2025 AAEA Summer Conference: Full Schedule

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

11:30am CDT

How one local university is integrating HQIM into initial-license and leadership preparation programs LIMITED

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

Yell I-II (SCC)

High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) are transforming K-12 education, and educator preparation programs must evolve to ensure future teachers and leaders are ready to implement these resources effectively. This session explores how The University of Central Arkansas embedding HQIM initiatives into the training of initial licensure candidates—including elementary, middle level, secondary, and MAT students—as well as leadership preparation programs for aspiring administrators. Learn how faculty are integrating HQIM into coursework, field experiences, and leadership development to better align with district needs and improve student outcomes. Participants will also be encouraged to share their needs and experiences regarding novice teachers and the effective implementation of HQIM. Join us for a discussion on best practices, challenges, and the future of HQIM in educator and leader preparation.

Speakers

Mr. Steve Ward

Senior Clinical Instructor/MAT Program Coordinator, University of Central Arkansas

Dr. Michelle Buchanan

Olivia Bundrick

Clinical Instructor, University of Central Arkansas College of Education

Olivia Bundrick is a Clinical Instructor in the College of Education at the University of Central Arkansas. She taught 7th and 8th grade mathematics for eight years prior to transitioning to higher education. She focuses on innovative, technology-driven teaching practices to make... Read More →

Dr. Matthew White

School Leadership Programs Coordinator; Assistant Professor, UCA

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

Curriculum/Instruction/Assessment, Breakout #2

Company UCA

11:30am CDT

Measuring What Matters: A District’s Journey to Academic Improvement with a Google Dashboard LIMITED

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

Caraway I-III (SCC)

As a districtwide initiative, Star City School District has leveraged a Google Dashboard to drive transparency and data-driven decision making with the use of standard templates of districtwide unit plans, pacing guides, and proficiency scales, ensuring consistency and clarity in core instruction.

With a mastery level set at 80% for all essential learning standards, our approach prioritizes high expectations for student achievement. Additionally, a tiered response to intervention (RTI) is in place on each campus, providing targeted support to meet diverse student needs.

Hear from curriculum specialists and administrators on how this data-driven framework is fostering meaningful improvements in rigorous academic performance and fostering a lasting impact in classrooms.

Speakers

Curriculum/Instruction/Assessment, Breakout #2

2025 AAEA Summer Conference

11:30am CDT

John Ashworth

Jerry Strasner

Dr. Brandie Benton

11:30am CDT

Mr. Steve Ward

Dr. Michelle Buchanan

Olivia Bundrick

Dr. Matthew White

11:30am CDT

Gina Richard

Heather Gonzalez

Britnee Wright

Thea Capps