Explore Day 2 of the 2026 Summer Learning Retreat!
The 2026 Summer Professional Learning Retreat will continue on Wednesday, June 10th, with a full day of engaging, virtual professional learning sessions centered around the theme: Strengthening Instruction Through Connections. Explore sessions focused on data analysis, instructional planning and alignment, effective teaching practices, assessment tools, standards-based instruction, and strategies to improve outcomes, presented by experts from APSRC and DESE.
If you haven’t registered yet, be sure to sign up today to access both live sessions and post-event recordings and materials! Read on to learn more about the sessions offered on Day 2 – Wednesday, June 10th, under the theme: Strengthening Instruction Through Connections.
See What’s in Store for Day 2 of the 2026 Retreat!
ATLAS Portal for Beginners - Understanding Reports
Presenters: Michelle Johnson & JJ Walker, DESE
Time: 8:30 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.
This session will help administrators and teachers know where to find and how to navigate basic reports such as the Individual Student Report, Longitudinal Reports, and Cross-sectional Reports. When and who should use the Longitudinal or the Cross-sectional? What does it mean when students are "below mastery" or "at/near mastery" for a reporting category? How is that determined?
Focusing on Student Outcomes through Lesson Internalization
Presenter: Tally Harp, APSRC
Time: 8:30 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.
When planning for and internalizing lesson instruction, the main focus should be on evidence of student learning and outcomes based on lesson objectives and learning standards. In this session, participants will understand how to analyze and internalize lessons with this focus in mind. Participants will understand how to move instruction from beginning level knowledge to deep level understanding, and how to ensure they are planning for student success.
Instructional Connections for Teachers - Making "ALL THE THINGS" connect
Presenter: Jessica Wright, APSRC
Time: 8:30 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.
Teachers are always working to make connections for students - What about connections for teachers? Join this session to see how all of our best practices and state initiatives connect. This work allows you to see the cohesive "big picture" of how to increase student outcomes.
ATLAS Data Analysis & Instructional Use Grades 3-10
Presenter: Tally Harp, APSRC
Time: 10:15 A.M. - 11:45 A.M.
This session will focus on analyzing ATLAS Summative and Interim data and how to use the data to plan for instruction. Participants will learn how to pull data from different reports, how to determine strengths and weaknesses in instruction, and how to differentiate instruction based on data analysis.
Setting the Tone & Shifting the Mindset with Domain 4 in TESS
Presenter: Jessica Wright, APSRC
Time: 10:15 A.M. - 11:45 A.M.
Join this session to focus on the most forgotten TESS Domain. We will discuss the Professional Responsibilities of being an educator and how the TESS rubric can set you up for success!
ATLAS Data Analysis & Instructional Use Grades K-2
Presenter: Lori Smith, DESE
Time: 10:15 A.M. - 11:45 A.M.
This training session will support K–2 teachers in accessing and analyzing student data within the ATLAS reporting system. Participants will learn how to locate and review assessment scores, understand the various ATLAS reports, and interpret what the data indicates about student performance. The session will emphasize practical instructional uses of the data, including identifying strengths and areas of need. Teachers will leave with a stronger understanding of what ATLAS data means and how it can be used to guide instructional decisions in the K–2 classroom.
ATLAS Interim & Summative Data: A Systems Check for Learning
Presenters: Michelle Johnson & JJ Walker, DESE
Time: 10:15 A.M. - 11:45 A.M.
What does the ATLAS summative/interim data tell a leader about their systems?
Learn how to leverage your data to identify gaps in your planning, teaching, and assessment system. This session will explore how the District and School Performance Reporting Category data can help educators answer the question, “Why are my students performing this way?” Participants will leave with a process for viewing reporting category information and a "data reflection tool" to help perform a systems analysis check.
Maximizing the ATLAS Classroom Tools for Instruction and Assessment
Presenter: Justin Warner, APSRC
Time: 12:30 P.M. - 2:00 P.M.
This professional development session will support K-12 mathematics teachers, instructional coaches, and building-level administrators focused on using ATLAS Classroom Tools effectively. Participants will learn how to access Classroom Tools, create items, build tests, and share content, as well as utilize embedded items developed by DESE and Cambium. The session will also cover strategies for integrating ATLAS tools into classroom instruction and assessment, including training students to use the embedded Desmos calculator. Attendees will leave with practical skills to enhance instruction, streamline assessment, and support student learning through ATLAS Classroom Tools.
Plan with Purpose, Teach with Impact
Presenter: Jeana Williams, APSRC
Time: 12:30 P.M. - 2:00 P.M.
This session highlights the critical connection between Domain 1 (Planning and Preparation) and the success of Domains 2 and 3 within TESS. Educators will explore how intentional lesson planning and preparation influence classroom culture, student behavior, and instructional effectiveness. Participants will leave with a better understanding of the components within Domain 1 and their impact.
Standards and HQIM Alignment ELA
Presenter: Amber Harwell, DESE
Time: 2:15 P.M. - 3:45 P.M.
Join Amber Harwell, RISE Literacy Specialist, for a session that will focus on aligning the Arkansas ELA standards to High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM). Participants will explore the importance of standards alignment and learn a process for aligning standards to their HQIM.
Standards & HQIM Alignment Math
Presenter: Justin Warner, APSRC
Time: 2:15 P.M. - 3:45 P.M.
This professional development session will support K-12 mathematics educators focused on aligning math standards to their High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM). Participants will explore the importance of standards alignment, learn the process for aligning standards to their HQIM, and examine related concepts such as Achievement-Level Descriptors and Lesson Internalization. The session will also review the DESE-approved HQIM list and discuss the criteria that define a curriculum as a High-Quality Instructional Material, equipping educators with practical strategies to strengthen instructional planning and fidelity.
Standards & HQIM Alignment Science
Presenters: Sherry Washington, APSRC, and Dr. Anne Holder, DESE
Time: 2:15 P.M. - 3:45 P.M.
This session is designed to help science teachers align Arkansas science standards with high-quality instructional materials (HQIMs). These instructional materials will help strengthen instruction, deepen students' understanding of science, and bring engaging lessons to the classroom.
Tier 1, Clearly Defined: Strengthening Instruction for All Students
Presenter: Jeana Williams, APSRC
Time: 2:15 P.M. - 3:45 P.M.
This session focuses on building a clear, shared understanding of high-quality Tier 1 instruction. Participants will unpack the key components of effective grade level instruction and examine how clarity, alignment, and intentional design impact student learning. Through reflection and practical strategies, educators will identify ways to strengthen their Tier 1 practices to ensure all students have access to rigorous, engaging instruction.
Ready to explore the full retreat lineup and reserve your spot?
Day 2 builds on the retreat's momentum with sessions designed for you. We encourage you to register now for the sessions you’re interested in so you can stay up to date with the latest information about the Summer Retreat and the sessions you plan to attend.
While we hope you'll join us live, we understand summer schedules can be busy. We’re planning to provide all registered participants with access to session recordings and materials following the event—but you must register in advance to receive them.
Looking ahead? View the full retreat schedule, including sessions for Days 1 & 3, by visiting the Summer Retreat website. There you can explore this year’s lineup of 25+ sessions, review key retreat details, hear from past attendees, and register to reserve your spot.
About the Summer Retreat
The Summer Professional Learning Retreat is an annual virtual event series hosted by APSRC, designed to help educators build skills and explore new strategies. The retreat spans three days and offers a variety of sessions, allowing participants to choose those that best align with their interests and professional goals. Whether you’re looking to build on existing skills or explore new strategies, this retreat has something for everyone.
Each session qualifies for PD credit at no cost, and is hosted through Discere, our learning management system—no Zoom links required! And here’s the best part: you don’t have to attend live to benefit. If you're traveling or have other commitments, you can still take advantage of everything the retreat has to offer. All registered participants will receive full access to session recordings, materials, and resources after the event, so you can engage with the content at a time that works best for you.
Last year, the 2025 Summer Retreat marked new highs for registration and attendance, welcoming more than 400 virtual attendees and generating 2,740 session registrations across 26 offerings. We hope to reach even more this year!
