Gulf Regional Innovative Teaching Conference

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10:00am CDT

Measuring Growth & Achievement with Star CAT Assessments

Monday July 13, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

Interpret growth and achievement data simultaneously to make instructional decisions.
• Lesson A: Achievement vs. Growth in Star Use Student Growth Percentile (SGP) to get a more complete idea of student growth.
• Lesson B: Star Growth Report Analyze Star growth and achievement data in the Star Growth Report.
• Lesson C: Star Growth Proficiency Chart Analyze Star growth and achievement data using the Star Growth Proficiency Chart

Presenters

Dr. Kathi Reeves

Professional Learning Consultant, Renaissance Learning

Monday July 13, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 267

Assessment Data Technology

Level Administrators, All Teachers

11:00am CDT

From IEP to Independence: Transition Assessments in the Digital Age

Monday July 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

Room 95

Explore how technology can transform transition planning for secondary students with IEPs. This session highlights digital tools and strategies to conduct meaningful transition assessments, analyze results efficiently, and use data to empower students toward post-school success. Participants will leave with practical ideas to streamline assessments and enhance student engagement using technology.

Presenters

Nancy Caruthers

Teacher, Robertsdale High School

Cassondra Hardy

Special Education Inclusion for Eng 12 & Case Manager, Robertsdale High School

Monday July 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 95

Assessment CTE Data Google/Google Classroom Technology

Level High Teachers, Special Education

11:00am CDT

The Discussion Revolution: Building Student Agency, One Round Table at a Time with Parlay Ideas

Monday July 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

Room 206

Transform your classroom from a teacher-led lecture into a vibrant, student-driven community with Parlay Ideas. In this hands-on workshop, we’ll explore the Parlay Universe to find ready-made prompts that spark critical thinking and dive into the Written Round Table to see how anonymous peer feedback empowers even your quietest students. You’ll experience a Live Round Table firsthand to see how real-time data and discussion mapping can facilitate civil discourse and provide instant engagement analytics. Join us to learn how to step back as a lecturer and step up as a coach, using Parlay to make every student’s voice visible and every discussion measurable.

Presenters

Nikki Minoso

Teacher, ELA, Spanish Fort High

Monday July 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 206

Assessment Differentiation Digital Citizenship ELA Professionalism Reading Social Studies

Level Middle Teachers, High Teachers

11:00am CDT

Unlock the Power of Kami

Monday July 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

Room 254

Join us to discover how Kami empowers every learner by turning everyday lessons into interactive experiences. During this hands-on session, we will explore the tools together and learn how to easily enhance lessons you are already teaching in the classroom. You'll leave with ideas that will support students throughout the learning journey and make student engagement soar.

Presenters

Janet Burnett

Teacher Success Manager, Kami & Book Creator

Janet Burnett is a Teaching & Learning Coordinator for Kami and Book Creator, but also a lifelong educator. With 28 years of experience in education as a teacher and Technology Specialist, she is passionate about helping teachers “power-up” daily lessons while bringing joy to... Read More →

Monday July 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 254

Assessment Community Building ELA ELL Math Reading Science Social Studies Technology

Level All Teachers, Librarians, Special Education

12:00pm CDT

Let the Games Begin: Simple Strategies to Increase Student Engagement

Monday July 13, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT

Room 206

In this session, you will learn quick and easy activities to use in any classroom to boost student engagement. This session will be interactive! You will have a time to try out some of the activities you will be learning about.

Presenters

Monica Shaner

Curriculum Leader, Spanish Fort High

Hello, I am Monica Shaner, the Curriculum Leader at Spanish Fort High School. With sixteen years experience in education, my focus is on academic growth and achievement through problem-based learning, differentiated instruction, and data driven resources. I strive to support teachers... Read More →

Monday July 13, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 206

Artificial Intelligence Assessment Community Building Community Engagement Differentiation eMINTS Technology

Level All Teachers

12:00pm CDT

Smart, Strategic, Intentional: Using CERT to Drive ACT Success

Monday July 13, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT

Room 17

Discover how to use CERT strategically, not just as an assessment tool, but as a powerful resource for driving intentional instruction, targeted remediation, and meaningful ACT growth. In this session, high school teachers and leaders will explore practical ways to leverage key CERT features, reports, and student supports to strengthen classroom instruction, inform PLC conversations, and promote student ownership of learning. Walk away with actionable ideas and practical strategies.

Presenters

Lauren Lavender

ACT AIM Presenter, ACT AIM

Monday July 13, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
Room 17

Assessment Data Differentiation PLCs Technology

Level Administrators, High Teachers, Special Education

1:00pm CDT

Better Together - Using Star Assessments and Freckle

Monday July 13, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT

Room 267

Identify where your students are, where they need to go, and how personalized practice can help get them there.
Session Goal: Pair Star Computer Adaptive Tests as a screener with Freckle as a targeted practice tool to enhance academic performance and track skill progress.
• Lesson A: Assessment-led Skills Practice: Explore assessment-led skills practice with Freckle and Star Computer Adaptive Tests.
• Lesson B: Star Screening Data: Use Recommended Skills and instructional groups in the Record Book.
• Lesson C: Freckle Targeted Practice: Assign targeted and Focus Skills practice to students based on Star CAT data.
• Lesson D: Monitoring Student Progress: Leverage the power of Renaissance Next and reports to effectively progress monitor your student's skills practice

Presenters

Dr. Kathi Reeves

Professional Learning Consultant, Renaissance Learning

Monday July 13, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Room 267

Assessment Data ELA Math Technology

Level Administrators, All Teachers

2:00pm CDT

Basics to Breakthroughs: Designing intentional learning with Kami

Monday July 13, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT

Room 254

Join us to explore how to strategically leverage Kami’s features to create highly engaging, personalized learning experiences. In this hands-on session, you will learn to create custom content scaffolding and provide critical, in-the-moment student support. We will discuss how to use Kami tools to tailor the environment for every learner. You’ll leave with a versatile toolkit of instructional strategies and a proven roadmap for fostering student independence.

Presenters

Janet Burnett

Teacher Success Manager, Kami & Book Creator

Monday July 13, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 254

Assessment Chromebook Digital Citizenship ELA ELL Guided Reading Math Reading Science Social Studies Technology

Level All Teachers, Counselors, Librarians, Special Education

2:00pm CDT

Brain Pop Unleashed: Master The New Features for Fall!

Monday July 13, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT

Room 5

Join us for a hands-on exploration of BrainPOP's newest tools and features designed to transform your classroom instruction. Learn how to personalise learning, leverage powerful analytics, and boost student engagement with practical strategies you can implement immediately. Walk away confident and ready to unlock the full potential of BrainPOP in your teaching.

Presenters

Jenny McAllister

Ed Tech, Central Office Staff

Hello! My name is Jenny McAllister. I'm a fifteen-year veteran middle school science teacher who recently left the classroom to join Ed Tech. I'm the point of contact for Pear Deck, BrainPOP, and Magic School (secondary). This fall, I will be leading the STEAM cohort for BCBE and... Read More →

Monday July 13, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Room 5

Assessment Differentiation Reading Science Social Studies