Future Ready Classrooms: Hands-On Strategies for K–12 Educators with Computational Thinking and Exploring Computer Science Curriculum

Presenters: CAMSE STEM Education Specialist Nicole Uhre-Balk, STEM Education Specialist Hannah Caffee, Estelline Technology Coordinator Tina Beldon and a panel of teachers

Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. in Rooms 6-7

As South Dakota implements new K–8 Computer Science standards, this session introduces practical ways to integrate computational thinking (CT) across K-8 classrooms—no computer science background required. Participants will explore strategies that build problem-solving skills in math and science and receive an overview of the free, hands-on Exploring Computer Science (ECS) high school, 9-12, curriculum. Attendees will also learn about supported professional development opportunities for teachers that include stipends and travel, helping schools implement these approaches effectively.

Supporting Tier I-III in Your District

Presenters: Harrisburg Special Education Director Stephanie Grey, Assistant Principal Levi Ludens and Principal Darren Ellwein

Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. in Rooms 8-9-10

This session will provide a framework for implementing and documenting Tiers I-III in the Harrisburg School District.  Tier I will highlight how to serve most of your students through PBIS implementation.  Tiers II and III will look at the structures for more intense behaviors within a school district.  After implementing a Tier II Room pilot in 2025, positive and challenging results will be discussed.  The session leaders will provide examples and the frameworks created.

Back to the Heart: Storywork as a Bridge Between SEL, Academics, and Human Connection

Presenters: Compass Partners in Learning Learning Specialists & Co-Authors of Storywork Dr. Scott Simpson and Sharla Steever

Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. in Room 3

Storywork integrates social-emotional learning with academics through personal storytelling. Developed by Dr. Scott Simpson and Sharla Steever, this approach helps educators foster empathy, resilience, and identity while meeting academic goals. Through modeling and real classroom examples, participants will learn how to transform everyday experiences into meaningful, standards-aligned learning. Attendees will leave with practical tools to design story-based SEL lessons that support diverse learners.

Social Studies Resources from SDPB and PBS

Presenter: SDPB Education Specialist Steven Rokusek

Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. in Room 3

During this session, we will share social studies resources from SDPB and PBS. The session will include resources on South Dakota history and Native American studies. We will highlight lesson plans, videos, interviews, and other resources that encourage student engagement. SDPB would love the opportunity to share these resources with you to bring back to your teachers. (Grades: PreK-HS examples will be shown.)

Supporting Your Staff in Science of Reading Best Practice

Presenters: Compass Partners in Learning Learning and Literacy Specialists Chris Snyder and Dr. Kim Buechler

Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. in Room 3

This session provides practical tools for administrators to confidently guide their staff in the implementation of evidence-based Science of Reading (SOR) practices. Checklists and clear look-fors to be used in the classroom will provide clarity and confidence for educators on both sides of the observation and feedback process. Participants will leave with defined success indicators to monitor systematic academic gains and ensure consistent, high-quality implementation across classrooms and content.

Beyond the Classroom: School Libraries as Literacy Infrastructure

Presenter: S.D. State Library Training Coordinator Scottie Bruch

Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. in Room 2

The South Dakota Department of Education’s literacy initiative calls for evidence-based instruction grounded in the Science of Reading across grades and content areas. This session explores how school libraries function as essential literacy infrastructure, supporting language development, background knowledge, reading volume, and critical thinking beyond the classroom. Participants will examine how leadership decisions related to staffing, access, and resources directly strengthen or limit a district’s literacy efforts.