education

Jason Weatherly

Safe School Coordinator, Arkansas Department of Education - DESE

Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT
TBA

Operations, School Safety

Tag Beginning Administrator

2:20pm CDT

What's behind the score?: School Rating Revised Formula

Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT

TBA

As educators, understanding that the A to F grading system serves as a vital tool for gauging school performance and driving improvement initiatives is critical. It is with great pleasure that ADE announces significant enhancements to this system, aimed at fostering a more simplified approach to assessing our schools' achievements.

Speakers

Hope Worsham

Asst. Commissioner of Public School Accountability, DESE

Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT
TBA

Operations, Accountability

Tag Beginning Administrator

2:20pm CDT

Tier I Training

Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:20pm - 4:20pm CDT

TBA

ACA §6-20-2204 requires Superintendents and bookkeepers to attend a minimum of 2 hours of annual training on school laws, expenditure of school funds, fiscal accountability, school finance, ethics, and financial accounting and reporting. This class meets the requirements of the law. Additionally, school districts are required to provide 2 hours of Tier II training. Some districts choose to use this course to meet that requirement.

Speakers

Sharon Chuculate

Financial Services Coordinator, AR Association of Educational Administrtors

Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:20pm - 4:20pm CDT
TBA

Operations, Finance

3:40pm CDT

Local Lead Spotlight - Enhancing Executive Function Skills in Early Childhood

Wednesday July 16, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT

TBA

See how early childhood programs are focusing on the foundational concepts of executive function (EF) and its critical role in early childhood development. Participants will explore practical, evidence-based strategies to support the growth of EF skills—such as working memory, cognitive flexibility, and self-regulation—within the preschool environment.

Speakers

Kristen Weatherall

Local Lead Captain, Arch Ford Education Service Cooperative

Wednesday July 16, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
TBA

Operations, Early Learning

3:40pm CDT

Maximizing Time & Meeting Standards: Smart Strategies for New Administrators

Wednesday July 16, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT

TBA

New to administration? Learn what must be happening in your building to meet accreditation standards while maximizing student success. This session will cover essential requirements, creative RTI implementation, and strategies to make the most of your available time. Explore flexible scheduling options and innovative ways to blend subjects—math and science, literacy and social studies—to create engaging, interdisciplinary learning. Walk away with practical, grade-span-specific strategies to lead your school with confidence and creativity.

Speakers

Jeanie Johnson

Coordinator of Special Projects, DESE

As Coordinator of Special Projects for Public School Accountability, I bring a wide range of experiences to my role. I have 16 years of experience as a teacher, counselor, and administrator. In my unit, we work with districts to ensure compliance with State and Federal Laws, Rules... Read More →

Brooke McCain

Director of Monitoring & Accreditation, DESE

With 15 years in education, I’ve led efforts to support school improvement across districts of all sizes. As a state leader in accountability and accreditation, I’m focused on driving systems that promote excellence—through letter grades, graduation outcomes, and clear standards... Read More →

Andy Sullivan

Director of Educator Effectiveness, DESE

Wednesday July 16, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
TBA

Operations, Accountability

Tag Beginning Administrator

3:40pm CDT

Partnering for Success: State Classroom Inspections & Support"

Wednesday July 16, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT

TBA

Provides educators, administrators, and school staff with a comprehensive understanding of state classroom inspections and how they serve as a tool for growth and improvement rather than just oversight. Participants will learn about the inspection process, key focus areas, and best practices for preparing their classrooms while fostering a positive and collaborative relationship with inspectors.

Speakers

Travis Spence

Area Project Manager, Arkansas Dept of Education

Wednesday July 16, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
TBA

Operations, Facilities

3:40pm CDT

Stay Safe, Stay Compliant: Your Guide to Health Department Success

Wednesday July 16, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT

Exhibit Hall B

This engaging training session will equip school administrators, staff, and nutrition teams with the essential knowledge and tools to navigate Health Department regulations and ensure a safe, healthy environment for students and staff. Learn the ins and outs of compliance, understand key health guidelines, and discover practical tips for promoting wellness in your school community. By the end of the session, participants will feel confident in their ability to stay compliant, enhance school safety, and foster a healthier school environment.

Speakers

Jeff Jackson

Wednesday July 16, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
Exhibit Hall B Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations, Child Nutrition