ADE Summit 2025

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.

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.

As the landscape of concurrent enrollment continues to evolve, it’s critical to move beyond outdated information and align on what’s next. While best practices vary widely across institutions, success ultimately hinges on effective communication and strong partnerships. During this panel discussion, we will help to clarify common misconceptions, explore enrollment, registration, and placement through a student affairs lens, and emphasize how relationship-building is the key to navigating the changing concurrent enrollment environment.

This session takes a closer look at Work-Based Learning (WBL) in Arkansas, highlighting how it equips students with real-world skills while helping businesses develop a strong talent pipeline. Participants will hear from a student who shares how WBL shaped their career path and provided practical experience beyond the classroom. The session will also feature insights from a business and industry partner, demonstrating the value of WBL in meeting workforce needs and building connections with future employees. Join us for an inside look at how WBL is preparing Arkansas students for success.

This interactive session provides an in-depth overview of the three pillars of Success-Ready Pathways—Enrollment, Enlistment, and Employment (3E). Attendees will explore how each pathway prepares students for postsecondary success and gain insights into best practices for supporting students in meeting pathway requirements. Through facilitated discussion and collaborative think-tank activities, school leaders will have the opportunity to brainstorm innovative strategies and develop actionable plans to expand completion avenues for each pathway. Join us as we explore ways to strengthen pathways that ensure all students leave high school ready for their next step.

Discover actionable strategies for successful K-8 computer science integration. This session features a panel of educators sharing their real-world experiences, providing practical implementation advice and showcasing the positive impact of CS on student learning. Gain valuable insights to empower your district's CS initiatives.

The mission of Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) is to empower students with the skills and support to succeed in education, employment, and life. Realize how this mission fits perfectly with Arkansas LEARNS to have students ready for enrollment, employment, or enlistment through career ready pathways. A brief overview will reveal how JAG and Career Ready Pathways work together for your students. Then a dynamic panel of JAG Specialists who have successful JAG programs using the JAG Advantage of Trauma Informed Care, Employer Engagement, and Project-Based Learning (PBL) will share how they built their successful JAG programs and how your school can build their JAG program.

As Arkansas continues to strengthen its Employment, Enlistment, and Enrollment (3E) initiative, Virtual Arkansas is committed to providing innovative and accessible Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities that prepare students for success beyond high school. In this session, we will explore how Virtual Arkansas’s flexible and high-quality CTE services empower students—no matter their location—to develop in-demand skills, discover industry-recognized credentials, and connect real-world experience that aligns with the 3E pathways. Attendees will discover:
•How Virtual Arkansas CTE courses and services align with Arkansas Department of Education’s 3E goals and career clusters.
•Real success stories of students using Virtual Arkansas to transition directly into the workforce, military service, or postsecondary education.
•Strategies for schools and districts to leverage Virtual Arkansas’s CTE programs to expand opportunities for students—especially in rural and underserved communities.
Join us to learn how Virtual Arkansas can be a key partner in ensuring that every student graduates with a plan, a purpose, and a pathway to success.