DTAL Conference 2026

Move beyond surface-level questioning by integrating AVID’s "Marking the Text" with Costa’s Levels of Inquiry and Gemini AI. In this hands-on session, participants will learn to guide students through three stages of inquiry: gathering information, processing data, and applying knowledge "beyond the book." We will demonstrate how students can transform "Inquiry Sparks" into sophisticated prompts for Gemini, using AI to refine their thinking and generate content-specific questions. Attendees will leave with a practical toolkit of opening moves and reflection strategies to elevate critical thinking in any secondary classroom.

How can PLCs move beyond routine meetings to become engines for instructional growth? In this session, elementary leaders will explore a practical PLC cycle designed to drive instructional impact. Participants will first examine the leadership framework that connects learning intentions with job-embedded coaching, collaborative PLC planning, classroom observation, and targeted feedback. We will then look at what this cycle looks like in action within language arts PLCs, math PLCs, and special education team meetings. Attendees will leave with a replicable approach for building high-impact PLCs that strengthen teacher clarity, collective efficacy, and support future-ready learners.

Designed for district coaches and school administrators, this session explores strategies FOR COACHES to enhance teacher clarity through learning intentions, success criteria, and actionable feedback. Participants will learn to maximize student understanding by managing cognitive load and establishing relevance. Drive student ownership through intentional, visible learning journeys.