giftED24: Full Schedule

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8:00am CST

Cognitive Strategies for Building Success for ALL Students with CogAT

Thursday December 5, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CST

Do you know what a CogAT profile tells you about a student? Join us to decode the CogAT profile and apply this information to instructional opportunities for students. When instruction matches the way a student learns best, learning is maximized.

Speakers

Amy Chandler

Assistant Director - Gifted & Talented, North East ISD

Jennifer Ruth

Student Achievement Specialist, Plano ISD

Jennifer Ruth began her career in Plano ISD at Christie Elementary as a teacher and instructional specialist. From this experience she learned that she loved tote trays but hated textbook counts. She now works as an Assessment Specialist supporting teachers in how to use the data... Read More →

Monica Simonds

Product Strategis, Riverside Insights

MONICA SIMONDS, M.Ed., was the Director of Advanced Learning Programs and Services in Richardson ISD. After receiving her Master’s in Gifted Education, Monica taught gifted children in all grades and provided professional learning opportunities for the districts. She is a member... Read More →

Thursday December 5, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CST
Pearl 3 (2nd Floor)

Identification and Assessment

11:00am CST

Phenomenal Phenomena: Using Discrepant Events To Trigger Inquiry In Science

Thursday December 5, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

Pearl 3 (2nd Floor)

Wait...WHAT?! Why did that happen? Gifted can students sometimes think they know everything, but what if if we could burst their bubble? Put on your student hat and join us for a fast-paced, full audience participation, classroom-ready smorgasbord of hands-on science demonstrations that will leave your gifted students wondering "Why?!".

Speakers

Matt Wells

Science Dept. Chair, Cypress Fairbanks ISD

Matt Wells is a multiple award-winning teacher, Science department chair, AP consultant and workshop presenter based in Houston, TX. A Past-President of both the Science Teacher’s Association of Texas and the Texas Association of Biology Teachers, and a regular presenter at giftED... Read More →

Thursday December 5, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Pearl 3 (2nd Floor)

Creativity and Instructional Strategies

Keyword STEM

1:30pm CST

STEM Blitz: Rapid-Fire Elevation

Thursday December 5, 2024 1:30pm - 3:00pm CST

Pearl 3 (2nd Floor)

In this session, you'll engage in a rapid exploration and discussion of STEM opportunities. We will emphasize the integration of new TEKS standards while addressing the metacognitive needs of gifted learners. Infused with the natural differentiator of depth & complexity with create learning worthy of the brightest.

Speakers

Hunter Miller

GT/STEM Teacher, Kerrville ISD

Hunter is the proud GT/STEM teacher at Tally Elementary in Kerrville ISD. My goal in the classroom is to inspire lifelong learners through hands-on and engaging experiences. I am known on my campus for my 75+ hats/dress up attire that helps show students that it’s okay to be themselves... Read More →

Blythe Brown

STEM Coordinator & Advanced Academics Specialist, JTaylor Education

Blythe Brown is currently an E-STEM Liaison and Advanced Academics Specialist in Clear Creek ISD who has spent over 20 years growing K-5 students and teachers. Prior to her current role, Blythe has taught upper elementary all contents and served as a math and science instructional... Read More →

Thursday December 5, 2024 1:30pm - 3:00pm CST
Pearl 3 (2nd Floor)

Differentiated Curriculum

Keyword STEM

3:15pm CST

Increasing Rigor and Engagement in the Classroom: Tips and Tricks to Try Tomorrow!

Thursday December 5, 2024 3:15pm - 4:15pm CST

Pearl 3 (2nd Floor)

Tried and true strategies for increasing academic rigor, critical and creative thinking, and student engagement that will transform your classroom into a successful learning hub for high ability learners will be showcased, along with helpful tips, tricks, and strategies to minimize prep time and maximize impact.

Speakers

Michelle Swain

Director, Round Rock ISD

Michelle Swain serves Round Rock ISD as the Director of Gifted and Advanced Academic Services, overseeing GT identification and programming, college credit bearing coursework, and college readiness assessments. She has served on the NAGC Board and TAGT Board, including as TAGT 2011... Read More →

Thursday December 5, 2024 3:15pm - 4:15pm CST
Pearl 3 (2nd Floor)

Creativity and Instructional Strategies

4:30pm CST

Gifted/Talented Updated Rules and State Plan

Thursday December 5, 2024 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST

Pearl 3 (2nd Floor)

The session will address the SBOE approved changes to TAC 89: Gifted Education and to the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students in program services. Topics include equity in identification, program options, student growth, and parental involvement.

Speakers

Meredith Austin

Associate Director & Faculty, Rice University

Dr. Meredith Austin is the Associate Director of the Master of Arts in Teaching program and a faculty member at Rice University. She is an experienced educator and district administrator with a vibrant passion and deep commitment to developing educators. As a teacher and administrator... Read More →

Monica Brewer

Gifted/Talented Education Statewide Coordinator, Texas Education Agency

Monica Brewer is a Statewide Coordinator, Gifted/Talented (G/T) Education with the Texas Education Agency. In this role, Monica coordinates all aspects of G/T education and the Commissioner’s Advisory Council for Gifted/Talented Education. Monica is a qualified leader and holds... Read More →

Thursday December 5, 2024 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Pearl 3 (2nd Floor)

Law and Policy

Keyword Coordinators/Specialists