state affiliate activities – 2015 - nagc · nagc state affiliates activity report 2015 1 national...

NAGC State Affiliates Activity Report 2015

1

National Association for Gifted Children 1331 H Street NW Suite 1001

Washington DC 20005 202/785-4268 www.nagc.org

State Affiliate Activities – 2015

Alabama Association for Gifted Children The Alabama Association for Gifted Children is comprised of parents, educators and community leaders who act as one collaborative unit to address the social, emotional and intellectual needs of gifted children. We believe that gifted and talented children deserve equitable educational opportunities that raise standards of excellence and that would ensure that Alabama’s most able are provided opportunities to be the most productive. • Conference 2015 Igniting Gifted Potential

o Our 2015 conference took place on September 16-18 at McWane Science Center in Birmingham again this year. The three days of learning included training for Torrance Test of Creativity, Talents Unlimited training, many informational breakout sessions, and keynote speakers featuring Bertie Kilgore and Tarek Grantham. In addition to a stellar conference program, the AAGC conference went green while unveiling our new conference app.

• As we enter the fall season it is important to be grateful for the funding we have received through the hard work and advocacy of the AAGC legislative team. We are gearing up for Gifted Education Month in January.

• Alabama Noted For Positive Policies On Gifted Education A new report on gifted education and access to programs by low-income students notes Alabama as having progressive policies, but with more work to do regarding academic success outcomes. Equal Talents, Unequal Opportunities: A Report Card on State Support for Academically Talented Low-Income Students graded states on 18 simple indicators representing nine distinct state-level policies and nine specific measures of student outcomes. The report states that “Alabama (where 49 percent of children live in low-income households) scores a B- for policy improvements, but those policies will need time to counter generations of entrenched poverty.” The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s study examined state-level interventions intended to foster academic achievement among low-income students, with the goal of identifying policies that could be implemented more widely. The report continued, “On state policies to support advanced

students, six states – Texas, Minnesota, Colorado, Ohio, North Carolina and Alabama – earned the top letter grade of a B-.”

• GEM (Gifted Education Month) Governor Robert Bentley declared January Gifted Education Month. Our proclamation was signed on January 21st. AAGC Executive Council members, Gifted Specialists and gifted students from across Alabama attended the Proclamation signing with Governor Bentley. Also, this year the AAGC instituted the first annual Gifted Education Month calendar! Recognizing that great things are going on across the state through social media, we campaigned for is critical for increased funding in gifted education and received a $50,000. On Multi-Mail Mondays we emailed, wrote letters, and used many kinds of mail to directly communicate with legislators and community stakeholders. Twitter Tuesdays were on fire as gifted education teachers across the state shared our work in Alabama across the world of gifted education with the hashtag #ALGEM! On Wednesdays, we welcomed legislators and community stakeholders to classrooms, or shared a glimpse of our classrooms through social media. Thankful Thursdays were dedicated to showing our gratitude to all of those legislators and administrators who support gifted education. Facebook Fridays allowed us to engage with our Facebook friends across the state and teach them about gifted education. On the weekends, we did "Whatever it Takes!" to advocate for our gifted students. Our theme emphasized “Igniting Gifted Potential.”

Gwendolyn Jones, President [email protected]

Arizona Association for Gifted and Talented • We have been busy preparing for the NAGC 62nd

Annual Convention in Phoenix! We are grateful to Robin and Karen and all the staff at NAGC for allowing us to partner in planning the convention to add a unique Arizona flavor!

• In February, The Annual AAGT 2-day conference was held with over 300 in attendance each day. The theme was "Advancing Gifted Education" and the keynote speakers were Tony Vincent and Rebecca Mieliwocki. Hot topic breakout sessions


2

included using technology with gifted students and differentiated instruction.

• The Board of Directors continued work on strategic planning with a consultant. As a result of the process, committees focused goals and activities toward better meeting our vision.

• A priority from the strategic planning process was advocacy for our gifted students in the state. The board is working closely with NAGC and Jonathan Plucker to craft a dynamic message. Plans are underway to establish a gifted day at the Capitol in early 2016.

• AAGT continues to provide scholarships to educators to attend professional development opportunities, purchase classroom materials and attend conferences. Students are also awarded scholarships for camps, classes and field trips.

• We are excited to see everyone in Phoenix! Patty Messer, President [email protected]

Arkansans for Gifted and Talented Education (AGATE) • We are thankful for our state’s mandate that

appropriates funding for gifted education services for K-12 students. Our organization seeks to intensify support of gifted children and continued funding for gifted education. To do so, AGATE employs a legislative advocate who works on behalf of the organization to maintain oversight of legislation and professional alliances with legislators. This year’s success was due to the diligence of our legislative advocate and others. Throughout the summer, the legislative advocate, legislative committee and AGATE President were in constant communication following the progress of two acts passed during the recent legislative session which directly impacted gifted education programs in the state. Act 1136, Senator Joyce Elliott’s amendment to her Districts of Innovation legislation, now requires that Districts of Innovation abide by the statutory law requiring K -12 GT programs in all public school districts. The amended rules were passed at the meeting of the State Board of Education on October 8, 2015 and are now ready for public comment.

• Act 814, sponsored by Senator Blake Johnson and Representative Greg Leding, reestablished a line item in the education budget for $150,000 to fund Academic Enrichment for Gifted in the Summer (AEGIS) programs in the 2015-16 school year. Currently the line item is funded only to $10,000, appropriated by Senator Johnson from

discretionary funds, and we are hopeful this amount will increase prior to the deadline for submissions of RFP’s for possible programs in the summer of 2016.

• In July 2015, AGATE was invited by the Arkansas Department of Education Commissioner, to join a group of shareholders to advise the department on its mission and vision statements. The group’s task also was to offer suggestions about how the department might improve communication and support to school districts, education oriented non-profits and professional organizations in the state. AGATE Legislative Advocate, Davis Hendricks, attended that meeting and provided feedback along with representatives from 15-20 other education groups.

• In addition to monitoring the work of the Joint Interim Education Committee, the Advocate and the Legislative Committee wrote an email to the members of the State Board of Education, alerting them of the potential for public school districts to seek waivers of GT programs as part of the implementation of Act 1240. This act allows any public school district to seek the same waivers that any charter school in their district has received. At the August 13 State Board Meeting, the Advocate and Marilyn Larson, outgoing chair of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) for Gifted and Talented Education, shared letters of concern from AGATE and the GAC about the dangers of granting waivers from GT Programs based on the implementation of Act 1240. No GT programs have been waived as a result of Act 1240 thus far, but the AGATE Legislative Committee continues to monitor this process.

• The Fiscal Session of the 90th General Assembly will convene in April, 2016. The Legislative Advocate and Legislative Committee will continue to participate in legislative meetings and work to secure more funding for AEGIS Programs

• Hosted an annual conference in February, 2015 in Little Rock with over 500 attendees overall.

• Several Arkansas Legislators attended the Thursday Awards luncheon held as part of the AGATE conference. Each legislator was recognized during the awards luncheon. This endeavor was the result of strategic planning initiated by AGATE’s legislative committee. Personal invitations to the luncheon were sent to lawmakers by AGATE board members and were seated with hosts at reserved tables. This platform gave the legislators and opportunity to see firsthand how many attendees participate in the conference as well as hear about GT program


3

accomplishments and award recipients across the state.

• AGATE continued funding several programs through grant funds appropriated in 2014-15. The programs provided gifted students with enrichment activities and in-depth studies and were offered on either Saturdays or during the summer. The AGATE board enjoyed hearing about the programs and their impact as part of presentations shared during the September board meeting

• Information regarding Arkansas’ NAGC affiliate (AGATE) may be located on our new updated website: www.arkansasgt.weebly.com

• AGATE’s 2014-15 membership totaled approximately 340 members that included more than a dozen affiliate groups

Jill Clogston, President 870-219-6580

[email protected] Arkansas Association of Gifted Education Administrators (AAGEA) AAGEA is a constituent group of the larger Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators that represents K-12 public school educators statewide. AAGEA has approximately 100 members representing gifted program coordinators and administrators from across the state. Here are a few highlights of our work from the past year: • A representative of AAGEA attended the NAGC

Affiliate Conference in Washington D.C. • Awarded two scholarships to graduate students

currently working toward certification in an area of gifted program administration.

• Sponsored six break-out sessions at the annual AAEA Summer Conference, promoting gifted strategies and ideals to the over 2500 general education administrator attendees.

• Provided panelists at two Arkansas Department of Education sponsored trainings for new education administrators.

• Hosted the annual meeting of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)-TAG board at the University of Arkansas at Conway.

• Sponsored an annual fall conference utilizing members of the CEC-TAG board as presenters and keynote speakers.

• Initiated a Student Leadership strand of the AAGEA Fall Conference where identified Gifted high school students attended a section of the Fall Conference geared toward their needs. This strand featured the same state and national level speakers enjoyed by the gifted program administrators at the main

conference. More than 120 students from across the state attended.

Bill Shelly, President [email protected]

California Association for the Gifted • CAG has updated our mission statement to reflect a

broader approach to providing training and support of all teachers using differentiated instruction. Founded in 1961, the California Association for the Gifted is an organization of educators, parents, and community members who believe that just as giftedness is defined by diverse academic, social, and emotional traits and abilities, giftedness is also identified within the diverse pre-school – 12th grade student populations in our schools. The organization provides the resources to support understanding of appropriate developmental and differentiated identification and curriculum practices. By focusing on the gifts, talents, and potential of students, CAG’s philosophy and practices enrich the education of all students.

• The 53nd Annual Conference of The California Association for the Gifted was held February 27 – March 1, 2015 at the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center in Palm Springs, CA. Nearly 1200 educators, administrators and parents attended keynote presentations, pre-conference sessions, educational trips, workshops and exhibits over the three-day conference. The 54th Annual Conference is planned for February 26-28 2016 in Palm Springs, CA. CAG has focused on Parents on the Sunday of each Annual Conference. In 2016 we are also adding a Parent Pre-Conference to focus even more specifically on parent needs.

• CAG hires Capitol Advisors as our legislative advocates. Our current advocates, Lee Angela Reid and Barrett They regularly report on legislative actions regarding education and they advocate at the legislative level for bills affecting gifted education. They attend our board meetings and provide us with advocacy and legislative information. Capitol Advisors has contributed to our organization's direction and forward movement by reading the political climate, providing access to key legislators, State Department of Education personnel, education groups and committees, as well as working to establish strategies to support our mission statement.

• The Nicholas Green Award was awarded to Norma Elhams. CAG continues to support the Nicholas Green Award.

mailto:[email protected]


4

• The 5 Star Awards are given to school districts and schools that show outstanding support for gifted education. The 2015 Awards will be selected this year and will be awarded at the 2016 Conference.

• The Distinguished Service Award is given to an individual in each of the eleven CAG Regions of California who exemplifies advocacy and support for gifted education in that region. The winners will receive their awards at the CAG Conference in 2016. The regions also hold a ceremony within the region to honor the regional winner.

• The Award of Recognition/Achievement is given to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to gifted education on a local, state, or national level. This year’s winner, Maryanna Gray, has been the director of the Santa Barbara Summer Institute for 18 years and a CAG board member, officer, and chairman of the Educators Committee for many years.

• The CAG Summer teacher institutes were held to provide greater in-depth training for teachers of gifted students and focused on the Common Core Standards and Gifted Differentiation Instructional Strategies. Demonstration classrooms of students in grades 2-9 were included in these trainings. Summer Institutes were held in Oceanside, Roseville, and Santa Barbara. Approximately 450 teachers, administrators, and parents, as well as nearly 450 students attended all three summer institutes.

• CAG has 11 regions, all of which have Board Representatives and sponsor local events. During 2015 each region held at least one training or workshop for teachers and administrators focused on differentiated instruction.

Joan Kerr, President Anna Williams, Past President

Marie Thornsberry, President -Elect Dr. Barbara Branch, Executive Director

[email protected] www.cagifted.org

Colorado Association for Gifted and Talented • Our October 2015 state conference welcomed 700+

people, and was held in a new location, so that we could reach out to people in different parts of the state, and be accessible to our friends in Wyoming.

• We hosted another successful Legislative Day, that engages students in a unique shadowing experience with legislators at Colorado’s capitol.

• The Colorado State Board of Education approved rules as required by the new GT law that CAGT championed last year, allowing for the distribution

of $1.9 million for gifted education. This allowed for: o an additional person to be hired to support

Jacquelin at CDE o most of our administrative units to apply for

grant funds o more areas across CO to have GT qualified

personnel o universal screening for GT kids in most areas of

CO • We published 10 new statements of CAGT’s

position on major areas involving our gifted children.

• We have a new Innovation and Creativity Committee which will keep our CAGT board on the cutting edge of opportunities and practices in the state of Colorado.

• We are continuing to consult with a Government Affairs Consultant to help us work on legislation and policy for Colorado’s gifted families.

• We have a wonderful working relationship with the Colorado Department of Education, thanks to Jacquelin Medina.

• We are working to increase our partnerships in the community, and have become a strategic partner with the TEDxyouth conference.

• We have grown to 15 active affiliates across our state.

Terry Bradley, President 303-517-1295

[email protected] Linda Crain, Executive Director

720-275-7088 [email protected]

Connecticut Association for the Gifted • THE NEW ENGLAND CONFERENCE ON GIFTED

EDUCATION AND TALENT DEVELOPMENT (October 22-24, 2015) The New England Conference on Gifted Education and Talent Development is hosted by CAG every five years, and features the country's foremost thought-leaders in the education of high potential students. This year it includes over 50 workshops and breakout sessions on innovation, advocacy, creative thinking, twice-exceptional/2E students, and much more of the latest thinking and methodologies. This year’s conference includes a proclamation from the Governor declaring October 22nd Gifted and Talented Development Day in the state of Connecticut.



5

• LEGISLATION S.B. 1055 (raised) – AN ACT CONCERNING GIFTED AND TALENTED STUDENTS o Part one: Requires the State Department of

Education (SDE) to assign an employee to provide information and assistance to local and regional boards of education and the parents or guardians of students relating to awareness about and identification of, and the provision of services to, gifted and talented children.

o Part two: The Department of Education shall study the provision of services to gifted and talented students in schools. Such study shall examine the best practices for (1) addressing the intellectual, social and emotional needs of gifted and talented students in schools, and (2) using technology to extend and advance curriculum materials to provide instruction to gifted and talented students without promoting such students to higher grade levels.

o Outcome: While this legislation was ultimately not voted on at the end of the 2015 legislative session, 2014-2015 SDE data shows that fully 1/3 of all districts in CT do not identify G/T students and this disproportionately affects students of color in our urban districts. The newly appointed Commissioner of the State Department of Education (SDE) – a former G/T teacher herself -- Dianna Wentzell, appointed an SDE employee, Gil Andrada, to oversee Gifted and Talented Education for the State of Connecticut. It has been several years since the CT SDE has had someone with part-time G/T responsibility, after having the full-time position cut in 2009.

o Additionally, the Commissioner has agreed to undertake a study on G/T with the assistance of UConn, to help gauge the current state of G/T education in the state today

• Minds in Motion (MIM) From 2014-2015 to 2015-2016 CAG has increased the number of events: from 8 events in 2014-2015 to 11 events planned in 2015-2016. We continue to add variety to the successful Minds in Motion model by bringing in new workshops and new vendors. CAG is making an effort to reach out to underserved communities, and hosted a new MIM in Bridgeport in 2015 and is scheduled again to do so in 2016. We will also be partnering with Leadership Greater Hartford to put on our first Minds in Motion event in Hartford which is scheduled for December 2015. 2014-2015 Minds in Motion events were attended by approximately 1600 children plus their parents and teachers. MIM may be our best source for new and renewing

members. In 2014-2015, 258 members joined or renewed through MIM registration which is an 11% increase to 2014.

• Development/Fundraising CAG participated in the Fairfield County Giving Day Campaign and received 25 separate donations on March 5, 2015 – which was 5 times higher than the 2014 donation level. CAG will participate again this year. Additionally, corporate and private sponsorships allowed CAG to make the Bridgeport Minds in Motion open to anyone that wanted to attend.

• COMMUNICATIONS: “WE ARE CAG” CAMPAIGN CAG’s 2014 grant from the Fairfield County Community Foundation was used to run both local TV and Facebook advertising to raise awareness around CAG and gifted education. Five videos were produced. The 6-week campaign beginning in early January 2015, included 212 spots, including a heavy “Prime” (which is “Early Morning” for local CT news) time effort on the state’s highest-rated news format: News Channel 12. In addition, weight was run on other properties such as The Home & Garden Network, The History Channel and Animal Planet. CAG also targeted an underserved demographic by using The Oprah Winfrey Network As a result, traffic to the website increased by 70% during the month-long campaign. Facebook views and pages “liked” increased 28%. Additionally, Cablevision has run our advertising as PSAs throughout the year, free of charge. CAG’s very positive experience with paid – and unpaid – media allows us to take this working model to build CAG and G/T awareness to other geographies within the state in 2016 – including and importantly, to underserved urban areas.

• PARTNERSHIPS & COLLABORATIONS CAG has partnered with the CABE (Connecticut Association of Boards of Education) to host this year’s New England Conference on Gifted Education and Talent Development. CAG has also partnered with CABE to publish articles for their newsletter. CAG exhibited at the March 7 CT-PTA Expo and has agreed to partner in publicizing each other’s events. CAG Board member Dr. Marcy Delcourt presented a workshop at The Childhood Conversations Conference entitled “The Importance of Being Early: A Case for Early-Years Enrichment”. Additionally, CAG has joined Leadership Greater Hartford (LGH) as a non-profit organization and hopes to collaborate in the future.

• MEMBERSHIP As of October 19, 2015 CAG had 595 total


6

members. A 3.2% increase over last year. The number includes 148 lifetime members.

Lisa Garner, Executive Director [email protected]

Delaware Talented and Gifted (DE TAG) • In 2014, we continued to work on establishing our

organization as a state affiliate of the NAGC. We held monthly meetings for members with speakers and topics that included twice-exceptional (2e) children, how to help children and adults with anxiety, helpful resources (online and print materials) for parents and teachers of gifted children, and favorite family games and toys. We also had a family park day in August as a back to school kick-off activity.

• Our officers met frequently in the spring and summer months to work on bylaws which were completed in September. Shortly thereafter we applied for NAGC state affiliate status and Kathy Bin-Yusif, membership chair, attended the state affiliate breakfast at the NAGC National Convention. I was thrilled to attend my first NAGC Convention as a parent and enjoyed the many workshop sessions to help my own children.

• Our website domain (www.detag.org) was purchased and work on the website was developed.

• We look forward to expanding our membership to more teachers and parents and involvement with the NAGC as a new state affiliate.

Monica L. Morrell, President (302)736-1246

[email protected] Florida Association for the Gifted (FLAG) FLAG has been without a Past-president, for the fourth year now, but we did elected a Treasurer and President-elect/Conference Committee Chair for 2015. Our 17-member Board has worked to complete the following initiatives: • Membership: 405 members. We have been

through three Membership Committee Chairpersons this year. The membership registration process is so cumbersome and inefficient. We currently use Constant Contact to register our members. PayPal to collect membership fees, and then have a spreadsheet to maintain our membership roster. We are looking for ways to streamline our membership roster and communications, and are currently looking to move our entire communications/membership needs to WildApricot.com

• FLAG uses Constant Contact as its main communication means. It currently has 3,000 email contacts. FLAG’s Facebook page is liked by 1521 up from 1053 fans a year ago. We have also reached a staggering 16,838 people with our October 8 posting of the Perspectives from the Spectrum Bell Curve. FLAG’s website is maintained regularly and is generally the to-go information site for gifted education in the State. FLAG posts live Twitter and Facebook feeds during sponsored events.

• FLAG is wrapping up a 2-year contract with CVent. We used the site for all conference registrations and registration communications. There were many issues with their anemic product, most recently with their "automatic renewal" policy notification protocol. We have reported them to the Greater Mid-Atlantic Region of the Better Business Bureau, and we just received notification that they are in the process of responding to our BBB submission, and have finally agreed to terminate our contract. We are fortunate to have the 2015 Florida Statutes Title XXXIII REGULATION OF TRADE, COMMERCE, INVESTMENTS, AND SOLICITATIONS Chapter 501 CONSUMER PROTECTION 501.165 Automatic renewal of service contracts legislation supporting our side, and appreciate the support that Robin Feldman provided during this ordeal. We do not recommend the use of CVent!

• FLAG is in the process of amending the ByLaw to restructure the organization by decreasing the number of board members from 21 to 13, and hiring a part-time Executive director/admin with the money saved. We feel this is the only way to attract future leaders to run for office and hold the positions of President elect/Conference Committee Chairperson. The hired position will manage all membership, communications, and conference tasks, and work at the pleasure of the board.

• FLAG offered a variety of membership-recruitment and professional development events throughout Florida, including events in Tallahassee, Orlando, Gainesville, Tampa, Pensacola, Jacksonville, and Palm Beach Gardens. FLAG has committed $150 in each of our seven regions to fund these events annually.

• FLAG coordinated a successful state conference at Corbett Preparatory School of IDS on Friday and Saturday, September 25 & 26, 2015. The event gathered almost 300 advocates for gifted education and its learners, and included 55 breakout sessions, a keynote address plus three sessions by Dr. Jim Delisle, and three additional mini-keynote sessions by Dr. Brian Housand.


http://www.detag.org/



7

• FLAG’s Board of Directors meets quarterly. Three meeting are held via conference call, and we meet in person at our annual conference. At our Annual Business Meeting held during our Award’s Luncheon and Auction at the Annual Conference, we also held our Annual Elections. Congratulations to Christie Ray, M.Ed., (Orlando- Region 4), 2016-17 President-Elect/Conference Committee Chairperson, and Meredith Miller, M.Ed., (Jacksonville- Region 3), our 2016-17 Treasurer. We can all agree that FLAG is in very good hands!

• This year we collected 24 quotes and stories for the Voices of Florida Gifted Project. The quotes from students, parents, teachers, and administrators came in from all over Florida answering the question, Why does Gifted Education matter? These quotes were turned into table decorations used for our annual conference and Legislative Day in Tallahassee.

• The Florida Association for the Gifted provides three student scholarships and two teacher awards annually, and presented at our Annual Conference. Funds are raised through private donations and an Auction during the luncheon. This year’s auction raised over $2500.

• FLAG is finalizing its work on an official Policy & Procedural Manual. With the impending ByLaws amendment effective January 2, 2016, the restructured board will need an updated P&P Manual to guide all board work. The goal is to complete the manual by December 31, 2016.

• FLAG received a 2015 Proclamation through the Florida Governor’s office recognizing September 20-26, 2015 as Gifted Awareness Month. This is the FIRST Gifted Education Awareness proclamation that the Governor’s office has ever issued. We are in the process of submitting a request for a permanent week each year as our Gifted Education Awareness Week.

• FLAG organized its FIRST EVER Legislative Day in Tallahassee this year. Facilitated by then Legislative Committee Chairperson, Kathleen Casper, J.D., we visited Tallahassee on a “trial run” in April. We were sponsored by Senator Legg’s office, and had about 30 advocates (including students) in attendance. At the suggestion of Senator Legg’s Chief of Staff, we are returning for our Fall Legislative Day on October 21. Our legislators have had to return early for committee work as 2016 is a very important election year, and education reform is on everybody’s mind. We are looking forward to building relationships with our Florida delegation,

and collaborating on increasing identification and funding for our gifted student population.

• FLAG also visited the Florida Department of Education while in Tallahassee, and shared the Bett’s and Neihart (2010) Profiles article and the Bellcurve of Exceptional Learners graphic. We, Jennifer Martin (FGN) and Stephanie Georgiades (FLAG President), were very well received, and as a result the FLDOE sees the need for the Gifted Education Specialist to be a full-time position. We are so pleased to announce that Kathleen Casper, J.D., FLAG’s past Legislative Committee Chairperson, is now Florida’s full-time Gifted Education Specialist at the FLDOE!!

• During 2015, FLAG partnered with Dr. Lauri Kirsch (Hillsborough County Public Schools) and Jenny Klimis (Pinellas County Schools) to disseminate an online professional development package developed as part of a collaborative curriculum grant project funded by the Florida Department of Education. The project, Advancing Mathematics Performance (AMP), had goals of improving teaching practices and increasing academic performance of gifted students in mathematics. AMP positively impacted 600 second grade gifted students within Hillsborough and Pinellas districts and more than 100 elementary gifted teachers throughout Florida. A link to the electronic PD package www.tinyurl.com/amppd2015 is found on FLAG's website.

• FLAG’s preparations are underway for our 2016 NAGC collaboration at the Walt Disney Resort® Coronado Springs, November 3-6, 2016. Save the Date!

Stephanie Georgiades, President Georgia Association for the Gifted (GAGC) During the 2014-2015 year, our association… • Renewed our site license to NAGC’s WOW

webinars, allowed our members to have access tp NAGC Webinars on Wednesday

• access to our members as a part of their benefits package

• Representatives met with Governor Nathan Deal, who signed a proclamation designating January 2015 as Gifted Education Month in Georgia.

• Representatives met with local, state and federal legislators to discuss issues related to the education of gifted students and fought to keep Gifted Education Programming fully funded.

• Held our 35th annual convention in Athens, Georgia with approximately 500 people in attendance and


8

held a pre-convention Parent Day that included nationally known presenters.

• Continued our partnership with the Georgia Gifted Coordinator Consortia to hold a workshop concerning issues affecting gifted students in Georgia.

• Sponsored several regional workshops for gifted educators with the state gifted specialist.

• Continued to communicate with our members and others interested in gifted children in Georgia via our Website with breaking news items posted regularly. In addition, we communicated GAGC news and events using Facebook.

During the 2015-2016, our association will: • Continue to advocate for gifted education with

local, state, and federal legislators. • Seek new ways to address the needs of gifted

students and educators • Continue to facilitate networking for gifted

educators and parents of gifted children • Continue to update/redesign our web site,

www.gagc.org, such as adding a Legislative News/Resources page

• Host our 36th annual convention on March 14-15 in Athens, GA

• Continue efforts to support our Local Chapters • Continue to partner with the Georgia Gifted

Coordinator’s Consortia to hold workshops on issues affecting the education of gifted students in Georgia.

• Will renew our site license to NAGC’s WOW webinars, if available, or consider whatever new resources are offered to State Affiliates for member access.

• Sponsor regional workshops for gifted educators with the state gifted specialist.

• Continue to utilize social media to promote discussion and support for gifted education in Georgia.

• Continue to recognize the achievements of gifted learners, educators, and parents

Kathy Kennedy, Executive Assistant 404-875-2284

[email protected] Hawaii Gifted Association • Hga has continued to build upon its resources and

continue to make new and renew its’ contacts in 2015. Our advocacy work has continued in the first quarter of 2015 as we joined fellow affiliates on the hill early in the year with one focus and one mission, to serve and support gifted and talented education. As we made appointments and visits we

included enclosures about Hga and a letter of support from Board Member David Rockwood, School of Architecture, UH, Manoa.

• Our Board grew a we welcomed in three new Board Members this year, Debb Aiken, who was a local math tutor in a nearby district, Jasmine Baker, business owner and advocate and Patrick Nishimura, entrepreneur knowledgeable in marketing, buss., technology. They bring valuable resources to Hga and we are pleased to have their professional expertise on Board. Our congratulations to fellow Board Member as of 2014,Sundance Friedrich, PhD who recently completed her dissertation on; An Exploratory Study of Spiritual and Existential Well-Being Affect and Self Esteem Among Gifted Adolescents, published this fall 2015, Sofia University.

• Hga took in one student Intern this summer from the UH of Manoa for a short 8 week term. Katera Smith completed some job shadowing while researching design and business entities

• We “Sailed on to Higher Education” with our second online gallery in 2015 and were glad to include some very creative and artistic individuals in the gallery! Featured photographer, Andrew McHowell was selected this year and you may view his work as well as many other talented individuals at http://higifted.info/gallery. Alongside the gallery we were happy to receive a donation from a local sailmaking business; Art Nelson Sailmakers and Awning that provided sail cloth and numbers (seen on sailboats) for sling back book bags. He also donated waterproof wallets to Hga. Donations are currently being accepted for these items that contribute to Hga Scholarship Fund.

• As we look forward to 2016, plans include a 40th Anniversary Celebration for Hga, co-chaired by Jasmine Baker and Sean Donahue and possibly renewing Hga Membership dues as our services are free at this time due to supply and demand of time and resources of our volunteer Board. We shall also continue to collaborate with outside resources to offer workshops and additional outreach upon demand. For more details please see Hga biannual newsletter to keep abreast of what were up to!

Christine Ohtani-Chang, President 1-877-582-5650

[email protected] Illinois Association for Gifted Children • IAGC was fortunate this year to have 2 bills pass:

Reciprocity and Dual Enrollment. The Reciprocity bill allows educators who have obtained a degree in

http://www.gagc.org/

http://higifted.info/gallery


9

gifted education from another state to apply for the IL Gifted Endorsement without having to take the additional required 24 college credit hours. They must take the IL test and pass it, but will not be required to take the additional college credit hours to obtain the endorsement.

• Dual enrollment legislation allows middle school students to take high school classes and obtain credit as long as the teacher is high school certified in the content. Our legislation was previously written to have the student travel to the high school or have the high school teacher travel to the middle school in order for the student to obtain high school credit.

• Our IAGC office is updating technology so that we can accept credit cards and online membership and eventually online registration. This has been a huge endeavor.

Sally Walker, Executive Director 847-963-1892

[email protected] Indiana Association for the Gifted • IAG had over 900 participants at our December,

2014 annual conference. • We are currently planning our 2015 annual

conference for December 13-15, with the theme “Transformative Thinking: More than Meets the Eye!” We piloted an IAG PBL Booth Design Contest and an IAG PBL Conference Program Cover Contest for Indiana students across the state for our upcoming conference. Students have submitted incredible work and it will be difficult to select winners. All student work will be displayed on screens in presentation rooms at the conference.

• Two board members attended the spring NAGC Affiliate Meeting 2015 to work on legislative advocacy.

• We are piloting a relationship over the next two years with an Indianapolis advocacy group to better pinpoint and react to upcoming legislation that affects gifted education.

• Our board met in northern Indiana in July, 2015 for a meeting focused on communication with members, advocacy, and the upcoming conference.

• IAG awarded two high school scholarships this year and will announce the Indiana Teacher of the Gifted Award at the conference.

• Our communication chair has significantly increased IAG’s likes on Facebook and Twitter with targeted posts.

Meg Strnat, President [email protected]

Iowa Talented and Gifted • Hosted our annual conference in Des Moines in

October for over 700 attendees. The conference featured Jonathan Plucker and Tamra Stambaugh as keynote presenters.

• Hosted an inaugural pre-conference in coordination with our annual conference with two strands: Developing K-12 Scope and Sequence Using NAGC Standards and MTSS…It Works for Gifted, Right?

• Hosted a free parent night in coordination with our conference: Bright Futures: Mindful Planning for the School Years

• After the Iowa Department of Education reduced the gifted education consultant position from 0.5 FTE to 0.235 FTE, ITAG successfully lobbied the Iowa legislature and governor to pass House File 658, which changed Iowa Code to require the gifted consultant position to be full time.

• Gifted education continues to be both mandated and funded by the state of Iowa.

• Procured a proclamation from Governor Branstad that declared the week of October 18th Gifted Education Week in the state of Iowa.

• Updated our website at www.iowatag.org • Continued to publish a 25-page online newsletter

three times each year with pertinent articles, links, and information.

• Increased our Facebook likes to 456 and Twitter followers to 319.

• Recognized worthy recipients with our Distinguished Service Award, Administrator of the Year Award, and Research Award

• Grew the size of our Board of Directors to 20 elected members.

• Grew a program that recognizes the contributions of our retired members, and pairs them with new teachers to gifted education in mentorship relationships.

• Hosted a SENG parent group facilitator training in August allowing more parents in Iowa to feel supported in their efforts to raise gifted children.

Matt Robie President, Iowa Talented and Gifted

[email protected] Kansas Association for the Gifted, Talented, and Creative • KGTC is guided by a 15-member voting board with

an additional 30 committee members. (It is an all-volunteer organization.)

http://www.iowatag.org/

http://www.iowatag.org/communication/newsletters/


10

• The Strategic Plan which was written in 2013 was being implemented in 2014 and 2015. (Committees are: Communication, Continuing Education, Connections, Best Practices, and Governance & Leadership Development) A recent addition is a Parent Committee. These six committees reflect the six areas of the Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan is working well to give a focused direction to KGTC.

• The annual conference was held October 4-6 in Overland Park. Special strands for parents, students, and administrators as well as SENG Model Parent Group training were integral parts of the conference in addition to the many valuable sessions for gifted education teachers. Over 20 vendors provided information and products for conference attendees. (The 2016 conference will be held in a new venue: Johnson County Community College.)

• Keynoters at the 2015 conference were Dr. Elizabeth Shaunessy-Dedrick, Dr. Blanche Kapushion and Dr. Robin Carey. The theme of “MTSS: The Real Thing,” was well attended.

• Two teachers were honored at this year’s conference. Two students received scholarships to the Space Camp at the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson. In addition, the Alicia Jo Pippin scholarship was awarded to a student who exemplifies community service.

• The KGTC website is updated, current and visually pleasing (www.kgtc.org). Facebook and Constant Contact are other means of communication with our members. Additionally, a blog reflecting KGTC survey results has been added to the website.

• One summer seminar “Gifted 101” (for a broad spectrum of educators) was held at the University of St. Mary in Overland Park. It will be repeated in November at Ottawa University.

• Four (of the six) Regions have held regional workshops. Digital conferences/discussion groups are planned for several of the more remote regions in the next year.

• An annual “Legislative Leadership Day” was held in February of 2015 in Topeka for secondary students. Twenty students were paired with legislators for the day. The 2016 Leadership Day will be expanded: including advocacy workshops for parents and teachers and expanded opportunities for secondary students.

• Three KGTC board members hold seats on the Kansas Learning First Alliance (a collaborative

organization representing most educational organizations in Kansas).

• The Gifted Education Center at Emporia State University continues to expand with the support of KGTC.

• The KGTC Policies are currently being revised. (The constitution was updated in 2014.)

• A Legislative Liaison position on the board is being expanded. This is especially needed since there is talk that legislation to take gifted out of special education in Kansas may be attempted again in 2016. • A collaborative relationship with the gifted

associations of Missouri, Nebraska and Colorado has been initiated. This has included visiting each other’s board meetings and conferences, and sharing materials.

Sheri Stewart, Ed.D. - President (913) 707-8554

[email protected] Kentucky Association for Gifted Education • Offered training for parents and teachers of gifted

and talented students: o KAGE 35th Annual Conference, February,

Lexington, KY with keynotes from Thomas Hébert and Colmon Elridge, Executive Assistant to Governor Steve Beshear

o KAGE Summer Workshop, June, Bowling Green, KY with Katherine Brown, Enrichment Specialist at Judia Jackson Harris Elementary Charter School in Athens, GA, and Jan Lanham, Assistant Professor of Education, St. Catherine’s College

o Update for Teachers in Gifted Education, August, Bowling Green, KY

o KAGE Fall Workshop, September, Lexington, KY, with Susan Assouline

o Looking forward to the KAGE 36th Annual Conference, February 22-23, 2016, Lexington, KY

• Disseminate information about opportunities for gifted and talented students as well as for parents and teachers of these students through, 1. The KAGE Newsletter, Update 2. Webpage, kagegifted.org 3. List Serves 4. Facebook 5. Twitter 6. Brochures 7. and other printed materials.


11

• KAGE works to inform the general public of the needs of gifted and talented students. 1. KAGE is represented at other KY conferences

and various groups. 2. Parent meetings

• KAGE assisted parents, educators, and public officials in identifying and assessing resources to meet the needs of students who are gifted and talented. 1. An evening for parents is part of the KAGE

Annual Conferences and KAGE Fall Workshops. 2. Calls and emails from parents 3. Parent meetings 4. Member, The KY Advisory Council for Gifted

and Talented Education • KAGE continues to partner with the Kentucky

Advisory Council for Gifted and Talented Education. 1. Symposium on KY’s Children and Youth Who

are Gifted and Talented, October 2. Issues for Leaders in Gifted Education,

September 3. Symposium for Post-Secondary Instructors in

Teacher Training Institutions, Spring • KAGE partnered with Dr. Kim Nettleton at

Morehead State University to offer an afternoon of workshops on gifted children to preservice teachers. Julia Roberts, Tracy Inman, Jan Lanham and Lynette Baldwin made presentations.

• KAGE continues to lobby for secure permanent state funding and legislation and appropriate educational opportunities for gifted children 1. Proclamation Signing for Gifted Education

Month was February 4, Capitol Rotunda, Frankfort,

2. Jan Lanham created a Capitol Tunnel Display for Gifted Education Month.

3. Gifted Education Month in Kentucky, February, All Over KY

4. Presence at the Capitol during legislative sessions

5. Successful lobbying for passage of a bill to provided state funding to follow children who enter school early.

• KAGE continues to provide scholarship assistance through its Foundation Program to qualified students from poverty to participate in summer gifted programs offered by Kentucky’s public universities. The KAGE Foundation provided eight scholarships during 2015.

Lynette Baldwin, Executive Director 270.745.4301

[email protected]

Maryland Educators of Gifted Students (MEGS) Maryland Coalition for Gifted and Talented Education (MCGATE) • Maryland Educators of Gifted Students (MEGS) and

Maryland Coalition for Gifted and Talented Education (MCGATE) have been busy this year. MEGS and MCGATE hosted the NAGC Convention in Baltimore in 2014! The first time the Convention was held in Maryland was a highlight for both organizations! The Local Arrangement Committee, co-chairs, and sub-committees collaborated with NAGC leaders to give the convention a local Maryland flavor and to personalize the experience to meet the professional learning needs of Maryland educators and administrators. Preconvention sessions highlighted Maryland teachers who differentiate the Common Core Standards to meet the needs of gifted/advanced learners. A Leadership Forum was held to provide administrators from the twenty-four Maryland School districts with a high-quality professional learning experience on gifted and talented education, tailored to meet their specific needs.

• MEGS sponsored and supported several professional learning opportunities and gifted and talented education awareness and advocacy activities. MEGS and MSDE (Maryland State Department of Education) collaborated to present our 15th annual Maryland State Conference on Gifted and Talented Education on Friday, October 16, 2015, to 300 participants. Our theme was Gifted and Talented Education: A Diverse Palette. The program included 33 sessions, based on two strands, Underrepresented Populations in Gifted Education and Instructional Needs of Gifted Learners. Dr. Jonathan Plucker, Endowed Professor of the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut, was our keynote speaker. His keynote, "Using Research to Inform Advocacy for Gifted Learners,” was very informative. He also presented two break-out sessions, “Everything I Know About Gifted Education I Learned by Reading an 800-Page Book” and “Creativity: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and How to Help Children Have More of It,” both of which engaged the audience.

• Our newly elected governor, Larry Hogan, declared February 2015 as Gifted and Talented Education Month in Maryland. We were pleased to receive his support so soon after he took office. MEGS and MCGATE supported the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and the Maryland State Advisory Council on Gifted and Talented Education, who sponsored the annual Celebrating Gifted and



12

Talented Education in Maryland Reception and Awards Ceremony. More than 450 people attended this reception, which honors educators, state leaders, students, and business and community partners and provides legislators and other stakeholders the opportunity for greater awareness of gifted education and talent development in the state of Maryland. We also honored the Maryland Javits-Frasier Scholars. Entertainment was provided by middle and high school performing groups. Student speakers spoke about how gifted and talented education changed their lives. Winning students of the MCGATE and Maryland G/T Advisory Council sponsored essay contest were also honored.

• The Maryland State Excellence in Gifted and Talented Education (EGATE) School Awards program is in its sixth year of implementation. MEGS and MCGATE are very supportive of this program, which is sponsored by MSDE and the Maryland State Advisory Council on Gifted and Talented Education. Schools with programs aligned with the Maryland Criteria for Excellence: Gifted and Talented Education Program Guidelines are recognized. Three schools received this award in 2015 after completing an extensive application and submitting a portfolio. Thirty-three Maryland schools have received this award since the award was initially offered. Schools who received the award five years ago will need to submit a recertification portfolio next year.

• MEGS and MCGATE have established a social media presence with a Facebook page for each organization. Relevant information for educators and parents is posted on each of the Facebook pages. Information for educators of gifted students is typically posted to the MEGS Facebook page, while information of interest to parents is posted regularly on the MCGATE page. Data reflect that the followers engage with the content posted daily.

• MEGS and MCGATE leaders are active members of the Maryland State Advisory Council on Gifted and Talented Education.

• This year, MEGS acquired a license for all of the NAGC WOW Webinars for members who are interested in furthering their professional learning in gifted education and talent development. Hundreds of educators have taken advantage of this wonderful professional development opportunity.

• MEGS and MCGATE advocated for the Maryland State Board of Education to monitor the fidelity of the implementation of Maryland’s first set of state regulations regarding Gifted and Talented learners, COMAR 13A.04.07. This regulation provides the

twenty-four Maryland school districts with guidance for identifying gifted students and developing and implementing gifted and talented education programs and services.

Helaine Zinaman, MEGS Executive Director Penny Zimring, MEGS President

Theresa Jackson, MEGS Vice-President Wendy Ingalls, MEGS Secretary

Debbie Blum, MEGS Treasurer Yvonne Golczeczewski, MCGATE President

Michigan Association for Gifted Children The Michigan Association for Gifted Children continues its efforts to have the needs of advanced and accelerated learners both recognized and addressed. Leadership is placing an emphasis on helping families to advocate for themselves locally, and on working to advocate for gifted students at a state level. Specific MAGC initiatives: • Streamlined practices and procedures to help ease

the membership process for both individuals and chapters. Also used online voting through Simply Voting as part of this same initiative.

• Held two conferences, one in the spring in collaboration with the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District, and one in the fall on “Creating a Joyful Culture for Gifted Learning.” Both educators and parents gain valuable tools and information from conference attendance, which has increased in recent years.

• Targeted marketing and advertising, including new opportunities such as Facebook ads, to reach intended audience.

• Renewed the collaboration with Michigan Department of Education to promote topics such as identification and acceleration.

• Produced several research-based articles, almost entirely the work of the Education Committee, promoting best practices in gifted education to be shared with teachers state-wide.

• Placed a renewed focus on the benefits of membership and making the general public aware of those benefits. Increasing membership numbers will be the highest priority of the Association over the coming year.

Kelly Schultz, President 269-387-3553

[email protected] Minnesota Council for the Gifted and Talented (MCGT) • MCGT held a mini-conference on April 18th, 2015,

entitled Gifted 101, for parents and educators new


13

to gifted. Speakers presented on topics ranging from testing to social/emotional needs of gifted children.

• A number of MCGT chapters hosted CHAT Nights (Connect, Help, Advocate, Talk.) CHAT Nights include a short presentation followed by facilitated discussion on topics of interest to parents of gifted children. This year’s topics included Post-secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO), sibling relationships and summer activities.

• MCGT partnered with the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Educators of the Gifted (MEGT) on a two-part workshop in October and December of 2015 for gifted program coordinators new to the field.

• Our annual conference was held November 7th, 2015, this year the week before the NAGC convention. We have changed to a new venue in collaboration with the Robbinsdale School District, which includes more classroom space for the children’s program. We had two keynote speakers this year, Dr. Layne Kalbfleisch, a noted neuroscientist, and Richard Rusczyk, founder of the Art of Problem Solving (AoPS.)

• The MCGT state board president attended all Gifted and Talented Advisory Council meetings held by the MN Department of Education (MDE), and participated in several committees, including the committee that worked on the MDE Javits Grant proposal. MDE was awarded the grant in September.

• Our newsletter, the Outlook, is published 5 times per year. The Outlook is sent to all members, as well as many educators and legislators in Minnesota. Printing and mailing costs are donated by TIAA-CREF.

• MCGT provided scholarships for children to attend five Minnesota summer programs for the gifted.

• With MEGT, we co-sponsored Minnesota’s Recognition Celebration for high-scoring students in Northwestern University’s Midwest Academic Talent Search (NUMATS.)

• MCGT has many members attending the 2015 NAGC convention.

• The MCGT state board president attended the NAGC Affiliates Conference in Washington D.C in March and participated in advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill.

• MCGT’s teen group offered 6 Snazztastic events—evening enrichment opportunities planned and run by the Snazztastic teens for younger gifted children. Event themes included Mythology Madness, Adventures in Archaeology, and Magic.

• We have expanded our lending library, which includes scholarly journals as well as books, ranging from classics in the field of gifted to new releases.

Carol Malueg, President [email protected]

Gifted Association of Missouri • In November 2014, our board met for a retreat and

planning meeting; goals were outlined for the upcoming year including an increase in conference attendance to over 300 and membership to over 500, pass an incentive based funding system for gifted programs in Missouri, and make GAM a recognized name in all Missouri educational settings, public, private, parochial, higher education, and educational committees in our legislature.

• In May, 2015, the Advisory Council on the Education of Gifted and Talented Children, a council that GAM put into place by passing legislation, published its First Annual Report with the help of Education Plus and council chair, Dr. Linda Smith. This report is groundbreaking for Missouri and includes the data GAM has been seeking for decades. The council, which is appointed by the Missouri Education Commissioner, Dr. Margie Vandeven, worked closely with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to retrieve data. The council presented the report at the May 2015 State Board of Education meeting with great interest and result. Of the ten recommendations brought forth, five of them will be implemented in the 2016-2017 school year. For a copy of this report, please go to this link: https://dese.mo.gov/gifted-advisory-council/annual-reports.

• In June 2015, President Robin Lady spoke to teachers at the Missouri Scholars Academy, where we celebrated the release of $750,000 in funds from Missouri Governor Jay Nixon for the Missouri Scholars and Fine Arts academies.

• On October 5, 2015, the Missouri and Kansas Affiliates joined forces at the Kansas conference where GAM President, Robin Lady and DESE Director of Gifted, David Welch presented on Maintaining Positive Working Relationships with the Department of Education, State Affiliate, Legislative Consultant and Advisory Council. GAM would like to thank KGTC for the opportunity to collaborate and we hope this is just the beginning of our collaboration and more collaborative efforts between affiliates.

• Our 34th Annual Conference took place on Saturday, October 24 – Sunday, October 25 at the University


14

of Missouri with keynote speaker Bertie Kingore and special guests including legislators, advisory council members, and Mizzou leaders. Annual awards and scholarships were presented, as well as special recognition of Education Plus for collecting the data for the report mentioned above and legislators for sponsoring our legislation. Our conference was hosted and underwritten by the University of Missouri, and we are very appreciative of their support.

• Two Current Announcements: Our quarterly newsletter, the GAMbit is going online for the public! And we are starting a lifetime membership of $500! After much membership feedback in these areas, GAM launched these at the conference on October 24-25, 2015. Also at the annual conference, GAM launched a new promotional card that can be used at NAGC events, regional conferences, and mailed which includes key areas of focus for GAM. We are hopeful this will boost interest in GAM and increase membership.

• Our 2016 Advocacy Agenda includes reinstating the penalty for school districts that cut their gifted programs by 20% or more in students serviced, a weighted incentive for school districts who provide exemplary gifted programs, and FINALLY, we are proposing a FUNDED MANDATE for gifted education in Missouri.

• Ongoing goals and successes have been keeping our website maintained, continued sponsor support for our GAMbit newsletter, advocating for state funding for the Missouri Scholars and Fine Arts academies, and being a resource to gifted stakeholders in Missouri and beyond. Visit our website at www.mogam.org for more information and updates on gifted education in Missouri.

Robin E. Lady, President [email protected]

314-203-1165 Mississippi Association for Gifted Children • Our annual “Gifted Education Legislative Day” was

held January 27, 2015. We have already set the date for the 2016 Legislative Session for February 9th.

• Member ship has increased to over 700 to include teachers, parents, counselors, psychometrists, administrators, and community members.

• Bill passed in the 2015 Legislative Session to develop a task force to examine ways to improve access to gifted programming for academically, intellectually, and creatively gifted students in k-12

classrooms. The MAGC Executive Director will serve on this task force.

• Mississippi Department of Education has established a work group to examine expanded access for academically gifted students, regional professional development consortia, review and expansion of gifted outcomes, and other areas related to identification and programming. The Department of Education is contracting with MAGC to facilitate this work group.

• A full time gifted specialist position has been established and the position is due to be filled by January.

• Built a conference website to allow for total online registration, uploaded handouts, vendor registration, and evaluations.

• Annual conference included expanded preconference sessions for the 2nd year with 350 in attendance.

• Total attendance for the annual conference held on September 30th-October 2nd, 2015 was 651.

• Partnered with the Alabama Association for Gifted Children for conference registration swap for board members in an effort to continue sharing of ideas.

• Received a proclamation of Gifted Education Week from the governor’s wife at the annual conference.

• Expanded student scholarship opportunities through increased efforts at supportive funding and partnerships with summer programs across the state.

• Increased the monitory value and opportunities for teacher grants for gifted certification and innovative programming.

Carol Paola, Executive Director 228-860-1763

[email protected] Nebraska Association for the Gifted • Legislative

Allocation of limited statewide resources seems to annually threaten ongoing availability of HAL funding. NAG continues to be a strong and influential voice around legislative issues impacting HAL funding and policy. The Legislative Committee and NAG Board Director, ensure NAG representation at a variety of forums, from legislative hearings to face to face meetings with state representatives. The Nebraska Unicameral passed a budget to move $2.3 million dollars for approved HAL programs from Nebraska Lottery proceeds to the general fund as line item. The original allocation of $10 million dollars in 1997 has changed and fallen through the years. NAG

http://www.mogam.org/



15

continues to work with the Nebraska Department of Education to ensure funding and discuss possibilities for increases. This NAG Board has on several occasions this past year mobilized general membership as well as the NAG Board to testify, email, snail mail and to contact state senators to express support for continued funding for programs that support high ability students.

• Balanced Representation NAG continues to value/pursue statewide representation on the board. HAL programming looks very different in metro schools with departments and personnel assigned to gifted education than it does in rural Arthur County where the student population is less than 90 children grades K-12 with a staff of 12. Fifteen Board members from across the state make up the leadership team for the organization. NAG Board members, are composed of classroom teachers, school superintendent, ESU professional development member, specialists in gifted education, retired educator, Nebraska Department of Education consultant and a paid Executive Director. All members are key in the work of the organization. Four face to face meetings and two virtual meetings move the organization’s business.

• Outreach/Professional Development NAG has become a trusted partner in gifted education across the state of Nebraska. The Spring 2015 educator’s conference in Omaha hosted over 300 participants from across the state and region. The conference in 2015 featured 30 regional presenters during the two day conference. Invited presenters, Dr. Siegle and Dr. Jan Leppien were keynote presenters. Three differentiated instruction teacher workshops in September 2015 were provided across the state. Over 200 educators were served in Scottsbluff, North Platte, and Omaha NE with Dr. Richard Cash presenting.

• The Spring 2016 educator’s conference, “CLUEING IN: Unraveling Differences In Gifted Education” , will take place in Omaha February 25-26, 2016. Dr. Susannah Richards and Dr. Jaime Castellano are the invited keynote presenters. Full conference details with registration and invitation for proposals are available at www.negifted.org

John Thomsen, Executive Director [email protected]

New Jersey Association for Gifted Children Join us for our 25th year at our Annual Conference this upcoming Spring 2016! We will be working together with educators and families across the state to help Power Up! Learning, All Day, Every Day! On April 15th and 16th individuals passionate about gifted children and gifted education will converge from across the state for a day full of exciting keynotes, workshops, and camaraderie!

Every year, NJAGC is invited to present at the Annual Conference for our Statewide Teachers Union, NJEA. This year we are proud to be offering 11 unique workshops that will help to bring the needs of gifted learners to the forefront in the minds of our amazing educators in the Garden State!

Reaching out to others has been a main focus for our Advocacy Vice President Roberta Braverman and one of our Trustees, Alison Brown. Alison is working her way across the state to continue our member outreach programs, presenting on various topics such as Managing Perfectionism while Roberta is hard at work on the legislative end ensuring appropriate opportunities for gifted learners across our state. Social media has been a success in getting information out to our members and others interested in gifted education across our state. Follow us on Twitter @NJAGCGifted, check out our Pinterest boards at, and like our page on Facebook, to see what we’ve been up to and what events are of interest to our members across the state!

Educators, administrators, and parents all have the opportunity to be recognized by NJAGC for their wonderful efforts and contributions to gifted education in our state. This year due to the unique nature of the nominations we received, we are pleased to announce that we will be offering one new award, the Developing Minds Award, to an entrepreneur who has made a positive impact on gifted children, through his/her business. We are so pleased to be able to award so many deserving individuals each year that are making a difference in the lives of so many.

Yearly goals and a plan on how to accomplish them helped get us on track for an exciting future in NJAGC! This summer at our annual meeting we reorganized our goals to align with the new mission statement and put a plan into action to help us accomplish those goals. We are looking forward to a great year full of exciting new initiatives and possibilities.

Michelle Falanga, President [email protected]

http://www.negifted.org/


16

Advocacy for Gifted and Talented Education in New York State (AGATE) During this past academic year AGATE New York focused on: • Organizing two one-day conferences a year that

more teachers, parents and administrators can attend.

• Developing a digital newsletter that reaches more people more efficiently.

• Making a digital version of our brochure available. • Redesigning our Website in order to provide more

resources to parents and teachers and to increase membership

• Increasing our collaborative efforts to include members of the governor’s office, and NYS Regents, as well as our legislators. In order to optimize student potential in this state—New York is one of 12 states that does not mandate gifted education and there is no funding for the education of gifted and talented students—all of our leaders need to feel they share in the ownership and responsibility.

Ongoing efforts: • Advocacy to educate the public with regard to the

concerns and needs of gifted and talented children. • Use of technology to communicate quickly with our

membership. • Development of positive relationships with key

legislative leaders to educate them regarding the importance of gifted education and to promote three bills currently in committee: 1. directs that all teachers be trained in the

education of gifted students and provides start-up funding for such training

2. requires all school districts to establish programs for gifted students

3. relates to gifted and talented students with special needs and describes the information necessary to be given to school districts concerning development of programs, curriculum resources, instructional procedures and strategies

• Advocacy for our high ability learners by meeting with top education policy advisors and counsel of the Senate and Assembly, as well as, Ken Wagner the head of the NYSED Office of Curriculum, Assessment, and Educational Technology, Mary Cahill the head of Curriculum, and Gifted and Talented Associate Mary Beth Casey.

• Development of partnerships with other state organizations to increase visibility and membership

Leticia Hahn, President [email protected]

North Carolina Association for the Gifted and Talented 2016-2020 Vision and Strategic Framework of the NCAGT Mission: To support the educational and social-emotional needs of academically and/or intellectually gifted students MAJOR FOCUS AND EFFORTS IN 2015 • Developed and Presented the first NCAGT Business

Award of Excellence • Began application process for 501 (c )(3) status

[Presently 501 (c )(4)] • Developed a New Board Membership Orientation

process • Collaborated with NC Department of Public

Instruction and NC Parent Organizations • Used Media, Technology and Social Media for

Effective Advocacy Efforts • Student photography solicited to represent all of NC

on 2015 Conference program UPCOMING EFFORTS IN 2016 • 42nd Annual NCAGT Conference, March 3-4, 2016,

Winston-Salem Marriott & Embassy Suites o Conference Theme: “Gifted Education –

Celebrating Exceptional Opportunities” o Keynote Speakers: Richard Rusczyk and Keana

Triplett o NC State Department of Public Instruction and

NCAGT will hold 6th annual NC AIG Coordinator’s Institute at annual conference

Linda P. Robinson, President [email protected]

Wesley E. Guthrie, Executive Director 910.326.8463

[email protected] Ohio Association for Gifted Children (OAGC) • The OAGC (Ohio Association for Gifted Children) has

experienced two years of tremendous change. The most significant development was the development and implementation of a gifted performance indicator on district report cards. The indicator is based on three elements: gifted input measures which measure the identification and service of gifted children across grade bands, identification categories, and student demographics; gifted sub-group value-added data, and gifted performance on state assessments. The gifted performance indicator will be phased-in over a number of years and has spurred a tremendous amount of discussion and interest at the district level. As Ohio has no mandate for service, the gifted performance indicator is viewed as a “back-door” method of accountability. Districts are not required to serve




17

gifted students, but the district report cards will provide more transparency to parents and the public at large. In addition to this major piece of accountability legislation, other policy successes include: o Increased transparency to the public regarding

district expenditures of state gifted funding. o Safeguards in the definition of gifted services

for post-secondary courses. o A provision that should bring grade parity for

students taking post-secondary courses. • As with many other states, Ohio has experienced

significant backlash against over-testing. As a result, Ohio pulled out of the PARCC consortium and lowered cut scores for proficiency that will reduce overall districts accountability.

• Work on the revision of gifted operating standards suspended for almost two years has now begun again and promises to be a challenging due to the highly politicized nature of the State Board of Education and a renewed focus on local control that threaten all standards of quality with regard to service definitions, staffing, and accountability.

• OAGC launched a new website last year, which will allow members and the public greater ease of searching for topics of interest. The new website also feeds into the association’s increased use of social media for communication on policy, advocacy, and general news. We introduced a Google hangout on the new dual enrollment program in Ohio. We also established a monthly GT Teacher Chat on Twitter. The parent division hosted a social media boot camp that we hope to repeat in the upcoming year. We continue to publish and print the highly-regarded OAGC Review three times a year. This year we will look to revise several publications for parents, teachers, and administrators.

• In October, the OAGC held a very successful fall conference, with almost 800 attendees. The association will also hold conferences in December for coordinators and in March for gifted and classroom teachers.

• Along with policy work and professional development, the OAGC continues to provide summer scholarships to dozens of students. In addition, the association created sample SLOs (Student Learning Objectives) for gifted to be used as part of Ohio’s new teacher evaluation system.

• While the political situation in Ohio remains complex and education funding short, more interest has been generated about the education of gifted

children in Ohio in the past two years than we have seen for several years.

Ann Sheldon, Executive Director 614-325-1185

[email protected] or [email protected] Oklahoma Association for the Gifted, Creative and Talented • Our 17-member board meets bimonthly to support

gifted educators, students, parents and gifted initiatives in the state of Oklahoma.

• In order to better serve our gifted teachers in the state, OAGCT began offering the NAGC Webinars on Wednesday to all members. This service allows members in rural and urban areas to engage in meaningful professional development at no charge.

• We provided 25 scholarships for gifted students across the state to attend camps around the nation. Our GO Foundation has been established to keep these funding efforts alive.

• We held an incredible conference in Stillwater featuring Dr. Todd Kettler as our keynote speaker February 20, 2015. Educators across the state enjoyed attending a variety of breakout sessions, viewing art produced by gifted students and listening to our Nicholas Green winner perform.

• Many of our board members attended the Oklahoma Technology Association conference in October of 2015. Board members provided support to gifted educators by fielding questions about the Oklahoma GT certification process at the OAGCT booth. Additionally, board members made presentations spanning a variety of topic on gifted education.

• Dr. Ann Robinson will be the Keynote Speaker at the 2016 OAGCT conference, scheduled for February 26, 2016 at the Cox Business Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Nicolette Hall, President Phone: 918-224-3400 ext. 1135

Email: [email protected] Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education • Legislative

Based on work with the House of Representatives and the School Board of Education, PAGE members chaired and worked with a committee of 15 professors, administrators and teachers from across the state to create a teaching Endorsement in Gifted Education. While voluntary at this point, it has encouraged many universities to begin offering coursework in gifted education on both the





18

graduate and undergraduate levels. PAGE is now working with the state Senators to write a bill that would require all educators to take 6 credits in Gifted Education before they get their permanent certification license. We have been working with the Department of Education; the largest state teachers union, PSEA; the PA School Board Association; and higher education groups to support this initiative.

• Other recommendations from the State Board of Education continue to be in process: gathering data from state assessments on gifted education; improve methodology for screening students; and monitoring of school districts to meet state regulations on gifted.

• State Initiatives PAGE has partnered with the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) to produce five webinars about Topics in Education, Chapter 16, PLEPs and GIEPs, Differentiated Curriculum/ Instruction, and Social Emotional Needs. The first webinar is due to be released in November 2015, and the remaining modules will be shown over the course of a year. The webinars are taped and will be on the PSEA website for members to access at their convenience for continuing education ACT 48 credits.

• 2015 PAGE State Conferences The first conference was held in the eastern part of the state on April 30th and May 1st with a keynote done by Mary Cay Ricci on Mindsets in the Classroom and the theme was on Gifted Education: Igniting and Nurturing Potential. In response to teachers were having trouble with release time over the spring months, PAGE offered two conferences this year. The second conference was on November 5th and 6th in the western part of the state. There were two Keynote Speakers: Dr. Richard Cash on Differentiation for Gifted Learners: Going Beyond the Basics and Dr. Ann Lupkowski-Shoplik who presented acceleration information from A Nation Empowered. Three-hour sessions included Dr. Charlton Wolfgang on the Intersection of STEM and Gifted Education; John Lester on Leadership in the 21st Century; Tanya Morret on writing GIEP’s; and Josh Shaine on Responses to Underachievement.

• Affiliate Events The annual PAGE Affiliate Weekend Leadership Training workshop, hosted by PAGE for its Affiliate Leaders, overlapped with our fall conference on November 6th -7th for the first time. This was to provide affiliate participants a chance to attend at least ½ day of the conference at no expense and to

meet with educators and other Affiliate Leaders throughout the state for mutual educational exchanges, up to date state initiatives, and an opportunity for work with PAGE Board members. We are holding our first regional, multi-county meetings. These events are to encourage communication and joint event planning for gifted students and to provide educational opportunities that will unite PAGE parents, board members, educators, Intermediate Units and local universities.

• Social Media The PAGE website at www.giftedpage.org continues to offer up to date information in the field of gifted education along with a Members Only section; interested people are able to follow PAGE on Twitter using the #PAGE@GiftedPAGE; and the opportunity for people to Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/GiftedPAGE.

• Organizational Structure PAGE has been working with two consultants for non-profit organizations to rewrite our bylaws, set appropriate action plans and encourage growth of outreach programs. A state wide-survey of stakeholders has been conducted and is currently being analyzed to move forward with updated initiatives. We are in the process of building a broader committee structure to involve more of our members in actions that will promote gifted education in all areas of our state.

Linda J Deal, President [email protected]

717/538-1281 South Carolina Consortium for Gifted Education December 9-10, 2014: Two-day state conference held in Columbia, SC, with approximately 500 participants. The theme of the conference was “EmPOWering Superheroes in the Gifted Classroom!” January 21, 2015: Legislative Luncheon held in Columbia, SC Upcoming plans 2015 - 2016: State Conference in Columbia, SC, planned for December 8-9, 2015. The theme of the conference is “Profile of the GT Graduate: Impacting Talent Development.” Legislative luncheon planned for April 27, 2016.

Tami Richardson, President 803-476-8167

[email protected]


19

Tennessee Association for the Gifted (TAG) The Tennessee Association for the Gifted is governed by a 14 member volunteer board of directors comprised of gifted education teachers, researchers, program supervisors, and the newly created position of parent liaison.

• TAG continues to focus on increasing membership and conference attendance.

• Our website features links to a variety of information and resources for students, parents, and teachers. We have a members only page which allows access to conference materials and other valuable tools.

• Our 2014 conference was held in Nashville, TN. Over 125 attendees participated in the two-day conference, which included sessions addressing improvement of classroom instruction as well as ways to meet the social and emotional needs of gifted students. This year’s conference will be in Memphis, TN and will include keynote addresses by Ian Byrd and Dr. Anne Robinson. There will also be several sessions specifically designed for parents of gifted students.

• The association offers scholarships for gifted students to attend enriching summer programs. In 2015 we awarded $2,500 to eligible students.

• Each year we award $250 mini-grants to classroom teachers to fund innovative projects benefitting gifted students in Tennessee. We also include special recognition for innovative curricula at our annual conference.

• Delegates from TAG attend the NAGC Conference each year.

• TAG sends two representatives to the NAGC State Affiliates Conference in Washing, DC. During the 2015 conference, delegates met with Tennessee congressmen and senators to advocate for gifted students as part of the renewal of NCLB and continued funding for the Javits Act.

• Members of TAG communicate regularly with the Tennessee Department of Education regarding identification of and programs for gifted children.

Tommie Yelvington, Co-President [email protected]

Maryellen Eaves, Co-President [email protected]

Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented 2015 Programs & Initiatives • Member Resources: TEMPO (TAGT Journal), TAGT

Pulse (weekly aggregated e-news brief), TAGT Discovery (monthly association news and notes), TAGT On-Demand (library of online courses) and Global #gtchat Powered by TAGT (international weekly Twitter chat).

• TAGT Re-brand: TAGT unveiled a revised brand at the 2014 Annual Conference and implemented new messaging throughout 2015, including a new website design.

• Family Night Activities: TAGT implemented a new interactive model to serve parents and students simultaneously by partnering with local Parent Support Groups and organizations providing enrichment opportunities. As a result of this programming, more than 1500 parents and students were reached through 6 separate events held over a two week period.

• Coordinator Cohorts: TAGT created a very successful cohort program designed to connect new coordinators/directors of advanced academics and create intimate networks for support, education and training.

• Advocacy: During the 83rd Legislative Session in Texas, TAGT efforts were instrumental in protecting the requirement for annual training of gifted educators mandated by law.

• Partnerships: TAGT continued to develop cooperative partnerships with education organizations that resulted in shared resources, messaging, services to members and collaboration on many issues; organizations include: Association of Texas Professional Educators, Texas Computer Educators Association, Texas PTA, Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education, Texas Association of School Boards, Texas School Public Relations Association, Texas Association of Student Councils, Texas Council for the Social Studies and Texas Counseling Association.

• Scholarships: In 2015, TAGT awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships to gifted students to pursue enrichment opportunities/ post-secondary education and to educators to pursue professional development opportunities.

• 2015 Events: TAGT Annual Conference, TAGT Family Nights (6 locations), Leadership Conference, Gifted Plus Conference (El Paso)

TAGT 2015 Annual Conference • December 2-4 in San Antonio • Featured Speakers: Dr. Nicholas Colangelo; Jack

Andraka




20

• Conference Institute Speakers: Dr. Bertie Kingore; Dr. Patricia Gatto-Walden; Dr. Lynette Breedlove; Ian Byrd; Dr. Joy Esquierdo; Jan DeLisle; Dr. Todd Kettler; Donna Ashby; Caroline Winfield; Pam Bayless; Chris Overhoff; Andi McNair; Kelly Margot; Greg Reeves

• Conference will include: more than 150 breakout sessions for attendees, Global #gtchat Powered by TAGT – LIVE from the Conference, Superintendent and School Board member training, Gifted Student Experience

JJ Colburn, TAGT Executive Director [email protected]

Mary Christopher, Ph.D., TAGT President [email protected]

Utah Association for Gifted Children (UAGC) UAGC is an active state association. We have regular board meetings for 12 board members. Board members provide a representation from 8 different districts in the state as well as strong parent support. UAGC holds two yearly events. The membership symposium is a one-day event held in January or February. Teachers or other interested participants come to a full day of training from an expert in the gifted field. In February 2014 Sandra Kaplan presented on her depth and complexity icons. Just over 150 teachers attended this event. In January 2015, Michael Clay Thompson will be the keynote speaker. The second event held is the annual UAGC conference. Nearly 250 excited teachers from around the state gathered in Park City June 16–18, braving the heat for our annual conference. With the theme of “Rising to the Challenge,” attendees were welcomed with inspiring and informative keynote addresses from nationally renowned speaker Carolyn Coil, as well as a variety of break-out sessions. Teacher Academy, which was held on Tuesday, allowed teachers to choose from half-day sessions that focused on Twice Exceptional students, using STEM in the classroom, Debate, Future Problem Solving, and ideas to get started with differentiation. Popular breakout sessions on Wednesday and Thursday covered topics such as using Kaplan’s Icons in math, art, and with technology, math enrichment, close reading, developing grit, Genius Hour, and much more. The ever-popular Creativity Extravaganza was well attended on Wednesday night, with almost 15 teachers sharing “What is HOT!” in their classrooms. June 7-9, 2016 Karin Hess will be returning to Utah to share her expertise on Depth of Knowledge. This conference will again be held in Park City Utah. Proposals for breakout sessions and exhibitors can be found on-line at uagc.org

The Utah State Office of Education and UAGC continue to have a strong connection working together to advocate for advanced learners at all education levels. UAGC is always included in state gifted coordinator meetings to share upcoming events and important agenda items.

Shari Taylor, President [email protected]

[email protected] Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted (WATG) • The 2014 WATG Annual Fall Conference was held at

the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells on October 10 and 11, 2014. Conference attendance: 282 educators and parents. Theme: “Getting to the Core: Gifted Matters.” Teen conference attended by 28 students focused on advocacy in the arts. Students developed and shared personal stories through music and storytelling. Speakers included: Jonathan Plucker and Diane Heacox. Through a collaborative effort with UW-Whitewater attendees had the opportunity to earn one graduate credit for a reduced cost during the Foundations in Gifted pre-conference session.

• The 2015 Fall Conference at the Kalahari Resort and Conference Center is November 5 and 6 with the theme, “Unlocking Gifted Potential.” Keynotes by Lisa Van Gemert and Mary Ruth Coleman.

Scholarships and Awards • Each year, WATG awards scholarships to gifted K-12

students for summer enrichment activities. In 2015 WATG awarded a total of $3,750 to 14 worthy Wisconsin students.

• The Donna Rae and Bob Clasen Adult Scholarship provides $250 to help fund an educator’s attendance at the WATG Conference.

• WATG seeks to honor those who have made an impact in Wisconsin to further the quality education of gifted children. At the 2015 Fall Conference we will honor Outstanding Gifted and Talented Coordinator Amy Miller and Outstanding Community Organization Waukesha Community Art Project.

Advocacy and Government Action • WATG organized second “Raise Your Voice for

Gifted Children” event in April 2015. This was an all-day advocacy training and legislator visit event in Madison: the 25 participants plus presenters met in downtown Madison in the morning to talk about advocacy messages and strategy, and in the afternoon participants visited their state senators and Assembly representatives.

http://www.uagc.org/




21

• Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction had requested a substantial increase in gifted education funding. While funding was not increased (virtually no DPI-recommended increases were supported by the legislature), it was not cut as many programs were, so WATG advocates have been working on follow-up with legislative contacts and discussing strategy ideas.

Deb Kucek, President [email protected]

Wyoming Association for Gifted Children • During 2015, the WAGC Board of Directors

established three committees to address the various needs of Wyoming gifted students. These committees have focused on the following three goals: 1. Increase public awareness concerning gifted

education and disseminate information to all stakeholders,

2. Advocate to the legislature for policy surrounding the allocation of resources and other items concerning the education of gifted children, and

3. Provide avenues of communication within the state of Wyoming concerning pedagogy, professional development, family and educator support and collaboration with all stakeholders.

• To achieve their first goal, the WAGC has created a new brochure designed to reach families of gifted students. In addition, the Advertising Committee has created a Facebook page and is currently developing a monthly newsletter that will be emailed to all school districts.

• Several WAGC Board Members have spoken before state legislative committees this year in order to achieve their second goal. They have also been active at various events around the state. These events include the Wyoming School Board Trustees Conference, the state School Improvement Conference, and the annual Wyoming Gifted Conference. Unfortunately, the group organizing the Wyoming Gifted Conference has now disbanded, so the WAGC is attempting to re-establish this opportunity for Wyoming parents, teachers, and other stakeholders.

• The third goal has been challenging. The WAGC has

reached out to all district superintendents in an effort to unite in meeting the needs of gifted students. At this time, the WAGC has been unable to establish contact with these individuals. However, the Board is continuing to work towards this goal.

Wendolyn McGregor, President [email protected]

As of 10/26/2015 All Info Submitted by State Representatives

Dates to Note: State Affiliate Conference March 5-8, 2016 Washington, DC NAGC 63rd Annual Convention November 3-6, 2016 Walt Disney World® Resort, FL

state affiliate activities – 2015 - nagc · nagc state affiliates activity report 2015 1 national...

Documents