FAQs

What is the 2026 Accelerated Instruction Conference?
The Accelerated Instruction Conference brings together educators, district leaders, providers, and other stakeholders from across Texas to strengthen the implementation and sustainability of accelerated instruction. Participants will explore practical strategies, current research and best practices, successful district-provider collaborations, and resources designed to support improved student outcomes and long-term program success.

Who should attend the conference?
The conference is designed for educators, district and campus leaders, instructional staff, program leaders, and other stakeholders involved in planning, implementing, supporting, or evaluating accelerated instruction.

What can I expect to learn about?
Conference learning will focus on accelerated instruction practices and implementation, successful LEA-provider partnerships, Outcomes Based Contracting (OBC), Ratio Waiver List (RWL) offerings, and other strategies and resources that can support student success. Participants will also hear real-world experiences and examples from LEAs and providers.

Is there a fee to attend the conference?
No. There is no cost to attend the conference. Registration is complimentary for all participants and includes access to conference sessions and workshops, networking opportunities, breakfast, and lunch on both days.

Will all sessions be face-to-face?

Yes. All conference sessions and workshops will be held in person, providing participants with opportunities to engage directly with presenters, connect with fellow attendees, and participate in collaborative learning and networking throughout the conference.

What time does the conference begin and end?
Both conference days are scheduled from 8:00 AM–3:00 PM. Registration, breakfast, and networking begin at 8:00 AM, with conference programming beginning at 9:00 AM.

Do I need to arrive at 8:00 AM?
We recommend arriving during the 8:00–9:00 AM registration window. This will give you time to check in, enjoy breakfast, network with other participants, and get settled before the conference begins at 9:00 AM.

Will breakfast be provided?
Yes! Breakfast will be provided on both conference days during the registration and networking period from 8:00–9:00 AM.

Will lunch be provided?
Yes. Lunch will be provided on both days from 12:00–1:00 PM. This time is also built into the agenda as an opportunity to network and connect with fellow participants.

Do I need to bring my own food or leave for lunch?
No. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, so participants do not need to leave the conference for meals.

Where will the conference be held?
The conference will be held at Education Service Center, Region 20 (1314 Hines Avenue San Antonio, TX 78208).

Is parking available?
Yes. Free parking will be available to conference participants. There is no additional fee to park.

Will there be breaks throughout the day?
Yes. The agenda includes dedicated networking and transition periods between portions of the conference. These breaks provide time to transition between learning opportunities, connect with other attendees, and take care of emails or other needs.

Will I choose which sessions I attend?
Yes. The conference will include concurrent learning sessions and workshop opportunities throughout the morning and afternoon. Once the full agenda is released, participants will be able to review the available learning opportunities and determine which sessions best align with their interests and needs. The current agenda includes both shorter learning sessions and extended workshop blocks.

Will sessions be repeated?
Yes. The current conference schedule includes repeat offerings of several morning sessions and workshops during the afternoon, providing participants with additional opportunities to attend sessions of interest.

When will session titles and presenters be announced?
The full conference agenda, including session titles, presenter information, room assignments, and additional session details, will be shared once programming is finalized. We encourage participants to check the conference website for updates.

Will I have opportunities to connect with providers?
Yes. Provider engagement and networking are incorporated throughout the conference. Participants will have opportunities to learn from provider and LEA experiences, explore successful partnerships, and connect with organizations supporting accelerated instruction.

Will there be opportunities to network with other districts?
Absolutely. Networking is intentionally incorporated throughout both days, including during breakfast, lunch, transition periods, and other designated networking opportunities. The conference is designed not only for professional learning but also for participants to learn from the experiences of other LEAs and stakeholders.

What is Outcomes Based Contracting (OBC), and will I learn about it at the conference?
Outcomes Based Contracting (OBC) is an approach that ties a meaningful portion of provider payment to measurable student outcomes, creating shared accountability between districts and providers. Yes! The conference will include opportunities to learn about OBC and see real-world examples of how districts and providers are using it to support student success.

Learn more about Outcomes Based Contracting at the Center for OBC.

Will the conference include information about the Ratio Waiver List (RWL)?
Yes. Increasing awareness and application of Ratio Waiver List (RWL) products is one of the conference's focus areas. Additional information about related learning opportunities will be included in the finalized agenda.

Will there be practical resources I can take back to my district or campus?
Yes. A key goal of the conference is for participants to leave with practical strategies, resources, examples, and ideas that can support accelerated instruction within their own local context.

What should I bring with me?
We recommend bringing a laptop or tablet, charger, and something for taking notes so you can fully participate in learning opportunities and access digital resources.

Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
For additional questions about registration, accommodations, meals, or conference logistics, please contact Abigail (Abby) Sanchez at abigail.sanchez@esc20.net.