An Epistemological Shift in Education: How AI is Changing Knowledge, Learning, and Expertise by John Brummette, Radford University - AI can help students produce better work, but educators are learning that better work does not always mean better learning outcomes. Recent studies reveal that students lack the knowledge and judgment needed to decide whether AI-generated answers are accurate and well supported. This session takes a deep dive into what that shift means for schools and argues that data literacy matters more in the age of AI than it did before. The presentation will focus on practical ways to help students question claims, examine evidence, recognize uncertainty, and use AI without handing over the thinking required for real learning in the classroom.  
 
Bridging the Divide: Linking Community Mental Health & Public Education by Mary Cheverton, Robert Graham, Christopher Taylor, and J. Lynne Winebarger  - This overview introduces the collaborative partnership between community mental health agencies and public school leadership designed to enhance student support systems. It outlines core learning objectives centered on implementing therapeutic interventions and leveraging alternative school settings to meet diverse student needs. By tracing the historical evolution of joint initiatives—such as the Youth Resiliency Center—it highlights the foundation for modern models like the NRV Reset Program, detailing its mission, key components, and comprehensive wrap-around services aimed at driving measurable improvements in students' academic, behavioral, social, and emotional outcomes.
 
Building AI Literacy Through Computer Science: A Framework for School Leaders by Keisha Tennessee - As divisions define their approach to AI in schools, AI literacy provides a clear and actionable starting point. AI literacy is grounded in understanding how AI works, and computer science builds that understanding. In this session, leaders will discover where AI literacy already embedded within Virginia’s Computer Science Standards of Learning and why strong CS instruction is a direct investment in students’ AI readiness.
 
Charting the Course: Shaping Virginia’s Statewide AI Guidance by Calypso Gilstrap and Keisha Tennessee - In this interactive session, participants will collaboratively explore the four pillars shaping statewide AI guidance and pilot implementation. Through hands on activities mirroring the work of the VDOE’s AI Advisory Council, attendees will examine real challenges and generate actionable insights. Leaders will provide valuable stakeholder input that will directly inform the VDOE’s forthcoming AI guidance.
 
Cyber Liability Best Practices by Mike Rezac, VAcorp - This training program offers a basic introduction to the world of cyber liability coverage while focusing on the practical steps that you can take as an organization in order to prepare and respond to a cyber event.

Empowering AI-Ready Graduates: Essential Skills for the Modern Classroom by Heather Askea, STREAMWISE at UVA WISE - Preparing students for an AI-driven workforce requires moving beyond basic literacy to active partnership. This interactive session explores the Profile of an AI-Ready Graduate, examining key roles—Learner, Researcher, Synthesizer, Problem Solver, Connector, and Storyteller. Educators will gain practical strategies to help students leverage AI as a collaborative partner to enhance critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.
 
Leadership Responses to Chronic Absenteeism in Rural Appalachian Elementary Schools by Ashley Cannon, Smyth County Schools - Chronic absenteeism undermines educational equity and school effectiveness in rural Appalachian schools where leaders’ role is critical in addressing attendance challenges. Guided by ecological systems theory, this qualitative study examined how principals in five rural Virginia Title I elementary schools exerted agency with respect to chronic absenteeism.  Interviews revealed four themes: familial determinants, incentive-based systems, data-driven monitoring, and community engagement. Findings suggest that attendance leadership relies on trauma-informed, relationship-centered practices; real-time data use; and cross-sector collaboration. The study advances educational leadership by identifying competencies for attendance leadership and implications for leadership preparation in ecological analysis, family engagement, and community partnerships.
 
School Law for Administrators and Central Office Personnel by Scott Mullins, PC – This session provides practical guidance for the most common legal issues affecting educators. 
 
The Campus Threat Assessment Case Studies: A Training Tool for Investigation, Evaluation, and Intervention by Narda Porter and Tabitha Smith, UVA WISE – This session will let you explore and practice threat assessment through small- and large-group exercises using new pre-developed case studies.
 
Virginia’s AI Roadmap: Policy, Practice, and Professional Learning by Calypso Gilstrap - Join us for a comprehensive look at Virginia’s statewide AI initiatives, including updated policies, instructional standards, advisory committee recommendations, and large scale professional learning efforts. This session equips education leaders with actionable strategies for building safe, ethical, and future ready AI implementation across their school divisions.