2024 IAGC Conference: Full Schedule

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7:30am CDT

Check In

Friday November 1, 2024 7:30am - 9:00am CDT

Check In at the Atrium Entrance to get your NAME BADGE and LUNCH TICKETS (if ordered) when you arrive at NIU Conference Center.

Make your way to ROOM 105 to pick up your SWAG BAG, free resources, and some morning refreshments.

Then visit with our Exhibitors until doors open for our Keynote Presentation.

Friday November 1, 2024 7:30am - 9:00am CDT
Room 105

IAGC / Event Info

8:30am CDT

Keynote: Reimagining Possibilities: Transforming Potential into Realized Talent

Friday November 1, 2024 8:30am - 9:45am CDT

Ballroom

What is the role of gifted education, how has it changed, and where are we going? The past few years have brought new challenges, but also new opportunities to reimagine possibilities. This keynote will offer reflection on rigor, resilience, and our roles in gifted education. Walk away with concrete strategies to stretch student thinking to the next level and expand your sphere of influence in catalyzing change.

Presenters

Emily Mofield

Associate Professor of Education, Lipscomb University

Emily Mofield, Ed.D. is an Associate Professor in the College of Education teaching classes for the Doctor of Education Program and Gifted Education graduate studies. Her background includes teaching and leading gifted services in Tennessee. She is the co-author of several nationally... Read More →

Friday November 1, 2024 8:30am - 9:45am CDT
Ballroom

KEYNOTE

9:45am CDT

Friday Exhibitor Adventure Break 1

Friday November 1, 2024 9:45am - 10:15am CDT

Atrium

Visit with our Exhibitors during this extended break and throughout the day.

Complete your Exhibitor Adventure Map by 2:30pm and enter to win one of many raffle prizes.

Friday November 1, 2024 9:45am - 10:15am CDT
Atrium

Sponsor/ Exhibitor

10:15am CDT

Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices for Gifted Education

Friday November 1, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am CDT

Room 162

Presenters

Fabiola Alexander

Dual Language REACH Teacher, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

Friday November 1, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Room 162

Addressing Opportunity Gaps

10:15am CDT

Let’s Build! Engineering Challenges for STEM and Creative Talent Scouting

Friday November 1, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am CDT

Room 167

Engineering challenges are a fun way to engage students in creative problem solving. But many teachers are daunted by the open-ended possibilities of design challenges. This workshop will introduce key concepts and strategies for implementing engineering design challenges in brief classroom challenges, passion projects, or in afterschool programming. You will gain skills in using engineering design challenges to create new opportunities for students to demonstrate potential in STEM, creativity, leadership, and other areas of talent.

Presenters

Joni Lakin

Professor, University of Alabama, The

Dr. Lakin is Professor of Educational Studies at The University of Alabama University. She conducts educational measurement research related to test validity and fairness. She is lead author of the Cognitive Abilities Test (Form 8). Her federally funded research on developing new... Read More →

Friday November 1, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Room 167

Addressing Opportunity Gaps

10:15am CDT

Free, Online, Self-Paced Professional Learning on Best Practices in Gifted and Talented Student Identification

Friday November 1, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am CDT

Room 101C

Streaming / Hybrid Session

As part of a 2020 Javits grant, a team of researchers worked to train staff from ten districts around the country on best practices in student identification. Lessons learned were used to develop an online system of training modules. Now, those modules are free and available for anyone to use! This session will provide an overview of what they cover, why the content can help, and how they can be accessed and used by anyone.

Presenters

Scott Peters

Director, Research Consulting Partnerships, NWEA

Scott J. Peters, Ph.D. is the Director of Research Consulting Partnerships at NWEA, a division of Houghton-Mifflin-Harcourt (HMH). Prior to joining HMH he served as a Professor of Assessment and Research Methodology at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater for 13 years. He received... Read More →

Friday November 1, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Room 101C

Effective Program Leadership

10:15am CDT

Out-of-the-Box: Implementing Mystery as a Strategy to Engage Gifted Learners

Friday November 1, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am CDT

Room 266

How can we ignite curiosity and inquiry as a means to engage gifted/high-potential learners? This session will empower you with an evidence-based strategy that engages and challenges gifted learners through inquiry, advanced content, and abstract thinking. Come learn how to create ‘Mystery Box’ lessons, and have some fun along the way! (A complete social studies unit will be shared.)

Presenters

Dr. Vicki Phelps

Head of School, Quest Academy

Dr. Vicki Phelps is Head of School for Quest Academy. She has been involved in gifted education for over 25 years, including teaching and leading gifted services and serving as an assistant professor of education. She regularly keynotes and presents at gifted conferences and is the... Read More →

Friday November 1, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Room 266

Evidence-Based Curriculum and Instruction

10:15am CDT

Purposeful Activation of Metacognition in the Classroom

Friday November 1, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am CDT

Room 164

As educators, we aspire for our learners to become more knowledgeable and skillful. AND we also want to make them more self-aware of how they are thinking so that they can be more thoughtful, agile learners . This workshop explores how to directly teach the habit of thinking about your thinking. Brian will share instructional strategies such as checklists, self-talk, reflection, and self-assessment, to get students to tap into their thinking.

Presenters

Brian Horner

gifted education, Naperville District #203 / Kid Innovation College / Institute for Habits of Mind

Brian Horner is in his 27th year of education and currently teaches in the Project Idea Plus program for gifted students in Naperville District #203. He is the founder of Kid Innovation College which offers academic enrichment to students in the western suburbs of Chicago. In addition... Read More →

Friday November 1, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Room 164

Evidence-Based Curriculum and Instruction

10:15am CDT

Puzzlemania: 12 Great Puzzles to Challenge and Team-Build

Friday November 1, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am CDT

Room 166

Join us for a fun, interactive session jam-packed with engaging, challenging puzzles you can take home and use right away with your gifted students of almost any age. These complex puzzles, combined with proven strategies for developing students’ metacognitive skills, will fully engage your students, getting them to think in new ways. Plus, you'll learn why puzzles are so unique and effective at building both academic and social/emotional skills in gifted students.

Presenters

Leslie Kerner

Co-Founder, COO, Silverquicken Education, Inc.

Educator, curriculum designer, parent, and community builder, Leslie Kerner is the COO and co-founder of Silverquicken. She’s spent 20 years developing K-12 education products and services. At Amplify, she worked closely with teachers and administrators around the country to bring... Read More →

Friday November 1, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Room 166

Evidence-Based Curriculum and Instruction

10:15am CDT

Empowering Advanced Learners with Voice & Choice: Supporting Student Mental Health

Friday November 1, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am CDT

Room 256

Presenters

Kristin Pierce

Education Success Specialist, EVERFI

Kristin Pierce is an Education Success Specialist at EVERFI. She supports educators across the U.S. and Canada as they implement EVERFI’s no-cost resources related to financial literacy, STEM & career readiness, health and wellness, character education, and more. As a former teacher... Read More →

Friday November 1, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Room 256

Social-Emotional Learning and Support

11:00am CDT

Friday Mini Break 1

Friday November 1, 2024 11:00am - 11:15am CDT

Visit with our Exhibitors during this break and throughout the day.

Complete your Exhibitor Adventure Map by 2:30pm and enter to win one of many raffle prizes.

Friday November 1, 2024 11:00am - 11:15am CDT

Sponsor/ Exhibitor

11:00am CDT

Friday Lunch Block A

Friday November 1, 2024 11:00am - 12:15pm CDT

Please Select Lunch Block A or Lunch Block B to help us plan accordingly.

If you ordered a Box Lunch, please take your Lunch Ticket to Room 105 and pick up your lunch during your selected Lunch time.

Friday November 1, 2024 11:00am - 12:15pm CDT

LUNCH OPTION

11:15am CDT

Technical Skills for Talent Scouting: Making Equitable Decisions with Data

Friday November 1, 2024 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT

Room 167

Highly effective teachers in advanced programs often say that their task is that of a “talent scout”, flexibly using a variety of data to recognize potential. This session will equip you with the knowledge to confidently use assessment data to better identify potential in students who might otherwise be overlooked. We will build the skills to confidently and flexibly interpret assessment data, explore different ways to combine multiple measures, assess equity, and distinguish effective assessment tools.

Presenters

Joni Lakin

Professor, University of Alabama, The

Friday November 1, 2024 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT
Room 167

Acceleration and Identification

11:15am CDT

Understanding the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan and What it Means for Advanced Learners

Friday November 1, 2024 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT

Room 101C

In Person and Streaming Virtual Session

The Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan and its implications support differentiated literacy instruction for ALL learners providing districts and schools "flexibility and local autonomy" in a " no one size fits all" literacy learning program. The overview of this Plan will share how it focuses on a "7 Competencies of Literacy" and how they apply to diverse learners including advanced learners.

Presenters

Laura Beltchenko

Consultant, Lake County ROE

Laura Beltchenko is a 34 year veteran educator. Her career in public education included classroom teacher, reading specialist, teacher and coordinator of gifted education programs as well as an associate superintendent of curriculum and instruction for a Chicago suburban school district... Read More →

Friday November 1, 2024 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT
Room 101C

Addressing Opportunity Gaps

11:15am CDT

Exploring how AI tools can enrich learning experiences

Friday November 1, 2024 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT

Room 265

Artificial Intelligence tools, like ChatGPT, introduce new opportunities for educators. While some may worry about students using AI to substitute their work, this session will illustrate a variety of examples of how teachers can design prompts that stretch students thinking. In an effort to be inclusive, we will offer examples from a variety of subject areas and grade levels. In addition, some IMSA students will illustrate how they use AI in some of their advanced projects.

Presenters

Cassandra Armstrong

Senior Curriculum and PD Specialist, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

Cassandra Armstrong, a Curriculum and Professional Development Specialist at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA), holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry from Michigan State University, and a Masters of Education in Science... Read More →

Evan Glazer

President, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

Evan has been with IMSA since 2021 and has led high-performing, specialized secondary STEM schools with rigorous academic programs for over 20 years. He holds a deep regard for student-led inquiry based learning, believing that children can change the future if they take charge of... Read More →

Friday November 1, 2024 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT
Room 265

Effective Use of Technology

11:15am CDT

Accessing High-End Differentiation to Access Meaningful Thinking

Friday November 1, 2024 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT

Room 162

A basic toolbox of high-end differentiation strategies, schools can work toward common language and messaging, a universal set of strategies from which educators can grow, and better ensuring our brightest students are challenged in school. The toolbox shared has five components: Above-level, Anchor Experiences, Questioning, Research/Independent Project Experiences, and Thinking Mats. Much of the session will be devoted to using the Thinking Mat.

Presenters

Randy Lange

Professional Development and Curriculum Coordinator, University of Iowa Belin-Blank Center

Randy Lange, Ph.D., is the Professional Development & Curriculum Coordinator at the Belin-Blank Center at the University of Iowa. Key areas he supports at the Center are AP Training, The Academy for Twice-Exceptionality, Honors Opportunity Program, and a variety of professional development... Read More →

Friday November 1, 2024 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT
Room 162

Evidence-Based Curriculum and Instruction

11:15am CDT

Dynamic Differentiation through Independent Research Projects: The I-LEARN Process

Friday November 1, 2024 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT

Room 266

When done well, Independent Research Projects provide gifted/high-potential students with meaningful learning opportunities and create additional avenues for talent development, but how can they be intentionally developed and managed? The I-LEARN Process provides step-by-step procedures to individualize the research process for gifted students, while also integrating management techniques, reflective practice, and opportunities for sustained engagement and academic growth. Come learn more about this exciting and engaging instructional approach!

Presenters

Dr. Vicki Phelps

Head of School, Quest Academy

Friday November 1, 2024 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT
Room 266

Evidence-Based Curriculum and Instruction

11:15am CDT

Teaching vs. Learning: Using Differentiation, Choice, & ELA Strategies to Learn

Friday November 1, 2024 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT

Room 256

Purpose: Using differentiation with reading strategies (GIST, RAFT, PDQAR, DRTA, and Observation/Inference Chart), we will apply complex, authentic (real-world) texts and analyze ambiguous & abstract problems that allow students to cross discipline to solve the problem and comprehend. Got Grammar Problems? Session will include hands-on grammar activity using Legos to learn to write variety of sentences & understand parts of speech. Session will include student exemplars, graphic organizers & PowerPoint Presentation.

Presenters

Pam Peters

8th English Teacher/Reading Specialist & Adjunct ELA Professor, School District 128 Palos Heights & Trinity Christian College

I have been teaching for twenty-five years as an English teacher serving special education, regular education, and gifted education. I understand that education is not a one size fits all and believe in meeting students where they are so that they can achieve! I have my bachelor's... Read More →

Friday November 1, 2024 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT
Room 256

Evidence-Based Curriculum and Instruction

11:15am CDT

Thinking on Your Feet: Using BTC to Strengthen Mathematical Reasoning

Friday November 1, 2024 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT

Room 166

Participants will learn how implementing the Building Thinking Classrooms teaching approach has transformed learning for all students in a sixth grade gifted math classroom. Through a culture of collaboration and inquiry, students learn to be resilient and adaptable learners. Come hear what students say about how their learning and understanding of math changed by collaborating and communicating with others in their classroom.BTC: Changing mathematical mindsets two feet at a time.

Presenters

Rita Laskonis

6th Grade Mathematics Teacher at Thurgood Marshall Gifted Academy, Rockford Public Schools

Friday November 1, 2024 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT
Room 166

Evidence-Based Curriculum and Instruction

11:15am CDT

Dreaming Big: Promoting Better Sleep with Self-Management Training

Friday November 1, 2024 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT

Room 164

In today's fast-paced society, sleep deprivation among high school students has become a pressing concern with detrimental effects. While many students recognize the importance of sleep, academic pressure, peer relationships, technology, extra-curricular activities, feelings of stress and anxiety, and inconsistent sleep schedules present obstacles to achieving sufficient sleep. This session highlights an action research study exploring how social emotional learning focused on self-management can influence student perceptions of sleep and sleep habits.

Presenters

Katherine Berger

Chief Student Affairs Officer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

Katie Berger serves as the Chief Student Affairs Officer at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA). In this role, Ms. Berger oversees departments including Residence Life, Safety and Security, Health Services, Counseling, Admissions, Athletics, Campus Activities, Leadership... Read More →

Friday November 1, 2024 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT
Room 164

Social-Emotional Learning and Support

12:00pm CDT

Friday Mini Break 2

Friday November 1, 2024 12:00pm - 12:15pm CDT

Visit with our Exhibitors during this break and throughout the day.

Complete your Exhibitor Adventure Map by 2:30pm and enter to win one of many raffle prizes.

Friday November 1, 2024 12:00pm - 12:15pm CDT

Sponsor/ Exhibitor

12:00pm CDT

Friday Lunch Block B

Friday November 1, 2024 12:00pm - 1:15pm CDT

LUNCH OPTION

12:15pm CDT

How Much of the Teacher is in Teacher Rating Scales?

Friday November 1, 2024 12:15pm - 1:00pm CDT

Room 265

Teacher rating scales or checklists are a common data point in making identification decisions. But some of what these scales measure stems from the rater as opposed to the student being rated. This session will share new research from >50,000 students who were rated with one of five rating scales. We will share what we found and recommendations for how to decrease rater effect and increase the validity of the data derived from these instruments.

Presenters

Scott Peters

Director, Research Consulting Partnerships, NWEA

Friday November 1, 2024 12:15pm - 1:00pm CDT
Room 265

Acceleration and Identification

12:15pm CDT

Create Math Beasts! Foster Enthusiasm and Curiosity During MTSS

Friday November 1, 2024 12:15pm - 1:00pm CDT

Room 164

Gifted/high ability students are often overlooked and lack opportunities to participate in challenges and enrichment within the MTSS/RTI/WIN structure. Students who aren’t appropriately challenged grow disengaged with learning and are sometimes flagged as “failing students.” For historically marginalized groups, this can stem from a lack of adequate opportunities. Beast Academy's engaging characters create a culture of equity through multiple perspectives, different strategies for high-level problem solving, and diverse pathways for individualized learning.

Presenters

Tracey Hosey

Gifted Education Certified- Sales Executive, Art of Problem Solving/ Beast Academy

I am a passionate advocate for Gifted/Talented/High Ability and beyond. I started my journey as a stay at home mom working with my local school district to create an acceleration/gifted program and never stopped!I have been a Gifted Cluster teacher, Gifted Resource teacher and a Director... Read More →

Friday November 1, 2024 12:15pm - 1:00pm CDT
Room 164

Addressing Opportunity Gaps

12:15pm CDT

Hispanic Student Engagement with Dual Language Gifted and Talented Coursework

Friday November 1, 2024 12:15pm - 1:00pm CDT

Room 162

In this session, I will discuss my research on the curricular experiences of fifth- through tenth-grade culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) female Hispanic students in their dual language gifted and talented education (GATE) program. I consider their perspectives on their English Language Arts (ELA) coursework and discuss the role that culturally responsive pedagogy (CRP) can play in enhancing the engagement of CLD students identified as gifted and talented.

Presenters

Jenna Nelson

Assistant Professor, Concordia University

Dr. Jenna Nelson (Ed.D.) is an Associate Professor of Curriculum & Instruction and Assistant Division Chair at Concordia University Chicago (CUC). Her current research is on curriculum and teaching practices for supporting diverse learners in gifted and talented education. Her research... Read More →

Friday November 1, 2024 12:15pm - 1:00pm CDT
Room 162

Addressing Opportunity Gaps

12:15pm CDT

Advocacy across Illinois

Friday November 1, 2024 12:15pm - 1:00pm CDT

Room 256

IAGC Policy and Advocacy Committee

Presenters

Deanna Markos

Co-Chair of Policy and Advocacy Committee, Illinois Association for Gifted Children

Deanna Markos is currently an Advanced 8th grade English teacher at McClure Junior High- District 101. Previously, Ms Markos was a Talent Development teacher for 2 years with D102. Deanna is passionate about advanced learners across the state and serves as the co-chair of the IAGC... Read More →

Julie Luck-Jensen

Pamela Shaw

President, Illinois Association for Gifted Children

Friday November 1, 2024 12:15pm - 1:00pm CDT
Room 256

Advocacy

12:15pm CDT

Gifted Ed Navigator: Charting Excellence with the Gifted Framework Continuum

Friday November 1, 2024 12:15pm - 1:00pm CDT

Room 166

Discover the Gifted Framework Continuum, a tool designed by Chicago Public Schools in collaboration with the National Association for Gifted Children Standards to organize best practices in gifted education. Learn how it empowers educators with indicators for success, ensuring equitable implementation across a school or district. Explore its applications, from guiding goal-setting to informing professional development priorities. Gain insights into its creation process, impact, and utilization, and use time to consider its application to your role.

Presenters

Molly Feeney

Gifted Program Specialist, Chicago Public Schools

Friday November 1, 2024 12:15pm - 1:00pm CDT
Room 166

Effective Program Leadership

12:15pm CDT

How to promote and elicit students’ deep math knowledge

Friday November 1, 2024 12:15pm - 1:00pm CDT

Room 167

How well do your students understand the problem-solving processes they use in math? My district has developed a tool that allows students to demonstrate their understanding in four ways: by completing math operations, drawing diagrams, writing explanations, and finding an alternative way to solve a problem. I have found it especially helpful in the accelerated 4th/5th math sections I teach, where students often rely on algorithms rather than deep understandings of math.

Presenters

Beth Pauls

4th-5th Accelerated LA and Math, River Trails School District 26

Friday November 1, 2024 12:15pm - 1:00pm CDT
Room 167

Evidence-Based Curriculum and Instruction

12:15pm CDT

Vertical Differentiation: Strategies to Stretch Student Thinking

Friday November 1, 2024 12:15pm - 1:00pm CDT

Room 266

How do we guide students to “dig deeper” beyond surface-level learning? This session highlights the use of “stretch prompts” to stimulate and challenge gifted students in their learning. These strategies can be used as “vertical differentiation” to dial up instruction, assignments, and tasks to ignite inquiry and deeper learning. Learn to apply these ideas with concrete examples applied across various content areas and grade levels.

Presenters

Emily Mofield

Associate Professor of Education, Lipscomb University

Friday November 1, 2024 12:15pm - 1:00pm CDT
Room 266

Evidence-Based Curriculum and Instruction

1:00pm CDT

Friday Exhibitor Adventure Break 2

Friday November 1, 2024 1:00pm - 1:30pm CDT

Visit with our Exhibitors during this extended break and throughout the day.

Complete your Exhibitor Adventure Map by 2:30pm and enter to win one of many raffle prizes.

Friday November 1, 2024 1:00pm - 1:30pm CDT

Sponsor/ Exhibitor

1:30pm CDT

Identifying Outliers in Potential and Performance to Unlock Opportunity

Friday November 1, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm CDT

Room 101C

The data from gifted identification can provide a world of insights when scouting for those "diamonds in the rough" who can truly shine with a little help. This session highlights strategies for understanding student aptitude, identifying gaps in potential and performance, and differentiating instruction by contrasting ability and achievement data to provide a bridge from students' demonstrated potential to drive opportunity and academic growth through a strengths-based lens.

Presenters

Joni Lakin

Professor, University of Alabama, The

Vickie Driver

Senior subject matter expert, Riverside Insights

I am an expert on CogAT®, the Cognitive Abilities Test ™, considered by many to be the "gold standard" as an assessment of cognitive reasoning and student ability. I work with educators and thought leaders across the country about using CogAT and about best practices for identification... Read More →

Friday November 1, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm CDT
Room 101C

Acceleration and Identification

1:30pm CDT

Bumping Up English Language Arts

Friday November 1, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm CDT

Room 266

How can you add rigor to student learning in English Language Arts? How can we make sure advanced English Language Arts classes are truly advanced? What does it mean to develop expertise in Language Arts? Learn to apply easy-to-use models to develop tiered assignments, projects, and tasks to ensure gifted and advanced students are challenged.

Presenters

Emily Mofield

Associate Professor of Education, Lipscomb University

Friday November 1, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm CDT
Room 266

Addressing Opportunity Gaps

1:30pm CDT

Talent Development for All: Building a Comprehensive K-3 Program

Friday November 1, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm CDT

Room 167

In Pleasantdale, we believe all students deserve the opportunity for enrichment and exploring their interests. Our talent development program in kindergarten-3rd grade provides equitable opportunities for all students to excel and nurture skills that support high achievement in all academic domains. Join us to learn how we developed this program by incorporating resources and best practices. You’ll also find out what the program looks like in action, including curriculum, scheduling, logistics, and guiding values.

Presenters

Wendy Bedell

Pleasantdale Middle School

Jennifer Ban

Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, Pleasantdale School District 107

Friday November 1, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm CDT
Room 167

Addressing Opportunity Gaps

1:30pm CDT

Demystifying Acceleration & Giftedness: Clear Communication for a Smoother Journey

Friday November 1, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm CDT

Room 265

Identification processes for acceleration and giftedness can be complex and stressful for all involved: educators, students and families. In order to create a positive environment, we are launching new resources (web content & communication) to share family-friendly information before, during, and after the process. We address the complexity of our offerings, multiple entrance points to accelerated pathways and increased students opportunities to excel.

Presenters

Yvette Stahl

Instructional Support Coach, St. Charles CUSD 303

Friday November 1, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm CDT
Room 265

Effective Program Leadership

1:30pm CDT

Success in Cluster Grouping: How to Make it Work!

Friday November 1, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm CDT

Room 166

Many schools say they cluster group for gifted services, but few say they do it successfully. Dr. Brulles will address the inherent challenges and suggest ways schools can overcome common obstacles when cluster grouping. Participants will learn how to create a fair and equitable system for serving gifted students by incorporating cluster grouping into school and district initiatives. She will discuss methods for making student placements, supporting cluster teachers, monitoring success, and building community support.

Presenters

Dr. Dina Brulles

Academic Associate, MLF Teacher's College, Arizona State University

Dina Brulles, Ph.D., is the Gifted Masters Program Coordinator at Arizona State University and the former Director of Gifted Education at Paradise Valley USD in Arizona. Dina has served as NAGC’s Governance Secretary and the board’s School District Representative. She received... Read More →

Friday November 1, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm CDT
Room 166

Effective Program Leadership

1:30pm CDT

Deepening Mathematical Thinking Through Problem-Based Learning

Friday November 1, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm CDT

Room 164

Are your students thinking critically about their mathematical learning? Are they discovering creative and effective solutions to meaningful, real-world problems? Studies have shown that most students in mathematical classes are mimicking what they have observed their teachers to do, rather than demonstrate independent understandings of mathematical skills. In this session, discover how problem-based learning assists gifted learners in building confidence, strengthens collaborative thinking strategies, and develops a meaningful and empathetic understanding of our diverse world.

Presenters

Lisa Packley

5th Grade Honors Teacher/ Instructional Technology Coach, Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202

Lisa Packley is a 5th Grade Honors teacher with over 20 years of experience in the Plainfield School District. She assisted in the development and facilitation of the district's gifted program and currently also serves as an Instructional Technology Coach for grades K-5. Lisa is deeply... Read More →

Friday November 1, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm CDT
Room 164

Evidence-Based Curriculum and Instruction

1:30pm CDT

Feature Films in the Gifted Classroom

Friday November 1, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm CDT

Room 162

Are you conflicted about the place that feature films have the gifted classroom? If you’re worried about the condescending glances from the teacher across the hall or simply unsure about the way to integrate a film into your curriculum, use adaptation theory to enhance your students' understanding of a novel and give them a new lens with which to see the work. Three unit plans featuring Emma, Forrest Gump, and Mean Girls will be presented.

Presenters

Laura Gilbert

Teacher, Lockport Township H.S.

Dr. Laura Gilbert has spent the last 26 years teaching everything from Freshman English to College Writing. Along the way she earned a Masters Degree in Literature and Film Criticism from Northern Illinois University. That coursework led her to write her dissertation on the cinematic... Read More →

Friday November 1, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm CDT
Room 162

Evidence-Based Curriculum and Instruction

1:30pm CDT

Sponsor Promo Breakout Session

Friday November 1, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm CDT

Room 256

Learn more about the services and programs of our Sponsors in this mini-session that may include one of more of the following:

IMSA
Art of Problem Solving
Center for Talent Developmenbt

Friday November 1, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm CDT
Room 256

Sponsor/ Exhibitor

2:15pm CDT

Friday Mini Break 3

Friday November 1, 2024 2:15pm - Saturday November 2, 2024 2:30pm CDT

Visit with our Exhibitors during this final break of the day.

Complete your Exhibitor Adventure Map by 2:30pm and enter to win one of many raffle prizes.

Winners will be announced and posted in Room 105 by 3:15pm .

Friday November 1, 2024 2:15pm - Saturday November 2, 2024 2:30pm CDT

Sponsor/ Exhibitor

2:30pm CDT

Educational Equity through Identification of Underrepresented Gifted and Accelerated Students

Friday November 1, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm CDT

Room 256

Our vision for accelerated and gifted learning opportunities in Berwyn South District 100 is to provide students with rich and culturally responsive experiences that are driven by student aptitude, achievement, and social and emotional support. Audience members will learn about our robust identification process for gifted students, our AIMES program (Advanced Inquiry of Mathematics and English-Spanish Language Arts), our beliefs, and our differentiated supports for both dual and monolingual students.

Presenters

Lindsey Sinde

Director of Learning Management & Assessment, Berwyn South School District 100

Samantha Shuman

Director of Instructional Innovation, Berwyn South School District 100

Friday November 1, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm CDT
Room 256

Acceleration and Identification

2:30pm CDT

Achieving Equity in Gifted Identification: A New, Promising Approach

Friday November 1, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm CDT

Room 166

Increasing diversity and equity is a longstanding goal of gifted education. The fact remains that Brown and Black students and those living in poverty are glaringly missing, partly because most ability tests demand fluency in English and advanced academic knowledge. Learn an innovative method for identifying gifted students more equitably using tests that include verbal, quantitative and nonverbal measures with test items that can be solved in any language and require minimal academic knowledge.

Presenters

Dr. Dina Brulles

Academic Associate, MLF Teacher's College, Arizona State University

Friday November 1, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm CDT
Room 166

Addressing Opportunity Gaps

2:30pm CDT

Providing Respectful Opportunities for your Math Students

Friday November 1, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm CDT

Room 167

In this session, participants will learn about different ways to scaffold lessons or projects that engage all students in the classroom, regardless of point of entry. Teachers are encouraged to bring a unit, a lesson, a project, or even a scope and sequence to use to identify where scaffolds and compacting can be used to provide every student with a respectful opportunity to learn, grow, and enjoy math!

Presenters

Denise Kuchta

Queen Bee District 16

Friday November 1, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm CDT
Room 167

Addressing Opportunity Gaps

2:30pm CDT

Redefining Diplomas: Credentials + Credits

Friday November 1, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm CDT

Room 164

Does the traditional high school diploma adequately prepare students for future academic, personal, and professional endeavors in the 21st century? In this session, we will discuss how IMSA is shifting its academic pathways toward a system of credits, credentials, and microcredentials. This shift is designed to support the experiential learning being undertaken by the students at our Academy, and to differentiate, elevate and honor their achievements

Presenters

Angela Rowley

Principal and Chief Academic Officer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

I am the new Principal and Chief Academic Officer at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA). As an experienced school administrator and published educator specializing in curriculum and instruction, cultural competency, and educator professional development, I am excited... Read More →

Friday November 1, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm CDT
Room 164

Addressing Opportunity Gaps

2:30pm CDT

Become a Better Writer and Teacher of Narrative Writing

Friday November 1, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm CDT

Room 265

All students deserve to acquire writing skills. Teachers are ill-prepared to teach writing. I will demonstrate how to write narrative and how to teach writing so learner's skills are improved. Teachers, themselves, will model their thinking, decision-making, and writing for their students. Then students will be supported to follow the process with their teacher as a coach. As teachers become comfortable writing and sharing their personal experiences, relationships, and classroom community will grow.

Presenters

Julie Bradshaw

This is my 29th year in SD129. I am currently a third grade teacher at Fearn. I have taught 4th and 5th grades as well as served as a staff developer and gifted coordinator. Both of my children graduated from West High and I continue to live in Aurora. Lately I've been teaching classes... Read More →

Friday November 1, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm CDT
Room 265

Evidence-Based Curriculum and Instruction

2:30pm CDT

Building Communities of Practice Across Classrooms, Schools, and Even Countries

Friday November 1, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm CDT

Room 266

Come learn how to create online spaces that help students understand their own talents and how those talents live in our world. Learn how to build online communities, create a culture of discourse, and connect students to both world renowned thinkers and change makers in their own communities through developing personal leadership projects.

Presenters

Rashida Clark

Assistant Coordinator, Online Programs, Northwestern University Center for Talent Development

An accomplished educator with demonstrated ability to consistently maintain excellent relations with students, parents, faculty, and administrators. Management and development of core essentials and enrichment online courses for grades Pre-K-8. Self-motivated with strong planning... Read More →

Friday November 1, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm CDT
Room 266

Evidence-Based Curriculum and Instruction

2:30pm CDT

Integrating Science and ELA to Enrich Advanced Learners

Friday November 1, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm CDT

Room 101C

Streaming / Virtual Session
The purpose of this session is to show teachers and administrators the importance of integrating science and English language arts (ELA) to enrich the curricula for all learners but especially for advanced students. Using novels, informational texts, poetry, short stories, fairy tales, and folk tales, participants learn how to easily create their own hands-on lessons from kindergarten – 12th grade which effectively integrate science and ELA.

Presenters

Dr. Tara Kristoff

Director for Equity and Justice, Northern Illinois University

As a teacher and as an educational administrator, Dr. Tara Kristoff’s focus is always on doing what is best for children and making education accessible to all families. She collaborates with all stakeholders to create and to revise preschool – 12 curricula in all academic disciplines... Read More →

Friday November 1, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm CDT
Room 101C

Evidence-Based Curriculum and Instruction

3:15pm CDT

Friday Sign Out

Friday November 1, 2024 3:15pm - 3:30pm CDT

Thank you to all of today's attendees and presenters!

If you need PD credit please click on the PD CREDIT tab at the top of the Schedule and COMPLETE by 4:30pm.
Then, we hope you will stick around for the IAGC Membership Meeting and the Past Presidents Social Hour!

Friday November 1, 2024 3:15pm - 3:30pm CDT

IAGC / Event Info

3:30pm CDT

Friday Member Meeting

Friday November 1, 2024 3:30pm - 4:00pm CDT

Room 101C

Join the IAGC for a brief meeting of the IAGC membership as we give updates on the organization, past and upcoming education and training, advocacy efforts, and opportunities to get involved.
We will also recognize our IAGC Scholarship and Award winners.

Afterwards, please join us for a fun and relaxing social hour.

Friday November 1, 2024 3:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
Room 101C

Advocacy

4:00pm CDT

Friday Social Hour and IAGC Past-Presidents Reception

Friday November 1, 2024 4:00pm - 6:00pm CDT

Ballroom

Past-Presidents Social Hour

Join our Keynote and Featured Presenters, our Top Talent Sponsors, IAGC Past-Presidents and other Conference attendees for fun table activities, engaging networking, relaxation time, and delicious refreshments before you head back to your home or hotel.

RSVP required.

Friday November 1, 2024 4:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Ballroom

IAGC / Event Info