To teach a child, you must reach a child. Join us as we discuss how to identify and nurture young gifted students by tapping into their natural creativity and sense of wonder. Learn how to create and implement effective enrichment in order to uncover the hidden talents in your early learners and grow their potential.
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 →
Gifted/Accelerated and Extended Learning Coordinator
I have been a part of Gifted & Talented Education in Yorkville for 18 years. I currently manage the gifted & accelerated department for my district and also coordinate extended learning opportunities for our students, such as summer enrichment camps. I coach and mentor teachers, as... Read More →
Saturday November 2, 2024 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT
Room 162
Wouldn’t it be great if we were all born with an operating manual, complete with troubleshooting tips and a 24-hour hotline? Sadly, that’s not the case, but we can design one specific to our lives and needs. Jen has spent the last several years creating such a manual for herself; drawing from that work (and so, so many conversations with parents of gifted and 2e kids), she’ll help you determine what needs to be in your manual, complete with troubleshooting tips…24-hour hotline not available.
Jen Merrill is an Illinois-based writer, musician, marketing projectmanager, and gifted family advocate. The mom of two, shehomeschooled one twice-exceptional son through high school whilehappily sending his younger brother off to school every morning. Thosedays now in the past, she... Read More →
Saturday November 2, 2024 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT
Room 265
We will explore assessments and instruction that encourage creativity and critical thinking that acknowledge linguistic proficiency and intellectual abilities. By embracing diverse linguistic backgrounds, we develop strategies that not only assess but also enhance comprehension and expression across languages. Through interactive instruction, such as project-based learning, (Nostalgia Project) digital/oral storytelling, Socratic Seminars, and collaborative projects, we aim to empower multilingual learners to excel academically while celebrating their linguistic diversity. This session emphasizes the importance of inclusive educational practices that nurture cultural competence in our gifted students. Underscoring the importance of inclusive practices that not only challenge but also inspire multilingual learners and gifted students, this session inspires educators to facilitate their students to achieve their full potential in education.
Cynthia Martinez is an 8th grade Social Studies teacher and Kane County Educator of the Year for 2023. She is currently teaching at Fred Rodgers Magnet Academy, a magnet school for District 131. Known for its rigorous academic standards, FRMA serves a diverse student body, with many... Read More →
Saturday November 2, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm CDT
Room 111
This session explores best practices in identification including implementing universal screening, exploring multiple measures, and applying local norms to provide greater equity and access to gifted programming. Language barriers, cultural disparities, and lack of exposure and opportunity may serve to conceal students’ unique gifts and talents. Join us for real-world, data-driven practices to enable holistic identification and services for all our gifted learners.
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 →
Saturday November 2, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm CDT
Room 111
What is the impact on Title I educators who receive PL about best practices regarding equitable services for 2e children? A mixed-methods study examining educators' self-reported knowledge, skills, and perceptions of 2e children’s characteristics resulted in their ability to construct more referrals to identify and serve these students. Take aways will include research-based activities applicable Title I schools.
Significant disparities exist in the identification of and the opportunities provided to gifted children. Analysis of Chicago Public School data reveals disparities based on income, race, disability status, and school. Unfortunately, initiatives by the District aimed at addressing inequity had unintended, but not unforeseeable, consequences of exacerbating opportunity gaps for many low-income students of color. Bureaucratic changes by CPS to provide universal standards decreased the number of applications for accelerated instruction and made it less likely for Black and Latino/x students to receive advanced instruction. I propose multiple low-cost and easy-to-implement solutions to improve the identification of gifted and academically talented students that are more inclusive.