georgia association for gifted children convention... · 2015-03-06 · 3 welcome to athens and the...
TRANSCRIPT
Georgia Association for Gifted Children
35th Annual Convention
March 9—10, 2015
Athens, Georgia
2
Online Presentations, Handouts
Georgia Association for Gifted Children Convention
March 9—10, 2015
The Classic Center—Athens, GA
Perspectives on Creativity
Certificate of Attendance
This certifies that the bearer attended the 2015 Georgia
Association for Gifted Children Convention
Angel Cash Karen Higginbotham
GAGC President Dr. Beth Thornbury
GAGC Convention Co-Chairs
Cover Artwort: Juan Botello , Southeast Whitfield High School—Dalton, GA
3
Welcome to Athens and the Georgia Association for Gifted Children’s Thirty-fifth Annual Convention. The focus of the convention this year is exploring creativity. We have a host of presenters sharing a wide variety of topics, as well as a number of exhibits to explore. Strands for this year’s convention include: creativity, curriculum, logical and creative problem solving, assessment, social emotional needs of gifted, leadership, and technology. Additionally, we have reserved an hour of the first afternoon for you to meet with other teachers and leaders
from your area to discuss current topics and share best practices and solutions. We encourage you to network with new and familiar colleagues, exchange ideas, and explore the creativity in our work. We wish you a wonderful conference and trust you will return home re energized and with plenty of new ideas!
Enjoy the Conference, and please take the time to complete the on-line survey that will be sent to you after the convention to give us feedback for next year’s program planning.
Karen Higginbotham & Dr. Beth Thornbury, GAGC Convention Co-Chairs
Welcome to the 35th Annual Georgia Association for Gifted Children Convention!
When I think about the annual convention, I can’t help but feel that if we can instill even one percent of the enthusiasm
we feel for learning new material, from exceptional teacher leaders, half of our work will already be done. I hope, that
when you return to your schools, you will think a little differently of the students who wake up early, get dressed, pack
the books, catch the bus or walk, take their seats, and prepare to learn. It is what happens next, that makes all the
difference. I trust that you will find the conference sessions valuable and motivating and that they will provide new
ideas to energize your teaching. As we build an awareness of the unique needs of our gifted and talented student, our
voices need to be heard. Our voices have the power to influence our legislators to swing the pendulum in favor of
those students that deserve experiences that meet their present and future academic needs.
It has been a distinct honor for me to serve as President for the Georgia Association for Gifted Children. Since this
organization was chartered in the fall of 1977, it has been a dominant force in advocating for the educational rights and
affective needs of gifted and talented children. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Executive Board of
GAGC for all of their support during my tenure as president. It takes many volunteers to make our organization a
success and many of these people work behind the scenes and never really receive the thanks they deserve.
I applaud you for your efforts in serving the education of our gifted and talented students, and I have seen firsthand the positive results of caring, dedicated, and motivated educators like each of you. Thank you for your dedication in helping students become successful learners. With Sincere Appreciation, Angel Cash, President Georgia Association for Gifted Children “What I know for sure about education is that inherently, educators are artists with innate talents that empower them to share in the design of individual masterpieces on a daily basis. Provided with pallets of strategies rich with color, and tools to help hone those in her charge, the ardent educator is no less a creative force than were DaVinci, Michelangelo or Kandinsky.” - Dr. Morgan Appe
4
Keynote Speaker
2015 Convention Speakers
Dr. Richard M. Cash, has worked in the field of education for over 25 years. His range of experience includes teaching at the elementary and middle school levels as well as the college level, and more recently serving as Director of Gifted Programs for the Bloomington Public Schools, in Minnesota. He received his doctorate in Educational Leadership and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, MN. Dr. Cash serves on various boards and associations, such as the World Council on Gifted Education, ASCD, and The National Association for Gifted Children. Currently, he works as a private consultant to many school districts around the U.S. and internationally. Beside his work in the United States, he has presented in China, Spain, England, Canada, the Czech Republic, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Indonesia and Turkey. His areas of expertise are educational programming, rigorous and challenging curriculum development, differentiated instruction, 21st century
skills, and brain compatible classrooms. Dr. Cash authored the book Advancing Differentiation: Thinking and Learning for the 21stCentury, (2011). His newest book Differentiation for Gifted Learners: Going Beyond the Basics (2013) is a co-authored publication with Dr. Diane Heacox, a widely respected expert in differentiation and gifted education. Both books are published by Free Spirit Publishing, Inc. (freespirit.com).
Breakout Sessions:
Monday 11:10—12:00 Parthenon
Teaching Gifted Youth to Manage Stress: From Serious to Silly
Monday 2:30—3:20 Parthenon
Improv and Creative Dramatics to Develop Self-Confidence in Gifted Learners
Keynote Address: -
Developing Self-Regulated Gifted Youth: Critical Skills for Navigating Life
Self-regulation, the skills used to achieve success, is oriented toward facing challenges (promotion) or avoiding failure
(prevention). Students with promotion orientation approach tasks with confidence to succeed, even in the face of
obstacles and setbacks, whereas a prevention orientation is one of fear and averting risk. Some gifted students may
struggle, underachieve or be underrepresented in advanced level programs due to their desire to avoid failure. This
session will frame promotion orientation and growth mindset theories to provide techniques for teaching promotional
self-regulation strategies of greater levels of achievement.
5
Featured Speaker
2015 Convention Speakers
David M. Schwartz, Ph.D., ABPdN specializes in Assessment and
Interventions in Learning and Educational Issues. Dr. Schwartz is a
Clinical Neuropsychologist in Atlanta, Georgia. He consults
nationally and in Canada with school districts, state departments of
education, provincial school boards, as well as clinical settings. Dr.
Schwartz holds a joint Ph.D. in Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psy-
chology, with a specialization in Neuropsychology. He is the
Executive Director and a Fellow of the American Academy of
Pediatric Neuropsychology. He is an Adjunct Faculty member at
Kennesaw State University, Georgia School of Professional
Psychology—Clinical Psychology Graduate Program at Argosy
University–Atlanta, and Georgia State University. Dr. Schwartz is actively sought out to provide
presentations on a variety of topics that include assessment, intervention, and strategies for
improving student and adult success. He has extensive experience in the area of assessment and
treatment, and serves the child, adolescent, and adult populations. Dr. Schwartz utilizes a
“consensus building” approach when working with individuals, families, professionals, and
community resources. He is known for his practical recommendations and his easy accessibility.
Dr. Schwartz’s Workshop Series:
Gifted and Talented students pose a challenge to educators. While they often exhibit advanced knowledge and
intellect, they often frustrate educators with their inconsistent academic performances and increased social-
emotional needs. Many educators question the inclusion of Twice Exceptional students in gifted and talented
programs. School often becomes a very frustrating experience for all of these gifted and talented students, their
teachers and their parents. The purpose of this series of workshops is to provide a structure for meeting the
diverse needs of this special population of gifted and talented children. A framework for identification and
implementation of appropriate functional strategies, including instructional and assistive technologies will be
provided.
Breakout Sessions:
Tuesday 9:00—9:50 Parthenon
Social-Emotional Needs of Gifted Children: Understanding the Rainbow
Tuesday 10:10—11:-00 Parthenon
Meeting the Needs of Twice Exceptional Students: Real Strategies for Success
Tuesday 11:10—12:00 Parthenon
Avoiding Educator Burnout: Who Ya Gonna Call? Stress Busters!
6
Monday, March 9, 2015
Registration at The Classic Center 7:00 - 12:00
Exhibit Hours at The Classic Center 8:00 - 5:00
7:15 - 8:00 Coffee / Breakfast
8:00 - 12:00 Continuous Breakout Sessions / Visit Vendors
9:50 - 10:10 Refreshment Break
12:00 - 2:30 Opening Session and Keynote Luncheon—Athena Ballroom
Welcome / Orientation – Karen Higginbotham & Dr. Beth Thornbury,
Convention Co-Chairs; Angel Cash, President GAGC
Lunch
DOE Presentation: Dr. Bob Swiggum
Opening Keynote: Dr. Richard Cash,
“Developing Self-Regulated Gifted Youth: Critical Skills for Navigating Life”
2:30 - 4:30 Continuous Breakouts / Visit Vendors
3:20 - 3:40 Refreshment break
5:00 - 7:00 GAGC Reception, Graduate Athens – The Foundry
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Registration at The Classic Center - 7:00-9:00
Exhibit Hours at The Classic Center - 8:00– 12:00
7:15 - 8:00 Coffee / Breakfast
8:00 - 12:00 Continuous Breakouts / Visit Vendors
9:50 - 10:10 Refreshment Break
12:00 - 1:30 Closing Luncheon—Athena Ballroom
Closing Remarks, Angel Cash, Dr. Lisa Hackney
Installation of New Officers
1:30 Closing Remarks & Drawings
Thirty-fifth Annual Convention
Georgia Association for Gifted Children
Agenda
7
~ Parent Day and Tote Bag Sponsor ~
8
Athena B
Creativity
Middle, Elem
A Next Step for Ensuring
Equitable Creativity Assessment
in Georgia
C. Alex Alvarez, Anne Cardella, Donna Campa, Danielle
Gibbs, Lauren Whittaker ~ Valdosta City Schools
Join this hands-on session to learn about a new
research-based creativity performance assess-
ment. Participants will be provided an oppor-
tunity to review, use, and score the new A&W
Buttons Creativity Performance Assessment. This
new assessment can be considered as a second
measure opportunity for school districts that
does not require students to draw, write, or pos-
sess extensive vocabulary; thus supporting ESL
students and providing an alternative approach
to that of the Torrance Figural Assessment and
the Profiles of Creative Abilities (PCA).
Athena D
Creativity
Middle, Elem
Creative, Real-World
Independent Projects:
Differentiation That’s Fun!
Melanie Bondy ~ Mind Vine Press (Exhibitor/Vendor)
Gifted students need high-level choice-based
projects that inspire creativity and growth.
Teachers need clear student guidance that
differentiates in every aspect, structured check-
points and comprehensive assessments.
This teacher presentation will demonstrate the
creation and management of successful inter
disciplinary projects that incorporate choice
within a structure and allow teacher facilitation.
Learn to challenge and motivate your students
year-round while alleviating your workload.
View student portfolios, exhibits and photos.
Excellent handouts. Leave refreshed with
methods to implement right away!
Athena G
Creativity
All Levels
Craving Creativity?
Leigh Mason Hummell, Stephanie Sumner, Laura Fedorchuk, Ron McAllister, Lisa Stark ~ Forsyth County Schools
Be ready to walk away with multi-standard based lessons and project ideas infused with creativity! You will
learn to utilize creativity to push your students deeper into Bloom's Taxonomy and DOK through quadrant
D activities. Come experience projects on Bravery Through The Decades, the Trojan War, Shark Tank, Crea-
tivity Wars, Tech Fair, and many more.
Athena J
Mathematics
Middle, High
Real-Life Math Investigations That Require Insight, Collaboration and Creative
Thinking
Ed and Sara Zaccaro ~ Hickory Grove Press (Exhibitor/Vendor)
Nurture your students’ curiosity and creativity as you present them with real world situations/dilemmas
that require insight, intuition, creative problem solving and collaboration in order to reach effective and ac-
curate solutions. These investigations will allow students to (1) Simulate an engineering team as it searches
for solutions (2) Take on the role of lawyers who are analyzing how statistics have been manipulated (3)
Become a team of journalists trying to determine why the math in several news articles is incorrect and
what the consequences could be. Show students that math is much more than rote learning and formulas.
MONDAY 8:00—8:50 1
9
Olympia 1 & 2
Creativity
All Levels
A Creativity Celebration: A Bizarre Bazaar – Double Session
Bonnie Cramond, Ph.D., Meg Easom Hines, Ph.D., Paul Tim Carr, Sarah Marie Catalana, Courtney DeRieux, Sonja L. Fox,
Octavia Fugerson, Laura Gary, Michele Hood, Leann M. Morris, Mikki Stinchcomb, Sureyya Yoruk ~ University of Georgia
Get your creative juices flowing and have fun while learning some strategies that you can incorporate
into your curriculum. We will have various interactive stations around the room where you can expe-
rience strategies for developing creativity. Each station will also have information on the strategy as
well as how the strategy may be used in different content areas and for different age groups. After 20
minutes, we will indicate that it is time to change, and you will be able to pick another station. This
bazaar of creativity strategies may result in some very bizarre sights, sounds, and products, but we
hope you will enjoy yourself and get some great ideas for developing creativity in your students.
Parthenon
Teachers, Admin
All Levels
SLDS Gifted Eligibility Form
Hubert Bennett, Ph.D. ~ Georgia Department of Education
NEW!!! This session will look at the FREE Gifted Eligibility Form that is available through SLDS. We will
demonstrate the process of entering a student's achievement results onto the form. These results
will then be stored with the student throughout the student's educational career - even if they
transfer to another school or school system. This session is for both the beginner and experienced
Gifted Eligibility Form user. Experienced users- please bring your questions, comments, and
suggestions. This application is available to all Georgia Public schools.
Monday 9:00—9:50
Athena A
Curriculum
Middle High
Building and Sustaining Advanced Academic Programs
Lynn Dennons, Brandi Sabb ~ College Board
The College Board strongly encourages educators to make equitable access a guiding principle for their AP
Programs by giving all willing and academically prepared students the opportunity to participate in AP, and
by eliminating barriers that restrict access to AP for students from ethnic, racial and socioeconomic groups.
Learn best practices from across the region to support a rigorous curriculum for all. You will be provided
research and online tools to help students and families aspire, explore, choose, and enroll in AP Courses in
your institution. You will also identify and develop strategies appropriate for the culture of your school or
district.
1 MONDAY 8:00—8:50
2
10
Athena B
Curriculum
Elementary
Creating Confident Orators
Teri McGraw ~ Fayette County Schools
Come learn some useful tips to hold an effective
orator's meeting that if incorporated in your
classroom will leave your students with an inval-
uable life skill - the art of public speaking! Par-
ticipants will learn a fool-proof formula for run-
ning an orator's meeting with multiple roles so
that each student is responsible for the
meeting’s success. Not only will your students
learn the components of an effective speech,
but also the many essential roles to run an
effective orator's meeting.
Athena C
Curriculum
All Levels
SOCRATIC INQUIRY: Addressing 21st
Century Standards with a Two
Thousand Year Old Strategy
Richard Courtright, Ph.D. ~ Duke TIP (Exhibitor/Vendor)
The implementation of Common Core State
Standards provides myriad opportunities for
differentiation to meet the needs of gifted learn-
ers. However, educators may wonder about the
best means to address the standards related to
speaking and listening. The solution lies in one of
the greatest teaching-learning models: Socratic
method of inquiry. This centuries-old approach
can be used effectively in today’s classroom, in
every subject, every grade. The basics of the So-
cratic seminar that will be presented in this ses-
sion can be learned in an hour and used through-
out a lifetime of teaching. This session will provide
the basic “how-to,” with step-by-step guidance in
how to set up and conduct a seminar, including a
rationale, teacher and student expectations/
behaviors, the physical environment and content
from specific academic disciplines that may be
used in the process of implementing Socratic
seminars in the classroom. Athena D
Creativity
Middle, High
Depth and Complexity? Meet
Differentiation
Carrie Simpson ~ Pieces of Learning (Exhibitor/Vendor)
We all know we need to differentiate for gifted
learners, but often do not recognize how differentia-
tion can help us strategically support enrichment,
extension and creativity in our classes. This session is
designed to make that connection by linking the
work of Sandra Kaplan and Carol Tomlinson. Come
view graphics that merge these concepts and en-
gage in discussions to reflect on how to apply this
information to your classes. GT students need to de-
velop and embrace creativity and effective differen-
tiation can be the start.
Athena G
Reading / ELA
Middle, High
Captivating Captions
Leslie Giraldo ~ Ware County Schools
Creatively use captions from high-quality sources,
transforming a traditional close-reading activity
into an engaging event, like “The Zombie Zone”
and “Sugar Love: A Not So Sweet Tale.” Gifted
students will be challenged—and intrigued—as
they interact with items you’ve created in this
hands-on session from captivating captions.
MONDAY 9:00—9:50 2
“Creativity is intelligence
having fun.”
-Albert Einstein
11
Athena J
Curriculum
All Levels
Enrichment Clusters: Using Technology to Streamline the Process
Virginia Stephens, Ed.D.; Mandy Guley ~ Columbia County Schools
Many schools in Georgia have implemented Renzulli's Schoolwide Enrichment Model and have had
great success engaging all students through the use of Enrichment Clusters. Come to this session to
learn how teachers in Columbia County are using technology to streamline the cluster selection
process. From interest inventories to sorting students, technology makes the process painless!
Olympia 1 & 2
Creativity
All Levels
A Creativity Celebration: A Bizarre Bazaar – Double Session
Bonnie Cramond, Ph.D., Meg Easom Hines, Ph.D., Paul Tim Carr, Sarah Marie Catalana, Courtney DeRieux, Sonja L. Fox,
Octavia Fugerson, Laura Gary, Michele Hood, Leann M. Morris, Mikki Stinchcomb, Sureyya Yoruk ~ University of Georgia
Get your creative juices flowing and have fun while learning some strategies that you can incorpo-
rate into your curriculum. We will have various interactive stations around the room where you can
experience strategies for developing creativity. Each station will also have information on the strate-
gy as well as how the strategy may be used in different content areas and for different age groups.
After 20 minutes, we will indicate that it is time to change, and you will be able to pick another sta-
tion. This bazaar of creativity strategies may result in some very bizarre sights, sounds, and products,
but we hope you will enjoy yourself and get some great ideas for developing creativity in your
students.
Parthenon
Teachers, Admin
All Levels
SLDS: Gifted Eligibility Form
Hubert Bennett, Ph.D. ~ Georgia Department of Education
NEW!!! This session will look at the FREE Gifted Eli-
gibility Form that is available through SLDS. We will
demonstrate the process of entering a student's
achievement results onto the form. These results
will then be stored with the student throughout the
student's educational career - even if they transfer
to another school or school system. This session is
for both the beginner and experienced Gifted Eligi-
bility Form user. Experienced users- please bring
your questions, comments, and suggestions. This
application is available to all Georgia Public schools.
Enjoy a morning
snack break
9:50—10:10
SNACK BREAK
MONDAY 9:00—9:50 2
12
Athena A
Creativity
All Levels
Free Versatile
Curriculum Tools
Laura Magner ~ Gwinnett County
Public Schools
Money is tight and classroom tools are
scarce. Engage students by using familiar
items in creative ways. In this session,
participants will be shown multiple tools
that can be made from free materials!
Each material has several classroom ap-
plications. From egg cartons to paint
chips, learn how to use commonly dis-
carded materials to create fun, effective
learning tools. Participants will leave with
at least one free item!
Athena B
Curriculum
Elementary
Changing Perspectives About
Reflective Writing
April Keck DeGennaro, Ph.D. ~ Fayette County
Schools
Gifted children’s minds work at warp speed. Thoughts
come faster than children can write them leading to
frustration and dislike of writing. Capturing high-level
thoughts effectively is a skill requiring practice. Writing
allows less aggressively-verbal children to process and
share deep thoughts, preserves creative novelty, devel-
ops brevity, and preserves ideas for sharing & future
development. Participants will consider written reflec-
tion as an essential element of gifted pedagogy, receive
a document used to frame 1st-5th grade critical written
reflection of gifted curriculum, learn strategies to build
high-level thinking and writing abilities through inte-
grating short critical written reflections after curricu-
lum explorations.
Athena C
Social Emotional
All Levels
TIP-ical Kids: Social and Emotional Aspects of High Ability Children and Youth
Richard Courtright, Ph.D. ~ Duke TIP (Exhibitor/Vendor)
Thirty-five years of working with gifted students in Duke TIP summer programs has provided evidence of the
nature of the characteristics of gifted/talented students. While individual differences (and exceptions to the
rule) abound, there are strong tendencies among gifted kids regarding their social and emotional develop-
ment that can inform parents and teachers, helping them to understand the response they receive from
their children and students. Awareness of these characteristics can turn the “rough seas” of interactions in
school and in the home into “smooth sailing” for everyone involved.
Olympia 1
Mathematics
All Levels
Muggins Math: Aerobics for the Mind
Sue Shuler ~ Muggins Math (Exhibitor/Vendor)
Come experience math, higher-order thinking skills, and fun in this hands-on math workshop utilizing award
-winning math board games in the Muggins Math Series developed by two former Georgia teachers. Games
develop not only math skills but socialization skills as players compete in these challenging, multi-leveled
games for ages 5 to Einstein! Prize drawing for Muggins/Knock-Out game at end of session.
MONDAY 10:10—11:00 3
13
Athena J
Curriculum
Middle, High
AP in Georgia’s Future
Becky Chambers, Bonnie Marshall,
Georgia McSwain ~GADOE
The College and Career Readiness Team at the
Georgia Department of Education will present an
overview of a decade of Advanced Placement
growth in Georgia and will discuss the benefits of
Advanced Placement courses for Gifted students,
support and training for teachers, and critical areas
that need our attention.
Athena G
Curriculum
Elementary
"Qualities of Leadership" Instructional Unit
Ann Scott Hanks ~ Fulton County Schools
In chronological order through American history, this unit examines positive leadership in politics, sci-
ence, social justice, the arts, sports, and business. It includes a pre and post test, daily assessments for
both content and process, a variety of high impact research based instructional strategies, many pri-
mary sources, and technology for instruction and for student products. Science and Social Studies GPS,
Common Core Literacy Standards, and Problem-Based Learning projects are integrated throughout.
Attendees will leave this session with a complete unit for 11 full days of instruction for grades 4+5.
Athena D
Talent Development
All Levels
Que Bueno
Tommy Firesheets ~ Gwinnett County Public Schools; Lisa Hackney, Ed.D. ~ Dalton Public Schools
Que Bueno! … Successful programs for poor or minority children, especially gifted and high ability children,
must be multifaceted and flexible. We tend to construct programs aimed at certain groups and at the “typical”
low-income minority child. However, in reality there is no typical child, as the circumstances leading to poverty
are varied and multifaceted. How can educators help children who are culturally and linguistically economically
disadvantaged (CLED) meet classroom, school, district, and state expectations in these times of testing and ac-
countability? Designing programs for gifted and high ability CLED students are vital to creating and fostering a
culture of success and equity, especially in high school AP and IB programs. It is never too early to look at your
class or school’s data and design appropriate programming options which will afford CLED students every edu-
cational opportunity and advantage. Join us as we share the stories- obstacles and successes of programs in
CLED districts- small and large.
MONDAY 10:10—11:00
Stop by to
Visit our Vendors!
Collect Vendor
Autographs to enter
drawing for an
ipad Mini!
3
14
Athena A
Creativity
All Levels
A Creative Take on
Critical Thinking
Laura Magner ~ Gwinnett County Public Schools
Participants will discuss the basic thinking
skills that are part of critical thinking.
What does a room full of critical thinkers
sound like, look like? These questions will
be addressed. Multiple short thinker
tasks will be explored. These thinker
tasks, in all four core areas of math, lan-
guage, science, and social studies, get
students critically thinking. They can be
stand alone lessons or an impetus to a
full day's lesson.
Athena B
Curriculum
Elementary
Creating Global Kids Across
Grade Levels with Current
Issues
April Keck DeGennaro, Ph.D.; Teri McGraw ~ Fayette
County Schools
Gifted learners love to discuss current issues.
Creating a curriculum for multiple grade levels
is exceedingly easy because one current issue
can meet the needs of multiple grade levels
when different universal theme lenses are
used to frame the discussion. The news is nat-
urally engaging and gives authentic real-world
discussion starters for students to create high-
level thoughts. Learn easy online resources
and leave with a “set of universal theme
lenses” that make your current issues curricu-
lum a robust program-wide favorite! Athena C
Creativity
Middle School
How to Infuse Creativity in a STEM
Program of Choice
Michele Hood, Lori McBride, Laurie Ecke, Kathy Mellette,
Sonja Neville ~ Hall County Schools
Parthenon
Teachers
Administrators
Regional Representatives: Reaching Out Across Georgia for the Gifted
Emily Wilson ~ Muscogee County; MaryJean Banter ~ Peach County; Ruth Cowan; Angie Green ~ Murray County;
Jan Jacobsen ~ Houston County
GAGC Regional Representatives will meet to network and brainstorm ideas to get the word out about
gifted education throughout the state. Experienced Regional Reps will share ideas and successful
strategies to serve as a springboard for new projects. The goal of this session is to bring clarity of pur-
pose, unity of mission, and support for new and veteran Regional Reps. The workshop will also include
an opportunity to network and connect with other Reps from surrounding areas to plan and support
each other in this work.
MONDAY 10:10—11:00
3
Monday 11:10—12:00
4
E2 Academy teachers will be sharing some of our best lessons, websites, tips and strategies we use to devel-
op critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication into our STEM program of choice. E2 is now
in our second year and despite challenges we are successfully integrating 21st century skills across the cur-
riculum in an interdisciplinary manner. Our presentation will help you see new possibilities and perspectives;
in order to bring creativity to your classroom.
15
Athena G
Creativity
All Levels
Creative Problem Solving
Saves the Future
Marion M. Sebastian ~ Gwinnett Public Schools; Mary
Jean Banter ~ Peach County Schools
Give students a new perspective for using cre-
ative thinking to solve real-world problems in
their community now or extrapolating world
issues into the future. The Future Problem
Solving Program trains students to use a prob-
lem solving process that can be applied within
the curriculum, in challenging competition,
and throughout their lifetime. This exciting
international program meets common core
standards and is highly adaptable to many
contents, delivery models, and grade levels.
Our world needs for students to develop
these skills.
Athena J
Mathematics
Elementary
Math: It's Elementary!
Gail Fiddyment ~ Clarke County Schools
Many elementary teachers admit that they lack a
deep understanding of math and are ill-equipped
to teach Common Core standards. In this session,
teachers will explore new strategies and tools used
to develop number sense and place value, includ-
ing number talks, non-algorithmic problem-solving,
and hands-on activities utilizing tools such as tape
diagrams, area models, number disks, and draw-
ings. The presenter will provide teachers with sug-
gestions for enriching and extending math for gift-
ed students and resources, including books and
websites.
Olympia 1
Curriculm
High School
Honors Mentorship in Hall County: A balanced approach to fostering
rigor and creativity.
Jennifer Killingsworth ~ Hall County Schools
This session will focus on fostering creativity in a career-focused mentorships for gifted juniors and seniors.
You will see how to use blended learning approaches for students, while still providing a curriculum that is
rigorous and fosters creativity for the individual. Participants will learn about curriculum approaches used,
management of the program using technology, and see student outcomes for those who have successfully
completed the program. Join us to see the amazing opportunities afforded gifted students in this program!
Athena D
Creativity
Al Levels
Creativity Outside the School Box
Sarah Kessel, Katherine Williams ~ Cobb
County Public School District
Are you looking for a creative, learner-centered,
constructivist approach to your gifted classroom?
Project-based learning and problem-based learning
address this need. Creative problems and projects
can serve as the catalyst for jumpstarting inquiry
and enthusiasm. Participants will learn how collab-
oration with creative agencies outside the school
system can boost hands-on PBL experiences, too.
MONDAY 11:10—12:00 4
“It takes courage to be creative. Just
as soon as you have a new idea, you
are a minority of one.”
-Dr. E. Paul Torrance
16
GENERAL SESSION
KEYNOTE LUNCHEON
12:00—2:30 Athena Ballroom
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Richard M. Cash
Olympia 2
Teachers, Admin
Assessment
CogAT: Cognitive Abilities
Test
Tara Mathis, Jinny Hurdle ~ Houghton-Mifflin
Harcourt / Riverside (Exhibitor/Vendor)
CogAT Form 7 reflects the most up-to-date
research on how best to measure cognitive
abilities and learning styles. CogAT 7 intro-
duces a variety of enhancements, including
new item types, a reduced language load to
make the instrument even more appropri-
ate for ELL children, an expanded instructor
support package, a choice of methods of
administration, and more. Demonstration
of the new online administration and re-
porting options to understand how to best
identify cognitive ability and learning style.
4
Developing Self-Regulated Gifted Youth: Critical Skills for Navigating Life
Self-regulation, the skills used to achieve success, is oriented toward facing challenges (promotion)
or avoiding failure (prevention). Students with promotion orientation approach tasks with confi-
dence to succeed, even in the face of obstacles and setbacks, whereas a prevention orientation is
one of fear and averting risk. Some gifted students may struggle, underachieve or be underrepre-
sented in advanced level programs due to their desire to avoid failure. This session will frame pro-
motion orientation and growth mindset theories to provide techniques for teaching promotional
self-regulation strategies of greater levels of achievement.
MONDAY 11:10—12:00 Parthenon
Social Emotional All Levels
Teaching Gifted Youth to
Manage Stress:
From Serious to Silly
Richard Cash, Ed.D. ~ nRich Educational
Consulting, Inc.
From exaggerated expectations to a fixed mindset,
gifted youth are impacted by stress and anxiety.
Neuroscientific research has revealed the negative
impact of stress on learning for all students. For
gifted youth, the outcomes of unmanaged stress
can be devastating both emotionally as well as edu-
cationally. This session will frame the causes of
stress and provide strategies to reduce its effects.
Be prepared to participant; we will work through
traditional types of relaxation techniques as well as
get silly to reduce anxiety. Participants will receive
a list of resources to assist gifted youth in managing
stress and anxiety.
17
Athena B
Creativity
All Levels
Integrating Performing Arts
to Teach Creativity
Ami Ray ~ Hall County Schools
Performing Arts and Drama forces participants
to solve problems creatively. Integrating Per-
forming Arts and Drama into classroom curricu-
lum, delivery and products can assist in the de-
velopment of student creativity.
In this presentation, attendees will learn the
theory of an integrated performing arts class-
room. Further, attendees will receive a practical
guide in creating such a classroom environ-
ment.
Athena A
Social Emotional
Middle School
Helping Students Discover Their
"Element"
Kathy Melette ~ Hall County Schools
I believe THE most important work accomplished
in a classroom is a young person discovering their
unique ability, talents and passions. It is important
to help our students develop a vision for their fu-
ture and the confidence (and willingness)to ex-
plore opportunities. My interactive presentation
will offer participants new perspectives, engaging
lessons and resources to help young people dis-
cover their strengths and passions.
Athena C
Creativity
Middle School
Student Inspired Projects: Crea-
tive, Authentic, Service Based,
Michele Hood, Sonja Neville ~ Hall County Schools
Do you want to inspire your students to create
authentic projects that weave their interests with
ELA, Technology, and Science standards and then
add Service Learning and Critical Thinking compo-
nents? Leave today with everything you need to
facilitate middle school projects that will motivate
your students to learn and create! A panel of
teachers and middle school students will detail
their journey of creative, inspired learning and
then answer your questions!
Athena D
Creativity
All Levels
Odyssey of the
Mind....Beyond the Box
Lisa Hackney, Ed.D. ~ Odyssey of the Mind
Odyssey of the Mind is a creative problem solv-
ing competition for problem solvers from 5 to ?
Odyssey of the Mind is a creative and innova-
tive way to address state and national stand-
ards while having FUN. This hands-on for kids
and hands-off for adults program helps stu-
dents look for the question behind the problem
to create multiple solutions.
Athena J
Social Emotional
Middle, High
Creative Acceleration
Adriana Stanley, Kate Theobold ~ The Advanced Academy of Georgia
Your gifted students often need experiences beyond the traditional K-12 classroom. Join a conversation
about the many resources that are available through partnering with university systems and other pro-
grams tailored to meet gifted students’ academic needs. For middle and high school age students, the op-
portunities range from supplemental instruction to summer programs to full-time residential programs.
Learn how to navigate the options and determine the possibilities for your student.
MONDAY 2:30—3:20 5
18
Olympia 2
Curriculum
All Levels
Embracing Education Tech-
nology: The Next Generation
of Adaptive Learning for Ad-
vanced Learners
Matthew Mugo Fields ~ GiftedandTalented.com
(Exhibitor/Vendor)
This session featuring Matthew Mugo Fields,
President of GiftedandTalented.com, will ex-
plore the complex educational needs of gifted
learners and explain how innovative educa-
tional technology, along with decades of Stan-
ford research in the area of adaptive learning,
can be used to meet gifted student’s needs
and insure they reach their full potential.
Building on over forty years of research, Gifte-
dandTalented.com was chosen by Stanford to
co-develop and offer the next generation of its
adaptive digital curriculum and blended
learning implementation programs.
Olympia 1
Curriculum
Middle, High
Internships That Change Their
(and Our) Worlds: Infusing the
Career Internship with a
Curriculum of Creativity!
Carol Graham ~ Fulton County Schools
The high school gifted internship course proves to
be the pinnacle of the K-12 gifted education
experience when viewed through the lens of the
creative learner! Borrowing from Gardner's
Creating Minds, Maslow's theory of the creative
personality, Renzulli's Multiple Menu Model, A
Parallel Curriculum (Tomlinson, Kaplan, Renzulli,
Purcell, Leppien, Burns 2002), the CPS matrix
(Treffinger and Isaksen), and studies in epistemic
cognition (Costa), this presentation demonstrates
how to infuse an internship program with a
curriculum of creativity. The end product is career
defining and life changing!
Athena G
Curriculum
Elementary
The Art and Science of
Wonder
Kara Gazaway, Julie Anderson ~ Gwinnett County
Public Schools
Participants will learn how to guide students
through the process of inquiry. Student
Inquiry has the possibility of opening minds
to unexplored worlds through wonders,
research, trial and error, and communication
skills. Wondering can encourage natural
uriosity and classroom engagement. Students
can greatly benefit from this hands-on
learning experience and take ownership of
their own learning. These students can help
build lasting curiosity in their community and
become the leaders of tomorrow.
MONDAY 2:30—3:20 5
Parthenon
Creativity
All Levels
Improv and Creative Dramatics to
Develop Self-Confidence in Gifted
Learners
Richard Cash, Ed.D. ~ nRich Educational Consulting, Inc.
Improv and creative dramatics is an enjoyable and
effective way to build communicative language, critical
reasoning, creative thinking and problem solving skills.
It can also be a great way to build the self-confidence
of gifted learners, because there are “no wrong an-
swers.” Join Dr. Cash, an academic and theater trained
teacher, as he takes you through interactive practices
of improve and creative dramatics. Participants will
experience how gifted learners can become more self-
confident, expressive and articulate through improv
and creative dramatics.
“The creative adult is the child who has
survived.” -Ursula K. Le Guin
19
MONDAY 3:40—4:30
6
Regional Networking Sessions
Athena A Athena B Athena C Athena D
North
Northwest
Open room for
overflow groups
Central Savannah
First District
Chattahoochee, Griffin,
Oconee, West
Athena G Athena J Olympia Parthenon
Heart of GA
Middle
Coastal Plains
Southwest
Okefeookee
Northeast
Pioneer
Metro
Enjoy an afternoon snack break 3:20—3:40
SNACK BREAK
For the final session of the day, we will hold a NETWORKING SESSION. This is a time to meet
with peers from your area of the state to connect, brainstorm, share ideas, make plans to
meet or speak later, and reflect. Groups have been divided based on the number of registered
attendees in relation to RESA locations. Each room will have a moderator to help facilitate
conversations.
Regional Representative and Past President Breakfast
Tuesday, March 10 — 7:30 AM
Empire 1
GAGC Regional Representatives & Past GAGC Presidents
are invited to attend a breakfast meeting.
Sponsored by Duke TIP
20
GAGC Reception Sponsor
21
22
Athena A
Social Emotional
Elementary
My Favorite Day of the Week: How to creatively design a gifted
resource environment where students thrive and teachers survive!
Pat Owens, Cathy Dial ~ Hall County School District
What makes a gifted resource program a student’s favorite day of the week? How do you personalize
and organize a large gifted program where each student thrives and the teacher survives? Ideas we
will share include student organization, parental communication, and activities to meet the affective
needs of students. Gifted resource teachers will have time to collaborate in this session to share suc-
cessful ideas.
Athena B
Creativity
All Levels
Engaging Gifted Learners Through Brain Bites
Sheila L. Walden, Ph.D. ~ Clayton County Public Schools / MindwoRx Educational Services (exhibitor / vendor)
Participants will learn how to engage and motivate gifted learners through "Brain Bites" a year round
student choice program that can be used to supplement a gifted resource pull-out program. By giving
students a choice in assignments it boosts their creativity and motivation (Lasley, 2013). The activities
in Brain Bites focus on the common core state standards and are crosswalked with the gifted strands.
When we teach to student's strengths and interests we promote creativity and critical thinking.
Athena C
Curriculum
Elementary
Order in the Court!
Gail Fiddyment ~ Clarke County Schools; Diane Swann ~
Rockdale County Schools
Mock trial allows students to assume the roles of
attorneys and witnesses as they learn about the
judicial system. As students study materials and
develop a case, they practice critical thinking,
creative problem-solving, fact-finding, and public
speaking. In addition, they learn about relevant
legal principles and the role of the government
in making and enforcing laws and protecting the
rights of individuals. The presenters will share
ideas and resources for implementing mock trials
for gifted students.
Athena D
Curriculum
All Levels
Friendship Elementary: Advanced
Scholars’ Program
Guy Cassels, Jr; Brian Johnston, Mary Brandes, Nichole Hill,
Kristin White ~ Hall County Schools
The Advanced Scholars’ Program at Friendship is an
innovative approach to achieving growth within our
gifted/higher students. In this program the 9 weeks
curriculum is compacted into a 7 week instructional
period. The last 2 weeks are reserved for student
chosen, project based inquiry that is designed to take
the curriculum taught much deeper and make it
more lasting and impactful for the students. In this
session, we will be doing a brief overview of what the
program is, how it is designed and lessons learned
from our first full year of work.
TUESDAY 8:00—8:50 7
23
Athena G
Creativity
Elem / Admin
Fostering Creative Productivity Through Enrichment Clusters
Catherine Schreiber, Ph.D.; Carla Montgomery, Ed.D. ~ Henry County Schools
Enrichment Clusters enable creative productivity to blossom in all segments of a school’s population.
Our school, Luella Elementary, has been engaged in this endeavor for the past two years with out-
standing results. From inception to implementation, this session will take you through the process of
successfully developing school-wide enrichment clusters without outside funding.
Olympia 1
Creativity
All Levels
Infusing Creativity into the STEM Classroom
Scott Chandler, Ben Fouts ~ Muscogee County Schools
This presentation is based on the ideas and principles of Harvard’s Project Zero Classroom. It will focus
on several of the strategies and activities that are used to integrate the development of both creative
and critical thinking into the upper elementary and middle school classroom. These strategies devel-
oped by Howard Gardner, Dave Perkins and other researchers are techniques that can easily be inte-
grated into your everyday classroom instruction. Participants will be actively engaged in several hands
-on activities you can take back and use with your students tomorrow to help develop divergent think-
ing skills. Through the use of art and mechanical objects students will begin considering the contradic-
tions and relationships that exist around them. Through these fun and engaging activities, we have
been able to enrich and enhance the reasoning and problem solving skills our 4th and 5th grade gifted
students.
Olympia 2
Research All Levels
Promoting Equity & Excellence through University-School Partnership for Achievement,
Rigor & Creativity: Project U-SPARC - Double Session A
Meg Hines, Ph.D., Tarek Grantham, Ph.D., Jeremy Pina, Brittany Anderson, Octavia Fugerson, Sarah Marie Catalana, Stephanie
Franks
In schools both at the local and national level, culturally and linguistically diverse or low-income students
are underrepresented in gifted programs. In many of these gifted programs, educators and parents who
advocate for equity are faced with negative attitudes, unbalanced access, inappropriate assessment, and/or
insensitive accommodations. As a result, recruiting and retaining students from under-represented groups
in gifted programs remains a challenge. This session is devoted to highlighting key findings from a partner-
ship called U-SPARC (University-School Partnerships for Achievement, Rigor and Creativity) between a team
of faculty and students in the Gifted and Creative Education program at the University of Georgia and a lo-
cal Clarke County School District elementary school. Panelists will highlight ways in which structures de-
signed to establish the partnership help to increase sustainability and advance equity and excellence in
school.
TUESDAY 8:00—8:50 7
24
Parthenon
Teachers, Admin
All Levels
Coffee With Gail
Gail Humble ~ Georgia Department of Education
Come have a cup of coffee or tea with Gail Humble, Gifted Education Specialist for the Georgia Depart-
ment of Education. This session will offer participants an informal setting to discuss the education of
high-ability and gifted learners in Georgia. The session will also provide opportunities to network and
problem solve with other professionals who have similar interests and challenges.
Athena A
Creativity
Elementary
The Gifted Teacher's Depot:
You Can Do It. We Can Help.
Kim Allen, Deanna Fawcett, Hall County Schools
This workshop will provide great tools for
building an extraordinary elementary gifted
classroom. Not your ordinary tools...but we
will present a variety of tools to enhance the
use of technology, communication, collabora-
tion, creative and critical thinking, and prob-
lem solving. Some tools included are: STEM,
Lego Engineering, Interdisciplinary Units, en-
gaging web tools, research methods, CPS, and
much more. Join us in filling your "Gifted
Teacher Toolbox".
Athena B
Creativity
All Levels
What's In The Box?
Sheila L. Walden, Ph.D. ~ Clayton County Public Schools
Session participants will learn how to engage gift-
ed students through a collection of object-driven
logic riddles designed to promote critical thinking
and problem solving skills for all ages. They are
fun and challenging puzzles that require students
to think about what's in the box or should we say
"think outside the box". The object-driven riddles
can be used to teach: listening skills, divergent
thinking, associative thinking and inference.
Through these riddles students will learn to rec-
ognize important ideas, clues and to examine ide-
as from different points of view.
Athena C
Creativity
All Levels
iFlipped My Urban Math Classroom: Tech Tips for Paperless Classrooms
Katrina Stanfield ~ Atlanta Public Schools ; Nikkita Warfield ~ Newton County
Tired of notebook paper littering your desk waiting to be graded? Do you want to convert your classroom environ-
ment into a paperless student-led class setting? Participants will receive technology tools that can improve student
and teacher creativity and communication. The tools will help enhance instructional interdisciplinary connections, in-
tegrate engaging teaching strategies, and help differentiate the learning environment. The participants will gain a con-
nected classroom guide to flipping their instruction, which supports nurturing the creative nature of many gifted stu-
dents.
TUESDAY 8:00—8:50
7
TUESDAY 9:00—9:50
8
25
Athena D
Science
Elementary
Engage, Create and Innovate: The Science/Quirkles Link
Sherry Cook, The Quirkles / Creative3, LLC (Exhibitor/Vendor)
"Do the questions at the end of your chapter." That’s no way to engage gifted students! Storytelling,
inquiry and hands-on science will though! And inquiry based science does more. It develops skills that
foster creativity and innovation. Come prepared to have fun and learn lots too!
This presentation looks at traits of gifted innovators. Many of these traits can be enhanced. And, the
very things the Quirkles® teach—through integration of inquiry-based science and literacy—helps de-
velop those skills. Who knows? You may be nurturing the next Steve Jobs!
Athena G
Creativity
All Levels
Put on Your Thinking Caps: Creativity in the Classroom
Tonya Hampton, Stephanie Tyler ~ Rockdale County Schools
The Six Thinking Hats tool developed by Dr. Edward deBono is used to teach creative and critical think-
ing in all content areas. In this session, participants will learn about Dr. deBono's powerful thinking
strategy and how it can be utilized in the classroom. The six colored hats can be used to help students
see things from a different perspective and allows for more creative thought. Teachers will walk away
with a new perspective and resources to use in the classroom.
Athena J
Curriculum
Middle, High
Creative Conversations: Incorporating Innovative Classroom Discussion for the Gifted
Learner
Eleta Morrison, Christie Wall ~ Houston County Schools
Why are classroom discussions such an attractive, yet daunting classroom strategy? When it comes to class-
room conversations, the full classroom, one-size-fits-all model is not the only mode of discussion. There is
an art and a science to choosing pairs, small groups, and large groups for varied topics, no matter your con-
tent area. This active presentation requires participation, so get ready to immerse yourself in new strategies
to take home to your classroom.
Olympia 1
All How to Start & Sustain A Local Chapter
Karen Higginbotham ~ Clarke County Schools
Local Chapter representatives and those interested in starting a Local Chapter are cordially
invited to join the GAGC Local Chapter Chair, and other Local Chapter leaders for this opportunity to swap
ideas, discuss concerns, and share tips, tools, and techniques for starting and/or sustaining enthusiasm and
support for your Local Gifted Program and Association Chapter.
TUESDAY 9:00—9:50 8
26
Parthenon
Social Emotional
All Levels
Social-Emotional Needs of Gifted Children: Understanding the Rainbow
David Schwartz, Ph.D.
Normally developing gifted and talented students have social-emotional needs. The problem is, they
may not have the skills and abilities to recognize and cope with them. This session will focus on identi-
fying these social-emotional needs and providing applied strategies for teaching and nurturing their
development.
Olympia 2
Research All Levels
Connections for Change: University-Community Partnerships to Promote Minority
Student Talent Development – Double Session B
Brittany Anderson, Meg Hines Ph.D., Octavia Fugerson, Tarek Grantham Ph.D., Jeremy Pina, Sarah Marie Catalana,
Stephanie Franks
Many educators want to collaborate with universities to support gifted education programming, yet
few are successful sustaining engagement with students. Project U-SPARC (University-School Partner-
ships for Achievement, Rigor and Creativity), represents targets for local school improvement initia-
tives that aim to increase student achievement, enhance rigor in the curriculum, and develop creative
potential in students. University of Georgia faculty and students and Stroud Elementary administra-
tors and teachers work together in a freshman seminar designed as a service-learning course where
students gain experience with local schools, community groups and organizations to develop talent
among ethnic minority youth and close the achievement gap.
Athena A
Creativity
Elem, Middle
I-Create
Susan Minton, Jeremy Pirkle ~ Hall County Schools
Participants will learn how to effectively use technology to enhance student opportunities for creativity.
Presenters will share various apps and web-based applications that can be used in the classroom to pro-
mote creativity and problem based learning as well as meet curriculum standards.
SNACK BREAK
Enjoy a Snack Break 9:50—10:10
TUESDAY 9:00—9:50 8
TUESDAY 10:10—11:00
9
27
Athena B
Creativity
All Levels
Taxonomies of creativity and related questions: Evaluating one’s own creativity
David Monetti, Ph.D.; Natalie Spencer, Ph.D.; Haley Dowling, Camille Gonzalez-Acevedo, James Reffel, Ph.D. ~
Valdosta State University
Williams (1969), Stahl (1980), Nilsson (2012), and the revised taxonomy of Bloom (2001) give the crea-
tive thinker frameworks to evaluate his or her own creativity. The authors have collectively taken the
taxonomies and combined them with specific questions into a rubric to provide the creative thinker
with a contrivance for evaluation. This session will demonstrate how the rubric can help gifted and
talented learners better explore their creativity.
Athena C
Creativity
Elem, Middle
Teach Problem-solving with
Chess
Dennis Jones ~ Championship Chess (Exhibitor/Vendor)
Chess is a great way to present students with
challenging problem-solving activities. Even with
no chess experience, you can challenge bright
minds to solve problems that address complex
spatial tasks and relationships, provide collabo-
rative or competitive challenges, and allow stu-
dents to intuit and explain reasoning.
Athena D
Creativity
All Levels
Animation Nation: Engaging
Gifted Learners With
Technology
Kia Stephens ~ Atlanta Public Schools
Are you looking for a way to increase rigor, en-
gage students and and work less? If the answer is
yes, Animation Nation is for you. In this session
Kia will share how she utilized Stop Motion
Animation, Digital Animation, and Web 2.0
websites to reach minority gifted and non gifted
learners. Through project based learning geared
towards producing original animations, she saw
increased student engagement, academic com-
petition winners, and an increase in gifted
identified students.
Athena G
Creativity
Elementary
Fostering Creativity through
Interactive Learning Stations
Kendra Chambless, Danice Talbert, Bibb County
Experience interactive learning stations first-
hand. Participants will be exposed to several
different strategies to foster creativity and inde-
pendence in the classroom. Fluency, flexibility
and originality will be highlighted through the
use of technology, open-ended questioning, and
group collaboration. Guidance will be given to
develop rigorous activities to meet the needs of
individual classrooms, including creating re-
search based infographics, utilizing elaborations
with non-fiction texts and innovative problem
solving.
TUESDAY 10:10—11:00 9
“Creativity is as important now in education as literacy and we should treat it with the same status.” -Sir Ken Robinson
28
Olympia 1
Creativity
Assessment
The Torrance Tests of Creative
Thinking: A Basic Introduction
and Classroom
Sarah Sumners, Ph.D. ~ UGA Torrance Center for
Creativity and Talent Development
You’ve heard of the “Torrance Tests”, but what
are they exactly? How are they used? What are
the practical applications for their use in
schools? Well here’s your opportunity to find out
more about the Torrance Tests of Creative Think-
ing (TTCT’s) and how to use them in your class-
room. This workshop is purposed to introduce
teachers, administrators, and parents to the un-
derlying constructs of the TTCT’s and strategies
for creating an optimal atmosphere to foster cre-
ative thinking in your classroom.
Parthenon
Social Emotional
All Levels
Meeting the Needs of Twice
Exceptional Students: Real
Strategies for Success
David Schwartz, Ph.D.
It is often said that Twice Exceptional students
take twice the effort and cause twice the head-
aches. However, they often deliver twice the
product when directed. This session will focus on
applied strategies for teaching the Twice Excep-
tional student to succeed. The goal would be to
develop a skill set that the student can use flexi-
bly and independently.
Athena J
Science
Middle, High
Mechanisms of Solar Energy: Exploring the fundamentals of waves, energy,
circuits, and solar cells
Tyson Harty, Ph.D. ~ Jasper County Schools
Solar energy is vital for humanity’s future, yet its fundamentals can be confusing to students. Explore
hands-on methods to integrate waves, circuits, and energy through classroom demonstration and lab
activity ideas. Free NASA resources and access to “Sun Power for Schools” lessons. This workshop is
conducted by a NASA Astrophysics Educator Ambassador and science teacher at Jasper County High
School. It was developed in conjunction with Georgia’s “Sun Power for Schools” program of Green
Power EMC of Tucker, GA.
9 TUESDAY 10:10—11:00
Olympia 2
Research All Levels
Using Frasier’s Four A’s and the Traits, Aptitudes, and Behaviors (TABs) Referral Tool to Identify Under-represented Culturally Different Gifted Students – Double Session A
Brittany Anderson, Octavia Fugerson, Meg Hines, Ph.D., Tarek Grantham Ph.D.
Educators who advocate for equity in gifted education are confronted with negative attitudes, unbalanced access to opportunity, inappropriate assessment, or insensitive accommodations. Frasier's research on identification and as-sessment addresses these issues and provides guidance on how to overcome barriers that inhibit the pursuit of equity in gifted programs. Through a discussion of Frasier's Four A's, and her Traits, Aptitudes, and Behaviors (TABs) Assess-ment Tool, this session will provide support for educators to understand practical techniques and strategies to recruit culturally different students for gifted and advanced programs.
29
Athena A
Creativity
Elementary
Project Based Learning: How
to do it all and have fun.
Cindy Poundstone ~ Fulton County Schools
Project Based Learning is the engaging way to com-
bine common core, standards, tec
hnology, and teach across the curriculum without
breaking a sweat. Students will remember and be
able to apply their learning after they know learning
matters in the creation of products that are based in
relevant real world projects. PBL is a research based,
kid challenging, and teacher approved approach to
content areas and student growth.
Athena B
Creativity
All Levels
Using games and riddles to
inspire creativity in gifted
learners
James Reffel, Ph.D.; Natalie Spencer, Ph.D., Camille Gon-
zalez-Acevedo, Haley Dowling, Katharine Adams, Ph.D. ~
Valdosta State University
School curricula should be inspiring and provide
time for learners to think, create, and imagine
(Banaji, Cranmer, & Perrotta, 2010). Educational
games, riddles, and challenges provide flexibility and
time to focus on the unique aspects of ideas and
content. The use of games enhances creativity (Ott
& Pozzi, 2012). Various creativity games and creativ-
ity challenges may produce desired outcomes in gift-
ed and talented learners. This session will demon-
strate multiple games, riddles, and challenges to
inspire creativity in the classroom.
Athena C
Creativity
Elementary
Healthy Changes,
Soaring Perfor-
mance
Ashley Rhye, Jamie Grainger ~ Hall County
Schools
A new perspective on the role of wellness
and physical activity in our school has
transformed our culture. Our goal: in-
crease physical activity for students be-
fore, during, and/or after school for 30
minutes every day. The outcome: in-
creased brain activity translating into the
ability to think more clearly and a healthi-
er, high achieving school within a healthi-
er community. Come learn how we shift-
ed our thinking and creatively used our
time/resources with significant results!
Athena D
Creativity
Elementary
Evidence of Giftedness In Underrepre-
sented Populations Using Portfolio Arti-
facts: "I've Got Proof!"
Sonja Fox ~ Gwinnett County Schools
Looking for alternative ways to document Creativity, Motiva-
tion and Mental Ability in students from underrepresented
groups? The strategies presented in this session support pro-
duction of student portfolio artifacts which document these
abilities for referral and evaluation of students for gifted pro-
gram placement. The session will include examples of how
strategies are applied in class sessions with students.
Athena G
Curriculum
All Levels
The Young Economist
Sherilyn Narker ~ Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
Your students face choices every day. Each of these choices involve costs and benefits. Help them become better de-
cision makers with resources from the Federal Reserve. In this session, you will discover a treasure trove of free les-
sons, print materials, and digital tools you can use to engage your students in economic thinking. Our lessons and
materials are aligned to K-12 standards. Each participant will receive a bag of educational materials and a flash drive
filled with electronic resources for the classroom.
TUESDAY 11:10—12:00 10
30
Olympia 1
Curriculum
Elementary
HeroesMatter:Project Based
Service Learning
Kristin Siembieda, Laura Martin ~ Fulton County Schools
Heroes Matter is a non-profit educational initi-
ative empowering kids to make their world a
better place through creative problem solving
and storytelling. In this service project based
learning program, students will read a mentor-
ing text about heroes in Haiti and will then
write and illustrate a hero adventure of their
own, using creative problem solving to address
global issues. Curriculum is available allowing
students to fulfill core requirements in literacy,
social studies and science.
Kristin Siembieda is involved in the first pilot of
the Heroes Matter initiative, using it to teach
writing, art, social science and science and in-
volving STEM projects. Along with non-profit
director, Laura Martin, they will present ex-
citing results from this project, showing stu-
dents actively engaged in learning that forms
the foundation for creating global leaders who
have the capacity to bring creativity and effec-
tiveness to address environmental and social
issues.
Olympia 2
Curriculum
All Levels
Beyond Deficit Thinking to Engage and Connect: Utilizing Community Problem Solving (CmPS) to Develop Talent in Stu-dents from Under-represented Minority Groups – Double Ses-sion B
Meg Hines Ph.D., Stephanie Franks, Octavia Fugerson,
Brittany Anderson, Jeremy Pina, Sarah Marie Catalana,
Jeremy Pina, Tarek Grantham, Ph.D.
Teachers advocate for increased engagement by ad-
vanced students from under-represented minority
groups. In the partnership between the University of
Georgia’s Gifted and Creative Education Program and a
local school, teachers, graduate students and faculty
helped to establish a Community Problem Solving
(CMPS) team of twelve, fourth grade students. In Com-
munity Problem Solving, students are challenged with
using the six-step creative problem-solving model to
identify, solve and carry out a plan of action to address
a problem in their community. Project members will
highlight how they used professional development ex-
periences, student data and Mary Frasier’s TABs instru-
ment to upstart the team, as well as, key supplemental
CmPS activities for the team of students.
Parthenon
All
Avoiding Educator Burnout:
Who Ya Gonna Call? Stress
Busters!
David Schwartz, Ph.D.
Educator Burnout is a serious problem in Tal-
ented and Gifted Educators. The success of
your program is often dependent on you and
that puts a lot of stress on you. This session
will focus on realistic things you and your col-
leagues can do to avoid burnout and remain
creative.
Athena J
Science
Middle, High
NASA Powers of Ten: Scaling
the Universe
Tyson Harty, Ph.D. ~ Jasper County Schools
How big is big? How small is small? Help students
understand the concept of size scaling and pow-
ers of ten as we investigate the Universe. A
presentation of recent NASA missions searching
for distant objects will preface a hands-on activity
using photo cards to sequence objects from the
subatomic to the astronomical. Participants will
receive a free copy of a 64-page Scaling and Pow-
ers of Ten activity guide, as well as various NASA
mission materials.
10 TUESDAY 11:10—12:00
31
THANK-YOU
Vendors and Exhibitors
The Quirkles/ Creative 3,
LLC quirkles.com
Usborne Books Usbornebooks.com
UGA Torrance Center coe.uga.edu/directory/units/torrance-center
UGA - Georgia 4-H Enviro
Education georgia4h.org/ee
Teacher Retirement
System trsga.com
Summer Institute for the
Gifted giftedstudy.org
Space Camp and Aviation
Challenge spacecamp.com
Scholastic Testing Service ststesting.com
Pieces of Learning piecesoflearning.com
New Ebenezer Retreat
Center newebenezer.org
Mind Vine Press mindvinepress.com
MindwoRx Educational
Services mindworxedu.com
McWane Science Center mcwane.org
Camp Invention campinvention.org
Huddletrip, LLC huddletrip.com
Hickory Grove Press hickorygrovepress.com
HMH—Riverside hmhco.com
GT Ignite gtignite.com
GiftedandTalented .com giftedandtalented.com
Green Power EMC greenpoweremc.com
GAMES
mga.edu/games
Duke TIP tip.duke.edu
Discovery Toys junithstoys.com
Championship Chess championshipchess.net
Muggins Math mindvinepress.com
32
1977-1978 (Organizational)
1978-1979 Edmund Martin 1994-1995 Judy Jackson
1979-1980 Delores Wyckoff 1995-1996 Bette-Lou Brown
1980-1981 Al Chassereau 1996-1997 Sally Krisel
1981-1982 Joanna Jackson 1997-1998 Brenda Smith
1982-1983 Ruth Cowan 1998-1999 Elaine Bolton
1983-1984 Les Garber 1999-2000 Priscilla George
1984-1985 Betty Sloop 2000-2001 Sandi Gollmar
1985-1986 David Coggins 2001-2002 Ethyl Ault
1986-1987 Karen Wolbrink 2002-2003 Amy Barger
1987-1988 Paula DeWeese 2003-2004 Letty Rayneri
1988-1989 Gerri Milliard 2004-2005 Ann Richardson
1989-1990 Karen Lowe 2005-2007 Linda Andrews
1990-1991 Dwight Ferguson 2007-2009 Vicki Krugman
1991-1992 Marian Sebastian 2009-2011 Gyimah Whitaker
1992-1993 John Adams 2011-2013 McCall Govignon
1993-1994 Ruth Cowan 2013-2015 Angel Cash
GAGC PRESIDENTS
33
Regional
Representative School System RESA District
Khrista Kent Henry McDuffe Central
Savannah Traci Wasden Columbia
Meghan Knobloch Muscogee Chattahoochee
-Flint Carole Mashburn Muscogee
Donna Marshall Colquitt Coastal Plains
Julie Howard Bryan
First District Dr. Beverly Strickland Camden
Patti Ward Bulloch
Anne Hertzog Fayette Griffin
Becky Ryckeley Fayette
TBA Heart of GA
Sarah Kessel Cobb Metro
Teresa Reddish Cobb
Mary Jean Banter Peach Middle GA
Jan Jacobsen Houston
Regional
Representative School System RESA District
Tiffany Merriweather M GA RESA Middle GA
Angie Green Murray North GA
Phyllis Thompson Whitfield
Dr. Katherine Brown Clarke Northeast GA
Allison Espy Floyd Northwest GA
Apryl Hawkins Floyd
Carol Goings Baldwin Oconee
Paige Coker Ware Okefenokee
Cindy Hilt Ware
Martha Cantrell Habersham Pioneer
Laurie Ecke Hall
Trina Robinson Dougherty Southwest GA
Renee Smith Early
Robins Kilgore-Kelly Douglas West GA
Molly Beaty Douglas
REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Awards Chair: Leigh Brown, Hall Membership Chair: Tawanna Prince, Echols
Local Chapter Chair: Karen Higginbotham, Clarke Historian: Amanda Lynch, Atlanta
State Department Liaison: Gail Humble University Liaison: Dr. Meg Hines, UGA
Regional Representatives Chair: Emily Wilson, Muscogee
EXECUTIVE BOARD
President: Angel Cash, Muscogee Convention Co-Chair: Karen Higginbotham, Clarke
President-Elect: Dr. Lisa Hackney, Dalton Convention Co-Chair: Dr. Beth Thornbury, Murray
Secretary: Emily Wilson, Muscogee Legislative Liaison, Tommy Firesheets, Gwinnett
Treasurer: Becky Bethel, Savannah-Chattam
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION FOR GIFTED CHILDREN
SUPPORT PERSONNEL/STAFF Kathy Kennedy, Executive Assistant
1579F Monroe Dr., #321, Atlanta, GA 30324 404-875-2284; www.gagc.org
34
PLANNING GRID
Monday Session 1 8 – 8:50
Session 2 9 – 9:50
Session 3 10:10 – 11
Session 4 11:10 – 12
Session 5 2:30 – 3:20
Session 6 3:40 – 4:30
Tuesday Session 7
8 – 8:50
Session 8
9 – 9:50
Session 9
10:10 – 11
Session 10
11:10 – 12
Notes:
35
THE CLASSIC CENTER
Thanks to Duke TIP for sponsoring the
Regional Representative / Past President Breakfast.
36
Thank you for attending the 35th Annual GAGC Convention!
2015 Convention Evaluation
An evaluation will be available after the convention. Participants
will receive an email from GAGC providing a link to the survey.
Please complete the survey to assist us with plans for future
conventions. Thank you for attending!
2016 GAGC Convention
Athens, Georgia
March 14—15, 2016
Save the Date