Take a deep dive into a timely topic in gifted education...

The NAGC 66th Annual Convention (NAGC19) in Albuquerque is the magical place to be November 7-10! 

Join a community of K-12 and university professionals, parents, advocates, and others to network, have fun, learn best practices, and gain both valuable information and inspiration through 200+ content-rich sessions.

At NAGC19, share experiences, ideas, and innovative thinking to change minds, policies, and practices back in your classroom and community!

Kick off the week with a Pre-Con session on Wednesday, and learn about:

• Implementing an Enrichment Model. Visit Lew Wallace Elementary School and learn how to replicate a flexible, student-first approach that fosters collaboration and expression of thought. Albuquerque Public Schools encourages the use of the Schoolwide Enrichment Model, and a Lew Wallace gifted education teacher, working with the principal and colleagues, created a unique model built within that framework. All students in the school are touched by the program. The small group model encourages student-to-student interaction, and children with leadership potential have an opportunity to help others articulate their thinking and work together effectively. The groupings include children who show strong creativity traits, increasing the diversity of ideas and energy level for taking academic risks, critical to new learning. Students who qualify for gifted education services are developing a more accurate self-concept and seeing themselves as part of a larger and more diverse community of peers.
• Innovative Learning the in Classroom. Visit North Star Elementary School and participate in activities representing a sampling of the lessons taught by Open Source Kids (OSK), which teaches elementary-age children computer programming with a hands-on innovative tools and learning strategies. Observe actual lessons that give students a basic understanding of computer science and electronics principles, and a working knowledge of a real-world programming language. The OSK strategy utilizes a number of commercially available apps and equipment, as well as a custom Python block-programing interface based on Google Blockly. Learn how this program was developed and financed using local school grants. You are sure to come away with ideas and lessons to bring back to your classroom.
• Move from Hours to Outcomes with NAGC Micro-Credentials. Take the first steps to achieving a micro-credential in one of four areas: SEE ME (identification), UNDERSTAND ME (social emotional), CHALLENGE ME (acceleration), and TEACH ME (teaching practices). In this session you will receive an overview of this outcome-based professional learning opportunity and begin the work needed to receive your selected micro-credential. After completing the process on your own, you will receive a portable badge certifying demonstrated mastery.

If you want to take a deep dive into a timely topic in gifted education, check out the Pre-Con Sessions on Thursday:

• Gifted and Native: Research, Practices, and Partnerships. Native American youth continue to be under identified for their gifts and talents, underserved by schools, and overlooked by research. This session, led by Richard Olenchak and Marcia Gentry of Purdue University, is a rare opportunity for practitioners, school board members, administrators, researchers, and community members to strengthen our community, address the unique needs of our students, and improve education for Native American children.
• Successful Educational Outcome Strategies for Twice-Exceptional Students. This session will assist educators to work with twice-exceptional students in their schools. Experts in twice-exceptionality will lead an interactive discussion about (1) evidence-based identification strategies; (2) the neuroscience of twice-exceptionality; (3) career and strength-based interventions; (4) profiles of high ability students with ADHD, ASD, and learning and behavioral challenges; and (5) educational environments specifically designed for twice-exceptional student success. Speakers include Susan Assouline, Belin-Blank Center; Sue Baum, Bridges Academy; Alissa Doobay, and Megan Foley-Nicpon, University of Iowa
• Teaching Gifted Learners in the Regular Classroom. Most gifted and talented students spend the majority of their time learning in regular classrooms. With training and support classroom teachers can differentiate their curriculum and instruction in ways that engage and challenge their advanced learners. Led by Sally C. Krisel, Hall County (GA) Public School, and Dina Brulles, Paradise Valley (AZ) Unified School District, join practitioners for a comprehensive, interactive, and practical look at creating opportunities wherein advanced abilities of G/T learners are recognized and developed.