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Innovation Rally has ended
Wednesday, September 22
 

7:45am CDT

Registration and breakfast
Wednesday September 22, 2021 7:45am - 8:30am CDT
Pre-Function area near Ballroom

8:30am CDT

Welcome!
Wednesday September 22, 2021 8:30am - 9:00am CDT
Rock Island Ballroom

9:00am CDT

Cultivating Efficacy & Engagement through Challenge
Performance is enhanced when students strive towards specific and challenging goals (Feldman, 1997). The attainment of those goals is also closely related to self-esteem and self-efficacy (Light, 2001). In other words, when we create the conditions in which students engage in challenging tasks, they achieve more, feel better about themselves and boost their sense of potential. So why do so many students avoid challenge? This keynote will explore some of the reasons and identify what we can do to encourage all students to step out of their comfort zone.
​Additional resources​​​
Speakers
avatar for James Nottingham

James Nottingham

Founder, Challenging Learning
James Nottingham is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, an award granted for making outstanding achievements to social progress and development, and is included in the Future 500, a "definitive list of the UK’s most forward thinking and creative innovators". He is best-known... Read More →

Wednesday September 22, 2021 9:00am - 9:45am CDT
Rock Island Ballroom
  Keynote

10:00am CDT

Guiding Students Through the Learning Pit
James Nottingham created The Learning Pit to encourage his students to step out of their comfort zone and seek challenges that will deepen their learning. Today, the model is used around the world to enhance students’ language of learning, metacognition, resilience and curiosity. It also helps teachers identify when to move students from surface- to deep-learning, as well as providing a framework for effective questioning. In this workshop, James will identify the key points of The Learning Pit and show you how it can foster a culture of learning for all.​Additional resources​​​
Speakers
avatar for James Nottingham

James Nottingham

Founder, Challenging Learning
James Nottingham is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, an award granted for making outstanding achievements to social progress and development, and is included in the Future 500, a "definitive list of the UK’s most forward thinking and creative innovators". He is best-known... Read More →

Wednesday September 22, 2021 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Rock Island Ballroom
  Workshop

12:00pm CDT

Lunch Keynote Ted-talk style!
Unlocking the Power of Communities through Co-Creation 
Who gets to be a learner? Who gets to be a designer? Who gets to be a policy-maker? Who is at the table when ideas are generated and decisions are made?
The Commissioner of Education and Chief Learner for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Dr. Jason E. Glass and Dr. Doannie Tran, Partner for Liberatory Co-Creation at the Center for Innovation in Education, will share experiences and approaches that go beyond gathering stakeholder input towards true co-creation with diverse stakeholders. They will also share what co-creation can mean for equity and democratic engagement in our educational institutions. 
Speakers
avatar for Johnny Key

Johnny Key

Secretary, Division of Elementary & Secondary Education
On March 25, 2015, Johnny Key was approved by the State Board of Education to be the chief school officer of the Arkansas Department of Education. Gov. Asa Hutchinson recommended Key for the position of commissioner. In May 2019, Gov. Hutchinson announced Key as the Secretary of the... Read More →
avatar for Jason Glass

Jason Glass

Commissioner of Education, Kentucky Department of Education
Dr. Jason E. Glass is commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE).Glass, a native of Brandenburg and a third-generation Kentucky educator, has been commissioner of education since September 2020. Before that, he had been superintendent and chief learner of Jeffco Public... Read More →
avatar for Doannie Tran

Doannie Tran

Partner, Liberatory Co-Creation, Center for Innovation in Education
Doannie taught middle school and high school science in both Oakland, California and Boston, Massachusetts, before leaving teaching to help launch the Massachusetts region of Teach For America in 2009. Doannie was responsible for professional development for all new TFA teachers in... Read More →
avatar for Lance Arbuckle

Lance Arbuckle

Principal, Rogers New Technology HS
Dr. Arbuckle has served as principal at Rogers New Technology HS since its founding in 2013. RogersNTHS is dedicated to enhancing student voice and furthering the use of project-based learning in all classrooms. Prior to his time at RogersNTHS, Dr. Arbuckle has served a principal... Read More →

Wednesday September 22, 2021 12:00pm - 1:15pm CDT
Rock Island Ballroom
  Keynote

1:20pm CDT

BUILD EQUITY & SAFETY WITH TECHNOLOGY
Join Kirsten Wilson and Ray Girdler as they discuss popular issues around equity and safety with technology. Engage with our presenters in conversations around current trends, past challenges, and possible next steps. Session will generate thoughts and ideas to explore as we work to meet the digital learning demands of our K-12 schools.

Self-paced presentation and resources can be found here: https://app.peardeck.com/student/tzuhcyxag


Speakers
avatar for Ray Girdler

Ray Girdler

Director of Data Use & Privacy, Arkansas Department of Education
Ray Girdler currently serves as the Director of Data Use & Privacy for the Arkansas Department of Education. Over the years, he has served in multiple roles at the school and district levels. At ADE, Mr. Girdler’s team provides direct support to schools and districts for multiple... Read More →

Wednesday September 22, 2021 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT
Junction Rooms l & ll
  Breakout session

1:20pm CDT

More Community Schools on the Horizon for Batesville, Little Rock and Others!
What’s Next? More Community Schools are on the Horizon. The Batesville and Little Rock Districts will expand their use of the strategy. Both districts share how it helped them meet needs during the pandemic and why they want to expand Community Schools post-pandemic. Community schools look different in these two very diverse districts. Learn how it can work for you. ForwARd Arkansas will discuss what’s next for the strategy statewide as it scales the network of Community Schools in Arkansas.
Speakers
avatar for Laura Howard

Laura Howard

Community Schools Coordinator, Batesville School District
Laura Howard is the Community Schools Coordinator for Batesville School District, where she braids together relationships and resources to support students and families.Laura knows the importance of “Empowering Today’s Students for Tomorrow’s Challenges.”  For over 31 years... Read More →
avatar for Ben Kutylo

Ben Kutylo

Executive Director, Forward Arkansas
Ben joined ForwARd Arkansas in July 2020 to lead the organization’s work to develop and support the broad implementation of innovative solutions to improve learning and career outcomes for all Arkansas students. Throughout his career in education, Ben has focused on deeply engaging... Read More →

Wednesday September 22, 2021 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT
Murray Room
  Breakout session

1:20pm CDT

Student Planned Day of Learning
This student-led presentation will give audience members several ideas about how to let students plan their own "Flex Day." At Robinson High, our students plan and execute a monthly Flex Day that includes teambuilding activities, guest speakers and real-world learning (ex: how to change a tire). Students plan all aspects of the day and teachers act as facilitators.
These Flex Days provide opportunities for all students to engage in meaningful learning experiences on Flex Days, but it also provides experiential learning for the students involved in planning the day. They must collaborate with one another to plan the day, communicate with community members to find guest speakers and present their plan to teachers for approval. 
Within the session, students will show how they go about planning Flex Days, where they have found success, where they have faced challenges and what they envision for the future of Flex Days. They will also answer any questions from audience members interested in implementing this idea for what's next in student-planned learning.

Speakers
NH

Nina Holub

Learning Services, Robinson High SOI- PRESENTING 
SS

Stacy Smith

Principal, Robinson High SOI- PRESENTING 
JP

Jay Pickering

Principal, Robinson High SOI- PRESENTING 
KO

Kari Owens

Teacher, Robinson High School
Going into my third year of teaching in a School of Innovation. I love seeing how teachers and students are working together to make education more engaging and effective.

Wednesday September 22, 2021 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT
Rock Island Rooms l & ll
  Breakout session

1:20pm CDT

Developing Learner Agency and Independence
Participants will learn how they can create a culture that supports the development of learner independence and agency. Participants will discover ways they can support the development of lifelong learners who are intrinsically motivated and find purpose in learning.
Speakers
avatar for Kate Sommerville

Kate Sommerville

Professional Development Specialist, The Institute for Personalized Learning
Kate Sommerville serves as a Professional Development Specialist at the Institute for Personalized Learning, an education innovation lab dedicated to the transformation of public education. Kate uses her creativity and enthusiasm to support educators as they rethink their instructional... Read More →

Wednesday September 22, 2021 1:20pm - 3:20pm CDT
Two Rivers Room
  Workshop

1:30pm CDT

CBL Workshop Session
Arkansas CBL Leadership Series 2021 Cohort Schools will engage in a process of forward planning on next steps. Each school will share a 10-minute presentation followed by input and feedback from others.
Speakers
avatar for Jonathan Vander Els

Jonathan Vander Els

Director of Collaborative Learning, New Hampshire Learning Initiative
Jonathan directs innovative, competency-based projects for the New Hampshire Learning Initiative and is the co-author of Unpacking the Competency-Based Classroom: Equitable, Personalized Learning in a PLC at Work (Solution Tree, 2022) and Breaking With Tradition: The Shift to Competency-Based... Read More →

Wednesday September 22, 2021 1:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Rock Island Rooms V-Vll
  Workshop

2:30pm CDT

Content & Skills : A Marriage of Equals at Rogers New Technology High School
There has long been a discussion surrounding the role of content and the role of skill development in the classroom. Must one take a back seat to another? In this short presentation, we will consider the role of content to develop the skill set that is needed for long term success and how those skills can be actively taught and assessed both in and out of the classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Lance Arbuckle

Lance Arbuckle

Principal, Rogers New Technology HS
Dr. Arbuckle has served as principal at Rogers New Technology HS since its founding in 2013. RogersNTHS is dedicated to enhancing student voice and furthering the use of project-based learning in all classrooms. Prior to his time at RogersNTHS, Dr. Arbuckle has served a principal... Read More →

Wednesday September 22, 2021 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Rock Island Rooms l & ll
  Breakout session

2:30pm CDT

Problem of Practice - Mentor Session
Drop by to discuss a problem of practice you are having! Jill supports schools and districts across the U.S., including Arkansas schools, on a wide variety of student-focused initiatives, including personalized and competency-based learning.
Speakers
avatar for Jill Thompson

Jill Thompson

Partner, Education Elements
Jill Thompson is a Partner at Education Elements. She is passionate about reimagining education and has held many roles in education from teacher to central office. She works with districts from around the country to solve their biggest challenges. Some of her work includes implementation... Read More →

Wednesday September 22, 2021 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Murray Room
  Breakout session

2:30pm CDT

TIME SERVING STUDENTS, NOT STUDENTS SERVING TIME-FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING IN THE HIGH SCHOOL SETTING
In this presentation Jasper High School's SOI team will share their journey in becoming a designated Arkansas School of Innovation. The discussion will focus on three issues being addressed in the school of innovation plan to better meet the needs of all JHS students. You will hear how the students took on the issue of improving culture and climate to make school more welcoming. You will also hear how a flexible scheule has been implemented to give all students more choices, opportunities, and personalized learning. The team will share how the flexible schedule also gives teachers an opportunity to offer more in-depth sessions, labs/projects, and allows for more intensive interventions.  Teachers will share how the schedule makes weekly PLCs possible and cultivates positive personal relationships through the use of an advisory period.  With the implementation of a flexible schedule, Jasper High School has shifted from students serving equal time in each course/subject, to time serving students based on their need(s) in each course/subject.
Speakers
avatar for Todd Parker

Todd Parker

Principal, Jasper School District
Mr. Parker has been the principal of Jasper High School, his alma mater, for two years.  Prior to serving as principal, Mr. Parker worked as Director of Curriculum and Assessment, as Federal Programs Director, as high school counselor, and as a classroom teacher all in the Jasper... Read More →

Wednesday September 22, 2021 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Junction Rooms l & ll
  Breakout session

3:30pm CDT

Rogers New Technology High School Mentor Panel
Join  Principal Arbuckle and several additional lead learners (aka students and a lead teacher!) in a Mentor Session and Q and A Panel with Rogers New Technology High School, following their Content and Skills session. Stick around after the Content and Skills session, or just drop in to ask questions or "need to knows" of one of the most innovative and student-focused high schools in the state! 
Speakers
avatar for Lance Arbuckle

Lance Arbuckle

Principal, Rogers New Technology HS
Dr. Arbuckle has served as principal at Rogers New Technology HS since its founding in 2013. RogersNTHS is dedicated to enhancing student voice and furthering the use of project-based learning in all classrooms. Prior to his time at RogersNTHS, Dr. Arbuckle has served a principal... Read More →
LP

Wednesday September 22, 2021 3:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
Rock Island Rooms l & ll
  Breakout session

3:40pm CDT

IT'S ABOUT TIME: INNOVATIVE SCHEDULING TO SET SCHOOLS UP FOR SUCCESS
Learn about creative school scheduling strategies that better meet the needs of teachers and students without adding staff or cost.
Schools have utilized these strategies to:
  • Create daily collaborative planning time for teachers
  • Enhance special education and tiered services 
  • Support new instructional strategies (e.g. personalized learning, acceleration)
  • Adapt to unanticipated constraints and shifts in responsibilities due to COVID
  • Expand enrichment opportunities for students
Speakers
avatar for Ben Kutylo

Ben Kutylo

Executive Director, Forward Arkansas
Ben joined ForwARd Arkansas in July 2020 to lead the organization’s work to develop and support the broad implementation of innovative solutions to improve learning and career outcomes for all Arkansas students. Throughout his career in education, Ben has focused on deeply engaging... Read More →

Wednesday September 22, 2021 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
Junction Rooms l & ll
  Breakout session

3:40pm CDT

TEACHER RETENTION AND RECRUITMENT WITH NATIONAL BOARD AND OPPORTUNITY CULTURE
Are you struggling with losing teachers to higher-paying districts?  This presentation will provide pathways toward teacher retention and teacher recruitment.  We will discuss the "why" behind becoming National Board certified, the incentive possibilities, and how ESSER funds can be used to assist teachers.  Opportunity Culture will be discussed as a teacher recruitment/retention strategy through a brief overview of the design session focused on extending the reach of excellent teachers and increasing the pay for teacher leaders.
Speakers
avatar for Kelly McLaughlin

Kelly McLaughlin

Program Advisor, DESE
Kelly McLaughlin is a 26-year educator who has served as a high school English teacher, literacy facilitator, program advisor for the DESE charter schools office, and currently serves as the state program advisor for National Board, Opportunity Culture, and EdReflect.  In my current... Read More →

Wednesday September 22, 2021 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
Two Rivers Room
  Breakout session

3:40pm CDT

RELATIVE AGE EFFECTS: IMPACTS IN THE CLASSROOM
This presentation will completely virtual. Participants will need to have a device and the ability to access the zoom link. In this session you will examine the research on relative age effects and how real schools have tried to minimize the negative effects for students, especially for those who are younger than their peers.
Speakers
avatar for Kelli Dougan

Kelli Dougan

Director of Assessment, Research and Accountability, Fayetteville Public Schools
Dr. Kelli Dougan is the Director of Assessment, Research and Accountability for Fayetteville Public Schools.

Wednesday September 22, 2021 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
  Virtual Session

4:30pm CDT

Why Become a School of Innovation
Sometimes school leaders need permission to do what is best for their learners. Sometimes innovation is urgency plus focus; risk plus vision; dedication plus inspiration. If you want to investigate how to become a School of Innovation, come to this session. The Office of Innovation team will share an innovation roadmap along with tips and FAQs about the process from application to renewal. Be a part of transforming Arkansas to lead the nation in student-focused education! 
In this session, you will:
  • Gain knowledge about the SOI process—application, designation, and renewal
  • Explore the “why” become a School of Innovation
 
Speakers
MH

Marsha Hash

Learning Design and Innovation Lead, Office of Innovation for Education

Wednesday September 22, 2021 4:30pm - 5:30pm CDT
Rock Island Rooms V-Vll
  Breakout session

5:15pm CDT

Pinnacle Mountain Hike
Pinnacle Mountain Hike led by Crystal. Pack your hiking clothes and shoes and join us for some evening exercise! Meet in Embassy Suites parking lot at 5:15 pm. Show up in your comfortable hiking shoes with good grip and water. We will carpool to the west summit and hike from about 6:00-7:15pm.  A strenuous but short hike to the summit or a hike around the base (your choice!). Afterwards we will head over for pizza at Jim's razorback on Cantrell!
Speakers
avatar for Crystal Beshears

Crystal Beshears

Assistant Director of Innovation, University of Arkansas-Office of Innovation for Education
Combining 15 years of experience in a variety of educational settings, Crystal Beshears serves as a Learning Design and Innovation Leader for the Office of Innovation for Education at the University of Arkansas. Her diverse work includes: teaching social sciences to secondary students... Read More →

Wednesday September 22, 2021 5:15pm - 7:30pm CDT
  Breakout session
 
Thursday, September 23
 

7:30am CDT

Registration and breakfast
Thursday September 23, 2021 7:30am - 8:15am CDT
Pre-Function area near Ballroom

8:00am CDT

Welcome day 2!
In a rural part of Kentucky, Buddy Berry leads a school district where teachers, staff, students, and parents think differently about how to engage students by focusing on creating a place where kids want to be.
Two years after he became the superintendent, Berry injected the school district with a new philosophy called “Surprise and Delight.” Surprise and Delight captures imaginations and adds an element of fun and student engagement, by "taking anything else that people take for granted and kind of cranking it up to awesome." Who better to kick of Day 2 of the Innovation Rally than Buddy Berry? Join Berry as he welcomes Arkansas educators to Day 2 of the Rally, a day focused on Surprise and Delight for educators!
Speakers
avatar for Buddy Berry

Buddy Berry

Superintendent, Eminence Independent Schools (KY)
Dr. Buddy Berry has a passion for reinventing the K-12 school experience. He is in his 14th year as Superintendent of Eminence Independent Schools (KY), and his School on FIRE (Framework of Innovation for Reinventing Education) model has produced dramatic results. Based on the district’s... Read More →

Thursday September 23, 2021 8:00am - 8:45am CDT
Rock Island Ballroom
  Keynote

9:00am CDT

Creating Open Education Systems through Co-Creation: Is your system “open” or “closed”?
Closed systems keep families and communities at arms length, limiting their engagement and empowerment. Open classrooms, open schools and open districts engage in true partnership with key stakeholders to co-create policies and systems. In this session, The Commissioner of Education and Chief Learner for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Dr. Jason E. Glass and Dr. Doannie Tran, Partner for Liberatory Co-Creation at the Center for Innovation in Education, will share techniques for co-creating with your community, in service of greater equity and liberation. We'll provide real examples and insights from implementation from the Kentucky Coalition for Advancing Education, a state-wide coalition that has partnered with the Commissioner of Education to reimagine the future of education in Kentucky.
Speakers
avatar for Jason Glass

Jason Glass

Commissioner of Education, Kentucky Department of Education
Dr. Jason E. Glass is commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE).Glass, a native of Brandenburg and a third-generation Kentucky educator, has been commissioner of education since September 2020. Before that, he had been superintendent and chief learner of Jeffco Public... Read More →
avatar for Doannie Tran

Doannie Tran

Partner, Liberatory Co-Creation, Center for Innovation in Education
Doannie taught middle school and high school science in both Oakland, California and Boston, Massachusetts, before leaving teaching to help launch the Massachusetts region of Teach For America in 2009. Doannie was responsible for professional development for all new TFA teachers in... Read More →

Thursday September 23, 2021 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Rock Island Rooms l & ll
  Breakout session

9:00am CDT

Cultivating Classrooms of Hope
The hardships of life with or without a pandemic have taken a toll on our educators and our learners. In this session, we will look at how our brains react to stress and trauma. Strategies will be shared to mitigate these effects including how to build hope and resilience into our classrooms again.
Speakers
avatar for Jessica Neill

Jessica Neill

Assistant Superintendent, Northeastern Wayne School
Jessica Neill is passionate about ensuring that school environments are conducive for student learning. Currently, she serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Northeastern Wayne Schools which is located in east central Indiana. Prior to joining the ranks of district leadership... Read More →

Thursday September 23, 2021 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Murray Room
  Breakout session

9:00am CDT

Exploring the Use of Multiple Instructional Methods and Modes
Explore instructional methods that allow you to personalize and be responsive to the needs of your learners at this time. Participants will identify specific examples of instructional methods and modes, and explore resources and examples that provide them with effective strategies to leverage the use in their own learning environment.
Speakers
avatar for Kate Sommerville

Kate Sommerville

Professional Development Specialist, The Institute for Personalized Learning
Kate Sommerville serves as a Professional Development Specialist at the Institute for Personalized Learning, an education innovation lab dedicated to the transformation of public education. Kate uses her creativity and enthusiasm to support educators as they rethink their instructional... Read More →

Thursday September 23, 2021 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Junction Rooms l & ll
  Breakout session

9:00am CDT

Leading with New Eyes: Shifting Mindsets, Disrupting Assumptions, and Creating New Metaphors
The process of transforming a system requires deep reflection, questioning old assumptions on which we have relied, developing new metaphors for the work, and shifting mindsets about what is possible. This session will feature ideas and activities to assist system leaders and stakeholders in transforming their organization by "seeing through new eyes." This interactive session will provide participants with opportunities to engage in activities and reflect on their assumptions, metaphors and mindsets about learning, leading, teaching, and schools.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. James Rickabaugh

Dr. James Rickabaugh

Senior Advisor, i4PL
Dr. James Rickabaugh serves as Senior Advisor at I4PL. Dr. Rickabaugh formerly served as Director of the Institute for Personalized learning. He served as Superintendent of the Whitefish Bay Schools, Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District, and Oconomowoc Area School District. He... Read More →

Thursday September 23, 2021 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Rock Island Rooms V-Vll
  Breakout session

9:00am CDT

Wellbeing for All
This session aims to familiarize educators with Yoga practice as a powerful tool to increase physical, mental, and emotional health. While it is suitable for absolute beginners, it is also meant to be enjoyable for those who have been already taking yoga classes. By experiencing different yoga styles and thus several poses, breathing and meditation techniques, throughout the course participants, will learn how these practices can enhance their ability to maintain a favorable climate in their school community and support resilience in and out of the classroom. While some basic yoga poses and meditation will be offered, there is no special clothing or props required for this session. Come as you are!
Speakers
avatar for Erin Clair

Erin Clair

Lead Yoga Teacher & Inside Flow Teacher, Força
I am a professor of happiness studies, and through my research learned how yoga can help on a path to happiness. I teach yoga now to help people take ownership of their lives and to discover their own joy.
avatar for Crystal Beshears

Crystal Beshears

Assistant Director of Innovation, University of Arkansas-Office of Innovation for Education
Combining 15 years of experience in a variety of educational settings, Crystal Beshears serves as a Learning Design and Innovation Leader for the Office of Innovation for Education at the University of Arkansas. Her diverse work includes: teaching social sciences to secondary students... Read More →

Thursday September 23, 2021 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Two Rivers Room
  Breakout session

10:00am CDT

So What Really is Next?
After a day and a half of learning about student-focused learning systems, participants will engage in collaborative conversations around their new visions of teaching and learning. Since Buddy and George believe our ideas for innovation are only as powerful as our capacity to shift and align beliefs and cause change when we return to our own districts, our goal will be to help participants design a plan for transporting the flame of excitement that sparked within them at this year's Innovation Rally back to their home districts with them to set each of their schools on fire.
Speakers
avatar for Buddy Berry

Buddy Berry

Superintendent, Eminence Independent Schools (KY)
Dr. Buddy Berry has a passion for reinventing the K-12 school experience. He is in his 14th year as Superintendent of Eminence Independent Schools (KY), and his School on FIRE (Framework of Innovation for Reinventing Education) model has produced dramatic results. Based on the district’s... Read More →
avatar for George Philhower

George Philhower

Superintendent, Eastern Hancock School District
George is in his second year as superintendent at Eastern Hancock. Prior to that, he served as superintendent and other administrative roles in Western Wayne Schools for 13 years. George envisions a world where all children wake up excited to go to school each day because they know... Read More →

Thursday September 23, 2021 10:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Rock Island Ballroom
  Workshop

12:15pm CDT

Lunch and Awards
Join us as we celebrate innovation in Arkansas Schools by recognizing the work, dedication, and transformation happening in Arkansas' Schools of Innovation! Arkansas law describes a School of Innovation (SOI) as one that 'transforms teaching and learning" and defines innovation as a "new or creative alternative to the existing instructional and administrative practices.' Schools of Innovation collaborate with staff, students, parents, and the community through a rigorous application process to design their School of Innovation. Schools commit to an ongoing cycle of inquiry that guides their next steps to improving teaching and learning.
We celebrate Arkansas Schools of Innovation for:
  • Being a School that "Works for All"
  • Transforming Learning to Emphasize 21st Century Skills
  • Creating a Student-Focused Culture of Learning, and
  • Intentional Engagement of all Stakeholders


 
Speakers
avatar for Stacy Smith

Stacy Smith

Deputy Commissioner, Arkansas Department of Education
avatar for Denise Airola

Denise Airola

Director, Office of Innovation for Education
Denise Airola founded the Office of Innovation for Education (OIE) at the University of Arkansas in 2013 with a grant from the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE). The OIE focuses on enabling and accelerating innovative policies and practices to address barriers to educational... Read More →

Thursday September 23, 2021 12:15pm - 1:30pm CDT
Rock Island Ballroom
  Keynote
 
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