July 14–16, 2026 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Explore practical, classroom-ready approaches to science instruction, with clear connections to ELA and mathematics. Through hands-on, active learning sessions, you’ll work with DLM instructional resources, engage in the science inquiry routine, and collaborate with educators from across partner states. You’ll leave with take-home materials and dedicated planning time to support immediate classroom use.
Lunch will be provided.
Please plan to bring a laptop and charging cord for use during sessions.
Program
- Day 1 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
DLM Essential Elements for Science
Build an understanding of how the three dimensions of science learning connect to DLM Essential Elements. Participants will explore how these components work together to support instruction and assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities and gain insight into tools for instructional planning, such as mini-maps.
Introduction to Scientific Inquiry
Learn what teachers and students do in inquiry-based classrooms and explore ideas and tools that support student questions and investigations. This session introduces the foundations of scientific inquiry, including the 5E instructional cycle and how to shift from teacher-directed to student-driven learning.
All Students are Scientists: Using the Science Inquiry Routine
Discover a practical five-step science inquiry routine to support inclusive instruction. Participants will learn how to plan science instruction for all learners in a single classroom and begin drafting a science lesson using a structured science inquiry routine organizer. The session emphasizes flexible application of the routine across science topics and varying levels of complexity.
Team Time Connections
Work alongside educators from your state to reflect on learning, identify priorities for the remainder of the institute, and collaborate on instructional planning. Participants will continue developing lesson organizers introduced in Science Inquiry 102 and discuss strategies for classroom implementation and state-level support.
- Day 2 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Day Two of the conference will feature elective sessions designed to provide participants with targeted, in-depth learning opportunities. Participants will attend four elective sessions throughout the day and will be asked in advance to rank their preferences. Every effort will be made to place participants in sessions aligned with their preferences.
Electives
Connecting ELA and Mathematics to Science Inquiry
Explore meaningful ways to integrate ELA and mathematics into each step of the science inquiry routine. Participants will identify connections (such as shared reading, writing, and measurement) and design activities that deepen learning across content areas within a science inquiry routine. Attendees will leave with at least one cross-disciplinary extension to enhance their own inquiry lesson plans.
Bridging the Gap: Integrating Science and Career Readiness
Examine strategies for aligning science instruction with career readiness for students with significant cognitive disabilities. This session focuses on connecting academic learning to real-world skills and post-secondary opportunities. Participants will identify and plan meaningful academic experiences that support students’ pathways to employment and independence.
Formative Assessment Process Within Science Inquiry Routines
Learn practical, informal strategies for assessing student understanding throughout the inquiry process. Participants will explore ways to observe, question, and interpret student thinking in real time to inform instructional decisions. The session emphasizes using formative assessment to adapt and strengthen science inquiry within the inquiry routine.
Thinking Like a Science Teacher
Step into the role of a science teacher through hands-on exploration of authentic classroom practices. Participants will engage with strategies and tools used in field-based investigations and real-world data collection. The session highlights how to foster scientific thinking and connects these practices to the inquiry routine.
Planning for Access: Facilitating Inquiry at Different Levels of Complexity
Discover ways to plan science inquiry lessons and activities so all students can participate across different learning environments. Participants will explore how to adjust activities, learning goals, and student supports to ensure access and engagement across levels of complexity. Attendees will refine their inquiry plans by adding flexible entry points for access.
From Ideas to Implementation: Professional Development to Support Teacher Success
Examine ways to set focused goals for teacher professional development, design learning experiences, and evaluate the impact of professional development. Designed for instructional leaders, this session focuses on using a professional development cycle to support effective science instruction. Instructional leaders will draft a targeted plan to guide the implementation of new teacher practices in science instruction in their schools, districts, or states.
New DLM Product Development
Help shape future DLM offerings by exploring new product concepts, reviewing prototypes, and sharing feedback on usability and instructional fit. Through guided discussions and hands-on review activities, participants will help inform future development and product decisions.
- Day 3 8:30 am - 12 pm
Wrap up Compass 2026 with focused team time dedicated to planning and next steps. Work in grade-band and state teams to refine rollout plans, share lesson organizers, and prepare for implementation. The morning concludes with a brief closing session before departure.
Conference Overview
Some schools or districts require preliminary conference information for travel approval or funding requests. A downloadable planning overview is available.
Download Preliminary Conference Overview (PDF)
Hotel and Conference Venue
DLM Compass 2026 will take place at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center, directly connected to The Marc Hotel. A group rate is available at The Marc Hotel for attendees who choose to stay there. Booking details will be shared after registration is complete.
Questions?
Email us at DLMCompass@ku.edu