2026 Great Ideas in Education Conference: Full Schedule

11:05am CDT

Science AND the Science of Reading: Integrating Structured Literacy into Meaningful Science Learning

Tuesday July 28, 2026 11:05am - 12:05pm CDT

This session explores how science builds background knowledge, increases vocabulary, and exposes students to literary knowledge, while explicit literacy supports increasing access to scientific sensemaking. Through grade-band discussions, leaders will identify what supports are needed from KSDE to strengthen the integration of structured literacy with science content.

Tuesday July 28, 2026 11:05am - 12:05pm CDT
Walnut 208

Science

2:50pm CDT

From Vision to Reality: Selecting and Supporting High-Quality Science Instructional Materials

Tuesday July 28, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm CDT

Walnut 208

This session examines what components of instructional design are critical to supporting quality science instruction. We will identify what makes science material selection different from other content areas and review recommended HQIM selection processes. Leaders will also explore additional supports from KSDE around quality instruction in science, including statewide implementation cohorts, our Zero Barrier (UDL) initiative, and professional learning/collaboration opportunities.

Speakers

Stephanie Alderman-Oler

Science Program Manager, KSDE

Stephanie Alderman-Oler is the Science Program Manager at the Kansas Department of Education, supporting science education across the state. With 12 years of experience as a middle and high school science teacher, she brings classroom expertise and a deep commitment to improving science... Read More →

Tuesday July 28, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm CDT
Walnut 208

Science

3:55pm CDT

"Making Sense of Kansas Science: Standards Alignment and Assessment "

Tuesday July 28, 2026 3:55pm - 4:55pm CDT

Walnut 208

The Kansas Science Standards are unique in their three-dimensional design, requiring alignment between standards, instruction, and assessment. In this session, district leadership teams will explore the vertical progression of the standards, use KSDE’s Science Standards Alignment Toolkit to support implementation, and examine the role of formative, interim, summative, and performance-based assessments within a balanced science assessment system. Participants will also review key KITE assessment resources and common challenges related to standards alignment and assessment use.

Speakers

Stephanie Alderman-Oler

Science Program Manager, KSDE

Tuesday July 28, 2026 3:55pm - 4:55pm CDT
Walnut 208

Science

2026 Great Ideas in Education Conference

11:05am CDT

2:50pm CDT

Stephanie Alderman-Oler

3:55pm CDT

Stephanie Alderman-Oler

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