Indiana Early College Summit 2026

Asking questions in the classroom is a valuable, yet nuanced practice. It provides formative feedback for teachers, helps students identify knowledge gaps, and keeps learners engaged. Research shows that the type and timing of questions dramatically shape how deeply students think—and how well they retain content. Join us to explore research-based strategies for effective questioning to boost the impact on learning in your classroom.

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.

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.

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.