Sul Ross State University invites area school districts, educators and graduate students to present and share best teaching practices, research-based strategies and current academic programs at the Third Annual Science of Literacy and Learning Conference on Wednesday, July 29 at the Espino Conference Center.
“Our focus is to provide educators the opportunity for in-depth discussions exploring how the science of memory and learning impacts instructional approaches,” said Dr. Jennifer Miller-Ray, Reading Specialist and Educational Instructional Technology Coordinator. “Those approaches are geared toward improving literacy and learning outcomes.”
Ray said participants will engage in learning experiences that focus on the following learning strands: literacy instruction and diverse learner, effective school improvement systems, bridging literacy and equity through community, and STREAM Integration (Science, Technology, Reading , the Arts, and Mathematics).
Early registration is currently open and available until June 15. To register, visit https://sites.google.com/view/srsueducation. Early registration is encouraged. Base conference rates include lunch, at $30 per participant. Districts sending 10 or more participants pay a flat rate of $200 if registered prior to June 15.
Keynote sessions include:
Leading Literacy Intervention by Cynde Wadley- Professor Wadley is a literacy leader, curriculum consultant, former ELAR/ESL Director for Abilene Independent School District, and Adjunct Professor for Sul Ross State University. Cynde served on the Texas Education Agency’s revision committee for English Language Arts and Reading TEKS for K-2.
STEM Education Throughout the Pipeline by Dr. Robert Ayala- After engaging in Microbiology research at the UT Health Science Center in San Antonio, Dr. Ayala began his career as an academic faculty member, first at ASU as a teaching assistant, then at Southwest Texas Junior College as a faculty member teaching Biology for non-science majors, Anatomy and Physiology, and Microbiology. His research interest now include looking at factors that increasing persistence and degree completion for students in STEM degrees.
The Agility Mindset Raising Student Outcomes by Dr. Drew Howard- Dr. Howard grew up in a small North Texas town and has used the roots that were nurtured there to grow his work all across Texas. Dr. Howard earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Tarleton State University. Dr. Howard has served as a classroom teacher, elementary and secondary principal, superintendent, and as the senior director of school governance for the state of Texas. He has worked all across the State training and supporting schools in every corner and in between. He has consistently lead campuses and districts to raise their student outcomes and deliver specific, systematic, and sustainable focus on improving every student every day.
For more information on the July conference, contact Dr. Ray at (432) 837-8013 or email jennifer.miller@sulross.edu.