Name: The Power of Student Voice: Enhancing Literacy Through Oral Language
Start: 2026-07-16T09:45:00-0600
End: 2026-07-16T10:45:00-0600

Welcome to URSA 2025 at Park City High School!

The Power of Student Voice: Enhancing Literacy Through Oral Language

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

GC 109 - General Classroom Building, Room 109

Oral language is the foundation of successful literacy development. Participants in this session explore ways to support students' language growth by intentionally shifting classroom dynamics from teacher-centric instruction to high student engagement and talk. Attendees will discover, practice, and make plans to implement practical strategies and effective instructional methods that simultaneously increase student engagement, learning, and oracy. This session is designed to equip educators with actionable steps to enhance instruction and optimize student academic outcomes by supporting oral language development in their classrooms.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None

Speakers

Denice Maedgen

K-3 Literacy Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Denice Maedgen is a K-3 Literacy Specialist at the Utah State Board of Education (USBE). She previously served as the USBE Coach of Coaches. Denice has a wealth of experience in education, including 9 years teaching grades 1-3, 3 years as a literacy coach, and 2 years as an elementary... Read More →

Harmony Langford

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
GC 109 - General Classroom Building, Room 109 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Utah Core Curriculum, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area Elementary - grades K - 6
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Language Arts

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2025 Utah Rural Schools Conference

Denice Maedgen

Harmony Langford

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Success you have shared X tickets.

2025 Utah Rural Schools Conference

Denice Maedgen

Harmony Langford

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