[DLAC 2023] Moving Education Forward with Online, Blended, & Digital Learning

Next week, Edmentum will join partners and colleagues at the Digital Learning Annual Conference (DLAC) in Austin, Texas. The conference brings together educators, industry leaders and experts to celebrate online, blended and digital learning as well as to discuss how school districts can advance their programs to the next level. As a Silver Sponsor of this year’s conference, Edmentum is hosting two panel discussions focused on how educators can help move education forward to meet the needs of students and their communities. 

Monday, February 13

Doing More Than Rethinking Education: How are We Taking Action to Move Education Forward for the Benefit of Students, Families, and Local Communities? 

Time: 3:10 – 4:25pm CT

Though unplanned and unwelcomed, pandemic learning ushered in disruptive change that has invited—rather forced—us to reimagine learning. It has pushed us to rethink the familiar and consider how we do school in ways that better prepares students for the future. While education is a large and complex system, “The future depends on what we do in the present” (Mahatma Gandhi). That’s the question to ask now. “What are we doing now to move from ideas to action?” Hear from educators who are driving change at the local level. What are their priorities for change? Why are these initiatives important for the students, families, and community they serve, and how are they implementing bold steps to move education forward? 

Speakers: 

• Susanna Loeb, Professor at Annenberg Institute, Brown University, Moderator  
• Alena Zachery Ross, Superintendent, Ypsilanti Community Schools, Ypsilanti, Michigan  
• Sarah Miles, Advocacy Director, Edmentum

Tuesday, February 14

From Expanding Course Options for Students, To Finding Staff Solutions, and Supporting Local Communities:  How Rural Schools Lead with Innovation  

Time: 9:00 – 10:15am CT

Often out of necessity, rural schools have been embracing educational innovation for years. Rural school leaders have long recognized that flexibility, resourcefulness, and innovation are required for them to do their jobs well.  To advance student outcomes, they expand learning options by offering online courses and virtual instructional services. To attract and retain staff, they invest in teacher learning communities and professional development.  And, since rural schools are often the local institutions that help keep rural communities connected, they place priority on students, families, and their community.  Today more urban and suburban districts are looking to their rural neighbors to adopt some of those innovations. 

Speakers: 

• Sarah Miles, Advocacy Director, Edmentum, Moderator
• Jeff Dillon, Wilder School District, Wilder, Idaho 
• Emily Miller, Superintendent, Oconto Unified School District, Oconto, Wisconsin 

We look forward to a productive week. If you’re attending, please stop by one of these fantastic sessions – we hope to see many colleagues and partners in Austin.