Does your identification process match your service design? Why does this matter? Selecting identification tools that are cost and time effective while easy to use matters. However, if these tools do not match the service design, then why identify students? In this session, learn how to check your G/T alignment.
Director of Advanced Programs for Leander ISD, a fast growing district outside of Austin, TX, Shirley believes the use of high quality curriculum as well as providing access to learning opportunities for teachers and leaders in the use of curriculum is critical to strengthening access... Read More →
Robust policies provide a framework for identification and services. These policies should define opportunities for all students. Despite best intentions, twice-exceptional learners are often left out of the equation. We will discuss the characteristics of equitable policies before examining several real-life examples to see if they make the grade.
State Director of Gifted Education, Minnesota Department of Education
Wendy Behrens is the Gifted Education Specialist for the Minnesota Department of Education. Her work focuses on creating an equitable infrastructure supporting gifted, talented and high potential learners through policy, advocacy, and teacher training. She has authored several books... Read More →
Increasing diversity and achieving equity has long been a goal of gifted education. Even so, Brown and Black students and those living in poverty remain glaringly missing. Language demands of verbal and quantitative ability tests are barriers for many students. Learn methods for equitable identification and building inclusive gifted programming.
Executive Director, Herberger Young Scholars Academy
Kimberly is the founding Executive Director of the Herberger Young Scholars Academy, a distinguished secondary school catering to highly gifted students at Arizona State University.In 2023, Kimberly was honored with the Arizona Association for Gifted and Talented Lifetime Achievement... Read More →
Academic Associate, MLF Teacher's College, Arizona State University
Dina Brulles, Ph.D., is the Gifted Masters Program Coordinator at Arizona State University and the former Director of Gifted Education at Paradise Valley USD in Arizona. Dina has served as NAGC’s Governance Secretary and the board’s School District Representative. She received... Read More →
In this exhibitor workshop session, educators and administrators will not only be guided through the exciting journey of transitioning from traditional to digital formats within gifted and talented programs using Project GT but will also hear firsthand from school districts about their experiences as they make the transition.
Whether you're just starting to consider digital transformation or are already on your way, this session will equip you with actionable insights and best practices to make your leap into the digital realm with the Project Education team smooth and successful. Get ready to embrace the future of education with confidence and creativity!
In this journey, we emphasize the importance of robust policies, clear processes, and transparency in data management. As you navigate the digital transition, you'll learn how to establish and maintain policies that protect student information, ensure compliance with legal standards, and foster a trustworthy environment. We will also explore the processes that support seamless digital integration, highlighting the importance of transparency in how data is collected, stored, and used. By prioritizing these aspects, you'll ensure that your digital transformation to Project GT not only enhances educational outcomes but also upholds the highest standards of integrity and trust.
Take a look at how our district restructured the G/T service model and curriculum to align with academic standards. Also, explore how the G/T Expo can demonstrate creativity and the application of learning. Participants will learn why we made the change, what we changed, and the implementation process.
Jennifer Williams is the Advanced Learning Coordinator for Elementary Schools in Humble ISD. This is her 24th year in education, and she has a diverse background throughout her career. Jennifer has worked with PK-12 grade students as a teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal... Read More →
Professional Learning Communities allow educators to share best practices, brainstorm innovative ideas, and collaborate on ways to improve/drive student achievement. Together we will explore key components to a successful, motivating, and informative PLC among Gifted and Talented specialists.
Gifted and Advanced Academic Services Coordinator, Round Rock ISD
Melissa Vasquez is one of the Gifted and Advanced Academic Services Coordinator with Round Rock ISD, focusing on elementary programming. She has been a member of the Round Rock ISD family for 12 years. Her career in education started with substitute teaching, after which she became... Read More →
Acceleration is an intervention moves students through the curriculum at a faster rate than their age-mates. Though supported by research, many myths about acceleration exist and it remains under-utilized. For students with exceptional cognitive ability, high performance, and motivation acceleration can ensure access to rigorous curriculum and appropriate challenge.
State Director of Gifted Education, Minnesota Department of Education
Wendy Behrens is the Gifted Education Specialist for the Minnesota Department of Education. Her work focuses on creating an equitable infrastructure supporting gifted, talented and high potential learners through policy, advocacy, and teacher training. She has authored several books... Read More →
The Texas Education Agency and Commissioner's Advisory Council on G/T Education (CAC) will provide program updates. Topics included legislative updates, equity in identification, program options, student growth, and parental involvement.
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 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 →
Take a moment to catch up with your fellow G/T leaders and share your challenges and solutions with your favorite morning brew in this casual coffee and chat session, sponsored by Knowsys Educational Services LLC.
Come join us as we share how to build partnerships and family engagement in your program. Learn about Family Passion Projects and how families can work together to explore their passions and ignite change. We will share ideas with each other so you leave with your ideas ready to implement.
Many of our secondary G/T students are serviced by our Advanced/Honors and AP courses. In them, how do we differentiate for G/T students but also ensure that we are aligned with AP expectations? This session dives into how a large, surburban district is acreating alignment between Advanced/Honors and AP teachers.
Current K-12 Director of Advanced Academics for Mansfield ISD. Former ELAR/SS Instructional Coach. Former Secondary ELAR & Library Coordinator for MISD. Most recently was the Assistant Principal of Instruction for Red Oak Middle School (Grades 6-8; 1600+ students)
How can rural and small districts implement local norms and universal screening when budgets are small and coordinators’ time is limited? What can a part time G/T coordinator do? Come to collaborate, problem-solve and explore scenarios of how to creatively implement research-based best practices that work for rural schools.
Educational Consultant, Austin Creek Education Systems
Cecelia Boswell is an educator, consultant, and author. She taught migrant and giftedstudents, was Advanced Academics Consultant and Executive Director of AdvancedAcademics in an urban school where she created a middle school gifted academy. Sheled research projects, professional... Read More →
Katie D. Lewis, Ed.D., is an assistant professor at York College of Pennsylvania. She teaches undergraduate and graduate elementary education courses, and she also serves as program coordinator for Secondary Education, Post-Baccalaureate and Transfer students. Dr. Lewis has 5 years... Read More →
Celeste D.C. Sodergren, is a researcher-practitioner who believes in utilizing the best and most current research to inform day to day practice in educational organizations, and utilizing daily practice to inform research. Currently, she is a Doctoral Candidate in educational psychology... Read More →
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.
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 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 →
How does a district effectively consider all kindergarten students for gifted/talented and other advanced-level services according to the state plan? Discover how to develop a purposeful kindergarten screening process that aligns services and educational best practices to foster inclusivity and provide support for our youngest learners.
With 25 years of experience in education and 18 years as a GT Specialist, Biselva Ortega is dedicated to delivering engaging and stimulating learning experiences for students. She collaborates closely with teachers to enhance access to GT services through inclusive identification... Read More →
Vivian Burleson has spent over two-thirds of her 20-year educational career focused on gifted students at both elementary and secondary levels. As a wife, mother, and educator of gifted individuals, she understands the spectrum of blessings and struggles that accompanies giftedness... Read More →
Join the College Board as we share tools and resources available to support student opportunity and College, Career, and Military Readiness. We will examine the latest data trends and updates, including the expansion of digital AP Exams. Additionally, we will share the free tools and resources available to students as they navigate their college and career readiness paths.
Senior Director, State and District Partnerships, College Board
Lana Sveda joined the College Board 2009. She supports districts in Texas and the Texas Education Agency. Ms. Sveda began her career as a middle school teacher. She has a Bachelor of Science in Applied Learning and Development from UT Austin and a Master of Public Administration from... Read More →