2026 Utah Rural Schools Conference: Full Schedule

Welcome to URSA 2026 at Southern Utah University! All sessions will be in buildings on the upper campus (east end). Here’s the Campus Map (PDF) if needed.

WiFi: eduroam or SUU-Conference, password "summertimefun"

PLAN AHEAD - Tentative Future Conference Dates
July 7-9, 2027 - Price, UT
July 17-19, 2028 - Richfield, UT

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1:30pm MDT

Are We on the Same Page? Unpacking Reading on Grade Level

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

CC Charles Hunter - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Charles Hunter Room (100 Level)

In recent years, Utah educators have faced conflicting headlines regarding third-grade reading proficiency. Some reports suggest 50% of students are struggling, while others praise a 78% proficiency rate. Are we truly in a reading crisis, or are we simply misinterpreting the metrics?This session dives beneath the headlines to provide Utah educators with clarity on our state's reading data. By unpacking these complex metrics, this session asks a critical question: Can we agree on what we value? Join us to build a shared, data-driven understanding that empowers rural districts to optimize limited resources and effectively support our most vulnerable readers.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any of these

Speakers

Brooke Anderson

Data Scientist, Jordan School District

Brooke Anderson is a dedicated educational leader and Data Scientist at the Jordan School District. With over a decade of specialized experience in the Assessment and Accountability sector, she is committed to leveraging data to enhance educational outcomes and empower teachers. Her... Read More →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
CC Charles Hunter - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Charles Hunter Room (100 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Assessment & Data Management, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Session Format 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators
Subject Area Language Arts, Media Literacy

1:30pm MDT

Digital Citizenship and Safety: Preparing Students for a Digital World

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

CC Red Hills Room - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Red Hills Room (200 Level)

Students today are growing up in a digital world filled with incredible opportunities and unique challenges. From social media and online predators to cyberbullying, AI, digital footprints, and excessive screen time, educators play a critical role in helping students develop the skills needed to navigate technology safely and responsibly.

This session will provide an overview of the most common online risks facing children and teens, current trends impacting student well-being, and practical strategies educators can use to promote healthy digital habits both in and out of the classroom. Participants will gain insight into how digital experiences affect student behavior, relationships, learning, and mental health, while exploring ways to foster critical thinking, online safety awareness, and positive digital citizenship.

Attendees will also be introduced to free, research-based resources that can support digital citizenship education, including materials from the Net Positive program. Resources available through BenetPositive.org offer ready-to-use lessons, parent engagement tools, and educational materials designed to help schools, families, and communities work together to create safer and more positive online experiences for students.

Whether you are a teacher, administrator, counselor, or youth-serving professional, this session will equip you with valuable tools, resources, and actionable ideas to help prepare students to be safe, responsible, and empowered digital citizens.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Not Applicable

Speakers

Nicole Cherrington

Net Positive Director, Boys and Girls Clubs of Utah County

Nicole Cherrington is a Social Media Presenter with the Net Positive program, an initiative of the Boys & Girls Clubs dedicated to helping students build healthy relationships with technology. She has presented digital citizenship, online safety, and media literacy lessons to thousands... Read More →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
CC Red Hills Room - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Red Hills Room (200 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Session Format 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Audience Library Media Specialists, All of the above
Subject Area Media Literacy

2026 Utah Rural Schools Conference

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2026 Utah Rural Schools Conference

1:30pm MDT

Brooke Anderson

1:30pm MDT

Nicole Cherrington

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