Indiana Early College Summit 2026: Full Schedule

9:40am EDT

Creating Systems for Success: Navigating Staffing Changes

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:40am - 10:30am EDT

This session is ideal for school administrators and counselors beginning their Early College journey or those navigating significant staffing changes within an existing program. Three years ago, our school experienced a major administrative turnover and lost program support staff due to budget cuts. These challenges necessitated the creation of new, more efficient systems for recruitment, applications, program entrance, and academic advising. By streamlining student support, learn how our school now utilizes a smaller staff to provide consistent, routine advising throughout the program. During the session, we'll share these refined systems for recruitment, application, and Early College academic advising.

Speakers

Erin Miller

Director of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction, North Lawrence Community Schools

I am the lead of the Early College Program at BNL High School. I am also the Director of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction and the High Ability Coordinator for the NLCS district. I work closesly with our on-site Vincennes University liaison to recruit, advise, and recognize... Read More →

Matthew Canada

Principal

Principal at Bedford North Lawrence High School, in Bedford IN.

Room Host

Tori White

Coordinator, CELL at University of Indianapolis

Early College Summit 2026.pptx pdf

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:40am - 10:30am EDT
108

Breakout Session

Core Principle Early College Principles
Audience Administrators, Counselors

9:40am EDT

Hot Topics in Early College & Dual Enrollment Research

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:40am - 10:30am EDT

110

Feedback Survey

This presentation focuses on recent research on dual enrollment and Early College, highlighting findings relative to:
1) The relationship of course delivery modality to student outcomes
2) The extent to which college credits earned in high school (AP and dual enrollment) transfer to four-year institutions
3) Implementation of dual enrollment in rural settings in three states (AL, NC, and TN).
Participants will have the opportunity to have their questions about dual enrollment answered.

Speakers

Julie Edmunds

Director, Early College Research Center, Early College Research Center, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Dr. Julie Edmunds is Director of the Early College Research Center at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she leads a team doing research on the early college model, dual enrollment, career pathways, and efforts to increase postsecondary access and success. She has been studying early college and dual enrollment for over two decades... Read More →

Room Host

Jessica Parson

Literacy Project Manager, CELL

Hot Topics in Early College Research 2026 FINAL pdf

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:40am - 10:30am EDT
110

Breakout Session

Core Principle Early College Principles
Audience Administrators, Higher Ed

9:40am EDT

Small School Approach to College & Career Pathways and Work-Based Learning

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:40am - 10:30am EDT

111

Feedback Survey

Intentionality is the word the presenters use to describe their approach to providing big-school opportunities within a small rural district. Starting in Grade 6, Madison-Grant Schools begin exposing students to college opportunities, career pathways, and work-based learning. The district focuses everything—from coursework and junior high transitions to field trips, internships, and interventions—with intentional purpose. Participants will learn the Madison-Grant timeline of events designed to set students up for success both during their time in school and beyond graduation.

Speakers

David Retherford

Principal, Madison-Grant Junior/Senior High School

Gwen Hodson

College & Career Specialist

Room Host

Cynthia Roach

Indiana Early College Summit Presentation (3) pdf

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:40am - 10:30am EDT
111

Breakout Session

Core Principle WBL-Seals, Enrollment
Audience Administrators, Counselors

9:40am EDT

Work-Based Learning: Definition, Types & Strategies

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:40am - 10:30am EDT

112

Feedback Survey

This session provides guidance on Work-Based Learning as it pertains to the new diploma seals. Topics addressed include the WBL definition, meeting the definition with various WBL experiences, WBL reporting, and WBL resources available from the state to support quality implementation.

Speakers

Sam Rourke

Assistant Commissioner for CTE, Indiana Commission for Higher Education

Linsay Osos

Director for CTE Programming, Indiana Commission for Higher Education

I joined the Career and Technical Education (CTE) team in February 2023 after more than 10 years as a high school social studies teacher. The CTE team transitioned to the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE) in July 2023 and the move has been a great fit. I am passionate... Read More →

Room Host

Brooke Vollen

Project Coordinator, CELL

CELL Early College WBL 06.03.2026 pdf

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:40am - 10:30am EDT
112

Breakout Session

Core Principle Higher Ed/CHE/DOE
Audience Administrators, Counselors

9:40am EDT

Unique Student Supports: A Panel Discussion

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:40am - 10:30am EDT

Choir

Feedback Survey

EC Core Principle #5 includes Supports for Student Success. Join this panel session to hear from three school representatives share some unique approaches to supporting students from writing centers to teambuilding to a small rural school approach to providing strong student support.

Moderators

Janet Boyle

Retired, CELL

Speakers

Allegra Mather

Writing Center Specialist, Indianapolis Public Schools

I am a Writing Specialist for Arsenal Technical High School's Kurt Vonnegut Youth Writing Center, one of the four centers housed in IPS high schools. Our center assists student with creative, academic, and career writing, including college applications, Early College assignments... Read More →

Shea Duke

Principal, Vincennes Community School Corporation

Danielle Black

Early College Academy Leader, Penn-Harris-Madison Sch Corp

I am a fierce believer in the power of education, both in America and around the world. For the past ten years I've helped lead the Early College Academy at Penn High School while also teaching dual credit Speech, English, and Capstone at different times. I also love being an assistant... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:40am - 10:30am EDT
Choir

Panel

Core Principle Panels
Audience Administrators, Counselors

10:40am EDT

InTERS: A How-to for Small Schools Starting with the Basics

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:40am - 11:30am EDT

107

Feedback Survey

Adding new tasks to someone's plate can feel daunting. Given that the new Indiana diploma requirements include work-based learning hours documentation, learn how to work smarter, not harder to complete this task in InTERS.

Speakers

Erin Rauscher

Guidance Counselor, Dual Credit Instructor, Southridge High School

Erin Rauscher is a graduate of Southridge High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Purdue University. Shortly after graduation, she began her teaching career in Washington, D.C., where she spent 9 years teaching middle school social studies, science, and language arts... Read More →

Room Host

Andrea Fisher

Communications Manager, CELL

Andrea Fisher serves as the communications manager at CELL at the University of Indianapolis.

InTERS How To for Smaller Schools Presentation (1) pdf

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:40am - 11:30am EDT
107

Breakout Session

Core Principle WBL-Seals, Enrollment
Audience Administrators, Counselors

10:40am EDT

Legislative Summary 2026

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:40am - 11:30am EDT

Band

Feedback Survey

It has been a busy policy season for the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP). Join Dr. Todd Bess and Cindy Long as they provide updates and insights from the 2026 Indiana legislative session. Gain implementation guidelines on recently passed laws and learn how to best advocate for your school and community. The session will also address the new State Board of Education accountability rule, including what to expect from 2026 grades.

Speakers

Todd Bess

Executive Director, Indiana Association of School Principals

Dr. Todd Bess is the Executive Director for the Indiana Association of School Principals and has served in both building and central office administrator roles. Dr. Bess began his teaching career as a math teacher, then earning his Master’s Degree from Purdue University. He then... Read More →

Cindy Long

Assistant Executive Director, Indiana Association of School Principals

Cindy Long serves as the Assistant Executive Director for the Indiana Association of School Principals, where she leads advocacy efforts and supports school leaders across the state. Cindy began her career as a Language Arts teacher before moving into school leadership. She earned... Read More →

Room Host

Jim Snapp

CELL Fellow

Legislative Summary for CELL pdf

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:40am - 11:30am EDT
Band

Breakout Session

Core Principle Higher Ed/CHE/DOE
Audience Administrators

10:40am EDT

Work Based Learning - Initiating Partnerships & Expanding Access to Students: A Panel Discussion

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:40am - 11:30am EDT

111

Feedback Survey

The new Indiana diploma requirements greatly expand the need for work-based learning partners. Learn from three school leaders experienced in establishing relationships and agreements with industry partners in suburban and rural settings.

Moderators

Brooke Vollen

Project Coordinator, CELL

Speakers

Jody French

CTE/Work Based Learning Coordinator, Perry Central Jr-Sr High School

Jody French has been an administrator for over 14 years at Perry Central Jr./Sr. High School and is currently serving as CTE Director for her corporation. Her passion is to find ways to provide students with rigorous, authentic learning opportunities that help lead students to a... Read More →

Matt Maple

Principal

Brandon Eakins

CTE Director, Elkhart Area Career Center

Brandon Eakins is the Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) at the Elkhart Area Career Center (EACC). With a Master's in CTE from Purdue University and another in Special Need Education with a focus on Severe Emotional Disabilities from Indiana University South Bend, Brandon... Read More →

Work Based Learning Initiating Partnerships & Expanding Access to Students A Panel Discussion pdf

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:40am - 11:30am EDT
111

Panel

Core Principle WBL-Seals, Enrollment
Audience Administrators, Counselors

2:10pm EDT

Cheat the System: Navigating Academic Integrity in the Age of AI

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT

Community Room

Feedback Survey

The rise of generative AI has sparked concerns about academic integrity in K-12 education. In this interactive session, participants will face the challenge of completing a task using AI tools while attempting to outsmart cheating detection programs. This hands-on simulation will provide a unique opportunity to explore the capabilities of AI tools and open up practical conversations about the fears, challenges, and opportunities of using AI in the classroom. Whether you’re skeptical or excited about AI’s role in schools, this session will challenge your thinking and inspire new ideas.

Speakers

Kristen Kayser

Senior Lead, Midwest Programs, aiEDU

I'm Kristen Kayser, Senior Programs Lead for the Midwest at aiEDU, a national nonprofit focused on building AI literacy in K-12 education. I work alongside school districts, ESCs, and educators across Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana to help schools turn AI readiness from a buzzword into... Read More →

Room Host

Cassondra Rucker

Project Coordinator, CELL

Cheat the System Navigating Academic Integrity in the Age of AI Indiana Early College Summit 2026 pdf

aiEDU Run This With Your Staff Facilitator Guide pdf

Learning Walk & Talk pdf

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT
Community Room

Breakout Session

Core Principle Tech Advancements
Audience Administrators, Teachers

2:10pm EDT

ICC Onboarding, Advising, Oh My!

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT

Band

Feedback Survey

The Indiana College Core (ICC) is a block of 30 college credit hours that high school students can earn to jumpstart their progress toward a postsecondary degree. The ICC provides rigorous instruction, supports a college-going culture, and strengthens partnerships between secondary and postsecondary institutions. In support of Indiana's "ICC for All" initiative, this session will explore the numerous benefits of the program, as well as potential challenges and strategies for implementing a sustainable "ICC for All" model within secondary education.

Speakers

Dr. Sandra Siddons

Site Director, Vincennes University Early College

With a passion for education, Dr. Siddons has dedicated her entire career to helping students succeed. What began as a job in higher education research and as a professor in Missouri, has now evolved into a career focused on data-driven educational leadership. Today, she serves as... Read More →

Dr. Kevin Mowrer

Assistant Dean, Vincennes University

After spending 20 years as a K-12 building administrator and teacher, I began leading Vincennes University Early Colleges in Indianapolis and have been doing that for the last five years. I also serve as the director of the Summer Xmester/Techmester Programs on VU's Main Campus... Read More →

Room Host

Kyleigh Gerlach

Director of Operations, CELL

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT
Band

Breakout Session

Core Principle Higher Ed/CHE/DOE
Audience Administrators, Counselors

2:10pm EDT

The Cognitive Lens: Using Text Structure & Connectives to Aid in Content Area Comprehension

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT

106

Feedback Survey

How does a student know when to look for a sequence versus a solution? In this session, explore how explicit instruction on text structures, and corresponding connectives can equip students with a mental "blueprint" for comprehending disciplinary content.

Speakers

Jess Daugherty

Literacy Specialist, Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL)

Room Host

Brooke Marsh

Career Readiness Project Coordinator, CELL

Brooke Marsh serves as the Career Readiness Project Coordinator for the Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL). At CELL, Brooke supports schools across the continuum of K-12 career readiness, particularly in the areas of work-based learning, school-industry partnerships... Read More →

Early College Summit Daugherty pdf

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT
106

Breakout Session

Core Principle CELL Initiatives
Audience Administrators, Counselors

2:10pm EDT

The Indiana Connectedness Project: Building Conditions for Student Success

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT

107

Feedback Survey

Discover how Indiana schools are using research-based strategies to strengthen student connectedness and improve key student outcomes. Given the state’s accountability model, creating the conditions that enable students to be more likely to thrive is a critical first step for all schools. This session highlights the Indiana Connectedness Project, a groundbreaking partnership between CELL and the Everyone Graduates Center (EGC) at Johns Hopkins University. Discuss lessons learned from the 2025-26 pilot phase with three Indianapolis Public Schools high schools, preview the upcoming 2026-28 field test involving ten high schools across Indiana, and learn about plans to expand the initiative to fifty middle and high schools statewide for 2028-29. While representatives from schools participating in the pilot and field tests are encouraged to attend, this session will also be valuable for educators interested in gaining a practical understanding of how connectedness can be measured and why it matters. Gather proven strategies to build stronger relationships, increase student engagement, and improve outcomes for all learners.

Speakers

Mike Raters

Special Projects Coordinator, UIndy / CELL

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT
107

Breakout Session

Core Principle CELL Initiatives
Audience Administrators, Counselors

2:10pm EDT

The New Indiana Diploma and Course Scheduling Flexibility

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT

111

Feedback Survey

This session covers the new Indiana Diploma requirements and addresses common questions about requirements and flexibility in scheduling of courses.

Speakers

Rebekah Frazer

Assistant Director of Career Coaching and Academic

I am a school counseling, education, and mental health professional with over a decade of experience supporting students, families, and educators across K–12 systems. I currently serve as the Assistant Director of Career Coaching and Academic Advising with the Indiana Department... Read More →

Room Host

Jess Daugherty

Literacy Specialist, Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL)

6.1.26 The New Indiana Diploma and Scheduling Flexibility (1) pdf

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT
111

Breakout Session

Core Principle WBL-Seals, Enrollment
Audience Administrators, Counselors

3:10pm EDT

AI for Leaders: Creating the Conditions for AI Readiness

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT

Community Room

Feedback Survey

This session is designed for district and system-level leaders eager to explore opportunities for building readiness at the systems level. Participants will assess the current state of their system using aiEDU’s Readiness Rubric and develop actionable next steps to strengthen their system’s approach to AI readiness. Discover aiEDU’s proven process for developing district-level guidelines and policies.

Speakers

Kristen Kayser

Senior Lead, Midwest Programs, aiEDU

Room Host

Cynthia Roach

AI for Leaders Creating Conditions for AI Readiness Indiana Early College Summit 2026 (2) pdf

aiEDU AI Readiness Framework V2.0 pdf

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT
Community Room

Breakout Session

Core Principle Tech Advancement
Audience Administrators

3:10pm EDT

Ignorance Is Bliss… Until It Isn’t: Policy Won’t Save Us from AI—Defining What Counts in Early College Classrooms (2026–27 & Beyond)

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT

105

Feedback Survey

We’re still designing and assessing what students produce when we should be measuring how they think. AI has changed that.

As we enter 2026–27, AI is embedded in how students think, write, and complete work—while also making it easier than ever to shortcut the learning process. The question isn’t if students are using AI. Are we measuring the what … or the how?

Grounded in Think It • Show It • Own It, this session introduces a clear, actionable framework (AI Levels: No AI → Tutor → Coach → Thinking Partner) to define responsible AI use, protect student thinking, and bring consistency to how we design and assess learning in Early College classrooms. Participants will leave with practical tools, ready-to-implement systems, and an invitation to join an ongoing cadre of educators continuing this work together.

Because ignoring AI isn’t neutral—it’s a decision. And 2026–27 is the moment to define what counts.

Speakers

Dr. Tim Krieg

Director of Secondary Curriculum & Instruction, School City of Hobart

Dr. Timothy R. Krieg serves as the Director of Secondary Curriculum & Instruction for the School City of Hobart / Hobart University and teaches GENS 279 — The Capstone Experience for seniors earning an Associate Degree. A former high school English teacher and Department Chair... Read More →

Room Host

Jessica Parson

Literacy Project Manager, CELL

Jim Snapp

CELL Fellow

Shared Presentation Link (1) pdf

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT
105

Breakout Session

Core Principle Tech Advancement
Audience Administrators, Teachers

3:10pm EDT

P-CAP: Re-engaging Students through Community, Integrated Courses & Work-Based Learning

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT

107

Feedback Survey

Designed to transform the college and career pathways of Indiana’s disengaged high school students, the Pathways to Careers and Postsecondary (P-CAP) model delivers a new framework for improving the postsecondary outcomes of students who enter high school as some of the least likely to graduate, yet thrive when engaged in non-traditional learning and pathway experiences. Within the P-CAP strategies, high schools design local P-CAP programs focused on building community, providing hands-on integrated coursework, blending career and postsecondary pathways, and delivering high-quality work-based learning (WBL).

Join this session to learn about the P-CAP model and the work of 15 P-CAP Network partner schools. Presenters will provide an overview of P-CAP strategies, discuss the relationship between P-CAP and Early College programs, and take a deep dive into work-based learning. As a cornerstone of the P-CAP model, work-based learning begins in 9th grade and builds sustained relationships between students and their industry partners.

Speakers

Brooke Marsh

Career Readiness Project Coordinator, CELL

Brooke Vollen

Project Coordinator, CELL

Room Host

Brooke Marsh

Career Readiness Project Coordinator, CELL

PCAP EC Summit Presentation June 3, 2026 (1) pdf

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT
107

Breakout Session

Core Principle CELL Initiatives
Audience Administrators, Counselors

3:10pm EDT

Platforms to Manage Work-based Learning

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT

111

Feedback Survey

Managing work-based learning (WBL) can be one of the most time-consuming and challenging aspects of student support. Join the Region 8 Education Service Center staff for a comprehensive overview of the "who, what, when, where, and how" of effective WBL management. Presenters will review several free and fee-based platforms, discussing the pros and cons of each to help you determine the best fit for your program.

Speakers

Cindy McKinney

Assistant Director, Region 8 ESC of Northeast Indiana

Region 8 Services, NEXT Career Development Model, Agilities Work Skills. ESCI Work-based Learning Alliance

Room Host

Lauren Howard

Communications, CELL

Platforms to Manage Work based Learning pdf

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT
111

Breakout Session

Core Principle WBL-Seals, Enrollment
Audience Administrators, Counselors

3:10pm EDT

Leading Early College Implementation for Administrators: A Panel Discussion

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT

Choir

Feedback Survey

Leading a school through Early College implementation and developing a sustainable program requires strong leadership and shared responsibility. This panel includes leaders from four leading Early College programs who will share best practices and suggestions from implementation to long-term success.

Moderators

Mike Raters

Special Projects Coordinator, UIndy / CELL

Speakers

Jody French

CTE/Work Based Learning Coordinator, Perry Central Jr-Sr High School

Joshua Blossom

Principal, Wabash City Schools

Joshua Blossom, Principal of Wabash Middle/High School has nearly two decades of administrative experience specialized in driving secondary and postsecondary pathways. A dedicated advocate for Early College frameworks, Joshua initiated the Wabash High School Early College program... Read More →

Karla Reed

Principal, Winchester Community High School

Karla Reed is in her 31st year at Winchester Community High School, where she proudly serves as principal. Having spent virtually her entire career at WCHS, she is deeply committed to creating opportunities that help students discover their passions, achieve their goals, and prepare... Read More →

Rick Davis

Principal, Sheridan High School

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT
Choir

Panel

Core Principle Panel
Audience Administrators

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