2024 IAGC Conference: Full Schedule

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

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

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

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

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 12:15pm - 1:00pm CDT
Room 266

Evidence-Based Curriculum and Instruction

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

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

10:15am CDT

Comic Quest: Graphic Novel Lit Circles for Gifted Learners

Saturday November 2, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am CDT

Room 162

BAM, ZAP, POW! Join this session to explore the impact of graphic novel literature circles on classroom engagement and critical thinking in the gifted classroom. Participants will learn the unique components of this fun and challenging text form and strategies for effective implementation in the middle school classroom. Standards-aligned and student-approved, graphic novel lit circles will BLAST student reading through the roof!

Presenters

Tracey Jaconette

Chelsea Spinello-Johnson

Rockford Public School District 205, Thurgood Marshall Middle School - RPS205

Hi, my name is Chelsea Spinello-Johnson. This will be my 17th year teaching middle school and my 9th year teaching 6th Grade Gifted Literature. I have a passion for both teaching and learning. I have my bachelor's degree in elementary education, master's in education with my reading... Read More →

Saturday November 2, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Room 162

Evidence-Based Curriculum and Instruction

10:15am CDT

Encouraging Intellectual Curiosity Using Picture Books with Young Advanced Literacy Learners.

Saturday November 2, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am CDT

Room 266

In this book rich presentation, we will explore the many ways that picture books can challenge our advanced, accelerated, and young literacy learners. Among the topics discussed in the session we will exam books using the "whole book approach,” as well as a look at picture books that are categorized as metafictive. This type of picture book provides a challenging break from the traditional narrative structures using alternative constructs to challenge the reader and budding writers as well as provide a model for critical/creative thinking, perspective, and point of view.

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 →

Saturday November 2, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Room 266

Evidence-Based Curriculum and Instruction

11:15am CDT

Using the Question Formulation Technique (QFT to Foster Student Thinking and Collaboration.

Saturday November 2, 2024 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT

Room 266

The Question Formulation Technique provides a structured approach to assist students in asking questions not just answering them. QFT works in concert with inquiry-based learning and promotes learning engagement and meaningful discussion. QFT initiates the development of topical or thematic thought-provoking questions that provide a basis for instruction. This method supports critical and creative thinking and fosters students natural curiosity, motivation and engagement in learning. It is an excellent strategy for social studies and science studies for K-12 grade students. This will be a fast moving interactive session so get ready to collaborate.

Presenters

Laura Beltchenko

Consultant, Lake County ROE

Saturday November 2, 2024 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT
Room 266

Evidence-Based Curriculum and Instruction

12:15pm CDT

Building and Maintaining an Enrichment-Rich Classroom

Saturday November 2, 2024 12:15pm - 1:00pm CDT

Room 265

Founded on principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), we will explore methods of incorporating gifted learning into classroom expectations and daily practices. From choice boards to rubrics to individualized projects, we will discuss tools and techniques to create enrichment opportunities in addition to and/or support of traditional “pull out” gifted programs. This interactive session will encourage participants to ask enriching questions, practice failure, and incorporate interdisciplinary approaches to support all students’ diverse gifts.

Presenters

Eliese Ronke

Gifted and Enrichment Coordinator, Roycemore School

For over a decade, Eliese has worked in outdoor, STEM, and environmental education, specializing in training fellow educators and curriculum development. She worked throughout the Southeast US (and one summer in Alaska), leading diverse teams, creating engaging educational activities... Read More →

Saturday November 2, 2024 12:15pm - 1:00pm CDT
Room 265

Evidence-Based Curriculum and Instruction

1:30pm CDT

Measuring Growth for Advanced Learners

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

Room 166

How do you know if advanced learners are growing academically? How much growth is enough? What are growth norms? Measuring growth for advanced learners can be difficult. This session will define growth of grade-level and above-grade-level assessments, review data practices using NAGC standards, and discuss the most useful approaches and nuances of measuring growth.

Presenters

Melissa Hinshaw

Assessment Director, Northwestern University

Melissa Hinshaw is the Assessment Coordinator at Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development. Throughout her thirty-year career as an education professional, she has served as a classroom teacher, administrator, consultant and Account Manager for NWEA. You can find recent... Read More →

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

Evidence-Based Curriculum and Instruction

1:30pm CDT

Research Opportunities with University Professors

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

Room 167

Learn how high school students can gain valuable experience doing STEM and Humanities research with university professors. We will provide information about how to find research mentors, what journals students can publish their research in, competitions they can enter, and more. We will discuss the pros and cons of individual vs. group research projects, long-term vs. short term projects, fee-based vs. free programs, and extracurricular vs. in-school projects.

Presenters

Sonia Lal

Founder, Ivy League Potential

Sonia Lal, M. Ed., a former Harvard admissions interviewer and teacher is the founder of Ivy League Potential. Sonia has worked in the field of college counseling, education, and human development since 1997. Her expertise on essay writing was featured in AdmitSee’s book 99 Successful... Read More →

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

Evidence-Based Curriculum and Instruction, Parent-Focused

1:30pm CDT

World Language Learning: Your Path to Global Connection

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

Room 162

In this session I will discuss the many reasons one should learn a second language. We will address the obvious benefits associated with becoming multilingual and we will delve into the more scientific reasons that studying another language can be beneficial to cognitive development and brain functioning.

Presenters

Rebecca McCrary

Spanish Teacher, DuQuoin High School

My name is Rebecca McCrary and I am a Spanish Teacher at Du Quoin High School. Prior to teaching Spanish, I taught Latin as well. My love of learning languages is never complete and I truly believe that I gained a deeper understanding of my own language through the apprehension of... Read More →

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

Evidence-Based Curriculum and Instruction

2:30pm CDT

Elevating Inquiry: Philosophy for Gifted Learners

Saturday November 2, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm CDT

Room 162

This session delves into incorporating philosophical questions across content areas, fostering inquiry-based learning and emphasizing the connection to social emotional learning. Practical strategies for publishing students' philosophical ideas, illustrations, and writing in a professional philosophy journal for K-12 students will also be discussed, empowering educators to nurture the intellectual and creative development of gifted learners.

Presenters

Tracy Zalud

Visiting Assistant Professor of Literacy and Learning, Aurora University

I am a Visiting Assistant Professor of Literacy and Learning at Aurora University teaching Reading Methods for grades 3-5 and Reading Across the Curriculum at the secondary level. I hold a doctorate degree from Aurora University in Curriculum and Instruction. I am a former elementary... Read More →

Saturday November 2, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm CDT
Room 162

Evidence-Based Curriculum and Instruction, Parent-Focused

2:30pm CDT

Using Learning Readiness to Guide Tier-one Responsive Planning

Saturday November 2, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm CDT

Room 166

Learning readiness is imperative for “right-sized” instruction and programming for advanced students. This session explores best assessment practices to inform academic readiness and plan responsive, tiered lessons across a continuum of learning needs. Focus includes extended enrichments, tier-one instruction strategies and extending the “readiness-runway” by front-loading essential readiness skills. Attendees will walk away with strategies to implement tomorrow!

Presenters

Jennifer Kendall

Assistant Coordinator, Advanced Enrichment Programs, Northwestern University Center for Talent Development

Teacher preparation and support, particularly in the area of gifted education, are of high interest to me. I enjoyed being an elementary for seventeen years and love to share my enthusiasm for teaching with all teachers.Currently, as a program coordinator at the Center for Talent... Read More →

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

Evidence-Based Curriculum and Instruction