TAGT giftED19

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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