The Science of Literacy & Learning Conference
Free Virtual Conference
July 29, 2020
The purpose of the Science of Learning Conference is to provide educational leaders, K-12 teachers, undergraduate and graduate students, and faculty the opportunity for in-depth discussions exploring how the science of memory and learning impacts instructional approaches toward improving literacy and learning outcomes. Participants will engage in learning experiences that focus on the following learning strands: Literacy Instruction and the Diverse Learner, Effective School Improvement Systems, Bridging Literacy and Equity through Community, and STREAM Integration (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineer, the Arts, and Mathematics).
Keynotes
Dr. Robert Ayala ~ Division Chair of Arts and Sciences and the Title V Director at Southwest Texas Junior College
STEM Education Throughout the Pipeline
After engaging in Microbiology research at the UT Health Science Center in San Antonio, he 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.
STEM Along the Educational Pathway Ayala(1).pdf
Cynde Wadley ~ Literacy Leader and Curriculum Consultant
Leading Literacy Intervention
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.
Dr. Drew Howard ~ Superintendent at Sweetwater Independent School District
The Agility Mindset Raising Student Outcomes
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.
Dr. Paula Wallace ~ Digital Learning Leader, Technology Director
Transitioning Emergency Online Learning to a Blended Model
Dr. Paula Wallace is an educational technologist who assists schools and universities to identify and adopt hardware and software systems that best support today’s teaching to prepare students for their future. She has spent fifteen years working in the educational technology fields of online learning, blended learning, technology supported traditional learning, digital assessment, data collection and analysis, educational technology research and teacher training. She has also been a federal grant director (principal investigator), reporting agent, and grant writer.
PWallace-Blended-Learning-7-29-20.pdf
Uvalde CISD ~ Library Student Services
Transforming and Building Innovative Library Services
Discover how Uvalde CISD's Library Services is supporting authentic STEM literacy learning experiences through project-based learning. Learn how to incorporate the 4C's (Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity) and e-Portfolios as a formative assessment tool.