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Wednesday, December 4
 

9:00am CST

Building Vocabulary: The Foundation for College Readiness
Discover why and how to build a program that gives your students an advantage in reading comprehension, verbal communication, and test preparation! Explore vocabulary best practices based on Robert Marzano's well-respected research and learn innovative ways to introduce and teach vocabulary that students not only internalize but also utilize.

Speakers
avatar for Sheila Griffith Ph.D.

Sheila Griffith Ph.D.

President, Knowsys Educational Services
Dr. Sheila Griffith, president of Knowsys Educational Services, is a recognized expert in vocabulary acquisition and exam preparation. Dr. Griffith uses research to inform and develop curriculum designed to improve college readiness among secondary students. She authored the Knowsys... Read More →
AR

Amber Reynolds

GT Teacher (6th grade), GT Academy @ Pearland ISD
Amber Reynolds attended Baylor University where she specialized in Gifted and Talented Studies, the only undergrad program of its kind in the nation. Her time there instilled in her a love for engaging this population and equipping them with just the right tools to meet their unique... Read More →


Wednesday December 4, 2019 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Grand Oaks AB JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

9:00am CST

Civic Simulations: Engagement With Democratic Processes
Simulations of democratic processes offer students a chance to activate civic knowledge. Simulations (mock trials and hearings) are easy for teachers to implement and give students an opportunity to demonstrate the 21st-century learning skills of teamwork, public speaking, analytical thinking, and the ability to argue both sides of a topic.

Speakers
DK

Dodie Kasper

LRE Coordinator, State Bar of Texas
Dodie Kasper currently serves as the Coordinator of Law-Related Education. Dodie spent 25 years as a classroom educator with extensive experience teaching U.S. History and Government. Ms. Kasper has participated in the U.S. Supreme Court Institute and served as the Master Teacher... Read More →
JM

Jan Miller

LRE Director, State Bar of Texas
Jan joined the State Bar of Texas Law-Related Education department as coordinator in 1992 following a career as a classroom teacher and social studies coordinator. Since 1995 she has served as director of the department as well as the executive director of Law Focused Education, Inc... Read More →


Wednesday December 4, 2019 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Cibolo 3-4 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

9:00am CST

Enrichment: One District's Model
This session will provide a brief history of how the Enrichment program in Round Rock grew out of Advanced Academics, how the program has evolved, and how systems and structures have been put into place to support the needs of students and campuses.

Speakers
avatar for Michelle Swain

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 →
avatar for Katharine Riedlinger

Katharine Riedlinger

District Enrichment Coordinator, Round Rock ISD
Katharine Riedlinger currently serves as the Enrichment Coordinator for Round Rock ISD. She has been a classroom teacher and TAG specialist for 13 years, and has her master’s degree from the University of Connecticut where she worked closely with some of the biggest names in gifted... Read More →


Wednesday December 4, 2019 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Indian Paintbrush/Lakespar JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

9:00am CST

How to Develop Curriculum Units Using the TEKS and the State Plan
Would you like to implement cross-curricular learning experiences that lead to advanced-level products in your ELEMENTARY G/T pull-out program? Join us to learn how we have used TEKS, district data, and outside resources to create a curriculum that engages and challenges gifted learners. We’ll share both our successes and challenges.

Speakers
avatar for Dewawn Wiest

Dewawn Wiest

GT Teacher, Wylie ISD
Dewawn Wiest is in her 16th year in education and second year as a K-4 GT teacher. Previous to her current role, she taught fourth graders. She holds a Master’s Degree from Dallas Baptist University (2016) and a Bachelor’s Degree from University of Texas at Dallas (2003). Dewawn... Read More →
avatar for Kristi Williams

Kristi Williams

GT Teacher, Wylie ISD
Kristi Williams is in her 15th year of education and her fourth year as a GT teacher in a pull-out program. She serves two K-4 campuses and is part of a district team that writes curriculum for the elementary GT program. Previously, she taught GT students in a first grade classroom... Read More →
avatar for Heather Buckley

Heather Buckley

Elementary Advanced Academics & GT Specialist, Wylie ISD
Heather Buckley is in her 16th year as an educator in Wylie ISD. While her primary role is to serve as the Advanced Academics Instruction Specialist, she has 5 years experience teaching K-4 GT students in the classroom and 3 years teaching in a pull-out program. She leads a district... Read More →
JT

Jessica Travis

Early Childhood Literacy Specialist, Wylie ISD



Wednesday December 4, 2019 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Cibolo 7 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

9:00am CST

Identifying Giftedness Among ELL Populations
Identification of gifted students, particularly English Language Learners and students from diverse backgrounds, must become more inclusive to serve the gifted population. Participants will learn how using multiple measures to identify is beneficial and more accurate to identifying giftedness within a diverse population and far more accurate than traditional measures.

Speakers
avatar for Anna Payne

Anna Payne

Doctoral Student, Baylor University
Anna Payne is a doctoral student at Baylor University in educational psychology, with a focus on gifted students in mathematics. She has supervised student teachers, as well as working with innovative options for professional learning at the Belin-Blank Center (University of Iowa... Read More →
avatar for Yasmin Laird

Yasmin Laird

Doctoral Student, Baylor University
Yasmin Laird is a doctoral student at Baylor University in educational psychology with a focus in foreign language acquisition. She has worked with gifted students at all levels, as well as taught AP Spanish courses. Yasmin is also passionate about working with students from low socioeconomic... Read More →



Wednesday December 4, 2019 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Goldenrod JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

9:00am CST

Mashed Potatoes and Other Adventures in G/T Parenting
You already know parenting a G/T child is an adventure of a lifetime! Come and explore how Dabrowski's overexcitablities could be impacting your kiddo’s academic, personal, and social experiences. We'll laugh and learn as you identify what's making your student tick and how to support his or her extra adventurous gifts!

Speakers
avatar for Sara Gray

Sara Gray

Educational Consultant, Gray Matters Learning
With over twenty years of experience in both the private and public school settings, Sara brings a passion for the GT learner and their families.


Wednesday December 4, 2019 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Freesia JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

9:00am CST

P3: Partnering, Passion, and Philanthropy
Tired of doing the same thing every year? Engage your students by first focusing on their favorite topic: Themselves! Learn how we taught our students to look beyond their own needs to benefit others in our community through research, collaboration, marketing, and leadership. Leave with resources to get started tomorrow!

Speakers
avatar for Caitlin Andrews

Caitlin Andrews

GT Specialist, Northwest ISD
GT Specialist, Northwest ISD
avatar for Kimberly Blake

Kimberly Blake

GT Specialist, Northwest ISD
Kimberly Blake is a GT Specialist and curriculum writer in Northwest ISD.



Wednesday December 4, 2019 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Cibolo 1-2 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

9:00am CST

The Transformative Power of Cooperative Gameplay
Cooperative game play may be used as a powerful tool within the classroom to amplify moral reasoning skills for the gifted child. Exploring multiple perspectives while invoking one’s own sense of ethics-based decision making is critical to healthy social and emotional development.

Speakers
avatar for Allison Ross

Allison Ross

Curriculum Coordinator and MS Faculty, E.A. Young Academy
Allison Ross serves as Curriculum Coordinator and Middle School faculty. With a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Texas Christian University, Ms. Ross is a Horned Frog at heart. After spending the early part of her teaching career in a more traditional elementary... Read More →
avatar for Kathy Lyda

Kathy Lyda

Head of School, E.A. Young Academy
Kathy Lyda serves as Head of School but prefers the title “Director of Awesomeness” at E.A. Young Academy, an independent, not-for-profit academy dedicated to the needs of the gifted and talented scholar. Ms. Lyda holds a BS in Psychology from Texas Christian University and a... Read More →



Wednesday December 4, 2019 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Cibolo 10-11 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

9:00am CST

Who Is Doing the Thinking?
Who does the thinking in your classroom? You, or your students? In this session, we will identify high-level questioning techniques that will get students thinking and solving problems. We will learn three strategies you can take into your classrooom and use today. Let's get the students thinking!

Speakers
avatar for Barbie Scott

Barbie Scott

Advanced Academics/GT Specialist, Clear Creek ISD
Barbie Scott is an Advanced Academics/GT Specialist for Clear Creek Independent School District. She is currently in her 20th year of teaching and has taught Pre-K, 2nd grade, 4th grade and Advanced Academics. She loves to challenge her Gifted students, while building their self-esteem... Read More →



Wednesday December 4, 2019 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Begonia/Bottlebrush JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

9:00am CST

CANCELLED: DC Icons and 2e Learners
This session has been cancelled due to a speaker emergency.

This session focuses in on how to challenge and support learners that are twice exceptional with an ADHD diagnosis. We will look at the learning strengths that accompany ADHD and how to utilize the icons for depth and complexity in challenging these learners.

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Carrie Simpson

Dr. Carrie Simpson

Educational Consultant
Dr. Carrie Simpson has made a career of understanding, researching, and utilizing differentiated instruction as part of the foundation for teaching. Her work in the field of gifted education, followed by curriculum development and teacher training in the field of special needs brought... Read More →


Wednesday December 4, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm CST
Bluebonnet/Dogwood JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

9:00am CST

Challenge Accepted: Practical Approaches to Equitable Identification
The gifted community wants equity in identification...challenge accepted! Let’s begin to actively evolve the identification process in our classrooms. By taking a bold look at barriers to access, we’ll then explore varied approaches that teachers can use--including a hands-on experience in active identification. Join the cause and take solutions back to your classroom!

Speakers
avatar for Justin Vawter

Justin Vawter

CEO, NuMinds Enrichment
Justin Vawter lives on the fringe of education, a creative spark working tirelessly to redefine the educational narrative and make the learning experience more impactful and meaningful. He holds a Masters degree in Curriculum Design and Instruction from the University of North Texas... Read More →
avatar for Ben Koch

Ben Koch

Co-Founder, NuMinds
Ben Koch is driven to unite people to a greater vision and cause in education and self-development. Through coaching, teaching, and delivering progressive workshops and talks he seeks to expand horizons in education, leadership, and personal development. Driven to make a broader impact... Read More →


Wednesday December 4, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm CST
Cibolo 5 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

9:00am CST

Challenge Me With Choice
Do you want to add challenge to your classroom? Join us as we design purposeful menus for your students. Learn the models and how we differentiate cognitive level based on student need. Finally, work with colleagues to create your own menus to implement in your classroom.

Speakers
avatar for Blythe Brown

Blythe Brown

Advanced Academics, Clear Creek ISD
Blythe Brown is an Advanced Academics Specialist in Clear Creek ISD and has 20 years of experience teaching gifted children. Blythe has presented at TAGT for 4 years, sharing her love of innovative ideas. Her experience ranges from self contained upper elementary, Math Coach, Advanced... Read More →
avatar for Dalena Ryskoski

Dalena Ryskoski

Advanced Academics, Clear Creek ISD
Dalena Ryskoski, an Advanced Academics Specialist in Clear Creek ISD, has over 10 years of experience. Her experience ranges from self-contained classroom teacher, Advanced Academics Specialist K-5, an experienced UHCL presenter, and in and out of district presenter.
BZ

Bianca Zelenski

Advanced Academics, Clear Creek ISD
Bianca Zelenski, an Advanced Academics Specialist in Clear Creek ISD, has over 5 years of experience focused on the needs of gifted students. Her experience ranges from self-contained classroom teacher, Advanced Academics Specialist K-5, and an experienced district presenter.



Wednesday December 4, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm CST
Grand Oaks CD JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

9:00am CST

Equitably Identifying and Serving Minority Students in Gifted Education: Lessons Learned From Illinois District U-46
Equity in identification of gifted and talented students remains a challenge for many districts—and has led to multiple court cases across the nation. The revised Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students calls for all student populations to have access to identification for G/T services (Section 2.24) and for the population of G/T students to closely reflect the population of the total district and/or campus (Section 2.25). This session looks at the example of Illinois District U-46, the court case against this district’s identification process and program models for minority students, and what lessons have been learned about building more equitable programs from this district’s work since the case occurred. Moderated by Crystal Wilson, Ford Bend ISD.

Speakers
avatar for Crystal Wilson

Crystal Wilson

GT Program Manager-Elementary, Fort Bend ISD
Crystal Wilson has 28 years of personal and professional experience with gifted education.  Crystal is currently employed as a GT Program Manager-Elementary for Fort Bend ISD.  She enjoys serving as a volunteer for TAGT. Her interests away from work include cycling, traveling, and... Read More →
avatar for Donna Y Ford

Donna Y Ford

Ohio State University, Distinguished Professor
Donna Y. Ford is an expert on gifted education and urban education. She returned to The Ohio State University in August 2019 as a Distinguished Professor in the College of Education and Human Ecology. She is also a Faculty Affiliate with the Kirwan Institute. Dr. Ford conducts research... Read More →
avatar for April Wells

April Wells

Gifted Coordinator, Illinois School District U-46
April Wells is the Gifted Coordinator in Illinois School District U-46, where she facilitated the redesign of the District’s gifted program in 2012-2013. April serves on the Board of Directors for the Illinois Association for Gifted Children.


Wednesday December 4, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm CST
Grand Oaks NO JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

9:00am CST

Real Science on a Dime with NASA Resources
Do you need to have expensive kits and extensive lab equipment in order to engage your learners in authentic hands-on STEM opportunities. The answer, of course, is a resounding NO! In this session you will work through a succession of challenges using whatever the presenter found earlier.

Speakers
avatar for Steven Smith

Steven Smith

Education Specialist, NASA
NASA has ton's of free standards aligned resources for educators. As we prepare to return to the Moon incredible opportunities abound.


Wednesday December 4, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm CST
Iris/Lily JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

9:00am CST

The Possibility of the Unexplored
80% of our oceans are unexplored. We have no idea what is beneath the surface of the undiscovered waters. What if the same is true for student learning? In this session, learn how to give gifted learners opportunities to go deep and explore using a variety of tools and strategies.

Speakers
avatar for Andi McNair

Andi McNair

Author, Speaker, Gifted Ed Specialist, Digital Innovation Specialist, ESC Region 12, Waco, TX
Andi was a classroom teacher for 16 years before pursuing her passion to change education by sharing practical ways to engage and empower today’s learners. She is now a published author, international speaker, gifted education specialist and digital innovation specialist at ESC... Read More →


Wednesday December 4, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm CST
Cibolo 6 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

9:00am CST

Total School Cluster Grouping: Developing Talents among all Students and Teachers
TSCG is a programming system that helps teachers better meet the needs of students in the elementary classroom. When implemented with fidelity, it results in increased achievement, more students identified at higher achievement levels, improved teacher practices, and better representation of underserved youth.

Speakers
avatar for Marcia Gentry

Marcia Gentry

Professor, Purdue University
Marcia Gentry directs the Gifted Education Resource Institute at Purdue University where she enjoys working with doctoral students and engaging in research and gifted education professional development. She remains active in the field through service to NAGC and AERA and by writing... Read More →


Wednesday December 4, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm CST
Grand Oaks RS JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

9:00am CST

Using Powerful Questions to Guide Inquiry and Discussion
Effective questions drive the process of learning through inquiry. Teachers who understand how interpretive questions focus and facilitate group discussion are better able to guide students towards deeper critical thinking about the meaning of complex texts and more civil discourse. Learn to create such powerful questions through modeling and practice.

Speakers
avatar for Denise Ahlquist

Denise Ahlquist

Senior Academic Consultant, Great Books Foundation
Denise Ahlquist loves to engage people of all ages in Shared Inquiry discussions about the great questions and ideas that shape our world. Denise teaches workshops in effective questioning for teachers and volunteers, supports diverse schools implementing inquiry learning, and has... Read More →


Wednesday December 4, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm CST
Grand Oaks PQ JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

9:00am CST

Using the STEM Process in Your Project-Based Learning
The STEM design process involves asking, imagining, planning, creating, and revising. This fits into the model of PBL where students are creating authentic products. This session shows you how to incorporate the STEM design process into projects to ensure maximize learning. These open-ended projects are great for challenging gifted students.

Speakers
avatar for Todd Stanley

Todd Stanley

Gifted Services Coordinator/Author, Pickerington Local Schools, OH
Todd Stanley is the author of many teacher-education books including Project-Based Learning for Gifted Students: A Handbook for the 21st Century Classroom, When Smart Kids Underachieve in the Classroom: Practical Solutions for Teachers, and his latest Authentic Learning: Real World... Read More →


Wednesday December 4, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm CST
Cibolo 8-9 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

9:00am CST

Nursing Mothers Room
Please see registration desk to check out the key for the Nursing Mothers room.

Wednesday December 4, 2019 9:00am - Friday December 6, 2019 1:00pm CST
Peony

10:15am CST

Building Bridges: Finding Common Goals to Advance Your Goals
With HB3 and the new Texas State Plan, it is more important than ever to find common ground with district goals. Let's discuss how we can work WITH resistant districts so we are pulling in the same direction.

Speakers
avatar for Monica Simonds

Monica Simonds

Director of Advanced Learning Programs and Services, Richardson ISD
Monica Simonds received her M.Ed., from the University of Southwestern Louisiana, currently the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. After teaching for almost ten years in Louisiana, she moved to Texas where she spent ten years as a high school debate coach and is now in her 12th year... Read More →


Wednesday December 4, 2019 10:15am - 11:15am CST
Cibolo 7 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

10:15am CST

Considerations for Gifted Students With ADHD
Students may be both gifted and have ADHD. ADHD is characterized by challenges with executive functioning skills such as organization, planning, and time management. Also, students with ADHD often have challenges with social interactions. Implications of the disorder will be explored as it relates to programming for gifted students.

Speakers

Wednesday December 4, 2019 10:15am - 11:15am CST
Goldenrod JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

10:15am CST

How to Increase Engagement by Limiting Choices for the G/T Learner
Feeling overwhelmed as you keep adding more to your load to differentiate for your special learners? What about limiting choices as a source for creativity within our current curriculum? This session will share lots of tried and tested ideas that will have your students 100% engaged!

Speakers
avatar for Kate Wells

Kate Wells

GT Trainer & Elementary Teacher, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
Kate is a GT Trainer and award-winning elementary teacher who has worked in multiple grade levels and content areas with Gifted, SPED and ESL populations from a wide variety of socio-economic backgrounds. Passionate about differentiating both instruction AND assessment, and an expert... Read More →


Wednesday December 4, 2019 10:15am - 11:15am CST
Begonia/Bottlebrush JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

10:15am CST

Meaningful Experiences for the Mathematically Gifted Elementary Student
How do we grow leaders during math class and beyond? Active instructional techniques like Problem Based Learning (PBL) can motivate bored students and raise their understanding and achievement. Student-centered strategies and reasoning skills obtained through PBL increase students' creativity and independence while helping students earn a sense of ownership.

Speakers
EA

Erica Arevalo

Chief Operational Officer, Embolden Educational Consulting
Erica Arevalo, has served in the education sector through the capacity of multiple roles including that of a classroom teacher, District Job Embedded Trainer, District Math Coach, District Instructional Coach, and Independent Educational Consultant. Currently, Erica works collaboratively... Read More →



Wednesday December 4, 2019 10:15am - 11:15am CST
Cibolo 1-2 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

10:15am CST

Modify the Depth, Complexity, and Pacing? Exploring Curriculum Using a Rigorous Lens
State law requires districts to modify the depth, complexity, and pacing of the curriculum and instruction ordinarily provided to meet the needs of G/T students. An intense investigation of the standards relative to depth, complexity, and pacing is paramount when designing programs and services for gifted learners. Discuss, learn, and apply!

Speakers
avatar for Donna Ashby

Donna Ashby

G/T Specialist, Region 7 ESC
Donna Ashby M. Ed., a G/T Specialist for over 15 years at Region 7 Education Service Center, has created and conducted numerous programs and events for thousands of students across East Texas including Model United Nations, robotics, the Imagination Fair, and Innovative Inventions... Read More →


Wednesday December 4, 2019 10:15am - 11:15am CST
Cibolo 3-4 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

10:15am CST

Self-Advocacy: The Power of a Child’s Voice
We often find ourselves in the position of advocating for gifted youngsters in our lives.  Yet, at some point, they will need to know how to advocate for themselves.  We can nurture this important life skill and foster a life-long willingness to tactfully speak up for their own learning needs.

Speakers
avatar for Tamara Fisher Alley

Tamara Fisher Alley

K-12 Gifted Education Specialist, Polson School District #23, MT
Tamara Fisher is K-12 Gifted Specialist for Polson Schools on Montana’s Flathead Indian Reservation. She is Past-President of Montana AGATE and earned her M.A. in Gifted Education in 2004 (UConn). Tamara co-authored "Intelligent Life in the Classroom" with Karen Isaacson, which... Read More →


Wednesday December 4, 2019 10:15am - 11:15am CST
Freesia JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

10:15am CST

The Perfect Pair: G/T and IB
Why is International Baccalaureate (IB) appropriate for gifted learners? In what ways do IB planners and student agency complement G/T differentiation and independent research? In this session, you will become familiar with the IB approach to learning that parallels the nature and needs of gifted students.

Speakers
avatar for Ann Wink

Ann Wink

IB Consultant, TIBS
TIBS is a 501(c)(3) organization and a recognized Association of IB World Schools that supports the general improvement of education for students enrolled in IB.
avatar for Cecelia Boswell Ed.D.

Cecelia Boswell Ed.D.

Consultant, Austin Creek Education Systems
ecelia Boswell, Ed.D. taught migrant and gifted students, served as the Advanced Academics consultant for ESC-14, and the executive Director of Advanced Academics for Waco ISD. She is a consultant in district evaluation of gifted services and professional learning in gifted education... Read More →


Wednesday December 4, 2019 10:15am - 11:15am CST
Indian Paintbrush/Lakespar JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

10:15am CST

Using Entrepreneurship to Served Gifted Middle School Students
Gifted, middle school students are often served primarily though PreAP curriculum without additional resources and programs offered at the elementary level. Learn how one school uses entrepreneurship to extend students' thinking, explore their passions, create a feeling of responsibility for positive change, and develop leadership skills in highly gifted middle school students.

Speakers
avatar for Holly Mohler

Holly Mohler

Headmaster/Principal, School for the Highly Gifted, Grand Prairie ISD
Holly Mohler opened the School for the Highly Gifted in 2014 and is still currently leading the in-district, GPISD charter as its headmaster. She has spent thirteen of her fifteen years in education in Grand Prairie ISD serving in a variety of roles: elementary teacher, elementary... Read More →


Wednesday December 4, 2019 10:15am - 11:15am CST
Cibolo 10-11 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

10:15am CST

Using Literature to Ignite Students’ Enthusiasm for Higher Level Math
Come hear, see, and experience ways to use literature in a high school math classroom. Hear about successful high school math projects built on non mathematical literature. See how creative thinking can connect math to literature. Experience firsthand how to adapt literature to your math classroom.

Speakers
avatar for Teresa Turner

Teresa Turner

Teacher, Singley Academy, Irving ISD
I teach Algebra 2 and Precalculus GT and PreAP at Singley Academy in Irving, Texas. I have my M.Ed. In Gifted Education from Hardin Simmons University.


Wednesday December 4, 2019 10:15am - 11:15am CST
Grand Oaks AB JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:30am CST

"The Keys of Success Open Doors to Change": Being a Culturally Responsive Gifted Educator and Leader
Being culturally competent and responsive plays a role in curriculum, instructional support, recruiting & retaining RCELD students in gifted education and secondary advanced academics. Participants will receive resources aiding in implementing culturally responsive practices in gifted and Advanced Placement classrooms. Strategies will be available for gifted and Advanced Placement leaders

Speakers
avatar for Javetta Jones Roberson

Javetta Jones Roberson

District Coordinator, Advanced Academics & Gifted, McKinney ISD
Dr. Javetta Jones Roberson serves as the District Coordinator of Secondary Advanced Academics & Gifted and Talented in McKinney ISD. Javetta received her doctorate of education in the Educational Leadership program at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Her research interests include diverse... Read More →


Wednesday December 4, 2019 11:30am - 12:30pm CST
Goldenrod JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:30am CST

Be Here Now: Teaching Mindfulness to Students
Mindfulness is defined as awareness of the present moment. Mindfulness has many benefits for the social emotional well-being of gifted students such as improved attention, better coping with emotions, and calmer decision making. Participants will learn how to teach both active and passive mindfulness practices to their students.

Speakers

Wednesday December 4, 2019 11:30am - 12:30pm CST
Cibolo 1-2 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:30am CST

Bridging Social-Emotional Learning and G/T Programming With Innovative Application of Tech Resources
Social/emotional learning (SEL) is a complicated but necessary component of G/T programming. G/T students have unique SEL needs and students should retain their identity and communicate their vision in curriculum. Come explore tech tools that serve as bridge between the voice of our students and academic goals for students.

For PowerPoint and tools shared, click here: https://padlet.com/roland7350/chouuodj6s4j

Speakers
avatar for Rolando Ruvalcaba M.Ed.

Rolando Ruvalcaba M.Ed.

Educational Consultant, ESC, Region 20
Rolando Ruvalcaba has had experience facilitating G/T workshops at various levels for 16 years. Rolando is known for his interactive sessions that bring out the best of his participants. As a classroom teacher, Rolando has established himself as an effective educator for gifted students... Read More →


Wednesday December 4, 2019 11:30am - 12:30pm CST
Cibolo 3-4 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:30am CST

Davidson Institute @ 20: What We’ve Learned About PG Children
Profound giftedness adds a layer of complexity to the already challenging realm of parenting. These students' developmental and educational trajectories differ even among the gifted population. Although no handbook for PG exists, our work in supporting PG students over 20 years provides insight to the trends observed of 6,000+ families.

Speakers
JM

Jessica Mingo

Assistant Director, Davidson Institute for Talent Development
Jessica Mingo joined the Davidson Institute in 2013 and has been involved in various features of the Young Scholars program including the Family Consultant Team, Young Scholars Ambassador Program, Davidson Alumni, and various Davidson publications. Now as Assistant Director of Young... Read More →


Wednesday December 4, 2019 11:30am - 12:30pm CST
Freesia JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:30am CST

Duke University Talent Identification Program: Not Just the Talent Search
Duke TIP offers innovative curriculum, professional development, gifted education research and resources, advocacy tools, and supplemental programming to assist educators in the classroom. We'll clarify the purpose and benefits of talent search participation, and share new ideas to address everyday teaching challenges, which includes free inspirational instruction and classroom-ready lessons/materials.

Speakers
TG

Traci Guidry

Southwest Regional Manager, Duke University Talent Identification Program
Traci Guidry represents Duke TIP outside the state of North Carolina. Her satellite office was created in 2005 to more directly respond to the needs of Texas GT parents and educators. Approximately 30% of total Duke TIP participation hails from the Lone Star State and Ms. Guidry is... Read More →


Wednesday December 4, 2019 11:30am - 12:30pm CST
Grand Oaks AB JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:30am CST

Easy Reads, Tough Conversations
Choosing picture books that encourage students to think intensively and critically about social studies concepts can be a difficult task. Additionally, facilitating discussions or reflective writing assignments that provide students with a voice to the topics is essential in the development of informed, empathetic, well-rounded citizens.

Speakers
avatar for Jessica Torres

Jessica Torres

Education Specialist, ESC Region 12
Jessica serves as an Educational Specialist for ESC Region 12 in the heart of Texas. Formerly an assistant principal and Montessori teacher, Mrs. Torres is passionate about developing educators to provide innovative approaches and experiences for all learners as they pursue their... Read More →


Wednesday December 4, 2019 11:30am - 12:30pm CST
Begonia/Bottlebrush JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:30am CST

Gift of Gab: Discourse of Gifted Learners
The goal of this session is to give all stakeholders ideas on how to give gifted and talented students opportunities to learn from one another via classroom discourse. These structured discussions will help boost their social skills and their ability to learn from multiple perspectives found within the classroom.

Speakers
avatar for Angela Votion

Angela Votion

GATE Instructional Specialist, SAISD
Angela Votion is a Gifted and Talented Education specialist with SAISD. Angela has worked with gifted students for the last six years, and is mother to four gifted children of her own. She holds a Masters of Science in Reading/Literacy from Texas A&M - SA, and is constantly looking... Read More →



Wednesday December 4, 2019 11:30am - 12:30pm CST
Cibolo 10-11 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:30am CST

Secondary Gifted Services Panel
Meeting the needs of gifted students in high school has long been a challenge for districts. This interactive panel discussion will provide insight into service models and opportunities schools and districts can implement and give participants an opportunity to engage with district staff from a variety of districts.

Speakers
avatar for Michelle Swain

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 →
avatar for Tish Cawley

Tish Cawley

Coordinator of Gifted and Talented Services, Hays CISD
I have been with Hays CISD for 16 years. Previously, I taught in Keller ISD and Manor ISD. Since coming to Hays I have served as a G/T Teacher, District Lead G/T Teacher, and Coordinator of Gifted and Talented Services.
DS

Debbie Smith

Coordinator Advanced Academics/GT/504, San Marcos CISD
Parent of two gifted adult boys; taught gifted elementary K-5 for 10 years; Director of Advanced Academics and Gifted Education at TEA for two years; currently Coordinator of Adv Academics/GT/504/RtI_x000D_Served as Committee Vice-Chair and Chair of Membership Involvement Committee... Read More →


Wednesday December 4, 2019 11:30am - 12:30pm CST
Grand Oaks EF JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:30am CST

The Nitty Gritty of Accelerating Gifted Students
Accelerating gifted students is a well-researched, effective, relatively inexpensive way to meet G/T students' academic needs. We will discuss several acceleration options, and processes to determine who needs them. Participants will have the opportunity to identify the array of acceleration options currently offered in their schools and explore expanding them.

Speakers
avatar for Lynette Breedlove

Lynette Breedlove

Director, The Gatton Academy of Mathematics & Science, KY
Dr. Lynette Breedlove is Director of The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky located on the campus of Western Kentucky University. She has served gifted students in Texas as a central office administrator, campus GT specialists, and classroom teacher. She is a past... Read More →



Wednesday December 4, 2019 11:30am - 12:30pm CST
Indian Paintbrush/Lakespar JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:30am CST

Top Ten Things You Should Know About the New State Plan
Just when you thought you understood the last one, a New State Plan comes along. The original State Plan was published in 1990. Since that time, there have been three revisions, This session will focus on ten of the biggest concepts and/or changes in the New State Plan.

Speakers
avatar for Todd Kettler, Ph.D.

Todd Kettler, Ph.D.

Professor, Baylor University
Todd Kettler is associate professor of educational psychology at Baylor University and an affiliated faculty member of the Baylor Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development. Dr. Kettler serves as the coordinator of the graduate programs in gifted education at Baylor University... Read More →



Wednesday December 4, 2019 11:30am - 12:30pm CST
Cibolo 7 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

1:30pm CST

MasterMind: Taking Off the Mask
Taking Off the Mask helps to unlock potential by cultivating emotional intelligence and psychological safety. Recent research from Google, Harvard, and other institutions suggest that the most critical factor for effectiveness is “psychological safety”–an environment with a high degree of interpersonal trust and respect where team members (including students) can take risks without concern of embarrassment, rejection, or punishment. Attendees will experience various exercises to explore topics such as self-awareness, authenticity, and compassion, both toward oneself and others. Taking Off the Mask is a highly experiential, kinestethic keynote that creates a safe space for individuals to engage in an uncommonly open, honest dialogue. Through hands-on activities, discussion, and video, participants learn about “the mask” that we each wear and discuss what it means for us, and our students, to take the mask off.

Speakers
avatar for Ashanti Branch

Ashanti Branch

Ever Forward Club
Ashanti Branch works to change how young men of color interact with their education and how their schools interact with them. Raised in Oakland by a single mother on welfare, Ashanti left the inner city to study civil engineering at Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo. A construction project... Read More →


Wednesday December 4, 2019 1:30pm - 3:00pm CST
Grand Oaks Ballroom G-M

3:00pm CST

giftED19 Opening Kick-Off Celebration
Join TAGT as we kick-off giftED19 the right way! Check out our amazing vendors, take your photo with friends in our photo booth, grab some swag from the TAGT store, and more. We'll have plenty of meet-ups, pop-ups, and fun surprises waiting for you!

Wednesday December 4, 2019 3:00pm - 6:00pm CST
Marketplace Exhibit Hall

3:20pm CST

Research Pop-Up: A Longitudinal Analysis of Inequity in Gifted Education in Texas: Applying the Relative Difference in Composition Index (RDCI)
The Relative Difference in Composition Index (RDCI), has recently been suggested as a measure of equity in GT identification. In this study, the RDCI is tested through application at the state, district and campus levels. Trends over time are created for each racial group between the years 2001 and 2018. This study explores one approach to embdedding growth mindset material into an academic discipline with the aim to improve students' mindset towards learning as well as encourage academic grit and perseverance (particularly students with perfectionistic and task-avoidance related underachievement). This is a practical model of how districts can use the RDCI as a tool to diagnose and track their own equity issues in GT identification and services. The effectiveness of the tool is examined at the State, district and campus levels. Learn more about research being conducted in gifted education in this short research presentation.

Speakers
avatar for Celeste Sodergren M.A.

Celeste Sodergren M.A.

Director of Advanced Academics, Waco ISD
Celeste D.C. Sodergren, MA 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 pursuing her PhD in educational psychology... Read More →


Wednesday December 4, 2019 3:20pm - 3:40pm CST
giftED Exchange (Exhibit Hall)

3:30pm CST

Emerging Leaders Program Interest Meeting & Alumni Meet-Up
New coordinators and those interested in being mentors can learn more about the Emerging Leaders Program at this meet-up.

The TAGT Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is designed to provide new (3 years or less) district G/T coordinators with the knowledge and skills needed to work effectively with school staff, parents, students, and the community to positively impact the development of appropriate educational services for G/T students in the district.


Wednesday December 4, 2019 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST
TAGT HQ

4:00pm CST

Breakout of the Ordinary! Creating Digital Breakout EDU Games to Engage Gifted Learners
Want to breakout of the ordinary? Come and learn how to create your very own Digital Breakout EDU games! In this session, you will learn how to use Google Suite products to create fun, engaging and challenging games for your gifted students online.

Speakers
avatar for Christina Ramirez

Christina Ramirez

GT Teacher/Facilitator, Katy ISD
I have a Master's in Education for Gifted Education. I have worked with gifted learners for over 15 years at the elementary level. I currently work for Katy ISD as a GT teacher/facilitator.



Wednesday December 4, 2019 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Cibolo 3-4 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:00pm CST

Build It and Parents Will Come
In the movie, A Field of Dreams, we all remember the famous line, "Build it and they will come." This session shares how a district designed a support system for parents to understand the social and emotional needs of their gifted learner. This partnership allows their gifted population to thrive.

Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Leal

Jennifer Leal

GT Coordinator, Rockwall ISD
I have been in the field of education for over 32 years. Thirty-one years have involved the gifted learner which has led me to the position of the district Gifted and Talented Coordinator for Rockwall ISD. My first charge as an administrator for this special population included being... Read More →
avatar for Julie Byrnes

Julie Byrnes

District Gifted and Talented Specialist, Rockwall ISD
Julie has been in gifted education for 13 years.  She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction.
avatar for Heather Caldwell

Heather Caldwell

District Gifted and Talented Specialist, Rockwall ISD
Heather has been in gifted education for 13 years. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction.



Wednesday December 4, 2019 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Indian Paintbrush/Lakespar JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:00pm CST

Create an Academic Competition Spotlighting 4C Skills
Create an academic competition based on 4C skills. Students work in teams, competing against their peers using critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creative thinking skills in a game-like competition. We will show you how to set up a competition, make a rubic and we'll even play a few games to give you examples of inexpensive, engaging ideas!

Speakers
avatar for Deniece Frideley

Deniece Frideley

GT Specialist, Lancaster ISD
Deniece Frideley is currently in her seventeenth year teaching and her sixth year as a G/T Specialist in Lancaster Independent School District. She is an innovative teacher who allows her students to take ownership of their learning through project based learning, as well as Genius... Read More →
avatar for Christine Grimm

Christine Grimm

Gifted and Talented Specialist, Lancaster ISD
Christine Grimm, a graduate of West Texas A&M University, has taught Gifted students for the past nine years and believes that an educator's role should be as a facilitator, allowing students to learn by doing.  She has obtained multiple grants that have allowed her students access... Read More →



Wednesday December 4, 2019 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Iris/Lily JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:00pm CST

Digital Differentiation for Gifted Learners
Differentiating for gifted learners is so much more than just giving harder or more work. In this learning experience, we will dive into digital tools that will enable gifted students to go deep and make important connections.

Speakers
avatar for Andi McNair

Andi McNair

Author, Speaker, Gifted Ed Specialist, Digital Innovation Specialist, ESC Region 12, Waco, TX
Andi was a classroom teacher for 16 years before pursuing her passion to change education by sharing practical ways to engage and empower today’s learners. She is now a published author, international speaker, gifted education specialist and digital innovation specialist at ESC... Read More →


Wednesday December 4, 2019 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Cibolo 5 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:00pm CST

Embrace the G/T Space: Get Techie With It
Get techie with the G/T digital generation through websites and apps that will engage students in using these digital tools to embrace their learning in English and Spanish. Get ready to inspire students and ignite projects, using empowering technologies, as used in our Connecting Worlds/Mundos Unidos Two-Way Dual Language G/T Magnet Program.

Speakers
LF

Laila Ferris

Prinicpal/Interim Chief, Division of Connecting Languages/Dual Language, Mesita ECDC/Elementary School, El Paso ISD
Laila Ferris is a graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso, with both a Bachelors of Science and Masters in Education Administration degrees. She has been the Principal of Mesita Early Childhood Development Center and Elementary School, in El Paso ISD, for 24 years and is also... Read More →


Wednesday December 4, 2019 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Cibolo 6 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:00pm CST

Extra Enrichment? Yes, Please!
How can you provide enrichment opportunities for your students outside of school and still be budget friendly? Two Central Texas districts provide several options for our students throughout the year. Come learn how to meet the requirements of the Texas State Plan for enrichment opportunities on a dime!

Speakers
avatar for Amanda Ziegler

Amanda Ziegler

GT Coordinator, China Spring ISD
Amanda Ziegler is in her 15th year of teaching, all of which with Gifted Students either in the regular classroom or within an enrichment pull out model. She has a passion for gifted students that started when she was in the gifted program herself. She graduated from Baylor University... Read More →
AC

Amanda Coatney

GT Specialist, Waco ISD
Amanda Coatney has taught for 15 years in a variety of educational settings and in multiple grade levels.  She has served as the ESL cluster teacher, the GT cluster teacher, and the inclusion classroom teacher and sometimes all three at once!  For the last 4 years, she has served... Read More →


Wednesday December 4, 2019 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Cibolo 8-9 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:00pm CST

G/T and ELL . . . Now What?
Discover the common characteristics of English language learners (ELLs) who are gifted and talented and how to nurture the high abilities of students with limited English proficiency. Attain numerous strategies and free online resources for creating an optimal learning environment for gifted and talented ELLs.

Speakers
avatar for Tracy Dennis

Tracy Dennis

Director of Instruction, Flour Bluff ISD
Tracy has served in education for over 25 years as an elementary and a middle school teacher, a campus instructional specialist, a campus administrator, an educational specialist at Region 13 Education Service Center, instructional coach and a district administrator.



Wednesday December 4, 2019 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Bluebonnet/Dogwood JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:00pm CST

Get the Scoop on Grad School Info Panel
Considering grad school, but wondering what benefits it might bring? Looking to advance yourself with a master’s or doctoral degree? Join current graduate students studying gifted education, along with professors from various universities to find out why grad school might be a good fit for you and how grad school can advance your understanding of the students you serve in this interactive panel session.

Speakers
AR

Anne Rinn

Professor, University of North Texas
Anne N. Rinn, Ph.D., is a professor of educational psychology at the University of North Texas, where she also serves as Director of the Office for Giftedness, Talent Development, and Creativity.
avatar for Todd Kettler, Ph.D.

Todd Kettler, Ph.D.

Professor, Baylor University
Todd Kettler is associate professor of educational psychology at Baylor University and an affiliated faculty member of the Baylor Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development. Dr. Kettler serves as the coordinator of the graduate programs in gifted education at Baylor University... Read More →
avatar for Kimberly Stewart

Kimberly Stewart

Instructional Support Teacher, Northside ISD
Kimberly Stewart has been in gifted education for 23 years. She was an elementary GT specialist for 18 years and has served her district in the role of instructional support for gifted programs at all levels since 2015. Her primary tasks include supporting district GT specialists... Read More →
avatar for Javetta Jones Roberson

Javetta Jones Roberson

District Coordinator, Advanced Academics & Gifted, McKinney ISD
Dr. Javetta Jones Roberson serves as the District Coordinator of Secondary Advanced Academics & Gifted and Talented in McKinney ISD. Javetta received her doctorate of education in the Educational Leadership program at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Her research interests include diverse... Read More →
avatar for Melanie Meyer

Melanie Meyer

PhD Student/AP Language Teacher, University of North Texas/McKinney ISD
Melanie Meyer has been a classroom teacher in Texas for over 20 years, with experience in GT and advanced academics settings. She is also pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with a concentration in gifted and talented education at the University of North Texas. Her research... Read More →
CL

Catherine Little

Professor, University of Connecticut
Catherine Little is a professor in Educational Psychology at the University of Connecticut. She teaches courses in gifted and talented education and in the undergraduate honors program in education, and she was recognized as a University Teaching Fellow in 2012.


Wednesday December 4, 2019 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Grand Oaks EF JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:00pm CST

Gifted Leaders and How to Identify Them
What is leadership? What do gifted leaders look like? How can we identify them? Participate in activities that will help you define leadership and show how social and emotional intelligence may indicate leadership strengths. Learn what one school district is doing to identify leaders in grades 4-11. Join the conversation!

Please bring a device to use, and be ready to use Nearpod.  The code for the Nearpod activity is: VEZLO

Click HERE for the Prezi link.

Speakers
avatar for Carlyn Fryberger

Carlyn Fryberger

Gifted & Talented Specialist in Leadership, San Antonio ISD
Carlyn is a former science educator of 13 years who answered a calling to help gifted learners 6 years ago. She has focused on identifying alternative traits of gifted students. She is the IS at SAISD tasked with identifying and serving gifted student leaders as a part of a Jacob... Read More →



Wednesday December 4, 2019 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Grand Oaks AB JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:00pm CST

Integrating STEM & Social Emotional Learning Through Literature
Interact with literature that addresses the engineering process and emotional needs of elementary gifted students. Each book will have an interactive design challenge that participants will complete during the session. We will compile the texts and their uses to create a list of supports that can be immediately applied.

Speakers
avatar for Blythe Brown

Blythe Brown

Advanced Academics, Clear Creek ISD
Blythe Brown is an Advanced Academics Specialist in Clear Creek ISD and has 20 years of experience teaching gifted children. Blythe has presented at TAGT for 4 years, sharing her love of innovative ideas. Her experience ranges from self contained upper elementary, Math Coach, Advanced... Read More →
SC

Susie Carpenter

Advanced Academics, Clear Creek ISD
Susie Carpenter graduated from Texas A&M and has been teaching for Clear Creek ISD for 16 years. She was a fourth and fifth grade ELA teacher for fourteen years and now works in the Advanced Academics department in CCISD.
JA

Jennefer Arrington

Advanced Academics Specialist, Clear Creek ISD
Jennefer Arrington is an educator with 20 years of experience. She has 10 years of experience training and teaching adult learners. She is an experienced district presenter with a love of learning.


Wednesday December 4, 2019 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Grand Oaks CD JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:00pm CST

MATHCOUNTS: Challenging Problem-Solving and Competition
How can you make mathematics challenging and exciting? MATHCOUNTS is a national enrichment, coaching, and competition program that increases enthusiasm for and enhances achievement in middle school mathematics classrooms. Teachers are provided resources that meet national standards and which encourage higher-level thinking. Come have fun and get free materials!

Speakers
IF

Iris Folger

Math Consultant, Texas Society of Professional Engineers
Iris Folger graduated from Midland High and West Texas State University, where she was selected as Student Teacher of the Year. She taught math courses for 29 years while being selected multiple times for inclusion in "Who's Who Among Teachers in America". She coached winning competition... Read More →


Wednesday December 4, 2019 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Cibolo 10-11 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:00pm CST

Storytime STEAM
Our goal of the session is to share ideas on how to use mentor texts and open-ended materials to engage students in hands-on challenges through interactive read alouds. Participants will learn tips on how to choose mentor texts, design challenges, and how to implement STEAM across the curriculum.

Speakers
avatar for Moon Hernandez

Moon Hernandez

Gifted & Talented Specialist, San Marcos CISD
Passionate about literacy and STEM, I am currently in my 23rd year of teaching in San Marcos, TX. I spent 21 years in the general education classroom. I am currently the Gifted & Talented Specialist for K-5. I love creating fun learning experiences for my students that will enrich... Read More →
avatar for Hilda Bazaldua

Hilda Bazaldua

Gifted and Talented Specialist, San Marcos CISD
I am dedicated to being creative and engaging in the classroom through the integration of literacy and STEAM. After earning my M.Ed in Educational Leadership from Texas State University, I have devoted my professional life to gifted education, sharing teaching best practices, and... Read More →



Wednesday December 4, 2019 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Begonia/Bottlebrush JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:00pm CST

Supporting the Artistically Gifted
Are you raising or teaching a visual artist, musician, dancer, actor, or playwright? How do you encourage and support children who are gifted in visual or performing arts? Let’s discuss what we should be doing to identify our artistically gifted and how to nurture/develop them to their full potential.

Speakers
avatar for Folly Ligh

Folly Ligh

Parent Advocate, Independent Consultant
Folly Jee Ligh is a recovering perfectionist, chocoholic, green tea drinker, bean counter, pianist, lifelong learner, and SMPG facilitator. She served on the TAGT board 2016-2019, finance committee 2019-2021, and currently serves on the equity resource committee. Passionate about... Read More →



Wednesday December 4, 2019 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Freesia JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:00pm CST

Using Data to Build Efficient G/T Identification and Differentiation
This session will discuss how to use data from multiple sources to build efficient identification of G/T students and to differentiate education for those students. Each attendee will share their process and participate in building a sample process flow for identification of G/T student using student data.

Speakers
avatar for Project Education

Project Education

CEO, Project Education
Project Education is the leading provider of comprehensive educational software solutions to help school districts manage and track student data.Contact: Steve NavarreEmail: steve@projecteducation.netPhone: 972-424-6298Website: projecteducation.net
avatar for Mellony Deuel

Mellony Deuel

CAO, Project Education
Mellony Deuel is the Chief Academic Officer and co-founder of Project Education. Before Project Education, Mellony spent more than 30 years as an educator in school districts across the country, 19 years as the compliance officer in a large Texas district.


Wednesday December 4, 2019 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Grand Oaks NO JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:00pm CST

giftED Exchange: Enrichment Strategies for Gifted Learners
How can you enrich the learning inside and outside of the classroom for your gifted students? Join us for this fast-paced giftED Exchange session! giftED Exchange sessions allow attendees to experience a variety of creative teaching techniques that can be applied immediately in the gifted classroom. Each presentation will be repeated speed-dating style for a full hour. Come prepared to walk away with resources, tips, tools, and enrichment ideas you can immediately implement with your students! Sponsored by Vanderbilt University Programs for Talented Youth

Full handout with table descriptions attached below. Tables include:
Table #1: Asking Complex Questions for Social Studies Analysis
Table #2: We Choose Graphic Novels!
Table #3: Using Instant Challenges to Engage, Extend, and Enrich
Table #4: Making Time for Student Conferences With Horizontal Differentiation
Table #5: Building Menus for Enrichment
Table #6: Asking Complex Questions for Literary Analysis
Table #7: Creating Choice Boards With Depth & Complexity
Table #8: Games Galore for Gifted Kids
Table #9: Potential vs Kinetic Energy
Table #10: Tinker, Dabble and Doodle
Table 11: Morphing Into a Scholar Using 10 Transformative Behaviors



Wednesday December 4, 2019 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST
giftED Exchange (Exhibit Hall)

4:00pm CST

Learning Lab: SystemsGo, Inspiring Tomorrow's Innovators With Rockets!
Ever wanted to build a rocket?  Now’s your chance!  Come build a rocket with us and hear about the SystemsGo STEM Curriculum that is challenging students and changing lives across the State of Texas and New Mexico!

Speakers
avatar for Rebekah Hyatt

Rebekah Hyatt

Program Director, SystemsGo
Rebekah has been the Program Director for SystemsGo since 2016. Prior to 2016, she taught the curriculum for 8 years and witnessed firsthand how it changed the lives of students, transforming them into competent, independent thinkers.  Her goal as Program Director is to give all... Read More →


Wednesday December 4, 2019 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Playground (Exhibit Hall)

4:30pm CST

Honorary Texans Meet-Up
Not from Texas? Don't worry, we won't hold it against you! Join other attendees from
outside of Texas to connect and share news from your state. (And consider yourself an honorary Texan while you're at giftED19.)

Wednesday December 4, 2019 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
TAGT HQ

5:00pm CST

University Meet-Up
Network with other university professors and graduate students, share current research, and suggest opportunities for partnerships.

Wednesday December 4, 2019 5:00pm - 6:00pm CST
Grand Oaks EF JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

5:30pm CST

Diversity, Equity, and You: A Convening for Diverse G/T Educators and Their Allies
It is difficult to separate the equitable identification and outcomes for underrepresented populations in gifted education from the lack of teacher diversity. We know the impact teachers of color have on the identification of students of color in gifted programs and for maintaining high expectations for students whose genius we typically leave on the table. With this in mind, thinkLaw is excited to host this convening for diverse G/T educators and allies committed to increasing the diversity of our gifted teaching force. This event will include a brief summary of opportunities and barriers for diversifying G/T education, ideas for next steps leaders and TAGT can take to overcome these barriers, and lots of opportunities to network and build coalitions with leaders eager to increase diversity in the ranks of G/T educators.
Sponsored by thinkLaw

Speakers
avatar for Colin Seale

Colin Seale

CEO & Founder, ThinkLaw
thinkLaw exists to create a world where critical thinking is no longer a luxury good. We help educators teach critical thinking to all students.



Wednesday December 4, 2019 5:30pm - 6:30pm CST
Bluebonnet/Dogwood JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:00pm CST

Escape the Tesseract: A NuMinds Team-Building Challenge of Cosmic Proportions!
Join us for an escape room-style team challenge in which your knowledge of G/T JUST might be crucial. Even the updated State Plan seems to be implicated, but luckily we have an online tool laced with hidden clues that will help guide you and your team to the promised land of equal access and sublime differentiation. Oh, and also escape the repressive alien mind control exerted by their giant tesseract!

Speakers
avatar for Justin Vawter

Justin Vawter

CEO, NuMinds Enrichment
Justin Vawter lives on the fringe of education, a creative spark working tirelessly to redefine the educational narrative and make the learning experience more impactful and meaningful. He holds a Masters degree in Curriculum Design and Instruction from the University of North Texas... Read More →
avatar for Ben Koch

Ben Koch

Co-Founder, NuMinds
Ben Koch is driven to unite people to a greater vision and cause in education and self-development. Through coaching, teaching, and delivering progressive workshops and talks he seeks to expand horizons in education, leadership, and personal development. Driven to make a broader impact... Read More →


Wednesday December 4, 2019 7:00pm - 9:00pm CST
Cibolo 7 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:00pm CST

The Mask You Live In Documentary Screening
The Mask You Live In follows boys and young men as they struggle to stay true to themselves while negotiating America’s narrow definition of masculinity. Pressured by the media, their peer group, and even the adults in their lives, our protagonists confront messages encouraging them to disconnect from their emotions, devalue authentic friendships, objectify and degrade women, and resolve conflicts through violence. These gender stereotypes interconnect with race, class, and circumstance, creating a maze of identity issues boys and young men must navigate to become “real” men. The Mask You Live In ultimately illustrates how we, as a society, can raise a healthier generation of boys and young men. Join TAGT for a screening of and conversation about this important documentary film. See the trailer at https://vimeo.com/83493676

Wednesday December 4, 2019 7:00pm - 9:00pm CST
Cibolo 5 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel
 
Thursday, December 5
 

7:30am CST

Beyond Either/Or: Open-ended Questions Support Academic and Social-Emotional Learning
Open-ended questions challenge yet support academic and social-emotional growth of gifted students. Divergent thinking may initially be unsettling; with practice, students communicate unique perspectives, support claims with evidence, and use others' insights to stretch their thinking. Reflect on ways to improve questioning as you participate in a Shared Inquiry™ discussion.

Speakers
avatar for Denise Ahlquist

Denise Ahlquist

Senior Academic Consultant, Great Books Foundation
Denise Ahlquist loves to engage people of all ages in Shared Inquiry discussions about the great questions and ideas that shape our world. Denise teaches workshops in effective questioning for teachers and volunteers, supports diverse schools implementing inquiry learning, and has... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Cibolo 1-2 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

Brand New to Been There: What New Coordinators Need to Know to Find Success
Identification, compliance, staff development, curriculum, services, and parent engagement are all pieces to a successful program for students receiving gifted services. This can be overwhelming at first. Learn about strategies to prioritize, build capacity, and plan for the future. There will be time for a question and answer session.

Speakers
avatar for Raine Maggio, M.S.

Raine Maggio, M.S.

Coordinator, Gifted Services K-12, Round Rock ISD
Raine currently serves as Coordinator of Gifted Services in Round Rock ISD. She has 20 plus years in gifted education teaching elementary and middle school, and now in a leadership. Raine was fortunate to receive last year's TAGT Administrator of the Year Award and continues her involvement... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Indian Paintbrush/Lakespar JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

Breathing to Breathe
This is an introductory lesson on types of yoga breathing that if used in your classrooms could help your students learn how to calm themselves, relieve test anxiety, and reduce stress.

Speakers
avatar for Jacqueline Brewer

Jacqueline Brewer

GT Enrichment Teacher, Advanced Academics Waco ISD
Jacqueline Brewer lives in Waco, Texas with her husband. She has one son, Clark, and one daughter, Alexandra. Jacqueline has over 20 years of teaching experience and is currently a GT Enrichment Teacher for Waco ISD. She has a passion for fitness and health participating in numerous... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Grand Oaks CD JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

Connections Between Critical Thinking, Writing, and Meeting the Social Emotional Needs of Gifted Children
This workshop will focus on how to help children in grades 2-7 be better thinkers and learners in ways that improve their self-esteem and confidence. There will be an emphasis on the importance of challenge, perseverance, and hard work as social-emotional components for acquiring skills that help gifted children adapt to meet life’s expectations. Practical ideas and materials will be presented. Participants will leave with abundant strategies for improving children’s abilities to ask thoughtful and pertinent questions. Attendees should bring their thinking caps and their funny bones to this highly engaging session.

Speakers
NL

Nathan Levy

President, Nathan Levy Books LLC
Nathan Levy, author of the “Stories With Holes” series, has over forty years experience as a teacher, principal, author and educational consultant. Nathan has spoken extensively nationally and internationally to educators, parents and children on how to improve creativity, thinking... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Grand Oaks RS JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

Differentiation Through Creativity
Differentiation can be easy. Students' academic strengths can be differentiate by varying the creative task that accompanies their respective assignments. Students can be taught to be creative. The activities that you will take home from this session can be implemented immediately to produce both short-term and long-term growth.

Speakers
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Sandy Sook

Board Member, Odyssey of the Mind
Dr. Sook has been active in Odyssey of the Mind for over 30 years. She has taught Talented and Gifted Education for nearly as long. She hold a Masters of Education in both Middle School Education and in Talented and Gifted Education. She has her Ph. D. in Rhetoric. Sandy uses the... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Cibolo 6 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

Diving Deeper: Research Update "Social/Emotional Issues in the Gifted World"
Officers and members of the TAGT Research Division will present an analysis of recently published research on topics focused on the social and emotional issues that concern our gifted learners. A wide array of journals will be reviewed and their findings will be presented.

Speakers
avatar for Kristin Majority

Kristin Majority

PhD Candidate, University of North Texas
Kristin Majority is a professional educator in the middle school classroom and PhD candidate at the University of North Texas in the field of Gifted and Talented Education. She is currently serving as the chair of the TAGT Research Division.
avatar for Joyce Miller, Ph.D.

Joyce Miller, Ph.D.

Faculty, Texas A&M University-Commerce
Dr. Joyce E. Kyle Miller is Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction at Texas A&M University Commerce, Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Dr. Miller has taught English and Spanish in various public schools in Texas and has been a faculty member at Texas A&M University... Read More →
avatar for Katie Lewis

Katie Lewis

Associate Professor, York College of Pennsylvania
Katie D. Lewis, Ed.D., is an associate professor of education at York College of Pennsylvania, USA. She teaches undergraduate education courses and is the program director for Secondary Education, Post-Baccalaureate and Transfer students. Dr. Lewis has 5 years of experience teaching... Read More →
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Christina Dearman

Clinical Assistant Professor, University of North Texas
avatar for Debra A. Troxclair

Debra A. Troxclair

Associate Professor, Lamar University
Debra A. Troxclair, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor at Lamar University, teaches graduate special education courses and gifted education courses, has more than 20 years of experience teaching at the K-12 level and has taught at the university level for 16+ years.She has... Read More →
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Kristen Lamb

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Robinson Center
Kristen N. Lamb, Ph.D., is a Postdoctoral Research Associate for the Robinson Center at the University of Washington. She studies equity issues in gifted education and talent development, the role of creativity in talent development of high ability students, and classroom conditions... Read More →
avatar for Alex Kabli

Alex Kabli

Gifted and Talented Coordinator, Splendora ISD
Alex Kabli is the GT Coordinator in Splendora ISD, a rural school district northeast of Houston. She is the elementary pull out teacher and also coordinates the secondary SPARK program. SPARK began last year and is focused on the social and emotional needs of secondary gifted stu... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Cibolo 5 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

Inquiring Minds Want to Know: Inquiry & Mathematics
Take mathematically talented students to higher levels through an inquiry approach. Design student learning from engaging activities to questions to be investigated, communication, and discoveries that students understand. Why does that card trick work? How are digits related to whether or not you can create a palindrome in one step?

Speakers


Thursday December 5, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Grand Oaks NO JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

Integrating Science and ELA Instruction to Add Depth and Complexity
How do you support your advanced students and fit in-depth science instruction into an already packed day? Integrate and differentiate! Apply an anchor text, easy-to-use questioning models, and concept development to create differentiated science and ELA instruction for primary students. Apply demonstrated models to your own science and ELA content!

Speakers
avatar for Eric Fecht

Eric Fecht

Educational Consultant, Vanderbilt University, Programs for Talented Youth
Eric Fecht serves as Educational Consultant and Professional Development and Special Projects Coordinator at Programs for Talented Youth. He received a B.A. in History and Secondary Education from Western Washington University, a M.A. from Johns Hopkins University, and an Ed.D. in... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Cibolo 8-9 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

Let’s Talk: What to Expect When You’re Expected to Teach Gifted Students
Brand-new to gifted education? Unsure of where to find the resources, information, and guidance you need? You’re not alone! These experts can answer all of your questions about what to expect when you’re expected to teach gifted students.

Speakers
avatar for Tracy Inman

Tracy Inman

Associate Director, The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU
Tracy Ford Inman, Ed. D., associate director of The Center for Gifted Studies at Western Kentucky University, is active on the state, national, and international levels in gifted education, working the educators, parents, and gifted students. She serves on NAGC’s board (parent representative... Read More →
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Julia Roberts

Executive Director, The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU
Julia Link Roberts is the Mahurin Professor of Gifted Studies. She is the Executive Director of The Center for Gifted Studies and The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky. She is President of the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children and a member of the board... Read More →
avatar for Kari Lockhart

Kari Lockhart

Advanced Academics Coordinator, Lovejoy ISD
Kari Lockhart has served the public education system for 10 years in a variety of roles, including gifted and talented teacher, campus coordinator, and district coordinator. She has a master's degree in educational psychology, focusing on gifted education, and is now pursuing a doctoral... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Grand Oaks EF JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

Playful Learning: Engaging Strategies for the Early Childhood Learner
Our objective is to help students make the connection of ideas, concepts, and vocabulary by providing teachers with different ways/strategies to present information to guide students to independently engage, explore, explain, expand, and evaluate their knowledge.

Speakers
avatar for Doris Tomas

Doris Tomas

Director, Oilfield Energy Center
Doris Tomas is the Director of Education at the Oilfield Energy Center. She is in charge of educational outreach, and the design and the development of programs. Doris created and oversees the earth science traveling museum called the MOLU (mobile oilfield learning unit) that travels... Read More →
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Joy Sloan

Educational Facilitator, Oilfield Energy Center
Joy Sloan is a former math/science facilitator who earned a Bachelor of Science from Houston Baptist University and a Master’s in Education from Lamar University. She has presented at different conferences and school districts in Texas, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania. She is currently... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Cibolo 3-4 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

TEA Town Hall: Building G/T Certification, Part I 
G/T stakeholders will provide input for the next phase of gifted/talented program certification to TEA in this interactive town hall session, offering suggestions for what the framework for certification of gifted programs might look like in the future.

This session will cover the following sections of the State Plan: Fidelity of Services, Curriculum & Instruction, and Professional Learning.

Speakers
avatar for Monica Brewer

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, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Cibolo 7 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

Thinking Outside the Box: Spatial Skills in Advanced Academics
Spatial skills are associated with academic and career achievement, and recent research highlights the unique role these fundamental skills play in the advanced academic landscape. Focusing on spatial skills opens new doors for characterizing students and developing opportunities that foster the needs of a diverse range of advanced learners.

Thursday December 5, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Cibolo 10-11 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

Tools for Ecological Thought
Despair, denial, simplistic thinking: None of these will help students to deal with global warming. This session introduces conceptual tools for thinking more rigorously about how we coexist with each other and with nonhuman beings. It also shares research related to reversing global warming and curricular resources for experiential education.

Speakers
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Susan Waite

Assistant Professor, Texas State University
Dr. Susan Field Waite is the program coordinator of the master's programs in Talent Development, the graduate minor in Creativity Studies, and the graduate minor in Gifted and Talented Education at Texas State University.
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Melanie Warren

Graduate Student, Texas State University
Melanie Warren is a graduate student in Elementary Education with a concentration in Talent Development and a minor in Creativity Studies.
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Keira Holt

Graduate Student; Teacher, Texas State University & Northside ISD
Keira Holt is graduate student majoring in Elementary Education with a concentration in Talent Development and a minor in Creativity Studies. She also is a full-day Pre-K teacher at Villarreal Elementary in Northside Independent School District.


Thursday December 5, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Grand Oaks PQ JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

Twice-Exceptional Students and G/T Services
Often, twice-exceptional learners are misdiagnosed or misidentified as a result of misconceptions regarding their needs and appropriate service options. The school community must be able to respond to their unique exceptionalities and potentialities. Investigate the TEA G/T Equity website with the lead of the TEA 2e Task Force.

Speakers
avatar for Donna Ashby

Donna Ashby

G/T Specialist, Region 7 ESC
Donna Ashby M. Ed., a G/T Specialist for over 15 years at Region 7 Education Service Center, has created and conducted numerous programs and events for thousands of students across East Texas including Model United Nations, robotics, the Imagination Fair, and Innovative Inventions... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Bluebonnet/Dogwood JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

Voice and Choice Through Technology in the Secondary Classroom
Integrating technology in the classroom allows teachers to differentiate for advanced learners while offering opportunities to collaborate, communicate, think critically, and foster creativity. By utilizing tools such as Hyperdocs, Flipgrid, and Google, a teacher can address various learning styles and engage learners at various readiness levels.

Speakers
avatar for Stephanie Shackelford

Stephanie Shackelford

Digital Learning Coach, Mansfield ISD
Within her 20+ years in education, Stephanie has taught in the English, technology, and leadership classrooms. Her passion for utilizing technology in the classroom led her to the Digital Learning team in Mansfield ISD. She has the unique opportunity to work with the Advanced Academics... Read More →
avatar for Melanie Beckett

Melanie Beckett

Advanced Academics Instructional Coach, Mansfield ISD
Melanie has been an educator for over 20 years in Texas and New Mexico and has served on Advisory Councils for developing curriculum with the GT and advanced student in mind. As an Advanced Academics Instructional Coach, she shares her passion of meeting the needs of GT students by... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Grand Oaks AB JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:40am CST

Research Pop-Up: Steps Toward Equity: Lessons Learned From Successful Districts
This study examined the five states with the largest student populations to determine how they were progressing with combating underrepresentation. These states also have some of the largest percentages of ELs, Black, and Latinx students. Using Ford’s (2014) RDCI and EI differences in representation between demographic characteristics were analyzed. This session will focus on sharing the trends and patterns that emerged from the analysis of the data, including the characteristics of districts experiencing the most success identifying students from historically underrepresented groups. Implications of the findings will be discussed. Coordinators will find this session beneficial. Learn more about research being conducted in gifted education in this short research presentation.

Speakers
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Stacy Hayden

Doctoral Student, University of Connecticut
Stacy Hayden is a doctoral student in the Giftedness, Creativity, and Talent Development program at the University of Connecticut (UConn). Stacy received her B.S. in Elementary Education (2012) from Radford University and her M.A. in Gifted Education (2016) from UConn. Stacy taught... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 7:40am - 8:00am CST
giftED Exchange (Exhibit Hall)

7:45am CST

Coordinators Coffee
Enjoy your morning coffee with your fellow G/T coordinators and leaders. Sponsored by Knowsys


Thursday December 5, 2019 7:45am - 8:15am CST
TAGT HQ

8:05am CST

Research Pop-Up: College Decision-Making for Academically Advanced High School Students: Considerations, Information Gathering, and Lessons Learned
Ten academically advanced high school seniors participated in interviews about the college search and choice process. Thematic analysis identified college choice considerations, identity exploration experiences (Luyckx et al., 2006), the role of social comparisons (Dai & Rinn, 2008), and information gathering practices in this sample of gifted students. This study highlighted the importance of early school-based opportunities for interest and career-related exploration. These seniors noted the need for support in finding and evaluating information about institutional culture, and shared lessons they learned throughout the college decision-making process, including recommendations for parents and school support personnel. Learn more about research being conducted in gifted education in this short research presentation.

Speakers
avatar for Melanie Meyer

Melanie Meyer

PhD Student/AP Language Teacher, University of North Texas/McKinney ISD
Melanie Meyer has been a classroom teacher in Texas for over 20 years, with experience in GT and advanced academics settings. She is also pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with a concentration in gifted and talented education at the University of North Texas. Her research... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 8:05am - 8:25am CST
giftED Exchange (Exhibit Hall)

8:45am CST

MasterMind: The Gift of Failure
As educators, we all know parents who rush to school to deliver forgotten assignments, challenge us on disappointing report cards, mastermind their children’s friendships, or interfere on the playing field. Teacher and bestselling author, Jessica Lahey reminds us that teachers don’t just teach reading, writing or arithmetic. Like coaches and others who work with children, they also teach responsibility, organization, manners, restraint and foresight — important life skills that shape stronger futures. In this presentation, Jessica Lahey champions failure as a crucial element of long-term success. By letting go and allowing children to learn how to solve problems on their own, we give them the tools to grow up to be self-reliant, confident and successful adults. That’s the Gift of Failure.

Speakers
avatar for Jessica Lahey

Jessica Lahey

Teacher and Author
Jessica Lahey is a teacher, parent, and the New York Times best-selling author of The Gift of Failure. As a speaker, writer for The Atlantic and The Washington Post, commentator for Vermont Public Radio and author of the popular New York Times “The Parent Teacher Conference” column... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 8:45am - 10:15am CST
Grand Oaks Ballroom G-M

11:00am CST

A Parent's Guide to School Jargon and Advocacy for Gifted Learners
Your child needs more challenge at school but how do you ask for that? What do you ask for? How are strategies such as differentiation, higher level thinking, depth, complexity, grouping, or compacting defined and implemented? Learn definitions, advocacy approaches and the research behind commonly used strategies in gifted education.

Speakers
avatar for Tamra Stambaugh

Tamra Stambaugh

Associate Professor; Executive Director, Vanderbilt University, Programs for Talented Youth
Tamra Stambaugh, Ph.D. is the Executive Director of Programs for Talented Youth and an Associate Research Professor of Special Education at Vanderbilt University. Stambaugh's research interests include gifted students living in rural settings, students of poverty, and curriculum and... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Freesia JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:00am CST

Advocating for Important Policies: Why and How?
Advocating for policy is important at the school, district, and state levels; and policies that support gifted education will be discussed. Effective advocacy will be described as will characteristics of dreaded advocates. This session will provide participants with the opportunity to outline an advocacy plan important to them.

Speakers
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Julia Roberts

Executive Director, The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU
Julia Link Roberts is the Mahurin Professor of Gifted Studies. She is the Executive Director of The Center for Gifted Studies and The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky. She is President of the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children and a member of the board... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Grand Oaks RS JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel
  Breakout, Law and Policy

11:00am CST

AP Capstone: A Perfect Match for Gifted High School Students
The AP Capstone Diploma provides the opportunity for personalized learning and independent study, and the encapsulates skills and experiences critical for the growth and development of advanced learners. This session will share the essence of the Capstone program and lessons learned as our district implemented it in three high schools.

Speakers
avatar for Michelle Swain

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, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Grand Oaks AB JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:00am CST

Becoming a Meddler-in-the-Middle
Rather than being a Sage-on-the-Stage or a Guide-on-the-Side, learn to become the Meddler-in-the-Middle. Instead of rushing into save students with the right answer, the Meddler-in-the-Middle intentionally creates puzzling situations to stretch gifted students’ thinking. Come experience a collection of activities designed to promote creativity in you and your students!

Speakers
avatar for Brian Housand

Brian Housand

Program Coordinator, UNCW / Gifted360
Dr. Brian Housand, is the coordinator of the Academically or Intellectually Gifted program at University of North Carolina Wilmington and creator of Gifted360.com. Dr. Housand earned a Ph.D. in educational psychology at the University of Connecticut with an emphasis in both gifted... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Cibolo 5 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:00am CST

Daily Wonderings & Genius Minutes: Finding Ways to Fit Curiosity, Passion, and Wonder Into Everyday Activities
Gifted students are naturally curious, but they tend to lose this in the classroom. This fun session will explore the benefits and advantages of curiosity and ways to stimulate your students’ interests in multiple ways everyday. Participants will also learn ways to support students in finding and exploring their passions.

Speakers
avatar for Sheila Mulbry

Sheila Mulbry

Gifted Specialist, Lockhart ISD
Sheila Mulbry currently serves as TAG Facilitator with Lockhart ISD. She is a constant advocate for gifted students and their special needs, and has presented staff development on gifted education for the past 20 years. She obtained BA degrees in Humanities (‘83) and Elementary... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Cibolo 8-9 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:00am CST

Early Childhood: Precocity and Gaps in Educational Opportunities
Quality early childhood learning experiences can help level the playing field for students who have been traditionally underserved in gifted education programs. However, many students do not have access to these enriched educational opportunities. This session will highlight research-based interventions to combat the lingering impacts of early opportunity gaps.

Speakers
avatar for Melanie Meyer

Melanie Meyer

PhD Student/AP Language Teacher, University of North Texas/McKinney ISD
Melanie Meyer has been a classroom teacher in Texas for over 20 years, with experience in GT and advanced academics settings. She is also pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with a concentration in gifted and talented education at the University of North Texas. Her research... Read More →
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Leah Murphy

PhD Student/Teacher, University of North Texas
Leah Murphy has taught in both Oklahoma and Texas over her 5 years as a classroom teacher. She completed her Master’s degree in 2017 and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with a concentration in gifted and talented at the University of North Texas. Her research interests... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Grand Oaks CD JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:00am CST

Get Them Thinking! Keep Them Thinking!
One of the key challenges in serving gifted students is to move them beyond learning the content to thinking about the content. This session will focus on skills and strategies that need to be developed in gifted students to help them operate successful in the 21st century.

Speakers
avatar for Joyce Juntune

Joyce Juntune

Instructional Professor, Texas A&M University
Dr. Joyce Juntune is an Instructional Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. She currently teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in educational psychology, child development, intelligence, and creativity. Her current... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Grand Oaks PQ JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:00am CST

Growing Grit Through Gaming: Technology for the K-6 Advanced Learner
Integrate video games and coding into your curriculum, allowing advanced G/T students the opportunity to develop skills in collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking. Bloxels and Sphero robots provide an outlet for advanced G/T students to let their creativity roam while also expanding growth mindset and increasing levels of grit.

Speakers
avatar for Brigette Cardenas

Brigette Cardenas

Advanced Academics Instructional Coach, Mansfield ISD
Brigette has been in education for over 20 years (and gifted education for 14) in places such as Australia and Colombia, South America. She is passionate about meeting the needs of gifted students and training teachers to bring out their students' true potential. As an Advanced Academics... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Cibolo 1-2 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:00am CST

Guiding Development: The Social-Emotional Needs of Gifted Learners
Many students who are gifted have low self-concepts after starting school. Explore the unique social emotional needs of the gifted learner, discover how to support those needs in the educational environment, and apply what you learn to advocate for gifted learners.

Speakers
avatar for Randi Rasco

Randi Rasco

District Gifted and Talented Education Instructional Specialist, San Antonio ISD
Randi Rasco received her B.S. degree in Psychology from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 2002, and her M.A. degree in Community Counseling from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor on 2007. She has an EC-12 Special Education Certification and has worked as a GT facilitator... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Cibolo 7 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:00am CST

If You Love It, Let It Go: Popular Practices and Favorite Myths That Are Holding G/T Education Back
Massive upheavals are occurring in the world of G/T education. Changes in law, funding, public perception, and what science says are all creating challenges that G/T stakeholders must be nimble in addressing head on. Bring an open mind and an "unpopular opinion" and let's strategize about the future together!

Speakers
avatar for Clinton Rodriguez

Clinton Rodriguez

Gifted and Talented, and Advanced Academics Specialist, ESC Region 11
Clint Rodriguez is the GT and Advanced Academics Consultant for ESC Region 11. Previously he served as the district-wide Secondary GT Specialist in Richardson ISD. He taught at ASPIRE Academy for the Highly Gifted in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD and has a master's degree in religion... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Indian Paintbrush/Lakespar JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:00am CST

Let’s Talk: Culturally Responsive Classrooms
Improving equity and diversity in gifted programs starts with educators recognizing underrepresentation and evaluating their own understanding of culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse learners. But how do you build a culturally responsive classroom? These experts are here to guide you.

Speakers
avatar for Colin Seale

Colin Seale

CEO & Founder, ThinkLaw
thinkLaw exists to create a world where critical thinking is no longer a luxury good. We help educators teach critical thinking to all students.
avatar for Brandi Marroquin

Brandi Marroquin

Gifted & Talented Implementation Specialist, San Antonio ISD
Brandi Marroquin received her B.A. degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2007 and her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction in 2017 from The University of Texas at San Antonio. She has her EC-4 and 4-8 Generalist teaching certification, and a K-12 Interdisciplinary- STEAM certificate... Read More →
avatar for April Wells

April Wells

Gifted Coordinator, Illinois School District U-46
April Wells is the Gifted Coordinator in Illinois School District U-46, where she facilitated the redesign of the District’s gifted program in 2012-2013. April serves on the Board of Directors for the Illinois Association for Gifted Children.


Thursday December 5, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Grand Oaks EF JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:00am CST

Owning Your Identity
Whether suffering from imposter syndrome, perfectionism, idealism, or just trying to fit into a social microcosm, gifted students benefit from stepping into their individual power. Join this session to unpack personal identity and stereotypes. Learn methods to facilitate discussions on beliefs, influences on identity, and the need for personal contributions.

Speakers

Thursday December 5, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Grand Oaks NO JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:00am CST

Real-World Independent Projects: Take Your Students to the Next Level!
Excite students with fun topics to explore and research. Learn to provide a framework, yet allow interests, ability, and learning style to guide content, process, and product. This teacher presentation demonstrates project creation and management. Provide high-level, interdisciplinary challenge while alleviating your workload. View student portfolios/exhibits. Excellent handouts!

Speakers
DO

Danielle Oehler

Elementary Gifted & Talented Specialist, Round Rock ISD
Danielle Oehler is a Elementary Gifted and Talented Specialist for Round Rock ISD. She has been a TAG Specialist for 5 years teaching K-5.
avatar for Melanie Bondy

Melanie Bondy

Author, Educational Trainer, Mind Vine Press
Melanie Bondy is a former teacher, now writer and educational consultant, with a passion for inspiring gifted students and their teachers. By sharing stories of personal classroom experiences along with student stories and student products, she teaches practical options for program... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Cibolo 10-11 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:00am CST

Selecting and Interpreting Tests for Identifying Gifted Students
The Texas State Plan requires multiple sources and assessments be used in identifying gifted students. This session will focus on how to select quality instruments and interpret assessment results when making decisions regarding the selection of gifted students. Practical evaluation forms and methods for interpreting assessment results will be discussed.

Speakers
avatar for Susan Johnsen

Susan Johnsen

Professor Emerita, Baylor University
Susan K. Johnsen, PhD, is professor emerita of the Department of Educational Psychology at Baylor University. She has written over 300 publications including an independent study program, 30 books, and three tests for identifying gifted students. She is editor-in-chief of Gifted Child... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Begonia/Bottlebrush JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:00am CST

Taking Genius Hour to the Next Level
Learn to how to encourage today's learners to shift from making products to creating change using new strategies and The Global Goals. In this session, I'll share the 6 Ps of Genius Hour from a new perspective as well as new ways to make Genius Hour both manageable and meaningful.

Speakers
avatar for Andi McNair

Andi McNair

Author, Speaker, Gifted Ed Specialist, Digital Innovation Specialist, ESC Region 12, Waco, TX
Andi was a classroom teacher for 16 years before pursuing her passion to change education by sharing practical ways to engage and empower today’s learners. She is now a published author, international speaker, gifted education specialist and digital innovation specialist at ESC... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Cibolo 6 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:00am CST

Texas State Plan Work Session: Building a Program Guide
Come to collaborate with peers to develop a gifted and talented program guide for your district. The new state plan requires districts to have a guide describing all gifted/talented programs, services, assessments, and communication. Leave giftED with a start to one of your projects and connections with other leaders!

Speakers
avatar for Rolando Ruvalcaba M.Ed.

Rolando Ruvalcaba M.Ed.

Educational Consultant, ESC, Region 20
Rolando Ruvalcaba has had experience facilitating G/T workshops at various levels for 16 years. Rolando is known for his interactive sessions that bring out the best of his participants. As a classroom teacher, Rolando has established himself as an effective educator for gifted students... Read More →
avatar for Kelsey Karcher

Kelsey Karcher

District Coordinator, Allen ISD
Kelsey Karcher, M.Ed., is the District Coordinator for Advanced Academics & Gifted and Talented in Allen ISD. Throughout her career, her goal has been to ensure all gifted students have equitable access to an education that challenges and supports them. She earned a B.A. in Broadcast... Read More →
avatar for Kristin Graham

Kristin Graham

Gifted & Talented Facilitator, Spring Branch ISD
Kristin Graham, M.Ed is in her 12th year in education with K-12 teaching and leadership experience in rural, suburban, and urban areas in Texas and China. She enjoys working strategically with others to leverage meaningful learning opportunities for our students. She currently provides... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Goldenrod JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:00am CST

The Magic of Open-Ended Challenges: Design and Engineering Activities for the Classroom
Meet every student at their own skill level by using open-ended challenges to teach design and engineering concepts. Learn new simple challenges with KEVA Planks by doing them yourself. No PowerPoints, just practical activities you can implement immediately to encourage critical and creative thinking. Session will also demonstrate how to use open-ended questioning with students. The activities are easy and fun to lead but have an unlimited range of difficulty. Play with purpose.

Thursday December 5, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Cibolo 3-4 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:00am CST

Underrepresentation in Gifted Education: Status and Action
Students from low-income families, who are learning English, and who are Black, Latinx, and Native American are severely underrepresented in gifted education programs. Only by understanding the extent of and reasons for underrepresentation can steps be taken to mitigate this important issue in gifted education.

Speakers
avatar for Marcia Gentry

Marcia Gentry

Professor, Purdue University
Marcia Gentry directs the Gifted Education Resource Institute at Purdue University where she enjoys working with doctoral students and engaging in research and gifted education professional development. She remains active in the field through service to NAGC and AERA and by writing... Read More →
avatar for C. Matthew Fugate, Ph.D.

C. Matthew Fugate, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, University of Houston-Downtown
C. Matthew Fugate is Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology and Assistant Chair of the Department of Urban Education at the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD). He received his doctorate in Gifted, Creative, and Talented Studies at Purdue University. Prior to this, Matthew... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Bluebonnet/Dogwood JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:00am CST

giftED Exchange: Challenging Curriculum for Gifted Students
Want to leave giftED with tried-and-true lessons and units your gifted students will love? Join us for this fun, fast-paced giftED Exchange session! giftED Exchange sessions allow attendees to experience a variety of creative teaching techniques that can be applied immediately in the gifted classroom. Each presentation will be repeated speed-dating style for a full hour. Come prepared to walk away with resources, tips, tools, and lesson plans you can immediately use in your classroom. Sponsored by Kendall Hunt.

Full handout with table descriptions attached below. Tables include:

Table #1: Applying Math to Real Life Experiences
Table #2: Grupo
Table #3: Make It, Say It (Place Value)
Table #4: Brain Boosters for Gifted Learners
Table #5: Interest Stations for the Gifted Classroom
Table #6: The G/T IB Connection
Table #7: Pack a Puzzle and Build Problem-Solving Confidence
Table #8: Math Thinking Process & Depth & Complexity Icons
Table #9: Building Relational Capacity: We Are All 1 Family
Table #10: Easily Differentiate Your TEKS
Table #11: Criteria for Designing, Selecting, and Evaluating Gifted Curriculum



Thursday December 5, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
giftED Exchange (Exhibit Hall)

11:00am CST

Learning Lab: Build Math Thinkers
Memorization of math facts got you down? Come and experience the power of building a math mindset with Math Stackers. Session includes hands-on experiments focused on number reasoning and several instant challenges to equip and empower ALL students to wonder and think mathematically. Develop mathematicians who know their stuff!

Speakers
avatar for Kelly Threadgill

Kelly Threadgill

Math Stackers, Inc., President & Creator
After discovering that her creative mind empowered her to see mathematics from a different perspective, Kelly earned a Masters in Mathematics Education and set out to provide the best math experiences for all her students. After 10 years in the classroom inventing authentic, active... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Playground (Exhibit Hall)

12:00pm CST

Lunch Provided to All Attendees
Grab your boxed lunch in the TAGT Marketplace Exhibit Hall!

Thursday December 5, 2019 12:00pm - 1:15pm CST
Marketplace Exhibit Hall

12:05pm CST

Research Pop-Up: Professional Development Strategies to Enhance Culturally Responsive Gifted Education
Diverse gifted students best develop talents through implementation of culturally-responsive teaching. However, university programs and gifted professional development often pay little attention to the needs of these learners. This research will identify professional development practices that increase culturally-responsive teaching, and identify strategies to integrate these practices into gifted teacher development. This research can be applied to teacher education and professional development. This research can also increase the relevant, high-quality opportunities for talent development in culturally-diverse student populations. Learn more about research being conducted in gifted education in this short research presentation.

Speakers
avatar for Kari Lockhart

Kari Lockhart

Advanced Academics Coordinator, Lovejoy ISD
Kari Lockhart has served the public education system for 10 years in a variety of roles, including gifted and talented teacher, campus coordinator, and district coordinator. She has a master's degree in educational psychology, focusing on gifted education, and is now pursuing a doctoral... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 12:05pm - 12:25pm CST
giftED Exchange (Exhibit Hall)

12:30pm CST

Research Pop-Up: Unlocking Gifted Adolescent Motivation: Keys to Increased Student Engagement & Achievement
Through Gagne's DMGT and expectancy-value-theory, this qualitative cross-case study explores gifted adolescent perspectives on motivation and fills a gap in a highly quantitative field. The unrestricted insights of gifted adolescents through the triangulation of multiple data collection methods led to new insights on how to maximize student engagement and achievement. Findings from this study broaden the scope and offer new insights on how to better meet the academic and motivational needs of gifted adolescents through the formatting of lesson development, specific teacher-student interactions, and an awareness of how to increase students' valuation of assignments to increase sustained effort. Learn more about research being conducted in gifted education in this short research presentation.

Speakers
VP

Vicki Phelps

Lead Consulting Teacher for Gifted Education, Sumner County
Vicki Phelps, Ed.D., NBCT, is Lead Consulting Teacher for Gifted Education in Sumner County, TN. She has been teaching and leading gifted services for the last 20 years and enjoys writing gifted curricula. She enjoys presenting at state, national, and world gifted conferences. Dr... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 12:30pm - 12:50pm CST
giftED Exchange (Exhibit Hall)

12:30pm CST

The One (Wo)Man Show Meet-Up
Wear many hats in your district? Are you from a small or rural district without a lot of resources? Join your peers to share solutions to your challenges in this meet-up.

Thursday December 5, 2019 12:30pm - 1:00pm CST
TAGT HQ

12:55pm CST

Research Pop-Up: Mathematical Creativity
Most creativity tests are looking at general, not domain-specific creativity. Additionally, when testing mathematical ability, assessments often treat the topic as a unidimensional rather than multidimensional construct (Kattou et al., 2013). Identifying students gifted in mathematical creativity can help for placement into gifted programs (Kattou et al., 2013; Mann, 2009). Most importantly, helping teachers recognize the importance of divergent, creative mathematical teaching and ways to teach this and help students learn these skills is vital if we are to prepare students for the needs of our future (Kattou et al., 2013; Mann, 2009; Pham & Cho, 2018). Learn more about research being conducted in gifted education in this short research presentation.

Speakers
avatar for Anna Payne

Anna Payne

Doctoral Student, Baylor University
Anna Payne is a doctoral student at Baylor University in educational psychology, with a focus on gifted students in mathematics. She has supervised student teachers, as well as working with innovative options for professional learning at the Belin-Blank Center (University of Iowa... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 12:55pm - 1:15pm CST
giftED Exchange (Exhibit Hall)

1:00pm CST

A Meaningful Mess
As teachers, we often feel like we should have it all together or at least seem like we do. In this learning experience, we will have an honest conversation about messy learning and how to design experiences for you learners that will make that mess meaningful.

Speakers
avatar for Andi McNair

Andi McNair

Author, Speaker, Gifted Ed Specialist, Digital Innovation Specialist, ESC Region 12, Waco, TX
Andi was a classroom teacher for 16 years before pursuing her passion to change education by sharing practical ways to engage and empower today’s learners. She is now a published author, international speaker, gifted education specialist and digital innovation specialist at ESC... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 1:00pm - 4:00pm CST
Grand Oaks RS JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

1:00pm CST

Comedic Critical Thinking
In this session, participants will explore their comedic side by engaging in a series of critical thinking activities.  The activities, rooted in the principles of improv, will ask participants to step into the role of the comedian while creating and thinking at a high level.

Speakers
avatar for Michael Flusche

Michael Flusche

Comedian & G/T Director, Curtis Needs A Ride
Michael Flusche loves to combine his passion for comedy with his love for gifted education. Beginning as a teacher with a hobby of comedy, Flusche earned an opportunity to work as a coordinator in gifted education. In doing so, Flusche discovered that the foundations of improvisational... Read More →
avatar for Austin Hines

Austin Hines

Comedian, Curtis Needs a Ride


Thursday December 5, 2019 1:00pm - 4:00pm CST
Cibolo 5 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

1:00pm CST

Implementing Acceleration, Universal Screening, and Grouping: Administrators’ Viewpoints
This session will focus on three research-based practices in gifted education: acceleration, universal screening, and grouping. Acceleration and grouping are related to significant gains in student achievement. Universal screening increases access to gifted programs for underrepresented students Administrators will share their experiences and specific considerations for implementing these important practices.

Speakers
avatar for Monica Simonds

Monica Simonds

Director of Advanced Learning Programs and Services, Richardson ISD
Monica Simonds received her M.Ed., from the University of Southwestern Louisiana, currently the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. After teaching for almost ten years in Louisiana, she moved to Texas where she spent ten years as a high school debate coach and is now in her 12th year... Read More →
avatar for Susan Johnsen

Susan Johnsen

Professor Emerita, Baylor University
Susan K. Johnsen, PhD, is professor emerita of the Department of Educational Psychology at Baylor University. She has written over 300 publications including an independent study program, 30 books, and three tests for identifying gifted students. She is editor-in-chief of Gifted Child... Read More →
avatar for Marcy Voss M.Ed.

Marcy Voss M.Ed.

Consultant/ELP Facilitator, Independent/TAGT
During her 36 years in public education, Marcy coordinated GT and BL/ESL Programs, served on the TAGT Board, and was Chair of the TEA GT Advisory Council._x000D_ Marcy currently serves as an educational consultant, Facilitator for the TAGT ELP, Chair of the NABE GT/Bilingual SIG... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 1:00pm - 4:00pm CST
Indian Paintbrush/Lakespar JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

1:00pm CST

In Search of Equity: Removing Barriers to the Identification of At-Risk Populations
The identification of students for services is challenging for even the most experienced professional. In this interactive session we will explore root causes that lead to under-representation and solutions that remove barriers, increase equity, and opportunity for students who may live in poverty and/or are English learners or twice exceptional.

Speakers
avatar for Wendy Behrens, M.A.

Wendy Behrens, M.A.

State Director/Gifted Education Specialist, Minnesota Department of Education
Wendy Behrens is the Gifted Education Specialist for the Minnesota Department of Education and Director of Project North Star, a Javits Grant. Previously she worked as a district gifted services coordinator and consultant for the Science Museum of Minnesota. She frequently presents... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 1:00pm - 4:00pm CST
Bluebonnet/Dogwood JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

1:00pm CST

Making Depth & Complexity Work for ME!
Have you attended previous Depth & Complexity workshops and felt excitement to begin incorporating into instruction and then realized you needed more practice using the Framework with your own content? This session provides attendees to collaborate and design Depth & Complexity infused activities and lessons aligned to their own content.

Speakers
avatar for Kim Tredick

Kim Tredick

Director Student Support Services, Castaic USD, CA
Kim Tredick is currently the Director of Student Support Services in Castaic School District in Southern California. She has served as lead curriculum writer for J Taylor Education over the past seven years and has been using Depth and Complexity for two decades as a teacher, principal... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 1:00pm - 4:00pm CST
Begonia/Bottlebrush JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

1:00pm CST

Mindsets & Mastery: Why Am I Grading This?!
Join us for an amusing but thought-provoking dive into the common pitfalls of traditional grading practices, and see how they can hinder effort and motivation in gifted students. Discover alternative approaches to grading that foster a Growth Mindset, encourage risk-taking and creativity, and help our gradebooks tell the whole story

Speakers
avatar for Matt Wells

Matt Wells

GT Trainer & Science Dept. Chair, CFISD
Matt is an award-winning teacher, science department chair, GT trainer and AP consultant based in Houston, TX. A regular presenter at giftED, CAST and other conferences, Matt is a Past-President of STAT and TABT, and winner of numerous teaching awards, including NABT's "Outstanding... Read More →
avatar for Kate Wells

Kate Wells

GT Trainer & Elementary Teacher, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
Kate is a GT Trainer and award-winning elementary teacher who has worked in multiple grade levels and content areas with Gifted, SPED and ESL populations from a wide variety of socio-economic backgrounds. Passionate about differentiating both instruction AND assessment, and an expert... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 1:00pm - 4:00pm CST
Grand Oaks CD JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

1:00pm CST

NASA’s Next Generation STEM Activities for the GT Classroom
NASA has three big themes for its Next Generation STEM Program. Moon to Mars, Commercial Crew Program, and Small Steps to Giant Leaps. In this workshop participants will see and get to sample the many new free products NASA is rolling out to challenge your students.

Speakers
avatar for Steven Smith

Steven Smith

Education Specialist, NASA
NASA has ton's of free standards aligned resources for educators. As we prepare to return to the Moon incredible opportunities abound.


Thursday December 5, 2019 1:00pm - 4:00pm CST
Cibolo 8-9 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

1:00pm CST

Think Through the Emotion
Gifted students can use their analytical thinking skills to help them cope with their emotional intensities.  Students can learn to use their exceptional thinking skills to tame their worries and anxiety.  We’ll discuss strategies from several sources you can teach your students to help them with decision-making, perfectionism, and worrying.

Speakers
avatar for Lynette Breedlove

Lynette Breedlove

Director, The Gatton Academy of Mathematics & Science, KY
Dr. Lynette Breedlove is Director of The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky located on the campus of Western Kentucky University. She has served gifted students in Texas as a central office administrator, campus GT specialists, and classroom teacher. She is a past... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 1:00pm - 4:00pm CST
Freesia JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

1:15pm CST

And Then They Go to College . . .
In the K-12 environment, getting gifted/2e learner needs met is difficult, but doable. When they go to college, it's a whole different game. One small state university is attempting to meet the needs of underrepresented gifted/2e learners with a totally new program. Interactive discussion will take place.

Speakers
LL

Lou Lloyd-Zannini

Advocate for Gifted/2e Learners, University College, UHV
Lou Lloyd-Zannini has been engaged in gifted education for more than twenty years, and has been training leaders at the school and district level since 1994. In his new role, he serves with the University College of UHV, where he is building and directing the Gifted/Twice-Exception... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Goldenrod JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

1:15pm CST

Beyond the Classroom Border: Student Writing in Community-Based Partnerships
Get G/T students outside the walls of your classroom by implementing a service learning project. Immerse students in authentic rhetorical situations for external audiences. Support students as they use real-world genres, employ complex creation, and reflection processes. Combine multiple learning standards and allow for students’ unique voices, interests, and strengths.

Speakers
avatar for Karen Otto

Karen Otto

English Teacher, Carroll ISD
Karen Otto teaches English II GT at Southlake Carroll High School. She began her 22 year career in education teaching 6th grade GT English. Since then, she has taught middle and high school GT in schools of varying socioeconomic diversity. Karen holds an MA in English, an M.Ed., and... Read More →
avatar for Dr. James Warren

Dr. James Warren

Rhetoric Professor from UTA, University of Texas at Arlington
Dr. James “Jim” Warren is an Associate English Professor at The University of Texas at Arlington. He teaches rhetoric and composition courses for future high school English teachers. Jim is also involved in UTA’s First Year Writing Program, and works closely with current high... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Azalea JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

1:15pm CST

Considering Universal Screening for Increasing the Diversity of Students Identified for Gifted and Talented Programming
Using CogAT scores for differentiating instruction benefits all students and can maximize the positive benefits of testing time on student achievement. Building on student’s strengths while using appropriate scaffolding to shore up weaker areas will be demonstrated. This information is valuable when considering reasoning skills in classroom instruction.

Speakers
avatar for Lupina Vela

Lupina Vela

Senior Assessment Consultant, Riverside Insights
Senior Assessment Consultant with 23+ years, _x000D_Presented at National, State, Regional, and District Conferences_x000D_Former Public School Educator


Thursday December 5, 2019 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Grand Oaks PQ JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

1:15pm CST

Differentiation Made Modern: Using Hyperdocs to Differentiate for Gifted Learners
Let’s bring differentiation into the 21st century! Come find out how to use and create (free!) hyperdocs that allow for integrated differentiation. It’s “Choose Your Own Adventure” for classrooms! Come find out what they are, how to use them, where to find them, and what you can do with them.

Speakers
avatar for Lisa Van Gemert

Lisa Van Gemert

Creator, Gifted Guru
Using a combination of neuropsychology, pedagogy, experience, humor, technology and sheer fun, Lisa Van Gemert shares best practices in education with audiences around the world. She is an expert consult to television shows including Lifetime’s "Child Genius," and a writer of award-winning... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Cibolo 6 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

1:15pm CST

Empowering Middle School Students Using the Texas Performance Standards Project
The Texas Performance Standards Project (TPSP) offers differentiated instruction for students based on interest and choice. Come explore ways to use the TPSP to empower your middle school students to participate in in-depth investigations and the development of authentic products for an audience outside your classroom walls.

Speakers
avatar for Heather Bland

Heather Bland

G/T Coordinator for Advanced Academics, Ector County ISD
I have experience as an elementary classroom teacher, G/T program teacher, Schoolwide Enrichment (SEM) coordinator, and current secondary G/T instructional coach. I am interested in strength- based teaching with a focus on developing the talent and individual strengths of all students... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Grand Oaks AB JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

1:15pm CST

Let’s Talk: Project-Based Learning in Math and Science
Project-based learning encourages wonder and curiosity in math and science. But how do you develop an effective inquiry-based learning environment that helps students build authentic skills? Where should you even start? These experts are here to help.

Speakers
avatar for Laurie E. Westphal

Laurie E. Westphal

Gifted, Science, and Math Consultant, Dr. Laurie E. Westphal
After teaching science for more than 15 years, Laurie E. Westphal, Ed.D., now works as a gifted education and science consultant. She enjoys developing and presenting staff development on low-stress differentiation strategies and using menus, working with teachers to assist them in... Read More →
avatar for Todd Stanley

Todd Stanley

Gifted Services Coordinator/Author, Pickerington Local Schools, OH
Todd Stanley is the author of many teacher-education books including Project-Based Learning for Gifted Students: A Handbook for the 21st Century Classroom, When Smart Kids Underachieve in the Classroom: Practical Solutions for Teachers, and his latest Authentic Learning: Real World... Read More →
avatar for Chris Fancher

Chris Fancher

Design Teacher, Meridian World School
Chris Fancher is a Middle Years Programme (MYP) design teacher at a public International Baccalaureate (IB) charter school in Round Rock, TX. He has taught every course, from prealgebra to calculus, in more than 20 years of public education.


Thursday December 5, 2019 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Grand Oaks EF JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

1:15pm CST

Life Coaching for G/T Kids: A Powerful Tool to Challenge Limiting Beliefs in Our Gifted Students
In this session, participants will engage in deep reflection about the vast impact 1:1 life coaching may have on gifted students, allowing them to challenge limiting beliefs and build a strong emotional foundation, thus paving the way toward becoming the best version of themselves.

Speakers
avatar for Yoliani Saud

Yoliani Saud

Dual Language Teacher/Gifted and Talented Teacher, Alief ISD
One of my biggest passions is to teach and coach GT and 2E students, supporting them in the task of discovering, accepting, and fully embracing who they are, so they strengthen and express their true selves. I am a Doctor In Dentistry with a Specialization in Health Management, a... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Grand Oaks NO JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

1:15pm CST

Seeking Diverse Talent Using the SIGS-2 Observational Checklist
Observational checklists are valid tools for recognizing talent and potential in K-12 students. The SIGS-2 seeks to build on the 15-year tradition of the SIGS, helping schools identify diverse talent. Participants will gain an understanding of how the SIGS-2 is an effective screening and identification protocol for potentially gifted students.

Speakers
avatar for Todd Kettler, Ph.D.

Todd Kettler, Ph.D.

Professor, Baylor University
Todd Kettler is associate professor of educational psychology at Baylor University and an affiliated faculty member of the Baylor Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development. Dr. Kettler serves as the coordinator of the graduate programs in gifted education at Baylor University... Read More →
avatar for Laila Sanguras

Laila Sanguras

Lecturer, Baylor University
Laila Y. Sanguras has over 20 years of experience in program evaluation, teaching, and curriculum development with an emphasis on language arts and digital learning environments. She earned her Ph.D. in research, measurement, and statistics from the University of North Texas and is... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Cibolo 3-4 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

1:15pm CST

TEA Gifted/Talented Education Update
Hear the latest information pertaining gifted/talented education in Texas, including the new Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted and Talented Students. TEA divisions will also share other highlights related to G/T.

Speakers
avatar for Monica Brewer

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, 2019 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Cibolo 7 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

1:15pm CST

The Rural Gifted: Influences and Challenges
Rural gifted programming is as unique as each rural community. Understanding the nature of rural gifted programming is essential to meeting this unique gifted student population’s needs. This session explores the intersection of gifted characteristics and rural culture as well as the challenges of providing gifted programming in rural settings.

Speakers
avatar for Cecelia Boswell Ed.D.

Cecelia Boswell Ed.D.

Consultant, Austin Creek Education Systems
ecelia Boswell, Ed.D. taught migrant and gifted students, served as the Advanced Academics consultant for ESC-14, and the executive Director of Advanced Academics for Waco ISD. She is a consultant in district evaluation of gifted services and professional learning in gifted education... Read More →
avatar for Katie Lewis

Katie Lewis

Associate Professor, York College of Pennsylvania
Katie D. Lewis, Ed.D., is an associate professor of education at York College of Pennsylvania, USA. She teaches undergraduate education courses and is the program director for Secondary Education, Post-Baccalaureate and Transfer students. Dr. Lewis has 5 years of experience teaching... Read More →
avatar for Kristin Graham

Kristin Graham

Gifted & Talented Facilitator, Spring Branch ISD
Kristin Graham, M.Ed is in her 12th year in education with K-12 teaching and leadership experience in rural, suburban, and urban areas in Texas and China. She enjoys working strategically with others to leverage meaningful learning opportunities for our students. She currently provides... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Cibolo 10-11 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

1:15pm CST

Thinking Critically About Gifted Education
Come ready to discuss critical issues around the history of gifted education. Issues such as equity, elitism, and researcher bias will be highlighted. You will also leave with a ready-made critical history unit to use for future professional learning.

Speakers
avatar for Meredith Austin Ed.D.

Meredith Austin Ed.D.

Gifted & Talented Coordinator, Humble ISD
Meredith Austin is the coordinator of gifted education in Humble ISD and serves as the chair of the TEA Commissioner's Advisory Council for Gifted/ Talented Education.


Thursday December 5, 2019 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Cibolo 1-2 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

1:15pm CST

giftED Exchange: Tech Tools for Gifted Education Classrooms
Want to leave giftED with tried-and-true technology tools your gifted students will love? Looking for options that will make your life easier? Join us for this fun, fast-paced giftED Exchange session! giftED Exchange sessions allow attendees to experience a variety of creative teaching techniques that can be applied immediately in the gifted classroom. Each presentation will be repeated speed-dating style for a full hour. Come prepared to walk away with resources, tips, tools, and lesson plans you can immediately use in your classroom.

Table #1: Reading is For All
Table #2: Incorporating Depth and Complexity with Newsela and Wonderopolis
Table #3: Quality Student Reflections with Q3 Cards and Digital Notebooks
Table #4: Trey's Terrific Tech Tools
Table #5: Digital Notebooks
Table #6: Flipping Out Over #Flipgridfever
Table #7: SeeSaw for Gifted Kids


Thursday December 5, 2019 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
giftED Exchange (Exhibit Hall)

1:15pm CST

Learning Lab: STEM and Innovation Comes to Life
Join us to explore and experience innovative, hands-on STEM strategies to engage in 21st-century thinking and learning skills of creativity, innovation, inspiration, and problem-solving. Let's experience together the elements of design thinking to ideate, prototype, and bring your idea to life.

Speakers
avatar for Kim Lindenfeld

Kim Lindenfeld

Regional Consultant, National Inventors Hall of Fame
Kim Lindenfeld is passionate about giving students opportunities to explore invention and innovation. She resides in the Houston area and serves as Regional Consultant for the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Kim received certification as a Training Professional from Texas A&M University... Read More →
avatar for Barbara Hinton

Barbara Hinton

Regional Program Development Manager, National Inventors Hall of Fame
The National Inventors Hall of Fame has been connecting with districts for 31 years to bring innovative STEM programming inspiring the next generation problem solvers.  The world needs big ideas, and at the National Inventors Hall of Fame® (NIHF), we believe the best way to prepare... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Playground (Exhibit Hall)

2:30pm CST

Beyond Talent Pools: Overcoming Barriers to Diversity in Gifted Programs
This session will offer an in-depth look at some of the latest research on the diversity gap as well as solutions-oriented approaches used by a large suburban district. Part of the State Plan track, this session will explore solutions for identifying and serving all students as noted in the new Texas State Plan.

Speakers
avatar for Crystal Wilson

Crystal Wilson

GT Program Manager-Elementary, Fort Bend ISD
Crystal Wilson has 28 years of personal and professional experience with gifted education.  Crystal is currently employed as a GT Program Manager-Elementary for Fort Bend ISD.  She enjoys serving as a volunteer for TAGT. Her interests away from work include cycling, traveling, and... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Cibolo 3-4 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

2:30pm CST

Bored to Distraction: How Failing to Identify Giftedness in Young Children Is a Problem for Everyone
We will explore the problems of nonidentification from a societal lens, asking questions about why gifted students slip through the cracks, and exploring the cost of failing to catch them. This gets to the heart of why we serve gifted students and explores potential and perceptions of these kids.

Speakers
avatar for Celeste Sodergren M.A.

Celeste Sodergren M.A.

Director of Advanced Academics, Waco ISD
Celeste D.C. Sodergren, MA 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 pursuing her PhD in educational psychology... Read More →
CW

Christine Westfall

Doctoral Student, Baylor University
Christine Westfall is a doctoral student at the Baylor University school of Educational Psychology, specializing in gifted and talented students. She holds a Master's Degree in Gifted and Talented studies, and is a teacher of gifted studies in Leander ISD.



Thursday December 5, 2019 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Azalea JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

2:30pm CST

Critical Thinking and Test Prep?: Moving G/T Learners to Mastery With Active Engagement
Can you engage students in rigorous, engaging activities and ensure they are prepared for the STAAR? Test prep with critical thinking is not only feasible, but necessary. Because let’s be real: If there was such a thing as “teaching to the test,” we would’ve cracked that code by now!

Speakers
avatar for Colin Seale

Colin Seale

CEO & Founder, ThinkLaw
thinkLaw exists to create a world where critical thinking is no longer a luxury good. We help educators teach critical thinking to all students.



Thursday December 5, 2019 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Cibolo 6 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

2:30pm CST

Depth & Complexity in Mathematics
The Depth & Complexity Iconic Prompts are used in thousands of Texas classrooms and in numerous content areas. However, educators often find it challenging to integrate the prompts into their math instruction. This interactive workshop highlights ways to incorporate Depth & Complexity into mathematics and provides samples of student work.

Speakers
avatar for Daniel Brillhart

Daniel Brillhart

G/T Specialist, Round Rock ISD
Daniel Brillhart is the 2016 TAGT Educator of the Gifted. He has taught a wide range of subjects across all levels during his 29 year career. Currently, Daniel serves as the GT Specialist for his campus and on district GT leadership committees. Daniel has presented on Depth and Complexity... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Grand Oaks PQ JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

2:30pm CST

Discussing Practical Solutions for the New State Plan
The revised state plan takes us to the next level of G/T services by focusing on student outcomes, social-emotional learning, and equity for all gifted learners. The plan is well-intentioned, but without support, can appear daunting. Come gather resources that help you meet and exceed the newly revised State Plan.

Speakers
avatar for Justin Vawter

Justin Vawter

CEO, NuMinds Enrichment
Justin Vawter lives on the fringe of education, a creative spark working tirelessly to redefine the educational narrative and make the learning experience more impactful and meaningful. He holds a Masters degree in Curriculum Design and Instruction from the University of North Texas... Read More →
avatar for Ben Koch

Ben Koch

Co-Founder, NuMinds
Ben Koch is driven to unite people to a greater vision and cause in education and self-development. Through coaching, teaching, and delivering progressive workshops and talks he seeks to expand horizons in education, leadership, and personal development. Driven to make a broader impact... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Cibolo 7 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

2:30pm CST

Let’s Talk: Quality Curriculum Development
Effective curriculum captures students’ interests, challenges their thinking, and builds their creative capacities. But how do you develop quality curriculum? These experts are here to help! Learn how to develop and implement curriculum that engages gifted and advanced learners.

Speakers
avatar for Tamra Stambaugh

Tamra Stambaugh

Associate Professor; Executive Director, Vanderbilt University, Programs for Talented Youth
Tamra Stambaugh, Ph.D. is the Executive Director of Programs for Talented Youth and an Associate Research Professor of Special Education at Vanderbilt University. Stambaugh's research interests include gifted students living in rural settings, students of poverty, and curriculum and... Read More →
avatar for Eric Fecht

Eric Fecht

Educational Consultant, Vanderbilt University, Programs for Talented Youth
Eric Fecht serves as Educational Consultant and Professional Development and Special Projects Coordinator at Programs for Talented Youth. He received a B.A. in History and Secondary Education from Western Washington University, a M.A. from Johns Hopkins University, and an Ed.D. in... Read More →
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Catherine Little

Professor, University of Connecticut
Catherine Little is a professor in Educational Psychology at the University of Connecticut. She teaches courses in gifted and talented education and in the undergraduate honors program in education, and she was recognized as a University Teaching Fellow in 2012.
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Ashley Carpenter

Assistant Professor and Director of Professional Development and Publications, William & Mary
The Center for Gifted Education at William & Mary is a research and development center providing PD, curriculum, K-12 camps, and research in gifted education.


Thursday December 5, 2019 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Grand Oaks EF JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

2:30pm CST

Questioning to Enhance and Extend Learning
The goal of the session is to empower teachers with a tool to build students learning and retention. It takes the idea of prior knowledge to create questions that stem answers and a deeper understanding of the topic or content.

Speakers
avatar for Nefertitti Washington

Nefertitti Washington

Teacher, Fort Bend ISD
Nefertitti Washington is a math teacher at Quail Valley Middle School for 7th grade mathematics, 8th grade mathematics, as well as, Algebra I. Dr. Washington believes it is time for a higher dimension of learning for all learners and that we as educators should reach beyond any set... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Cibolo 1-2 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

2:30pm CST

Saints and Sensitivities: An Examination of Social and Emotional Gifted Characteristics in Historical Mystics and Application to Current Educational Contexts
This presentation examines social and emotional gifted characteristics of historical mystics and compares lessons learned with contemporary education theorists, including “the soul of education” and authentic education. Through knowledge development and engagement, participants will gain strategies for self-reflection and application to professional practice.

Speakers
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Norma Hafenstein

Daniel L. Ritchie Endowed Chair in Gifted Education, University of Denver
Norma Hafenstein, PhD, is the Daniel L. Ritchie Endowed Chair in Gifted Education at the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver. She was co-principal investigator for the Right4Rural Project, a Jacob K. Javits federally-funded initiative to identify and serve giftedness... Read More →
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Paul Michalec

Clinical Professor, University of Denver
Dr. Michalec is a Clinical Professor in the Curriculum and Instruction Program in the Morgride College of Education at the University of Denver. Paul received his PhD in Social, Multicultural, and Bilingual Foundations of Education from University of Colorado, Boulder and is currently... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Cibolo 10-11 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

2:30pm CST

Small High School G/T Programming and G/T ISM: No Time, No Budget, No Problem
How do coordinators at small schools offer meaningful and effective G/T services when they don't have designated class time or an limited budget? Find ways to make the time and resources you do have count by offering questions and tasks that students can answer on their own time.

Speakers
avatar for Cody Pruitt

Cody Pruitt

G/T Coordinator, Lago Vista High School
Cody Pruitt is a veteran classroom educator whose experience as a Gifted/Talented coordinator in two small-district high schools has led him to create novel ways to integrate G/T programming with limited resources to better serve the Gifted/Talented community. He's also taught Audio/Video... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Grand Oaks AB JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

2:30pm CST

Supporting Undocumented Students and Families From K-12 to Higher Education
Educators have the legal and moral responsibility to educate and support students regardless of their immigration status. This session will provide an overview of policies affecting undocumented students, best practices for creating safe and welcoming schools, and resources designed for K-12 educators supporting undocumented students.

Speakers
avatar for Viridiana Carrizales

Viridiana Carrizales

Co-Founder and CEO, ImmSchools
Viridiana was born in Michoacán, Mexico and immigrated with her family to the United States when she was 11 years old. In 2017, Viridiana co-founded ImmSchools, an organization that partners with K-12 educators to support undocumented students and families. Her passion for education... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Goldenrod JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

2:30pm CST

Learning Lab: A Greeting Card, Some Geometry, and Voila . . . a Box!
We’ll turn a greeting card into a box by using our knowledge of geometry concepts. Be prepared to defend and be challenged in your beliefs of geometric definitions. Families of polygons, with a special emphasis on quadrilaterals will be explored and dissected. It WILL be fun!!

Speakers
avatar for Nicholas J. Restivo

Nicholas J. Restivo

Executive Director, MOEMS
Nicholas J Restivo has spent 38 years in public education in New York City, Fort Worth, TX, and Long Island (Plainview, Mineola, Long Beach) as a classroom teacher, district supervisor of math, and high school principal. He is now serving as Executive Director of MOEMS (Mathematical... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Playground (Exhibit Hall)

3:40pm CST

Research Pop-Up: A Psychosocial Approach to Improving Gifted Students' Academic Writing
The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact that a growth-mindset intervention has on gifted students’ growth and achievement in language arts when embedded into the classroom curriculum for the first semester. In this quasi-experimental, quantitative study, survey data and achievement data were collected and analyzed for growth. This study explores one approach to embdedding growth mindset material into an academic discipline with the aim to improve students' mindset towards learning as well as encourage academic grit and perseverance (particularly students with perfectionistic and task-avoidance related underachievement). Learn more about research being conducted in gifted education in this short research presentation.

Speakers
avatar for Holly Mohler

Holly Mohler

Headmaster/Principal, School for the Highly Gifted, Grand Prairie ISD
Holly Mohler opened the School for the Highly Gifted in 2014 and is still currently leading the in-district, GPISD charter as its headmaster. She has spent thirteen of her fifteen years in education in Grand Prairie ISD serving in a variety of roles: elementary teacher, elementary... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 3:40pm - 4:00pm CST
giftED Exchange (Exhibit Hall)

3:45pm CST

Elementary Educators Meet-Up
Network with other elementary G/T educators and share your favorite tools and strategies for working with this age group.

Thursday December 5, 2019 3:45pm - 4:15pm CST
TAGT HQ

4:05pm CST

Research Pop-Up: Benefits and Barriers to Collaboration and Co-Teaching in Gifted Education
This qualitative study examined perspectives of collaboration in the context of how gifted education teachers co-plan and co-teach with general education teachers. This session highlights implications of the challenges and practical nature of implementing collaboration between gifted and general education teachers within the context of systemic change. These findings reveal many obstacles that impede successful collaboration as well as supports that facilitate its success. Findings lead to recommendations for tackling such obstacles and building systems of support in order to implement successful collaboration between gifted and general education teachers. Learn more about research being conducted in gifted education in this short research presentation.

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Emily Mofield

Dr. Emily Mofield

Assistant Professor of Education - Gifted, Lipscomb University
Emily Mofield, Ed.D., is an assistant professor in the College of Education at Lipscomb University where she teaches gifted education and doctoral research courses. Her background includes 15 years of experience teaching gifted students and leading gifted services. Emily recently... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 4:05pm - 4:25pm CST
giftED Exchange (Exhibit Hall)

4:30pm CST

A Framework for Using Media and Texts to Support the Social and Emotional Needs of Gifted Learners
How do you engage gifted learners in discussions about common affective needs such as perfectionism, stress management, empathy, risk-taking, identity, and achievement motivation while also integrating content-based ELA standards? Learn and practice using a framework for designing and discussing questions and activities that support affective needs and textual analysis.

Speakers
avatar for Tamra Stambaugh

Tamra Stambaugh

Associate Professor; Executive Director, Vanderbilt University, Programs for Talented Youth
Tamra Stambaugh, Ph.D. is the Executive Director of Programs for Talented Youth and an Associate Research Professor of Special Education at Vanderbilt University. Stambaugh's research interests include gifted students living in rural settings, students of poverty, and curriculum and... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Grand Oaks NO JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:30pm CST

Beauties of the Brain: Making Sense of the Most Complex Structure Known to Humankind
How might a better understanding of the brain help educators to generate best practices and lessons for their students? A gifted medical student will guide attendees through basic neuroscience, separating scientific findings from misconceptions. Seasoned educators will provide practical takeaways to support the beautifully complex brains in any classroom.

Speakers
avatar for Kelly Barrett

Kelly Barrett

Gifted and Talented Specialist, Northwest Independent School District
With 32 years of teaching experience, this year marks Kelly Barrett's 18th year as a GT Specialist, serving elementary students in Northwest ISD. She is a recipient of the TAGT Teacher of the Gifted and was twice awarded the Northwest ISD Campus Exemplar Educator of the Year Award... Read More →
avatar for Courtney Baker

Courtney Baker

Accelerated Math Specialist, Northwest ISD
Courtney Baker is the Accelerated Math Specialist in Northwest ISD. She spent 9 years as a math and science teacher in grades 4 and 5 before moving to the gifted classroom, where she was in her role for 2 years. In her current position, she teaches elementary aged students middle... Read More →
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Liz Smith

Gifted and Talented Specialist, Northwest ISD
avatar for Tricia Hanson

Tricia Hanson

Gifted and Talented Specialist, Northwest ISD
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Kaylyn Barrett

Student, University of Texas Health at San Antonio
Kaylyn Barrett is currently pursuing a dual Medical Degree-Masters of Public Health degree at University of Texas Health at San Antonio. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Neurobiology from University of Texas at Austin in 2017 and spent the following two years teaching biology and... Read More →
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Kristy Schluter

Gifted and Talented Specialist, Northwest ISD


Thursday December 5, 2019 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Cibolo 10-11 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:30pm CST

Concepts, Essential Questions, and Inquiry: What Would Socrates Do?
Concepts lie at the heart of quality curriculum and instruction that provide rigor, depth, and complexity. Learn how engaging learners in the examination of concepts is best accomplished through questioning–as Socrates demonstrated–that takes students to the highest levels of cognition through essential questions and Socratic inquiry.

Speakers
avatar for Richard D. Courtright

Richard D. Courtright

Gifted Education Research Specialist, Duke University Talent Identification Program (Duk
Dr. Richard D. Courtright serves as Gifted Education Research Specialist for Duke TIP. He has held the positions of lecturing fellow in the Duke University Program in Education, and as an adjunct assistant professor in the School of Education at Elon University as well as at the... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Cibolo 1-2 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:30pm CST

Embracing Intense Emotions: Nurturing Empathy Development in Gifted Children
Gifted children are prone to intense emotions and high levels of empathy, often leading to emotional distress. In this workshop, the presenter offers a unique model of empathy with specific strategies to teach gifted children to balance their intensities leading to better mental health outcomes and reduced emotional distress.

Speakers
avatar for Christine Fonseca

Christine Fonseca

Author, Licensed Educational Psychologist
Christine Fonseca is a licensed educational psychologist, critically acclaimed author, and a nationally recognized speaker on topics related to educational psychology, mental health, and giftedness. Using her experience consulting and coaching, Christine brings her expertise to Psychology... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Freesia JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:30pm CST

Experimental Design and Problem Based Learning: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Science
Using the science framework of concept-content-process, participants will explore facilitating their student's journey from demonstration level through experimental design, utilizing the interdisciplinary approach of problem-based learning. From creating driving questions to utilizing an experimental design planner, participants will learn to facilitate deep learning in the science classroom.

Speakers
AS

Anita Schuh

Gifted Facilitator, Lewis Palmer School District, CO
Anita Schuh is the Gifted Facilitator for Bear Creek Elementary in Monument, Colorado. She has been teaching gifted education for the 10 of her 20 years in education. Anita holds a master's degree from George Mason University in Educational Leadership and is currently completing a... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Azalea JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:30pm CST

Framing Leadership Stories
Educators often move into leadership roles with little practice in everyday application. Participants will write and analyze leader stories to tap leadership potential while nurturing the skills and abilities needed by leaders. The session uses the art of reframing leadership to better meet problems and set an innovative, powerful direction.

Speakers
JC

JJ Colburn

guest, Strategic Association Management
JJ Colburn, M.Ed., CAE, serves as president and partner at Strategic Association Management in Austin, TX. He was previously the executive director of TAGT, has served as the director of the Texas Association of Student Councils, and is a former social studies teacher, counselor... Read More →
avatar for Mary Christopher

Mary Christopher

Consultant, Christopher Gifted Leadership Consultant
Mary Christopher, Ph.D., completed degrees at Texas Tech University and the University of Louisville. She taught gifted children for 15 years and worked as professor at Hardin-Simmons University for 24 years. She served as Director of the Masters in Gifted Education and the Doctorate... Read More →
avatar for Cecelia Boswell Ed.D.

Cecelia Boswell Ed.D.

Consultant, Austin Creek Education Systems
ecelia Boswell, Ed.D. taught migrant and gifted students, served as the Advanced Academics consultant for ESC-14, and the executive Director of Advanced Academics for Waco ISD. She is a consultant in district evaluation of gifted services and professional learning in gifted education... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Indian Paintbrush/Lakespar JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:30pm CST

Going Beyond the Basics of Critical Thinking: Teaching High Ability Students the Principles of Inventive Problem-Solving
Gifted programs can empower high-ability students to treat a task as a problem where one invents an answer rather than looking for it in a book or elsewhere. This session shares tools and techniques to help students develop critical thinking skills to solve practical problems with an “inventive” mindset.

Speakers
avatar for Suzanna Ramos

Suzanna Ramos

Clinical Assistant Professor, Texas A&M University
Dr. Suzanna Ramos is a Lecturer in the Department of Educational Psychology at Texas A&M University. Dr. Ramos received her B.A. (Honors) in Geography and English, an M.S. in Creativity and Change Leadership, and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology focused on giftedness, creativity... Read More →
avatar for Hector Ramos Garcimartin

Hector Ramos Garcimartin

Lecturer, Texas A&M University
Hector is an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Educational Psychology at Texas A&M University. Dr. Ramos received his B.Sc. (Honors) in European Community Studies, an M.S. in Creativity and Change Leadership, and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology focused on giftedness, creativity... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Begonia/Bottlebrush JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:30pm CST

Launching TPSPs for Beginners!
Don't let project-based learning overwhelm you. Instead, let your students take control of their learning! Let me coach you through four different TPSPs for grades K-5. I found the free resources, wrote timelines, and created unit plans I will share with you. We'll also look at authentic student examples.

Speakers
avatar for Deniece Frideley

Deniece Frideley

GT Specialist, Lancaster ISD
Deniece Frideley is currently in her seventeenth year teaching and her sixth year as a G/T Specialist in Lancaster Independent School District. She is an innovative teacher who allows her students to take ownership of their learning through project based learning, as well as Genius... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Grand Oaks CD JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:30pm CST

Leveling the (Math) Playing Field to Promote Equity in Gifted Services
A student and administrator will share a presentation that will show how RRISD is actively working to eliminate disadvantages faced by females and underprivileged communities. Data is presented in partnership with a student-created, nonprofit organization for girls. We'll tie in effects of stereotype threat on TAG enrollment and possible solutions.

Speakers
avatar for Raine Maggio, M.S.

Raine Maggio, M.S.

Coordinator, Gifted Services K-12, Round Rock ISD
Raine currently serves as Coordinator of Gifted Services in Round Rock ISD. She has 20 plus years in gifted education teaching elementary and middle school, and now in a leadership. Raine was fortunate to receive last year's TAGT Administrator of the Year Award and continues her involvement... Read More →
avatar for Sejal Jain

Sejal Jain

Founder, Adorn with Attitude
Sejal Jain is a rising senior at Westwood High School and has been part of the RRISD family since elementary. She feels fortunate to have access to a variety of AP courses ranging from Calculus and Computer Science to Psychology and Music Theory. She is head coach of all-girls Math... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Goldenrod JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:30pm CST

Literature That Connects to G/T Students
Research shows that when students "see" themselves within the pages of a book, their mind is more open and receptive. Our gifted population is certainly no exception. Participants will be exposed to a variety of texts with gifted characters. In addition, twice-exceptional students will be highlighted.

Speakers
avatar for Melissa Saphos

Melissa Saphos

Texas Education Service Center Region 6
Melissa Saphos has always been a teacher at heart, although she took a twisty path to get there! She has enjoyed a career in journalism, marketing, banking, and education and considers herself fortunate for the experiences that allow her to advocate for teachers and learners. She... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Bluebonnet/Dogwood JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:30pm CST

Out of the Box: Implementing Mystery as a Strategy to Engage Gifted Learners
Think outside the box to guide gifted learners through advanced content and abstract thinking through inquiry! Attendees will discover how to develop crosscurricular mystery lessons to motivate and challenge gifted learners. In addition to learning how to create mystery lessons, a complete social studies unit with student work samples will be shared.

Speakers
VP

Vicki Phelps

Lead Consulting Teacher for Gifted Education, Sumner County
Vicki Phelps, Ed.D., NBCT, is Lead Consulting Teacher for Gifted Education in Sumner County, TN. She has been teaching and leading gifted services for the last 20 years and enjoys writing gifted curricula. She enjoys presenting at state, national, and world gifted conferences. Dr... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Grand Oaks AB JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:30pm CST

Preassessment and Grouping: Laying the Groundwork for Effective Differentiation
In a mini-workshop format complete with practice and student examples, this session explores various approaches to preassessment as well as grouping strategies; most importantly, it focuses on matching the learning goals to appropriate preassessments to best-practice grouping strategies–thus laying the ground work for effective differentiation.

Speakers
avatar for Tracy Inman

Tracy Inman

Associate Director, The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU
Tracy Ford Inman, Ed. D., associate director of The Center for Gifted Studies at Western Kentucky University, is active on the state, national, and international levels in gifted education, working the educators, parents, and gifted students. She serves on NAGC’s board (parent representative... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Cibolo 6 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:30pm CST

Ratcheting-Up the Curriculum for Gifted Learners
Teachers of the gifted are responsible for going beyond mastery of grade-level curriculum. They need to be able to “ratchet-up” the learning for students. This skill can be developed by learning how to upgrade grade-level curriculum TEKS objectives and pose appropriate advanced-level questions in any content area.

Speakers
avatar for Debra A. Troxclair

Debra A. Troxclair

Associate Professor, Lamar University
Debra A. Troxclair, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor at Lamar University, teaches graduate special education courses and gifted education courses, has more than 20 years of experience teaching at the K-12 level and has taught at the university level for 16+ years.She has... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Cibolo 3-4 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:30pm CST

Speed Geeking
Feast your minds on this collection of self-professed geeks as they attempt to wow you with their favorite tech tools for use in your classroom. Each presenter will have only five minutes to dazzle you with whatever apps or resources they feel should be a part of your technology tool box. This is definitely a session that everyone will be talking about later. Come early and be able to say that you were in the room where it happened!

Speakers
avatar for Andi McNair

Andi McNair

Author, Speaker, Gifted Ed Specialist, Digital Innovation Specialist, ESC Region 12, Waco, TX
Andi was a classroom teacher for 16 years before pursuing her passion to change education by sharing practical ways to engage and empower today’s learners. She is now a published author, international speaker, gifted education specialist and digital innovation specialist at ESC... Read More →
avatar for Lisa Van Gemert

Lisa Van Gemert

Creator, Gifted Guru
Using a combination of neuropsychology, pedagogy, experience, humor, technology and sheer fun, Lisa Van Gemert shares best practices in education with audiences around the world. She is an expert consult to television shows including Lifetime’s "Child Genius," and a writer of award-winning... Read More →
avatar for Stephanie Shackelford

Stephanie Shackelford

Digital Learning Coach, Mansfield ISD
Within her 20+ years in education, Stephanie has taught in the English, technology, and leadership classrooms. Her passion for utilizing technology in the classroom led her to the Digital Learning team in Mansfield ISD. She has the unique opportunity to work with the Advanced Academics... Read More →
avatar for Melanie Beckett

Melanie Beckett

Advanced Academics Instructional Coach, Mansfield ISD
Melanie has been an educator for over 20 years in Texas and New Mexico and has served on Advisory Councils for developing curriculum with the GT and advanced student in mind. As an Advanced Academics Instructional Coach, she shares her passion of meeting the needs of GT students by... Read More →
avatar for Brigette Cardenas

Brigette Cardenas

Advanced Academics Instructional Coach, Mansfield ISD
Brigette has been in education for over 20 years (and gifted education for 14) in places such as Australia and Colombia, South America. She is passionate about meeting the needs of gifted students and training teachers to bring out their students' true potential. As an Advanced Academics... Read More →
avatar for Rolando Ruvalcaba M.Ed.

Rolando Ruvalcaba M.Ed.

Educational Consultant, ESC, Region 20
Rolando Ruvalcaba has had experience facilitating G/T workshops at various levels for 16 years. Rolando is known for his interactive sessions that bring out the best of his participants. As a classroom teacher, Rolando has established himself as an effective educator for gifted students... Read More →
avatar for Brian Housand

Brian Housand

Program Coordinator, UNCW / Gifted360
Dr. Brian Housand, is the coordinator of the Academically or Intellectually Gifted program at University of North Carolina Wilmington and creator of Gifted360.com. Dr. Housand earned a Ph.D. in educational psychology at the University of Connecticut with an emphasis in both gifted... Read More →
avatar for Justin Vawter

Justin Vawter

CEO, NuMinds Enrichment
Justin Vawter lives on the fringe of education, a creative spark working tirelessly to redefine the educational narrative and make the learning experience more impactful and meaningful. He holds a Masters degree in Curriculum Design and Instruction from the University of North Texas... Read More →
avatar for Clinton Rodriguez

Clinton Rodriguez

Gifted and Talented, and Advanced Academics Specialist, ESC Region 11
Clint Rodriguez is the GT and Advanced Academics Consultant for ESC Region 11. Previously he served as the district-wide Secondary GT Specialist in Richardson ISD. He taught at ASPIRE Academy for the Highly Gifted in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD and has a master's degree in religion... Read More →
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Laila Ferris

Prinicpal/Interim Chief, Division of Connecting Languages/Dual Language, Mesita ECDC/Elementary School, El Paso ISD
Laila Ferris is a graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso, with both a Bachelors of Science and Masters in Education Administration degrees. She has been the Principal of Mesita Early Childhood Development Center and Elementary School, in El Paso ISD, for 24 years and is also... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Cibolo 5 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:30pm CST

STEM/STEAM Pathways to Authentic Problem-Solving
Join us to explore and experience innovative strategies designed for K-12 students to engage in 21st-century thinking and learning skills of creativity, innovation, inspiration, and problem-solving. Through dynamic team building and collaboration, we provide active approaches to navigate STEM/STEAM pathways inspiring creativity and advancing the spirit of innovation.

Speakers
avatar for Barbara Hinton

Barbara Hinton

Regional Program Development Manager, National Inventors Hall of Fame
The National Inventors Hall of Fame has been connecting with districts for 31 years to bring innovative STEM programming inspiring the next generation problem solvers.  The world needs big ideas, and at the National Inventors Hall of Fame® (NIHF), we believe the best way to prepare... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Grand Oaks RS JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:30pm CST

TEA Town Hall: Building G/T Certification, Part II
G/T stakeholders will provide input for the next phase of gifted/talented program certification to TEA in this interactive town hall session, offering suggestions for what the framework for certification of gifted programs might look like in the future.

This session will cover the following sections of the State Plan: Student Assessment, Service Design, and Families.

Speakers
avatar for Monica Brewer

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, 2019 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Grand Oaks EF JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:30pm CST

Weaving STAAR Stems, Depth and Complexity Tools, and Collaboration Into a Tapestry of STAAR Reading Mastery
Sadly, STAAR practice tests become the reading curriculum in some classrooms. This hurts gifted readers who crave opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions with others about interesting literature. Explore ways to inspire students, boost their confidence, and lead them to mastery on the STAAR through the use of irresistible text.

Speakers
avatar for Gina Pasisis

Gina Pasisis

Gifted and Talented Instructional Specialist, Waco ISD
Gina Pasisis is passionate about providing students with a thinking curriculum. As an author, former principal, and coach of teachers, she seeks to share ideas for engaging students in rich learning experiences.



Thursday December 5, 2019 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Grand Oaks PQ JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:30pm CST

What Is Giftedness, Really? A Talent Development Perspective
In this presentation, Dr. Frank C. Worrell will review several definitions of giftedness and discuss contributing factors and considerations for supporting students' gifts and talents.  He will argue that giftedness is the outcome of a talent development process that involves appropriate opportunities, curriculum matched to student strengths, and motivational factors.

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Frank Worrell

Dr. Frank Worrell

Professor; Faculty Director of the School of Psychology Program, University of California, Berkeley
Frank C. Worrell is a Professor in the Graduate School of Education at the University of California, Berkeley, where he serves as Faculty Director of the School Psychology Program, the Academic Talent Development Program, and the California College Preparatory Academy. He also holds... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Cibolo 8-9 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:30pm CST

giftED Exchange: Strategies for Underrepresented Students
Get ready to fill your bucket with tons of strategies for serving underrepresented students in this fun, fast-paced giftED Exchange session! giftED Exchange sessions allow attendees to experience a variety of creative teaching techniques that can be applied immediately in the gifted classroom. Each presentation will be repeated speed-dating style for a full hour. Come prepared to walk away with resources, tips, tools, and lesson plans you can immediately use in your classroom. Sponsored by thinkLaw.

Table #1: Lessons Learned from Implementing Kindergarten Talent Development
Table #2: Underachieving GT Students-6 Hour PD Update
Table #3: Using Photographs to Enhance Critical Thinking
Table #4: Understanding, Identifying, and Meeting the Needs of Gifted Native American Students
Table #5: Chispas for Underrepresented Students
Table #6: A Deeper Look!
Table #7: Gift of Gab
Table #8: Sort It Out
Table #9: Why Combining Math and Social Justice Really Adds Up



Thursday December 5, 2019 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
giftED Exchange (Exhibit Hall)

4:30pm CST

Learning Lab: Astronomy for the Classroom
Bring the basics of astronomy into your classroom by creating a chandelier-like constellation of Orion. Through the presentation you will be learning the stars that make up Orion and their meaning, bringing understanding of constellations to your students.

Speakers
avatar for Abigail Peterson

Abigail Peterson

Sales and Outreach Coordinator, US Space and Rocket Center
Abigail Peterson is the Sales and Outreach Coordinator at The U.S. Space and Rocket Center, home of Space Camp, and specializes in Custom programs. While overseeing Custom and Corporate programs, she travels the United States promoting the exciting educational opportunities available... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Playground JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

5:45pm CST

Whose Team Is It Anyways? Team-Building Comedy Challenge
Who wouldn’t want to build culture and climate with comedy? In this session, participants will explore a variety of comedic team-building activities for use in the classroom. Participants will use their efforts as a team to help write and perform a comedy show throughout the night. Engage in critical thinking, creativity, and building your self-efficacy through improvisational comedy with the always delightful improv team from Curtis Needs a Ride.  

Speakers
avatar for Michael Flusche

Michael Flusche

Comedian & G/T Director, Curtis Needs A Ride
Michael Flusche loves to combine his passion for comedy with his love for gifted education. Beginning as a teacher with a hobby of comedy, Flusche earned an opportunity to work as a coordinator in gifted education. In doing so, Flusche discovered that the foundations of improvisational... Read More →
avatar for Austin Hines

Austin Hines

Comedian, Curtis Needs a Ride


Thursday December 5, 2019 5:45pm - 7:15pm CST
Cibolo 7 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

6:00pm CST

Geeks Who Teach Trivia Night
Calling all know-it-alls (and everyone else too)! Grab a team or join a table of your fellow teachers and trivia geeks and compete for awesome prizes at this fast-paced, super fun trivia night hosted by trivia master, gifted expert, and self-proclaimed geek Brian Housand. You’ll laugh, you’ll get rowdy (we hope—it’s a competition!), and you’ll learn plenty of useful knowledge to impress your friends and students with, including information about gifted education that typically is only found in your dusty old textbooks.

Speakers
avatar for Brian Housand

Brian Housand

Program Coordinator, UNCW / Gifted360
Dr. Brian Housand, is the coordinator of the Academically or Intellectually Gifted program at University of North Carolina Wilmington and creator of Gifted360.com. Dr. Housand earned a Ph.D. in educational psychology at the University of Connecticut with an emphasis in both gifted... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
Cibolo 5 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30pm CST

INSPIRE: TAGT Awards Celebration
Honoring outstanding contributions to the field of gifted education by educators, administrators, advocates, parent groups, and publications, INSPIRE: TAGT Awards Celebration allows you to support your peers doing good work. Join us for an inspiring conversation with the winners and a chance to celebrate their accomplishments. (Note, all invited; session does count for professional learning credit.)

Looking for Riverbend Pavilion? Exit the main lobby by Cibolo Moon restaurant, walk around the pool walkway to the right until you reach the outdoor event space. Follow the TAGT signs!

Thursday December 5, 2019 7:30pm - 9:00pm CST
Riverbend Pavilion
 
Friday, December 6
 

7:30am CST

21st-Century Mathematics
Project-based learning (PBL) and Mathematical Modeling (MM) tasks reveal low-floors and high-ceilings, which provide critical and challenging opportunities for gifted students. These tasks can be difficult to implement, especially in general mathematics classrooms. We strive to share helpful information and ideas that will make implementing these tasks doable at any grade level.

Speakers
avatar for Alana Tholen

Alana Tholen

Doctoral Candidate, University of Iowa
Alana M. Tholen is a Mathematics Education PhD Candidate at the University of Iowa. Her areas of interest include gifted mathematics education and racial equity within the mathematics classroom. She has taught secondary mathematics for the past five years and is currently teaching... Read More →
avatar for Anna Payne

Anna Payne

Doctoral Student, Baylor University
Anna Payne is a doctoral student at Baylor University in educational psychology, with a focus on gifted students in mathematics. She has supervised student teachers, as well as working with innovative options for professional learning at the Belin-Blank Center (University of Iowa... Read More →


21 Math pptx

Friday December 6, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Grand Oaks AB JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

Blended Learning Centers in the Secondary Classroom
Yes! We said centers in secondary classes! With a shift in thinking, transform your classroom to focus on the individual learning needs of advanced learners. Blended learning offers avenues to differentiate, addresses various learning styles, allows students to learn at their own pace, and take ownership of their learning.

Speakers
avatar for Stephanie Shackelford

Stephanie Shackelford

Digital Learning Coach, Mansfield ISD
Within her 20+ years in education, Stephanie has taught in the English, technology, and leadership classrooms. Her passion for utilizing technology in the classroom led her to the Digital Learning team in Mansfield ISD. She has the unique opportunity to work with the Advanced Academics... Read More →
avatar for Melanie Beckett

Melanie Beckett

Advanced Academics Instructional Coach, Mansfield ISD
Melanie has been an educator for over 20 years in Texas and New Mexico and has served on Advisory Councils for developing curriculum with the GT and advanced student in mind. As an Advanced Academics Instructional Coach, she shares her passion of meeting the needs of GT students by... Read More →


Friday December 6, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Begonia/Bottlebrush JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

Books, Books, and More Books
Build on gifted students’ voracity for reading by pairing the characteristics of gifted learners with books featuring characters to whom they can relate. Everything from picture books to adult novels will be discussed. Gain a few new favorite books to share with your students.

Speakers
avatar for Lynette Breedlove

Lynette Breedlove

Director, The Gatton Academy of Mathematics & Science, KY
Dr. Lynette Breedlove is Director of The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky located on the campus of Western Kentucky University. She has served gifted students in Texas as a central office administrator, campus GT specialists, and classroom teacher. She is a past... Read More →



Friday December 6, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Freesia JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

Creating Strong Kids Through Writing: 30-Minute Lessons That Build Empathy, Self-Awareness and Social-Emotional Understanding
So many writing activities in today’s schools follow a standard format that is neither interesting nor purposeful for advancing student learning. This session is designed to change that. Participants will be presented with 12 writing lessons that enhance character, creativity and self-awareness, while engaging students in personal writing that they actually enjoy composing. While some of the activities are brief and humorous, others are extended and require introspection. Each classroom-tested lesson will be accompanied by student-generated responses that will help to turn even your most reluctant writers into wordsmiths.

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Jim Delisle

Dr. Jim Delisle

Distinguished Professor of Education, Kent State University (Retired)
Dr. Jim Delisle has taught gifted children and those who work on their behalf for more than 30 years. Jim retired from Kent State University recently after 25 years of service as a professor of special education. Throughout his career, Jim has taken time away from university teaching... Read More →


Friday December 6, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Cibolo 5 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

Engaging All Students in Learning; A Make-n-Take Workshop
Fill a portfolio with all new projects that teach skills "hands-on." Use the "rigor" of today's teaching and infuse research-based creative projects into your classroom that lead gifted students to be challenged with a differentiated curriculum piece that engages all! Fun, hands-on, creative, and motivational!

Speakers
KS

Karen Simmons

teacher, The Bag Ladies and PBC School District
Karen Simmons is a veteran teacher in Palm Beach County, Fl. where she has been awarded numerous awards and merits. She and another teacher speak all over the USA to districts, schools, and groups on ways to keep gifted students engaged in learning. Since retirement she teaches art... Read More →
CG

Cindy Guinn

Teacher, The Bag Ladies and Palm Beach County School District
Cindy Guinn is a teacher in Palm Beach Co. , Florida. She is the winner of numerous awards and merits for her exceptional teaching. She speaks with Karen Simmons all over the USA and is a noted author of 4 books, and numerous thematic units. Mrs. Guinn runs the art gallery for her... Read More →


Friday December 6, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Cibolo 8-9 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

More Mathematical Minds in the Multiage Mod: 2019 TAGT Innovation Award Winner
After an extensive review of research on best practices for gifted learners, the Klein ISD Gifted and Talented Guiding Coalition concluded that a self-contained, high-ability, multiage elementary class would be the ideal pilot program. Join us to learn about this innovative, successful program which earned the TAGT Innovation Award.

Speakers
CB

Carie Barber

Program Coordinator, Klein ISD
Carie currently serves Klein ISD gifted learners as a Program Coordinator in the Advanced Academic Services Department. She leads the department in Identification and Assessment for gifted learners in Klein ISD.
KP

Kathleen Plott

Officer-Advanced Academic Services, Klein ISD
Kathleen Plott leads Advanced Academics for Klein ISD. She has served educational communities across the United States as a classroom teacher, content/technology specialist, grant writer/program manager, GT/Advanced Academic Program Coordinator, National Professional Development trainer... Read More →
CR

Carrie Raiyawa

Program Coordinator, Klein ISD
Carrie serves Klein ISD gifted learners as a Program Coordinator in the Advanced Academic Services Department. She leads the department in Professional Learning for gifted learners in Klein ISD.


Friday December 6, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Grand Oaks EF JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

Perspectives of Giftedness and Schooling: Gen X Talks With Gen Z
As the teaching workforce ages, the gap in generations may cause difficulties in connecting to today's youth. This presentation discusses the challenges of teaching gifted students through eyes of a Gen X and a Gen Z student. Participants will be encouraged to share their experiences as well.

Speakers
avatar for Amanda Rudolph

Amanda Rudolph

Professor, Stephen F. Austin State University
Amanda M. Rudolph is a Professor in the Department of Education Studies at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas where she serves as the Graduate Program Coordinator. She also teaches the gifted education courses. She is a member of TAGT and has served on the editorial... Read More →


Friday December 6, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Cibolo 3-4 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

Primarily Thinking
Want to infuse thinking skills into your primary grade classroom? Looking for activities to help with early identification? Seeking equitable representation of underrepresented populations? These examples of thinking-skills-based activities for primary-aged children work for whole-class lessons and as part of an equitable and early gifted identification process.

Speakers
avatar for Tamara Fisher Alley

Tamara Fisher Alley

K-12 Gifted Education Specialist, Polson School District #23, MT
Tamara Fisher is K-12 Gifted Specialist for Polson Schools on Montana’s Flathead Indian Reservation. She is Past-President of Montana AGATE and earned her M.A. in Gifted Education in 2004 (UConn). Tamara co-authored "Intelligent Life in the Classroom" with Karen Isaacson, which... Read More →


Friday December 6, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Cibolo 1-2 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

Raising the Bar: Teaching ELs With Depth and Complexity
Discover how to increase the rigor of instruction and provide English Learners with the opportunity to exhibit in-depth, complex thinking while also increasing achievement and proficiency in English. Examples of instruction that integrates both depth and complexity and second language acquisition will be shared.

Speakers
avatar for Marcy Voss M.Ed.

Marcy Voss M.Ed.

Consultant/ELP Facilitator, Independent/TAGT
During her 36 years in public education, Marcy coordinated GT and BL/ESL Programs, served on the TAGT Board, and was Chair of the TEA GT Advisory Council._x000D_ Marcy currently serves as an educational consultant, Facilitator for the TAGT ELP, Chair of the NABE GT/Bilingual SIG... Read More →


Friday December 6, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Bluebonnet/Dogwood JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

SESSION CANCELLED: Beyond the Book Report: Promoting Critical and Creative Thinking Through Literary Analysis
CANCELLED! Do you need engaging ways to assess students’ understanding of books read during independent reading? This session will include the presentation of alternative literary analysis assignments (book reports) that promote critical and creative thinking. The suggestions provided will emphasize higher order skills while cultivating student interest in reading.

Speakers
KC

Kimberley Chandler

Senior Director of Learning and School Performance, Essex County Public Schools
Kimberley Chandler, Ph.D., is the Senior Director of Learning and School Performance in the Essex County Public Schools in Virginia. Her professional background includes teaching gifted students in a variety of settings, serving as an administrator of a school district gifted program... Read More →


Friday December 6, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Grand Oaks NO JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

Six Thinking Hats: Creative and Critical Thinking
Students require creativity and critical thinking skills to be successful in the 21st-century world. Many gifted students have great potential in these areas, but how can these skills be taught? This session will introduce deBono's Six Thinking Hats process, which requires participants to think about problems from varied perspectives.

Speakers
KH

Kim Hardin

Assistant Professor, Abilene Christian University
Kim Hardin, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Teacher Education Department at Abilene Christian University. She spent ten years teaching in the Texas public schools where she served students from all academic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Her areas of focus while completing her... Read More →


Friday December 6, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Cibolo 10-11 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

TEA Gifted/Talented Education Update (Repeat Session)
Hear the latest information pertaining to gifted/talented education in Texas, including the new Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted and Talented Students. TEA divisions will also share other highlights related to G/T.

Speakers
avatar for Monica Brewer

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 →



Friday December 6, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Indian Paintbrush/Lakespar JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

Teaching Tenacity Through Social-Emotional Learning: Linking Research to Practice
What does the research say about gifted students’ achievement motivation? How can we teach tenacity, resilience, and emotional regulation so that students are able to thrive, even through challenges? See sample lesson plans and learn practical, engaging strategies that address the link between emotions and achievement motivation.

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Emily Mofield

Dr. Emily Mofield

Assistant Professor of Education - Gifted, Lipscomb University
Emily Mofield, Ed.D., is an assistant professor in the College of Education at Lipscomb University where she teaches gifted education and doctoral research courses. Her background includes 15 years of experience teaching gifted students and leading gifted services. Emily recently... Read More →
MP

Megan Parker Peters

Associate Professor & Director of Teacher Education and Assessment, Lipscomb University
Dr. Megan Parker Peters is an Associate Professor and the Director of Teacher Education and Assessment at Lipscomb University. She is a licensed psychologist and Nationally Certified School Psychologist. Dr. Parker Peters specializes in researching and assessing gifted and twice-exceptional... Read More →



Friday December 6, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Cibolo 7 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

Texas State Plan Work Session: Creating an Action Plan
The new Texas State Plan requires that for every area a district does not meet the level of compliance there is a plan to correct it with a timeline. Come work together with other district coordinators to get a jump start on this work.

Speakers
avatar for Monica Simonds

Monica Simonds

Director of Advanced Learning Programs and Services, Richardson ISD
Monica Simonds received her M.Ed., from the University of Southwestern Louisiana, currently the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. After teaching for almost ten years in Louisiana, she moved to Texas where she spent ten years as a high school debate coach and is now in her 12th year... Read More →


Friday December 6, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Cibolo 6 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

The Poverty-Disrupting Educator
Will you be the poverty-disrupting educator who will make a difference in the lives of the underserved gifted population? G/T students who live in poverty are increasingly left behind. Let's discuss strategies and practical applications to help change the trajectory of gifted students who may have otherwise be ignored.

Speakers
avatar for Sherry Johnson

Sherry Johnson

GT Trainer & Instructional Specialist, Cypress Fairbanks ISD
Sherry Johnson is the consummate educator, who is passionate about empowering individuals. She entered the field of education in 1996 and for the past thirteen years serves in Cypress Fairbanks ISD. She has earned the recognition of Spotlight Teacher of the Year and Elementary Math... Read More →


Friday December 6, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Goldenrod JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

8:05am CST

Research Pop-Up: Using Sternberg's Theory of Successful Intelligence and Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Theory as a Basis for Identification in G/T Programs
Populations within Gifted programs should mirror the demographics in today's schools. Historically, underrepresented populations in these programs include EL, Black, Hispanic, economically disadvantaged & 2e. Using Gardner & Sternberg's theories as a foundation for developing equitable identification & assessment measures in gifted programs can aid in issues of underrepresentation. This research will aid in program development, implementation and evaluation as directors and coordinators look to create more equitable gifted programs for all populations including those underserved within gifted. It will also have implications for those Secondary advanced level programs such as AP, Pre-AP, Dual Credit and IB. Learn more about research being conducted in gifted education in this short research presentation.

Speakers
avatar for Javetta Jones Roberson

Javetta Jones Roberson

District Coordinator, Advanced Academics & Gifted, McKinney ISD
Dr. Javetta Jones Roberson serves as the District Coordinator of Secondary Advanced Academics & Gifted and Talented in McKinney ISD. Javetta received her doctorate of education in the Educational Leadership program at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Her research interests include diverse... Read More →


Friday December 6, 2019 8:05am - 8:25am CST
giftED Exchange (Exhibit Hall)

8:30am CST

African American and LatinX Academically Gifted Males in U.S. Schools: Frameworks and Models of Success
This session will take an in-depth look at several theoretical frameworks and models with a critical focus on the Academically Gifted Black Male Engagement model and Scholar Identity Model. In this interactive session, attendees will have the opportunity to consider research related to African American and LatinX Males in P-20 school settings presented via discussions and video segments, apply research presented to their experiences in school settings, and share practical strategies used to support these student populations.

Speakers
avatar for Fred Bonner

Fred Bonner

Professor, Prairie View A&M University
Fred A. Bonner II is Professor, Endowed Chair, and Chief Research Scientist for the Minority Achievement, Creativity, and High-Ability Center at Prairie View A&M University. His primary research focus highlights the experiences of academically gifted Black males across the P-20 education... Read More →


Friday December 6, 2019 8:30am - 10:30am CST
Bluebonnet/Dogwood JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

8:30am CST

Collaborate About Clustering: One District's Success Story With a Cluster Model
Learn how one district implements clustering GT students with high ability math students in general education classrooms. We will share aspects of our model and review some of the evidence that indicates it is working! Also, learn what we believe to be the KEY to our success!

Speakers
avatar for Kimberly Stewart

Kimberly Stewart

Instructional Support Teacher, Northside ISD
Kimberly Stewart has been in gifted education for 23 years. She was an elementary GT specialist for 18 years and has served her district in the role of instructional support for gifted programs at all levels since 2015. Her primary tasks include supporting district GT specialists... Read More →
avatar for Courtney Mayer

Courtney Mayer

Director of Gifted/Talented and Advanced Academics, Northside ISD
Courtney Mayer is the Director for GT and Advanced Academics in Northside ISD. She is also a College Board Consultant in the Southwestern Region where she has conducted workshops throughout the US and China. Courtney has written 8 books on topics in science education and was on the... Read More →



Friday December 6, 2019 8:30am - 10:30am CST
Grand Oaks PQ JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

8:30am CST

Differentiation and the Gifted Learner: From Fluff and Stuff to Depth and Complexity
When differentiating for gifted learners how do you know if your lesson is different or appropriately difficult? After defining terms like depth and complexity, learn three ways to differentiate instruction for gifted learners and practice applying models and frameworks to support your lesson planning in science, social studies, and ELA.

Speakers
avatar for Tamra Stambaugh

Tamra Stambaugh

Associate Professor; Executive Director, Vanderbilt University, Programs for Talented Youth
Tamra Stambaugh, Ph.D. is the Executive Director of Programs for Talented Youth and an Associate Research Professor of Special Education at Vanderbilt University. Stambaugh's research interests include gifted students living in rural settings, students of poverty, and curriculum and... Read More →
avatar for Eric Fecht

Eric Fecht

Educational Consultant, Vanderbilt University, Programs for Talented Youth
Eric Fecht serves as Educational Consultant and Professional Development and Special Projects Coordinator at Programs for Talented Youth. He received a B.A. in History and Secondary Education from Western Washington University, a M.A. from Johns Hopkins University, and an Ed.D. in... Read More →


Friday December 6, 2019 8:30am - 10:30am CST
Grand Oaks RS JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

8:30am CST

Gifted Program Evaluation: Assessing Effectiveness
Participants will learn how to conduct a thorough evaluation of a gifted program to determine effectiveness. Participants will learn methods for organizing the evaluation, types of data to collect, and how to interpret and use findings to direct program improvement. Tips for success and pitfalls to avoid will be shared.

Speakers
avatar for Kristie Speirs Neumeister

Kristie Speirs Neumeister

Professor, Ball State University
Kristie Speirs Neumeister, Ph.D. is a Professor of Educational Psychology at Ball State University where she directs the gifted licensure program and teaches graduate courses in educational psychology relating to gifted education. Throughout her career she has focused her research... Read More →
avatar for Virgina Burney

Virgina Burney

Instructor, Ball State University
Virginia H. Burney, Ph.D. is on the Educational Psychology faculty at Ball State University and is a consultant to school districts in the area of high ability education. She has worked K-12 as a principal, school counselor, guidance director, math teacher, and school board member... Read More →


Friday December 6, 2019 8:30am - 10:30am CST
Indian Paintbrush/Lakespar JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

8:30am CST

Mindsets & Media: The Influence of Social Media on the Gifted Brain
Join us for a humorous but thought-provoking look at how social media shapes the teenage (and adult!) brain, influencing our mindset, worldview, mental/emotional health and social interactions. Discover ways to help our gifted students foster more open-mindedness and a healthy self image, and engage in more meaningful classroom peer interactions.

Speakers
avatar for Matt Wells

Matt Wells

GT Trainer & Science Dept. Chair, CFISD
Matt is an award-winning teacher, science department chair, GT trainer and AP consultant based in Houston, TX. A regular presenter at giftED, CAST and other conferences, Matt is a Past-President of STAT and TABT, and winner of numerous teaching awards, including NABT's "Outstanding... Read More →



Friday December 6, 2019 8:30am - 10:30am CST
Grand Oaks AB JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

8:30am CST

Social-Emotional Enrichment, Acceleration, and Differentiation
This session will focus on how to use a developmental, standards-based approach to enrichment, acceleration, and differentiation for the social emotional learning of gifted students in order to identify and develop students' strengths and weaknesses. Learn how one school is trying to go beyond identification to servicing students' social-emotional needs.

Speakers
avatar for Holly Mohler

Holly Mohler

Headmaster/Principal, School for the Highly Gifted, Grand Prairie ISD
Holly Mohler opened the School for the Highly Gifted in 2014 and is still currently leading the in-district, GPISD charter as its headmaster. She has spent thirteen of her fifteen years in education in Grand Prairie ISD serving in a variety of roles: elementary teacher, elementary... Read More →
avatar for Rebekah Swaim

Rebekah Swaim

Early Childhood Behavior Therapist, GRAND PRAIRIE ISD,ADMINISTRATION
avatar for Tiffani Marich

Tiffani Marich

Teacher, School for the Highly Gifted, Grand Prairie ISD
avatar for Baneca Henson

Baneca Henson

Counselor, School for the Highly Gifted, Grand Prairie ISD
Baneca Henson started in the field of Special Education, as a paraprofessional in a self-contained classroom, in which students exhibited emotional and behavioral disturbances and spent the next 5 years as a Special Education Teacher. Most recently, she has served as a School Counselor... Read More →


Friday December 6, 2019 8:30am - 10:30am CST
Grand Oaks CD JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

9:00am CST

Creating and Consuming Media Messages With Purpose
Media messages are prevalent and powerful. As children are inundated with these messages, they make decisions about interacting with media, which affects how they see themselves, others, and the world. This session benefits middle school G/T teachers with an introduction to media’s effects on identity development combined with student activities.

Speakers
JS

Jennifer Shewmaker

Dean: College of Education and Human Services, Abilene Christian University
As a school psychologist for the past twenty years, Dr. Shewmaker has worked with countless children and adolescents, and has seen the way that key media literacy skills impact the way that they respond to media messages. In the past several years, she has been speaking, researching... Read More →
avatar for Amy Boone

Amy Boone

Teaching and Learning Specialist, Abilene Christian University
Mrs. Boone is a Texas certified teacher and has taught students from pre-kindergarten through graduate school. She has written about positive media production. She currently works with university faculty on creating classrooms that maximizes learning based on research about how the... Read More →


Friday December 6, 2019 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Cibolo 1-2 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

9:00am CST

Dynamic Assessment for the Classroom
Dynamic assessment is sometimes used in the identification process. However, with a little shift in thinking it can also be an effective tool for the gifted and mixed-ability classrooms when students come with sometimes wildly different background experiences.

Speakers
JR

Joe Russell

Advanced Learning Specialist, Richardson ISD
Joe Russell is a teacher of an amazing bunch of kids in in Richardson, TX. He has published research on several subjects related to G/T, but considers his most important contribution to the field to be the time spent in his classroom with his students. He lives in Plano, TX with his... Read More →


Friday December 6, 2019 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Cibolo 3-4 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

9:00am CST

Explore the Challenge Lab: Renzulli’s Schoolwide Enrichment Model on Steroids
Explore how Challenge Lab serves G/T, “undercover G/T,” and high-achieving children. Discover an innovative way to serve all students achieving academic mastery via extensions, inclusion, and STEAM. This dynamic model motivates students to master TEKS and think critically, thus boosting Level 3 STAAR scores. A fresh approach to differentiation!

Speakers
LD

Lisa Davis

Gifted Education Consultant, Gifted Education Consultant
Lisa Davis was most recently a Challenge Lab teacher/Enrichment Specialist in Kerrville ISD, with over 30 years in Education. She holds a M.Ed. in School Leadership, with Special Education, Kindergarten, Early Childhood, & Principal certifications. Lisa has piloted special education... Read More →


Friday December 6, 2019 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Cibolo 10-11 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

9:00am CST

Gifted Student Transitions: What We Can Learn From the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
School transfers challenge all students, but those in gifted education programs may face additional obstacles due to varying program requirements between sending and receiving schools. The Interstate Compact offers guidance on easing transitions for military-connected students, but may also provide models for increasing equity and access for other mobile students.

Speakers
avatar for Melanie Meyer

Melanie Meyer

PhD Student/AP Language Teacher, University of North Texas/McKinney ISD
Melanie Meyer has been a classroom teacher in Texas for over 20 years, with experience in GT and advanced academics settings. She is also pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with a concentration in gifted and talented education at the University of North Texas. Her research... Read More →


Friday December 6, 2019 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Goldenrod JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

9:00am CST

Increasing Student Engagement With Choice, Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Curiosity
This interactive session is part Choose-Your-Own-Adventure and part professional learning, where you are in the driver's seat! Your choices will guide the session through a series of ready-to-use lessons designed to pique and develop students’ curiosity. Regardless of the choices, everyone will leave with access to all of the activities!

Speakers
avatar for Brian Housand

Brian Housand

Program Coordinator, UNCW / Gifted360
Dr. Brian Housand, is the coordinator of the Academically or Intellectually Gifted program at University of North Carolina Wilmington and creator of Gifted360.com. Dr. Housand earned a Ph.D. in educational psychology at the University of Connecticut with an emphasis in both gifted... Read More →


Friday December 6, 2019 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Cibolo 5 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

9:00am CST

Let’s Talk: Social-Emotional Lives of Gifted Students
Get equipped with strategies and tools to help children develop perseverance, resilience, healthy empathy, emotional intelligence, and more. These experts are prepared to answer your questions about gifted learners’ social-emotional needs and how to develop their social-emotional skills.

Speakers
avatar for Christine Fonseca

Christine Fonseca

Author, Licensed Educational Psychologist
Christine Fonseca is a licensed educational psychologist, critically acclaimed author, and a nationally recognized speaker on topics related to educational psychology, mental health, and giftedness. Using her experience consulting and coaching, Christine brings her expertise to Psychology... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Emily Mofield

Dr. Emily Mofield

Assistant Professor of Education - Gifted, Lipscomb University
Emily Mofield, Ed.D., is an assistant professor in the College of Education at Lipscomb University where she teaches gifted education and doctoral research courses. Her background includes 15 years of experience teaching gifted students and leading gifted services. Emily recently... Read More →
MP

Megan Parker Peters

Associate Professor & Director of Teacher Education and Assessment, Lipscomb University
Dr. Megan Parker Peters is an Associate Professor and the Director of Teacher Education and Assessment at Lipscomb University. She is a licensed psychologist and Nationally Certified School Psychologist. Dr. Parker Peters specializes in researching and assessing gifted and twice-exceptional... Read More →


Friday December 6, 2019 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Grand Oaks EF JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

9:00am CST

NASA's Artemis Mission: Forward to Moon by 2024
This session will share with you NASA's current and future missions that will take humans to the Moon and on to Mars. How we will get there and what are our plans once we arrive? Come with your curiosity and questions about our next giant leap and how you can apply this to your classroom.

Speakers
avatar for Steven Smith

Steven Smith

Education Specialist, NASA
NASA has ton's of free standards aligned resources for educators. As we prepare to return to the Moon incredible opportunities abound.


Friday December 6, 2019 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Cibolo 8-9 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

9:00am CST

Never Enough Time: Sustainable Tools for Designing Powerful Critical Thinking Units
In a perfect world, there would be ample time for collaboration between G/T staff and classroom teachers, but it seems that time is always in short supply. Learn quick, easy-to-implement, critical thinking strategies you can share with other educators today that require very little prep time!

Speakers
avatar for Sarah Pfeiler

Sarah Pfeiler

Curriculum and Training Manager, thinkLaw
Sarah Pfeiler spent 14 years as a classroom teacher in private schools, charter schools, and in traditional public school and taught a variety of subjects in grades K-12. Sarah brings her years of educational experience to her role as Curriculum and Training Manager for thinkLaw... Read More →



Friday December 6, 2019 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Cibolo 6 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

9:00am CST

Next Level Differentiation: Infusing Creative and Critical Thinking in Learning Design
The goal for gifted education includes developing skills in thinking, research, communication, and self-directed learning. Teachers can take differentiation to the next level to accomplish all four of those skills by intentionally infusing creative thinking and critical thinking in the curriculum. This session focuses on the infusion lesson design technique.

Speakers
avatar for Todd Kettler, Ph.D.

Todd Kettler, Ph.D.

Professor, Baylor University
Todd Kettler is associate professor of educational psychology at Baylor University and an affiliated faculty member of the Baylor Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development. Dr. Kettler serves as the coordinator of the graduate programs in gifted education at Baylor University... Read More →



Friday December 6, 2019 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Begonia/Bottlebrush JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

9:00am CST

STEAMSS! Innovate Through Social Studies
Social studies includes hundreds of stories about real-world creative problem solvers. Explore these stories and challenge students to design related solutions. Teams will design advertising for Stephen F. Austin, a map protector for Lewis and Clark, and a disguise for Santa Anna. Learn social studies while developing 21st-century skills!

Speakers
avatar for Susan Gallander

Susan Gallander

Creative Director, Mind Missions
After 25 years in a variety of educational settings, Susan Gallander was inspired to provide engaging G/T experiences for ALL students. Using her master's degree in Social Studies curriculum and instruction, Ms. Gallander created hundreds of teacher-friendly lessons that incorporate... Read More →



Friday December 6, 2019 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Azalea JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

9:00am CST

TAGT Legislative Update
Now that the 86th Legislative Session is over and House Bill 3 is underway, TAGT Policy Consultant Marty DeLeon will let you know what HB3 and other education bills mean for gifted education, what comes next, and how you can help advocate for gifted education in the future.

Speakers
MD

Marty DeLeon

Policy Consultant, TAGT



Friday December 6, 2019 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Cibolo 7 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

9:00am CST

The Journey From Meets to Masters: Depth and Complexity Meets the 4 Parallels
Many gifted children fail to show growth even with the benefit of gifted programming. Growing gifted kids isn't about flash, but substance. Ditch the dog-and-pony show and embrace high-quality, intentional planning by learning to integrate two of the most powerful design tools available. Easy to do across grades and subjects!

Speakers
avatar for Clinton Rodriguez

Clinton Rodriguez

Gifted and Talented, and Advanced Academics Specialist, ESC Region 11
Clint Rodriguez is the GT and Advanced Academics Consultant for ESC Region 11. Previously he served as the district-wide Secondary GT Specialist in Richardson ISD. He taught at ASPIRE Academy for the Highly Gifted in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD and has a master's degree in religion... Read More →


Friday December 6, 2019 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Grand Oaks NO JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

9:00am CST

The Not-So-Fab Four: Mental Health & Gifted Youth
Four conditions account for the majority of mental health issues experienced by gifted youth. Explore how the issues of ADHD, mood disorders, depression, and conduct disorder impact schools, what these issues look like in gifted youth, and how to recognize and handle them. Looking for practical ideas? You found them.

Speakers
avatar for Lisa Van Gemert

Lisa Van Gemert

Creator, Gifted Guru
Using a combination of neuropsychology, pedagogy, experience, humor, technology and sheer fun, Lisa Van Gemert shares best practices in education with audiences around the world. She is an expert consult to television shows including Lifetime’s "Child Genius," and a writer of award-winning... Read More →


Friday December 6, 2019 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Freesia JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

9:00am CST

giftED Exchange: Identification and Assessment Strategies for Gifted Learners
Wanting to learn more about what other schools are doing to identify their students, or get important information on tools you can use now for identification and assessment purposes? Join us for this fast-paced giftED Exchange session! giftED Exchange sessions allow attendees to experience a variety of identification and assessment solutions that can be applied immediately in your school. Each presentation will be repeated speed-dating style for a full hour. Come prepared to walk away with identification resources you can use in your gifted education programs. Sponsored by Pearson.

Table #1: SIGS-2: Revised and Renormed
Table #2: Why Ability?
Table #3: Handbooks and Forms
Table #4: Ravens 2
Table #5: Let Them Doodle!
Table #6: Using the HOPE Scale to Identify Underserved Populations
Table #7: Multiple Measures for Identification
Table #8: Examining Nomination and Identification Trend Data
Table #9: NNAT 3



Friday December 6, 2019 9:00am - 10:00am CST
giftED Exchange (Exhibit Hall)

9:00am CST

Learning Lab: Stealth STEM With KEVA Planks
Sneak STEM into any subject you teach with games and fun challenges.You will be creating bridges, flowers, architecture, and much more with impromptu challenges using fun and interactive KEVA Planks. Individual, partner, and group projects will give you a first-hand understanding of how open-ended challenges can be so powerful and yet so easy to lead. It's a practical teaching method you can implement immediately.

Speakers
avatar for Ken Scheel

Ken Scheel

Director/Founder, KEVA Planks Education
We help kids of all ages reach their greatest potential with a simple wooden building block.Every piece is exactly the same size and shape.No glue or connectors, just simple stacking.Kids grow STEM skills, communication skills, and SEL skills while building. Teachers and librarians... Read More →


Friday December 6, 2019 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Playground JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

10:00am CST

Secondary Educators Meet-Up
Network with other secondary G/T educators and share your favorite tools and strategies for working with the unique needs of this age group.

Friday December 6, 2019 10:00am - 10:30am CST
TAGT HQ

10:10am CST

Research Pop-Up: Effects of Participation in Computer Science Activities on Attitudes and Interests of Gifted Elementary Students
There is a global push in computer science however, we need to know more about the impact of exposing gifted and talented elementary students to computer science. There is a gap in the literature about elementary students’ attitudes and perceptions of computer science and even fewer studies about GT students. What happens to student interest in computer science when first through sixth grade GT students participate in computer science activities? This Action Research conducted in a GT classroom explores the effects of offering computer science activities on students' attitudes and interests in future computer science activities and careers. Learn more about research being conducted in gifted education in this short research presentation.

Speakers
avatar for Julie Byrnes

Julie Byrnes

District Gifted and Talented Specialist, Rockwall ISD
Julie has been in gifted education for 13 years.  She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction.


Friday December 6, 2019 10:10am - 10:30am CST
giftED Exchange (Exhibit Hall)

10:15am CST

Parents Meet-Up
Meet other parents of G/T students and share your guidance and advice for one another for understand your gifted children.

Friday December 6, 2019 10:15am - 10:45am CST
TAGT HQ

10:45am CST

MasterMind Session: #whyGT
To truly know and serve our gifted students, we must do more than hear their voices, we must understand their stories. Bringing our advocacy and awareness campaign, #whyGT to life in a TED-Talk style storytelling session, TAGT invites you to hear from five Texas G/T students as they share how G/T has impacted them, what motivates and drives them, and #whyGT matters in their lives. Sponsored by Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life, University of Texas at Austin.

Faith Borkataky-Varma is a junior at St. Agnes Academy in Houston. Faith plays in the Chamber Orchestra and serves on the philanthropy committee of her school's student council. Every summer, Faith travels to India to volunteer at a school for children with special needs to teach reading, writing, and tasks of daily living. She also co-chairs the Hope for Three Teen Huddle, which supports siblings of children on the spectrum. As president of her school's Autism Awareness club, Faith hopes to spread awareness and raise funds through bake sales, school spirit events, and the stories she’ll be sharing at giftED.

Hana Bredstein is a freshman at University of Texas at Austin. She is studying international relations and enjoys running. She was identified as gifted in elementary school and experienced a variety of educational approaches as her family moved throughout the country. By seeing the different policies and levels of funding for G/T education (no other place compared to Texas), Hana found that there are many different paths from public to private to skipping grades, but the teachers and mentors along the way were what really made a difference.

Jayden Gathers is a sophomore who attends John M. Harlan High School in San Antonio and has been a part of the G/T program since the third grade. He enjoys playing a multitude of sports, including but not limited to basketball, football, and track. In his free time, Jayden enjoys spending time with family and friends but he also asks himself psychological questions and likes to think about the world and its mysteries. Jayden will be discussing how someone like him is looked at differently and why G/T has ultimately caused people to treat him differently as well.

Victor Rodriguez is a 16-year-old junior at Southwest Legacy High School in San Antonio. Victor proudly comes from a Mexican family. He has taken AP, Dual-Credit, Honors, and college-related classes throughout high school. Victor will share about how his heritage and specific family environment has helped him grow as a person and student.

Abigail Weston is a freshman at Round Rock High School. She enjoys running cross country, playing soccer, and participating in various school activities. Abigail’s gifted experience is unique in that she was also enrolled in a dual language program when identified for gifted education in third grade. She has reaped many benefits from the combined exposure to both of these programs. Her talk will highlight the challenging yet rewarding aspects of her journey as a dual language student.

Speakers
avatar for Faith Borkataky-Varma

Faith Borkataky-Varma

Student, St. Agnes Academy
Faith Borkataky-Varma is a junior at St. Agnes Academy in Houston. Faith plays in the Chamber Orchestra and serves on the philanthropy committee of her school's student council. Every summer, Faith travels to India to volunteer at a school for children with special needs to teach... Read More →
avatar for Hana Bredstein

Hana Bredstein

Student, University of Texas
Hana Bredstein is a freshman at University of Texas at Austin. She is studying international relations and enjoys running. She was identified as gifted in elementary school and experienced a variety of educational approaches as her family moved throughout the country. By seeing the... Read More →
avatar for Jayden Gathers

Jayden Gathers

Student, Northside ISD
Jayden Gathers is a sophomore who attends John M. Harlan High School in San Antonio and has been a part of the G/T program since the third grade. He enjoys playing a multitude of sports, including but not limited to basketball, football, and track. In his free time, Jayden enjoys... Read More →
avatar for Victor Rodriguez

Victor Rodriguez

Student, Southwest ISD
avatar for Abigail Weston

Abigail Weston

Student, Round Rock ISD
Abigail Weston is a freshman at Round Rock High School. She enjoys running cross country, playing soccer, and participating in various school activities. Abigail’s gifted experience is unique in that she was also enrolled in a dual language program when identified for gifted education... Read More →


Friday December 6, 2019 10:45am - 12:15pm CST
Grand Oaks Ballroom G-M

12:45pm CST

Acceleration Summit
Research indicates the benefits of accelerating students, yet many districts still face the challenge of creating and implementing acceleration policies. Further, the revision of the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students calls for schools to provide opportunities for students to accelerate in their areas of strength (Section 4.5), employ flexible pacing (Section 4.6), and implement schedule modifications to meet individual student needs (Section 4.7).

Whether you need help with whole-grade or subject-specific acceleration, early entrance to kindergarten, or early entrance to college, this unique professional learning opportunity will answer your questions about acceleration, share the research behind this practice, and give you evidence-based strategies for implementation.

Featuring top experts in acceleration practices, Susan Assouline and Ann Lupkowski-Shoplik of University of Iowa’s Belin-Blank Center, along with Texas-based practitioners who have made acceleration work in their districts, participants will walk away with a stronger knowledge base and a collection of resources for furthering this practice in their districts.

Agenda:
12:45 p.m.-12:50 p.m.: Welcome/Intro
12:50 p.m.-1:30 p.m.: Keynote: Acceleration: Making Informed Decisions: Susan Assouline & Ann Lupkowski-Shoplik, Belin-Blank Center, University of Iowa
1:30 p.m.-1:45 p.m.: Statutes and State Policies Around Acceleration in Texas: Monica Simonds, Richardson ISD
1:45 p.m.-1:50 p.m.: Break
1:50 p.m.-2:20 p.m.: Mini-Breakouts/Roundtables (3-4):
--Feeling Overwhelmed? Acceleration for Beginners: Ann Lupkowski-Shoplik, Belin-Blank Center
--Making Decisions About Whole-Grade Acceleration: Susan Assouline, Belin-Blank Center
--How to Create Early Entrance to College Programs on Limited Resources: Ashlee Duncan, Waco ISD
--Acceleration in Mathematics: Susan Johnsen, Baylor University
2:20 p.m.-2:25 p.m.: Break
2:25 p.m.-2:55 p.m.: Mini-Breakouts/Roundtables (3-4): Topics TBD
--How to Be an Advocate for Acceleration: Finding Your Leverage Points: Ann Lupkowski-Shoplik, Belin-Blank Center
--Acceleration and Twice-Exceptional Students: Susan Assouline, Belin-Blank Center
--Impact of Accelerated Extracurricular Programs: Tamra Stambaugh, Vanderbilt PTY
--Developing Acceleration Policies in Your District: Marcy Voss, Educational Consultant
--Within-Class and Content-Based Acceleration How Tos: Sara Mooney, Richardson ISD

2:55 p.m.-3:00 p.m.: Break
3:00 p.m.-3:25 p.m.: Administrator/Practitioner Panel: District Challenges and Solutions for Effective Acceleration: Holly Mohler, Grand Prairie ISD; Monica Simonds, Richardson ISD; Linda Autrey, Nacogdoches ISD; Nicole Williams, Tyler ISD (Moderator)
3:25 p.m.-3:30 p.m.: Closing/Reflection

Speakers
avatar for Susan Assouline

Susan Assouline

Director, Belin Blank Center at the University of Iowa
Susan G. Assouline is the director of the Belin-Blank Center, holds the Myron and Jacqueline N. Blank Endowed Chair in Gifted Education, and is a professor of school psychology. Throughout her career, she has been especially interested in the identification of academic talent in elementary... Read More →
avatar for Ann Lupkowski-Shoplik

Ann Lupkowski-Shoplik

Administrator, Acceleration Institute and Research, University of Iowa Belin-Blank Center
Ann Lupkowski-Shoplik, Ph.D. is Administrator, Acceleration Institute and Research at the University of Iowa Belin-Blank Center. She co-authored Developing Math Talent (2nd ed.), Developing Academic Acceleration Policies, and the Iowa Acceleration Scale. She is also co-developer of... Read More →



Friday December 6, 2019 12:45pm - 3:30pm CST
Cibolo 7 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel
 


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