AI in Complex Classrooms: From Policy to Practice

 

Join school and system leaders for a focused symposium on strengthening assessment, inclusion, and classroom practice in increasingly complex, technology-influenced environments.

Explore evidence-informed frameworks to evaluate policies and tools, workshop inclusive strategies grounded in your school context, connect with researchers and education leaders, and leave with implementable approaches.

This event brings together leading researchers and experienced practitioners to move beyond theory into practical, classroom-ready strategies.

Attend in person or virtually.

 

You’ll explore how to

• Analyze AI and technology policies to strengthen inclusive practice
• Design assessment approaches that build critical thinking and reflect real student learning
• Evaluate tools that effectively support neurodivergent learners using data-informed strategies
• Translate policy into safe, inclusive, classroom-ready systems
• Apply new tools in ways that expand access and support diverse learners

 

Agenda

Please note that these events may change as they are refined.

10:00 - 10:15  -  Welcome & Context

10:15 - 12:30  -  Neuroaffirming Foundations Workshop: taking steps to fostering a neuroinclusive school environment (Ms. Thomas and Ms. Leonard-Fortune)

12:30 - 1:30    -  Lunch and Networking

1:30 - 2:30      -  AI in education: Data- and AI- powered approach to assessment and its implications for modern assessment design (Dr. Cui)

2:30 - 2:45      -  Break and Networking

2:45 - 3:45      -  Evaluating AI & Technology Policies Through a Critical Disability Lens: Real Policy Examples, Barriers, and Practical Improvements (M. Steven Sheppard)

3:45 - 4:00      -  Closing & Key Takeaways

 

Learn from leading experts shaping assessment, inclusion, and learning:

• Dr. Ying Cui (University of Alberta): Specialist in cognitive processing, pedagogy-related psychometrics, learning analytics, and data-driven learning design, learning analytics,
• Nina Thomas (Universite Laval): Researcher in neurodiversity, administration and education policy with a focus on systemic approaches. A former educator, educational consultant and vice-principal
• Steven Sheppard (University of Calgary): Researcher in policy, inclusion, and critical disability studies
• Bryn Leonard-Fortune (Cynder): Researcher and innovator in AI-powered personalized learning and inclusive educational technology

 

Clear Objectives

By the end of this symposium, participants will be able to:

• Evaluate AI and technology use through an inclusion and safety lens
• Strengthen assessment practices to better support critical thinking and authentic learning
• Use data and analytics to understand and track student mastery
• Recognize how neurodivergent learners interact with AI
• Apply strategies that support neurodivergent learners in AI-influenced environments
• Translate policy into actionable school- and system-level practices
• Make informed leadership decisions about technology, assessment, and implementation

 

Professional Learning Alignment

This symposium supports school and system priorities including:

• Inclusive education and support for diverse learners
• Evidence-informed assessment and improved student outcomes
• Safe and effective use of emerging technologies
• Teacher and system capacity building
• Data-informed decision-making

This symposium is designed to support professional development (PD) goals for school and system leaders.

 

Who Should Attend

This symposium is designed for decision makers around tech and inclusion strategies in Public, Charter, and Private Schools across Canada.

Principals • Vice-Principals • Superintendents • School Board Members • Directors of Student Services • Directors of Technology • Curriculum Leaders

 

Format

Attend in person or join virtually — both options include full access to sessions, workshop participation, and recordings.

 

In Person Details

City: Calgary, AB

Location : Platform Calgary at 407 9th Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 2K7 (Downtown Calgary)

Date: October 26th, 2026 (New)

Parking: Paid parking available in the building

Hotel Discount: TBD

Flight Discount: TBD, airport is 20 mins away from downtown core

 

Virtual Details

Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm MST (UTC-7)
Date: October 26th, 2026 (New)

 

Pricing

Early Bird Discount finishes September 7th, 2026.

 

Discounts available for members of: Platform Calgary, APCS, ISABC, AMS, CAIS, CASS, BCSSA, SASKLEADS. If you belong to one of these groups and you don't see your discount code, please reach out to bryn@incluelearning.com or your membership coordinator.

Don't see your organization here? Reach out at bryn@incluelearning.com and we will reach out to your organization to work out a discount.

 

Payment Options

Schools and districts can register and pay via purchase order or credit card. Register via showpass with the ticket type (purchase order).

Group Registration

Register multiple attendees under one invoice or PO.