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.

1:30pm MDT

Beyond the Basics: Navigating Disciplinary Literacy in the ELA Classroom

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

ED 203 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 203

For secondary English Language Arts (ELA) educators, "literacy" often becomes a catch-all term that can obscure the specialized nature of ELA. This session utilizes the official USBE guidance document, Clarifying Foundational, Content Area, and Disciplinary Literacies in ELA, to provide a clear framework for professional role clarity.We will explore how foundational skills and content-area strategies serve as universal "building blocks" applicable across all subjects. By contrast, we will deep-dive into the specialized disciplinary literacy that ELA experts provide: the unique theories, methodologies, and analytical tasks inherent to the discipline.This session moves this USBE resource from a static document to an active tool for school-wide alignment. Attendees will learn how to use this framework to lead productive, professional conversations with colleagues and administrators to ensure literacy is a shared, school-wide responsibility. By defining these distinctions, ELA teachers can better focus on high-quality, discipline-specific instruction that optimizes academic outcomes and elevates expectations for all students. Ultimately, this framework empowers educators to move beyond generic strategies and provide the rigorous instruction necessary for students to navigate complex information and succeed in real-world contexts.

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

Naomi Watkins

Secondary ELA Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Dr. Naomi Watkins is the Secondary English Language Arts Specialist for the Utah State Board of Education, where she provides strategic oversight for ELA instruction, standards, and adolescent literacy. With over 20 years of experience in education and a Ph.D. specializing in adolescent... Read More →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
ED 203 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 203 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Utah Core Curriculum, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Session Format 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Grade Level Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12
Audience Teachers, Curriculum Specialists
Subject Area Language Arts, Instructional Coaching

1:30pm MDT

Fractions and Art: Beyond the Pizza

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT

GC 306 - General Classroom Building, Room 306

💻 Format Alert: This is an extended, 2-hour hands-on session—please bring your own laptop or tablet to fully participate!

Move beyond traditional fraction pizzas and pies! In this hands-on workshop we will. create multiple visual art projects designed to help children develop an understanding of fractions and strengthen mathematical skills. Come prepared to think deeply, create, and have fun.Resources Folder: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1E944gfv_4K3Vg-URZiDE93Tc1PHmAZ37?usp=share_link

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: None

Speakers

Alisa Petersen

Beverley Taylor Sorenson Endowed Chair of Elementary Arts Education, SUU - Southern Utah University

Alisa Petersen is the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Endowed Chair of Elementary Art Education at Southern Utah University. As the director of the artsFUSION outreach program, Alisa combines her passions for art, creativity and the maker movement to coordinate, develop, and teach arts-integrated... Read More →

Zoë Petersen

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT
GC 306 - General Classroom Building, Room 306 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Session Format 2 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists, District / School Administrators
Subject Area Performing Arts / Visual Arts, Mathematics

9:45am MDT

10 Minute Movement ideas for Language Arts k-6th grade

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

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

We will explore the language arts curriculum for K-6 and integrate movement possibilities for students. Each lesson will be less than 10 minutes long and easily adapted to a classroom setting.

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: None

Speakers

Ashley Boyack

Professional Development Director, University of Utah Tanner Dance

ASHLEY BOYACK received her BFA from the University of Utah and MAT from the University of Northern Colorado. She joined the Lawrence Arts Center in 2010, where she was Artistic Director of the Youth Dance Theater. While at LAC she created the modern dance curriculum and served as... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
CC Charles Hunter - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Charles Hunter Room (100 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Other, 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, Curriculum Specialists, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches
Subject Area Language Arts, Performing Arts / Visual Arts

9:45am MDT

Beyond Aspire Plus: Navigating the Transition in High School Assessment

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

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

The landscape of secondary assessment in Utah is entering a phase of significant change. Following the passage of SB 39 (2025), the state is transitioning from the fixed-form Utah Aspire Plus (UA+) to a course-based, computer-adaptive High School RISE model for English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science. For rural LEAs—where teachers often operate as "departments of one"—this shift introduces unique technical hurdles alongside powerful new data opportunities.This session provides a comprehensive roadmap for these upcoming changes, specifically addressing how the move from predictive, grade-based scores to adaptive, course-based reporting directly affects instructional planning. Unlike the previous model, the High School RISE model ensures that data is a precise reflection of the specific course being taught, offering rural educators a clearer picture of student mastery within their specific disciplines.We will dive deep into three primary challenges unique to the rural experience:Overcoming Professional Isolation: We provide "pre-packaged" formative tools and USBE resources, such as the Performance Task Writing Template, to reduce the burden of designing assessments from scratch.Managing Instructional Breadth: We demonstrate how course-based data empowers teachers who lead multiple subjects to refine instruction with subject-specific accuracy.Mitigating Data Volatility: We explain how the Computer Adaptive (CAT) model provides more statistically reliable measures in small cohorts, ensuring that individual outliers do not skew school-wide results.Attendees will leave equipped with a clear understanding of USETS and UTIPs, ready to leverage these state resources to support local needs and foster resilient, data-informed rural classrooms.

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: None

Speakers

Teresa McEntire

Presenter, Utah State Board of Education

Teresa McEntire is the Elementary ELA Assessment Specialist at the Utah State Board of Education. She has a master's degree in School Administration and a bachelor's in Elementary Education. She spent eleven years in the classroom in grades 3-6 and three years as an administrator... Read More →

Samantha Tinkey

Secondary Science Assessment Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Sam Tinkey is a Secondary Science Assessment Specialist with USBE. She is an experienced educator and researcher with 11 years in Utah’s public school system, including eight years as a secondary science teacher. Her classroom experience informs her work in improving how instructional... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
CC Shooting Star - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Shooting Star Room (100 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Session Format 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Grade Level High School - grades 9 - 12
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Subject Area Language Arts, Mathematics, Science

9:45am MDT

Commemorate America250 Utah with History, Civics, and Heart

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

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

It's been 250 years since the pivotal events of 1776. The student activities, lesson plans, and resources from America250 Utah will help you connect to the our nation's founding and our state's rich history no matter what content you teach! This session will introduce key resources for elementary, middle, and high school, with a focus on events that connect to Utah in 1776, and the individuals, groups, ideas, and actions that shaped the Revolutionary Era.America250 Utah offers hands-on opportunities to explore history, create shared experiences, and engage with this milestone celebration. You can create powerful opportunities for your students and school community to reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look together toward the future. Presenters: Wendy Rex Atzet, PhD, and Rebecca Kirkman, Curriculum Specialist, Utah Historical Society

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

Rebecca Kirkman

Curriculum & District Coaching Specialist, Jordan School District & Utah Historical Society

Rebecca Kirkman is an accomplished District Instructional Coach for Jordan District, specializing in Instructional Coaching methodologies and teacher professional development. An award-winning former classroom teacher, she translates her successful practices into scalable professional... Read More →

Wendy Rex Atzet

Manager of K-12 Initiatives, Utah Historical Society

Wendy Rex Atzet earned her doctorate in U.S. History at the University of Colorado at Boulder, where she also served for four years as a coordinator for the state National History Day program. She was thrilled to return to National History Day in 2013 when she took the helm of this... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
CC Sage Valley - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Sage Valley Room (100 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Utah Core Curriculum, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Session Format 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists, Everyone, Technology Coordinators / Facilitators, District / School Administrators, EdTech Coach / Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Counselors or School-based Ment
Subject Area Social Science, Language Arts

9:45am MDT

Going for Gold: The New Gold Medal Schools Framework

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT

AU - Auditorium Foyer

🛝 Format Alert: This is a fluid, 2-hour "drop-in" playground where you can stop by anytime to explore small-group activities at your own pace.

Join us for an engaging session on the Gold Medal Schools Program, a comprehensive initiative designed to promote healthy lifestyles, regular physical activity, and nutritious eating habits among students. Originally created to coincide with the 2002 Utah Olympics, this locally developed program is being re-established to align with the upcoming 2034 Olympic games, playing a key role in the state's broader Rural Health Transformation Plan.In this session, we will explore the core components of the proposed five-year Gold Medal Schools Pilot Program, which empowers eligible elementary schools to implement evidence-based strategies and create school policies that support lifelong health and wellnessLearning Intentions: Inform participants about the new Gold Medal Schools Program for rural schools, including grant opportunities.Demonstrate the framework (to be developed) and model activities that educators can implement as part of the program. Activities may include: nutrition education, fitness assessments, adaptive and inclusive sports, bike education, and active transport. Success Criteria: Participants have access to the framework and understand the requirements of Gold Medal Schools. They will also know how to apply for funding for the 2026-27 school year. Participants can lead and administer the activities modeled during the session with students.

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

Jodi Paker

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
AU - Auditorium Foyer 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | Leadership, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Session Format 2 hour Playground - hands on activities and discussions with various small groups during a 2-hour window
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, Curriculum Specialists
Subject Area Health and Physical Education, Leadership

9:45am MDT

Patterns & Partnerships

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT

BC 103 - Braithwaite Liberal Arts Center, Room 103

🧠 Format Alert: This is an immersive, 2-hour deep-dive workshop designed for intensive, uninterrupted coverage of this topic.

Come engage with hands-on, phenomenon-based, 3D investigations and lesson plans that explore Utah’s mountain ecosystems. Covering all Sixth Grade life science SEEd standards 6.4.1-6.4.5, this bin includes customizable curriculum, over 100 specimens, drone footage, scientific tools, and more! The bins are reusable resources located at districts and service centers statewide and are available at no cost to Utah public schools (district and charter).

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: None

Speakers

Heather Paulsen

Teacher Resource Coordinator, Red Butte Garden & Arboretum

Heather has over 20 years of experience in both formal and informal education K-12. Most of that has been spent in informal science education working with statewide programs that include outreach, teacher resources, professional development and writing curriculum to support state... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
BC 103 - Braithwaite Liberal Arts Center, Room 103 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Utah Core Curriculum, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Session Format 2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop
Grade Level 5-6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8
Audience Teachers, Curriculum Specialists, Instructional Coaches
Subject Area Science, STEM / STEAM

11:10am MDT

We can help your students learn more about engineering.

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

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

Come learn about the resources we can provide you to help your students learn more about engineering. We have hands on activities, summer research internships, summer camps, discover engineering traveling exhibit and engineering day. We also have lesson plans and teacher checkout materials. https://www.price.utah.edu/k12https://www.price.utah.edu/discover-engineeringhttps://www.price.utah.edu/k12/lesson-plans

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: None

Speakers

Morgan Boyack

Outreach Manager, Price College of Engineering at the University of Utah

Has been doing outreach for the last 13 years for the Price College of Engineering at the UofU. Passionate about helping rural areas learn more about engineering.

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
CC Charles Hunter - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Charles Hunter Room (100 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | Utah Core Curriculum, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Session Format 1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities
Grade Level 3-4, 5-6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12, Elementary - grades K - 6
Audience Teachers, Curriculum Specialists
Subject Area STEM / STEAM

11:10am MDT

Intro to PCBL: Guiding Principles & Strategies for Improving Learning

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

ED 102 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 102

Join us for an insightful presentation on Personalized Competency-Based Learning (PCBL) to explore effective strategies for enhancing student learning. You'll learn to set clear learning goals, establish measurable objectives, and leverage intrinsic motivators to foster a personalized learning environment. The session will also cover goal-setting, progress monitoring, and curating resources, providing practical strategies you can immediately implement in your classroom.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Mac Laptop; Windows Laptop; Android Tablet / Smartphone; iPad / iPhone; Windows Tablet / Smartphone; Chromebook

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Mac Laptop; Windows Laptop; Chromebook

Speakers

Kayla Towner

Senior Product Trainer, UEN - Utah Education Network

Kayla Towner is a Senior Product Trainer at the Utah Education Network (UEN) and, first and foremost, a passionate educator. She loves spending time with her family—playing soccer ⚽️, reading books 📚, hiking 🥾, and adventuring across Utah 🏔️. Kayla is dedicated to... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
ED 102 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 102 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Session Format 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, EdTech Coach / Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Technology Coordinators / Facilitators, Curriculum Specialists
Subject Area Other

11:10am MDT

The Science of Learning in Utah Math Classrooms

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

GC 109 - General Classroom Building, Room 109

What ULEAD found in effective Utah math classroomsSound research practicesCommon MythsHow students learn math: core science-of-learning principlesHigh impact routinesLethal mutationsApplication: practiceCommit to one high-leverage changeThe Science of Learning in Utah Math Classrooms.docx

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: None

Speakers

Jennie Earl

State Board Member, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Jennie's commitment to education is showcased by her 7 ½ years of service on the State Board of Education two of those years were spent serving in a vice chair position. Throughout her tenure, she has been an integral part of numerous committees and initiatives. Her roles... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
GC 109 - General Classroom Building, Room 109 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Utah Core Curriculum, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required. | Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs), Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required. | Instructional Coaching, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Session Format 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Subject Area Mathematics

1:30pm MDT

Writing Formative Assessment Clusters

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT

GC 201 - General Classroom Building, Room 201

💻 Format Alert: This is an extended, 2-hour hands-on session—please bring your own laptop or tablet to fully participate!

Have you seen or heard that the RISE assessments have clusters? We will learn what assessment “clusters” are, how to write them, and then write them for use in our classrooms as part of our formative assessment process. Participants will be able to focus on ELA, Mathematics, or Science with support from the USBE Assessment Specialists.The RISE assessments in grades 3-10 include clusters, so utilizing this assessment format in classrooms can help prepare students for the RISE assessments.

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

Jared Wright

Elementary Math and Science Assessment Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

I have been in Education for 20+ years. Approximately half of that time was as an elementary school teacher of students in grades 2, 3, and 4. The other half has been in multiple roles at USBE in the Assessment and Accountability section.

Dallas Brooks

Elementary ELA Assessment Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Dallas holds a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction as well as a K-12 Reading Endorsement. She has served as both an elementary teacher and a Title I Coordinator, bringing over a decade of experience in supporting student achievement. In her current role, Dallas specializes... Read More →

Samantha Tinkey

Secondary Science Assessment Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT
GC 201 - General Classroom Building, Room 201 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

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

Session Format 2 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists, District / School Administrators
Subject Area Language Arts, Mathematics, Science

1:30pm MDT

Art Tools and Teacher Tricks

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT

GC 306 - General Classroom Building, Room 306

🧠 Format Alert: This is an immersive, 2-hour deep-dive workshop designed for intensive, uninterrupted coverage of this topic.

Looking to bring more creativity into your classroom without the mess or stress? In this hands-on workshop, elementary classroom teachers will learn practical tips and tricks for confidently using and managing basic art supplies. From watercolors to oil pastels colored pencils and more, we’ll explore what’s worth buying, what to skip, and how to get the most out of the supplies you already have. How can you use and manage these supplies more effectively?Participants will learn art hacks for the classroom that will minimize chaos and maximize instructional time. We’ll also cover easy-to-teach techniques that help students use supplies correctly and responsibly, saving money and reducing waste. Whether you’re art-loving or art-avoidant, you’ll leave with ready-to-use strategies that make creative activities smoother, more efficient, more successful and more engaging.Perfect for any teachers who want big creative impact with basic supplies!

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: None

Speakers

Liz Brown

BTS Arts Integration Coach, NUES - Northeastern Utah Educational Services

Liz Brown is a BTS Art Integration Coach for NUES. She was the 2025 Utah Art Educator of the Year for the National Art Education Association and the 2024 Art Educator of the Year for the Utah Art Education Association. She is passionate about arts integration and children getting... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT
GC 306 - General Classroom Building, Room 306 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Session Format 2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop
Grade Level PK - 2, Elementary - grades K - 6, 5-6, 3-4
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, Counselors or School-based Mental / Behavioral Health Professionals, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Subject Area Performing Arts / Visual Arts

2:12pm MDT

Simulating Moon Phases using your hand

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:12pm - 2:30pm MDT

ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215

🕒 Format Alert: This is a fast-paced, 20-minute showcase that is grouped together with two other quick sessions in this time block.

Teach your students a simple, hands-on method for modeling Moon phases by using their own hand to represent the Moon’s position relative to the Earth and Sun; this interactive strategy helps them visualize and understand how phases change over time and serves as a memorable tool to support their success on the RISE test.

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: None

Speakers

Jayceen Craven Walker

Education Program Specialist, Clark Planetarium

Jayceen has been with the planetarium in one way or another since 1987 at the Hansen when she was an actor in The ZAP Show. She joined the staff in 1989 and worked her way up through the ranks of part-time reservationist, science demo presenter, AstroVan presenter, volunteer coordinator... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:12pm - 2:30pm MDT
ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Utah Core Curriculum, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Session Format 20 minute focus on specific solutions or tools (Over The Shoulder)
Grade Level 46148
Audience Teachers, Curriculum Specialists
Subject Area Science

2:50pm MDT

Literacy, Mental Health, and School Engagement for Students with Learning Disabilities

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

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

Students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities are at increased risk for academic frustration, anxiety, and diminished self-esteem, which can significantly impact their connection to school. For many, repeated experiences of difficulty with reading contribute not only to skill gaps, but also to reduced engagement, increased school avoidance, and a heightened likelihood of negative school outcomes.This session will explore the relationship between literacy challenges and mental health, with a specific focus on how reading difficulties influence student engagement and overall school experience. Participants will learn how to identify these patterns and implement practical, evidence-based supports that address both academic and social-emotional needs.Grounded in research and real-world application, this session will highlight structured literacy approaches, progress monitoring, and systems of support that help students build reading proficiency while also restoring confidence and connection to school. Special attention will be given to actionable strategies Utah educators and administrators can use within MTSS frameworks to better support students with learning disabilities.Participants will leave with a renewed understanding of what matters most—ensuring that every student is not only learning to read, but also feeling successful, connected, and motivated to engage in school.

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: None

Speakers

Paul Black

School Psychologist and Literacy Specialist, Reading Horizons

Dr. Paul Black is a nationally certified school psychologist, literacy advocate, and educational leader specializing in assessment-driven instruction, adolescent literacy, and support for students with learning differences. He is the President of PB Assessments, an organization dedicated... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
CC Yankee Meadows - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Yankee Meadows Room (100 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Instructional Coaching, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required. | School-based Mental & Behavioral Health, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Session Format 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Audience District / School Administrators, Curriculum Specialists
Subject Area Special Education, Mental/Behavioral Health

2:50pm MDT

Implementing the Success Sequence: Key to Updated Health Education Standards

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

SC 122 - Science Center, Room 122

This session is designed to support Health Educators in successfully implementing the newly approved Health Education Standards that incorporate the Success Sequence. Participants will receive clear explanations of the requirements for teaching the Success Sequence, have the opportunity to ask questions, and receive resources for incorporating the standard into instruction. By the end of this session, educators will be able to describe the key components of the updated standards and have tools to teach the Success Sequence next school year. Learning Intentions: Support Health Educators in the implementation of the newly approved Health Education Standards on the Success Sequence. Explain the Code requirements for teaching the success sequence Success Criteria: Health Educators can successfully identify and describe the key components of the newly approved Health Education Standards related to the Success Sequence.Educators understand the Utah Code requirements for teaching the Success Sequence in the classroom.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Windows Laptop

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

Speakers

Jodi Parker

Health Education Specialist and Title IV, Part A State Coordinator, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Jodi Parker is the Health Education Specialist and Title IV, Part A State Coordinator for the Utah State Board of Education. She is President for The Society of State Leaders for Health and Physical Education and supports advisory committees including the University of Utah Driving... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
SC 122 - Science Center, Room 122 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Utah Core Curriculum, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Session Format 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Grade Level Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, Curriculum Specialists
Subject Area Health and Physical Education

9:50am MDT

From Policy to Practice: What Utah’s HB 393 Means for Dyslexia and Daily Classroom Instruction

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT

ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215

With increased attention on dyslexia through legislation such as HB 393, many schools will soon be strengthening screening and identification practices—but identification alone does not improve outcomes. This hands-on session focuses on what must come next: building a guaranteed, schoolwide literacy system that ensures every student, including those with dyslexia and other learning disabilities, receives effective, consistent instruction.Participants will explore how to align core instruction, intervention, and progress monitoring within an MTSS framework to create a cohesive system of support. The session will emphasize evidence-based literacy practices, including structured literacy, explicit instruction, and data-driven decision making, while also addressing how these practices strengthen Tier 1 instruction for all students.In addition, the session will connect literacy systems to broader school priorities, including grading practices, student support structures, and fostering a culture of collective responsibility for reading outcomes. Educators and administrators will engage in practical planning activities to evaluate their current systems and identify next steps to ensure that literacy instruction is not left to chance, but guaranteed for every student.Participants will leave with actionable tools, implementation ideas, and a clearer vision for how to move beyond compliance toward a sustainable, high-impact literacy system that improves outcomes for students with dyslexia and benefits all learners.

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: None

Speakers

Paul Black

School Psychologist and Literacy Specialist, Reading Horizons

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT
ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Session Format 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Audience District / School Administrators, Curriculum Specialists
Subject Area Special Education, Instructional Coaching

9:50am MDT

Grow Lab

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 12:10pm MDT

BC 208 - Braithwaite Liberal Arts Center, Room 208

🧠 Format Alert: This is an immersive, 2-hour deep-dive workshop designed for intensive, uninterrupted coverage of this topic.

With lessons that support SEEd standard 3.2.1, Grow Lab evolved from an award-winning classroom program Red Butte offered for over two decades. In addition to engaging with the curriculum, this workshop provides you with your own grow frame and supplies to grow plants in your classroom at no cost to you. The seeds you receive are Wisconsin Fast Plants® (Brassica rapa); these plants complete their life cycle, from planting seeds to harvesting the seeds, in 40 days. This allows you and your 3rd graders to develop and refine models of changes that happen throughout the life cycle of Fast Plants® in real time.

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: None

Speakers

Heather Paulsen

Teacher Resource Coordinator, Red Butte Garden & Arboretum

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 12:10pm MDT
BC 208 - Braithwaite Liberal Arts Center, Room 208 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Utah Core Curriculum, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Session Format 2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop
Grade Level 3-4, Elementary - grades K - 6
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists, Library Media Specialists
Subject Area Science

11:10am MDT

Bridging the Gap to Grade-Level Text in the secondary classroom marks a critical shift from "learning to read" to "reading to learn" through evidence-based, equitable instruction.

Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

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

Bridging the Gap to Grade-Level Text in the secondary classroom marks a critical shift from "learning to read" to "reading to learn" through evidence-based, equitable instruction. In a secondary setting, the Science of Reading transcends basic phonics to focus on disciplinary literacy, ensuring every student—regardless of their current reading level—has access to the complex, grade-level text they deserve. This approach moves beyond mere theory to provide a "boots on the ground" toolkit designed to maintain rigor across all content areas, including Science, Social Studies, Math, and ELA. By scaffolding up rather than differentiating down, educators ensure they are not simplifying the curriculum, but rather amplifying the support needed to meet high academic standards.Equity through access is the heartbeat of this instructional model, rooted in the belief that every student deserves to grapple with high-quality, grade-level text. A teacher’s expertise is the most powerful variable in the classroom; essentially, how well one teaches equals how well students learn. Inspired by research-based frameworks like Lexia Aspire®, Keys to Adolescent Literacy, LETRS, and The Writing Revolution, this method fosters an equitable environment where the teacher's skill drives literacy growth. The ultimate objective is immediate implementation through quick, explicit routines that take less than five minutes of class time yet yield massive results in comprehension.The first two pillars of the Secondary Literacy Toolkit focus on word-level mastery and the transition to meaning. The Multisyllabic "Attack" provides students with a "Longer Word Strategy" through word study and morphology. This involves explicit routines like "scooping" to chunk words by vowel sounds and investigating morphology—the prefixes, suffixes, and Latin/Greek roots that act as the "Lego bricks" of language. Building on this, Fluency acts as the bridge between word recognition and comprehension. Because learning is not a spectator sport, routines such as Choral, Cloze, Echo, and Dyad reading ensure that if one student is reading, everyone is reading, leveraging peer support to master the prosody of complex text.The third pillar emphasizes Explicit Vocabulary and Knowledge Building, moving far beyond "looking up definitions" toward deep ownership of Tier 2 and Tier 3 words. Educators learn to identify "load-bearing" words essential to a text's meaning. This process highlights the reciprocity of literacy—the idea that reading and writing are two sides of the same coin. By utilizing "The Writing Revolution" techniques, such as "Because, But, So" or Sentence Expansion, students immediately apply new vocabulary through writing to cement their understanding. This ensures that the cognitive load remains on the student, fostering active participation rather than passive observation.Finally, Scaffolding Complex Text ensures that rigor is maintained without compromising accessibility. Rather than simplifying the prose, teachers amplify the support through explicit vocabulary routines that move from basic definitions to deep conceptual understanding. By breaking down complex syntax and using sentence expansion, students can digest dense academic prose that might otherwise be out of reach. This strategic planning shifts the cognitive load toward the learner, adhering to the principle that if the teacher does all the talking, the teacher does all the learning. The goal is a classroom where instruction meets the demands of the text, ensuring all students are equipped to succeed.

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

Amy Mahoney

PreK-12 Instructional Coach, NUES - Northeastern Utah Educational Services

As a NUES Region PreK-12 Instructional Coach, I am dedicated to the art of continuous learning and professional growth. I hold a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum & Instruction with an emphasis in ESL & ESOL. My professional credentials include endorsements in Reading, Coaching... Read More →

Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
CC Sage Valley - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Sage Valley Room (100 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Utah Core Curriculum, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | Instructional Coaching, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.