2025 AAEA Summer Conference: Full Schedule

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11:30am CDT

From Standards to Success: AI, Digital Curriculum, and the Power of Blended Learning LIMITED

Tuesday July 29, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm CDT

As AI tools and digital resources become more powerful and accessible, school and district leaders are seeking ways to modernize instruction without losing the human touch of local educators. In this session, explore how one rural Arkansas school partnered with Virtual Arkansas to implement a standards-aligned digital curriculum in a blended learning model that empowers local teachers while maximizing the potential of real-time assessment and AI-enhanced personalization.

Discover how digital curriculum paired with intentional training and support allows teachers to track student mastery instantly, intervene proactively, and create meaningful learning experiences that are both data-informed and deeply personal. You’ll walk away with insights, outcomes, and practical strategies for leading similar innovations in your own schools.

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 →

Jerry Strasner

Superintendent, Ouachita River School District

Dr. Brandie Benton

Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, Virtual Arkansas

Dr. Brandie Benton has over 20 years of experience in education and is currently leading the Curriculum and Instruction team for Virtual Arkansas, the state virtual school charged with providing digital learning services to districts across Arkansas.

Tuesday July 29, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm CDT
Izard (SCC)

Curriculum/Instruction/Assessment, Breakout #2

Company Virtual Arkansas

1:20pm CDT

Fast-Tracking Excellence: Navigating Acceleration Pathways for Arkansas Students LIMITED

Tuesday July 29, 2025 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT

Neosho (MCC)

With the passage of the Arkansas ACCESS law, new opportunities for academic acceleration are available to help students reach their full potential. This roundtable discussion will explore key acceleration pathways, including Advanced Placement (AP), dual/concurrent enrollment, and whole-grade advancement. Educators will discuss challenges in implementation, share best practices, and learn how Virtual Arkansas can support schools in meeting acceleration requirements. Join us to collaborate, problem-solve, and empower Arkansas students to move at the pace of their potential.

Speakers