2025 AAEA Summer Conference: Full Schedule

8:15am CDT

3E Blueprint: Building Pathways to Enrollment, Enlistment, and Employment LIMITED

Wednesday July 30, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT

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.

Presider

Jennifer Turner

CTE Coordinator, Guy Fenter Education Service Cooperative

Career and Technical Education is my specialty!

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 →

Wednesday July 30, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT
Yell I-II (SCC)

Curriculum/Instruction/Assessment, Breakout #6

Company AACTEA

8:15am CDT

Beyond Readiness: The Long-Term Impact of Early Algebra Placement LIMITED

Wednesday July 30, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT

Grampas (MCC)

Algebra is often considered a gateway to higher-level math and future academic success, but when is the right time for students to take it? Should we wait until students are fully “ready,” or can some benefit from being challenged earlier? This presentation explores the impact of early algebra placement on student growth, using real data to examine whether front-loading advanced coursework helps or hinders long-term achievement.

We will look at key questions:
• Does enrolling in algebra early give students an advantage, or does it create unnecessary struggles?
• How do factors like prior academic readiness and gifted identification influence student success in algebra?
• Are there systematic barriers that prevent some high-achieving students from accessing early algebra?

By shifting the conversation from acceleration to developmental placement, this session will provide insights into how schools can make data-driven decisions about early math coursework. Attendees will leave with research-backed, practical considerations for shaping policies that ensure students are both challenged and supported in their academic journey.

Speakers

Ashley Rieske

Wednesday July 30, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT
Grampas (MCC)

Curriculum/Instruction/Assessment, Breakout #6

Company AAGEA

8:15am CDT

New Administrators: What your SpEd Supervisor Needs You to Know on Day One LIMITED

Wednesday July 30, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT

Salon A (M)

Special Education leaders from around the state will equip new administrators with the most important things they need to know beginning on the first day of school - from referral to dismissal and all that's in between. You'll learn how to avoid legal pitfalls and when it's best to just call for help.

Presider

Natalie Gosdin

Special Education Director, Searcy School District

Speakers

Carla Curtis

Director of Special Services, Fayetteville Public Schools

Lanna Bullington

OUR educational Cooperative

Rhonda Daniel

LEA Supervisor, Warren School District

Kelli Gordon

Special Education Director, Conway School District

Domonique Alexander

Fort Smith School District

Wednesday July 30, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT
Salon A (M)

Curriculum/Instruction/Assessment, Breakout #6

Company AASEA

8:15am CDT

New Characteristics of Young Adolescents LIMITED

Wednesday July 30, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT

Salon C (M)

Are we seeing a change in adolescents? What new characteristics have emerged post Covid? Join Jack for a realistic and funny overview of the new attributes of 10–15-year-olds. Jack will share his insights on what he is seeing in middle schools all across the country and he will share ideas that are working for administrators and teachers.

Speakers

Jack Berckemeyer

Wednesday July 30, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT
Salon C (M)

Curriculum/Instruction/Assessment, Breakout #6

8:15am CDT

Personalizing Learning: The Power of Specially Designed Instruction LIMITED

Wednesday July 30, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT

Caraway I-III (SCC)

This session will provide educators with a clear understanding of Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) and how to implement it effectively to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. Participants will explore practical strategies, real-world examples, and collaborative approaches to differentiate instruction, ensuring all learners can access and engage with the curriculum.

Presider

Misty Doyle

Assistant Superintendent, Jonesboro Public Schools

Misty Doyle is the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning in the Jonesboro School District. She is starting her 23rd year in education. Prior to assuming the role of Assistant Superintendent, Mrs. Doyle served as a mid-level literacy and science teacher, Literacy Specialist... Read More →

Speakers

Mandy Zipfel

District School Improvement Specialist, Jonesboro Schools

Mandy Zipfel is the District School Improvement Specialist in the Jonesboro School District. She is starting her 20th year in education. Prior to her current role, Mrs. Zipfel served as mid-level ELA/Social Studies teacher, school counselor, school improvement specialist, assistant... Read More →

Wednesday July 30, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT
Caraway I-III (SCC)

Curriculum/Instruction/Assessment, Breakout #6

Company AACIA