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2026 Great Ideas in Education Conference
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Wednesday, July 29
 

7:00am CDT

Breakfast
Wednesday July 29, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am CDT
Eagle Ballroom
Wednesday July 29, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am CDT
Eagle Ballroom
  Breakfast

8:00am CDT

What Does “Proficient” Really Mean? Understanding Performance Levels
Wednesday July 29, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Cypress B 209
Teachers make countless instructional decisions every day — but those decisions are only as strong as the information behind them. This session brings clarity to what “proficient” truly means and shows how performance levels can become powerful tools for understanding student learning.
We’ll explore how Depth of Knowledge (DOK) helps teachers design and evaluate learning experiences that match the cognitive demands of the standards. You’ll see how performance level descriptors reveal the thinking required for specific items, making it easier to determine whether students are meeting expectations — and what to do next when they’re not.
Through practical examples, you’ll learn how to use performance levels to interpret assessment results, identify instructional needs, and plan targeted next steps that move students forward with purpose and confidence
Speakers
avatar for Julie Ewing

Julie Ewing

Assistant Director, Kansas State Department of Education

Wednesday July 29, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Cypress B 209
  Assessment

8:00am CDT

Introducing the Computer Science Toolkit
Wednesday July 29, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Maple 205
Presenters will guide participants through the newly published toolkit titled "Understanding the Standards" including tips for unpacking the CS standards, working to align topics within the standards within a course as well as with other disciplines, and vertically aligning computer science instruction across multiple grade levels. Specific case examples from Kindergarten through secondary grades will be presented, and participants will have time to ask questions related to their own practices.
Speakers
SK
Wednesday July 29, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Maple 205
  Computer Science

8:00am CDT

Selecting High Quality Instructional Materials for Early Childhood
Wednesday July 29, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Cedar 204
The Kansas Department of Education (KSDE) believes that both the materials and the process used to select instructional materials matter. This session will help guide participants through selecting quality instructional materials for preschool programs based on current research.
Speakers
avatar for Natalie McClane

Natalie McClane

Preschool Programs Coordinator, Kansas State Department of Education
Wednesday July 29, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Cedar 204
  Early Childhood

8:00am CDT

Every Teacher Is a Language Teacher: Practical Strategies for Supporting Multilingual Learners in Any Classroom
Wednesday July 29, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Osage 207
English learners (ELs) participate in classrooms across all grade levels and content areas, making every educator a key contributor to their success. This session introduces content-area teachers to foundational concepts in second language development and practical instructional strategies that support multilingual learners while maintaining grade-level rigor. Participants will explore ways to scaffold academic language, increase access to complex content, and design instruction that supports both language development and content mastery. The session emphasizes strategies that can be integrated into everyday instruction and used immediately in classrooms.
Speakers
avatar for Emily Scott

Emily Scott

ESOL/Title III Coordinator, Kansas Department of Education
Supports Title III and ESOL programs, helping schools and districts provide strong, effective services for multilingual learners. Partners with educators to offer practical technical assistance and meaningful professional learning that can be directly applied in classrooms and pr... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Osage 207
  EL

8:00am CDT

Stop Lowering the Text: Helping All Students Read Grade-Level Material
Wednesday July 29, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Birch 203
When students struggle with reading, the common response is to give them easier texts. But what if the better solution is stronger support? This session explores how educators can maintain grade-level text complexity while providing the scaffolds and instructional structures students need to succeed. Participants will examine research-informed practices and practical strategies to ensure all students have meaningful access to complex text.
Speakers
avatar for Mary Lonker

Mary Lonker

ELA Program Manager, Kansas State Department of Education
Mary Lonker has spent 30 years in English Language Arts education, teaching both middle and high school students. She taught 8th grade English as well as over 20 years of high school English, including a decade in AP Language and Composition, and is certified to teach AP Seminar... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Birch 203
  ELA

8:00am CDT

Standards Alignment and Structured Literacy: How HGSS Strengthens the Four Fundamentals
Wednesday July 29, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Oak 206
The HGSS Teacher Leader team will lead participants through an active and engaging session demonstrating how HGSS classroom instruction that is Standards Aligned advances and promotes Structured Literacy preparing all students for success.
Speakers
TE
AT
Wednesday July 29, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Oak 206
  HGSS

8:00am CDT

Electronic Portfolios for Measuring & Reflecting on Student Learning: AIR Developed Guide with Career Readiness Indicators
Wednesday July 29, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Redbud B 210
Connecting Individual Plan of Study (IPS) to student career development and the district process of implementation of an IPS for each student that includes utilizing a portable electronic portfolio.
This session will focus on the Individual Plan of Study (IPS) Elements and how they are connected to the career development model in preparing students to make informed career decisions, set career goals as they transition from school to post-secondary education and the world of work. We will cover how electronic portable portfolios can be utilized to document student success and how students can take ownership of their own learning. Utilizing the IPS process effectively in the district can help with the school improvement process regarding standards alignment by connecting it with family, community and business partnerships.
AIR (American Institute for Research) recently developed a KSDE Electronic Portfolio Guide Aligned with Career Readiness Indicators. District-prepared programs of study samples will be shared.
Speakers
avatar for Kevin Bronson

Kevin Bronson

Education Program Consultant and Individual Plan of Study Coordinator, Kansas State Department of Education
Former Kensington Kansas Goldbug and Fort Hays State University Graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Technology Studies and a Master Degree in Education Administration. An educator for 25 years in construction & design and SkillsUSA advisor. Currently serving as an education program... Read More →
avatar for Denise Lauber

Denise Lauber

Public Service Administrator, KSDE
Denise Lauber is a Public Service Administrator for the Kansas Department of Education supporting the administration of Carl Perkins funds to Kansas School Districts.
Wednesday July 29, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Redbud B 210
  IPS

8:00am CDT

KEDS – Updates and Expectations for 2026-2027 School Year
Wednesday July 29, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Cypress A 209
KEDS is coming and KIDS is set to be retired during the 2026-2027 school year. This transition will bring about a change in business processes for both districts and the state. In this session we will discuss the current status of the KEDS system and expectations for districts in the coming school year. We will cover key topics, including: Timelines, Trainings, Resources, Dashboards and allow time for Q&A.
Speakers
avatar for Christopher Fletcher

Christopher Fletcher

Information Systems Manager, Kansas State Department of Education
Christopher Fletcher serves as an Information Systems Manager for the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE). Prior to joining KSDE, he held the role of Technology Director in both Kansas and Nebraska schools. With over 20 years of experience, Christopher has dedicated his career... Read More →
JS

Jennifer Shaffer

Assistant Director, KSDE
Wednesday July 29, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Cypress A 209
  KEDS

8:00am CDT

Science of Reading -How to report your Seal of Literacy earners to the state
Wednesday July 29, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Redbud C 210
Districts are required to submit a Science of Reading training report within the Educator Data Collection System (EDCS) beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. Learn how to navigate this NEW feature in the Educator Data Collection System.
Speakers
LB
SE
Wednesday July 29, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Redbud C 210
  Licensure

8:00am CDT

Technical Math
Wednesday July 29, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Redbud A 210

Speakers
SW
Wednesday July 29, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Redbud A 210
  Math

9:10am CDT

Panel Discussion - Balanced Assessment
Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am CDT
Redbud A 210
This panel discussion will feature a small group of school systems and their approach to implementing one of the Fundamentals. Each school system will share why they chose the Fundamental and Structure as well as how they are implementing followed by facilitated Q & A.

Districts on this panel:
USD 258 Humboldt
USD 460 Hesston
USD 475 Geary County
Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am CDT
Redbud A 210
  Accreditation

9:10am CDT

Panel Discussion - Quality Instruction
Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am CDT
Redbud C 210
This panel discussion will feature a small group of school systems and their approach to implementing one of the Fundamentals. Each school system will share why they chose the Fundamental and Structure as well as how they are implementing followed by facilitated Q & A.

Districts on this panel:
USD 259 Wichita
USD 381 Spearville
USAD 393 Solomon
USD 430 South Brown County
Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am CDT
Redbud C 210
  Accreditation

9:10am CDT

Panel Discussion - Standards Alignment
Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am CDT
Cypress A 209
This panel discussion will feature a small group of school systems and their approach to implementing one of the Fundamentals. Each school system will share why they chose the Fundamental and Structure as well as how they are implementing followed by facilitated Q & A.

Districts on this panel:
USD 114 Riverside
USD 262 Valley Center
USD 450 Shawnee Heights
USD 473 Chapman
Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am CDT
Cypress A 209
  Accreditation

9:10am CDT

Panel Discussion - Structured Literacy
Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am CDT
Redbud B 210
This panel discussion will feature a small group of school systems and their approach to implementing one of the Fundamentals. Each school system will share why they chose the Fundamental and Structure as well as how they are implementing followed by facilitated Q & A.

Districts on this panel:
USD 266 Maize
USD 440 Halstead
USD 483 Kismet-Plains
Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am CDT
Redbud B 210
  Accreditation

10:15am CDT

Break
Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:15am - 10:30am CDT
Eagle Ballroom Foyer
Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:15am - 10:30am CDT
Eagle Ballroom Foyer
  Break

10:30am CDT

General Session
Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT
Eagle Ballroom
Message from the new KSDE Commissioner
Speakers
NK
Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT
Eagle Ballroom
  General Session
 

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Monday, July 27
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Birch 203
Cedar 204
Cypress A
Cypress A 209
Cypress B 209
Eagle Ballroom
Eagle Ballroom Foyer
Ealge Ballroom
Expo Hall
Maple 205
Oak 206
Osage 207
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Redbud A
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Redbud A 210
Redbud B 210
Redbud C
Redbud C 210
Walnut 208
  • Accreditation
  • Assessment
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  • Break
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  • CTE
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  • Early Childhood
  • EL
  • ELA
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  • General Session
  • HGSS
  • IPS
  • KEDS
  • Licensure
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  • Lunch
  • Math
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