Join WestEd experts and education leaders at ISTELive 25 in San Antonio, TX, from June 29–July 2. ISTELive 25 provides attendees with the opportunity to connect with the brightest minds in education, explore the latest trends and solutions in edtech, and discover how to transform teaching and learning.
WestEd Presentations
Common Themes and Pitfalls: Navigating AI Policy for Inclusivity
Is your AI guidance supporting the needs of all students? This panel of AI activists and researchers will share more about our national work in uncovering themes, challenges, and gaps in AI policy, offering insights to create equitable, multi-modal, strategies for ethical, accessible, and inclusive AI implementation in schools.
Date: Sunday, June 29
Time: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Presenters: Dr. James Basham (University of Kansas); Jose Blackorby (WestEd); Dr. Kaitlyn Brennan (KB Strategies); Dr. Jody Britten (Team4Tech); Dr. Eleazar Vasquez (University of Kansas)
An Impact Study of an Online Math Program with Virtual Professional Learning
We will present findings from a multi-year, large-scale nationwide study of ASSISTments, an online, curriculum-based math platform that has shown promise in previous research. The purpose of this study is to understand the fidelity of implementation and impact of ASSISTments when augmented with virtual professional learning communities.
Date: Monday, June 30
Time: 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Presenters: Mingyu Feng (WestEd); Linlin Li (WestEd); Megan Schneider (WestEd)
The Future of Writing Instruction: Navigating AI’s Impact
Explore how AI can enhance secondary writing instruction while preserving students’ creativity and critical thinking. Participants will reflect on essential writing skills, discuss how AI can serve as a co-intelligence, and develop strategies to enrich rather than replace meaningful writing processes.
Date: Monday, June 30
Time: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Presenters: Dr. Becah Busselle (WestEd); Patrick Moyle (WestEd)
It’s Time To Consider the Impact of EdTech on Classroom Culture
Edtech is always a gamble. Even research-backed tools flop in classrooms. How do we better select tools that get used, increase engagement, and have a positive effect on learning? The answer lies in fundamentally rethinking edtech’s impacts and choosing tools that support healthy classroom culture.
Date: Tuesday, July 1
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Presenter: Dr. Tanner Higgin (WestEd)
Coaching Collaborative Teams: Tools for Teacher Leaders and Administrators
In this session, attendees will explore practical coaching strategies to foster collaborative teams, enhance communication, and improve group dynamics. Through real-life scenarios, role-play activities, and feedback, participants will learn how to coach teams effectively, resolve conflicts, and support shared goals, ultimately sparking joyful learning across their schools.
Date: Wednesday, July 2
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Presenters: Angela Julien (Angela Bell Julien Publications & Consulting); Tamarra Osborne (WestEd); Keith Young (AKYConsulting)
Don’t miss these thought-provoking sessions—register now for ISTELive 25!