California Association for the Gifted 58th Annual Conference: Full Schedule

7:45am PST

Identification: Identifying the 2e Student, What You Need to Know

How do we meet the complex needs of 2e students who exhibit amazing gifts and strengths while simultaneously experiencing difficulties in school? It starts with a holistic approach to identifying patterns of strengths, learning, and processing. Through case studies and activities, we will explore a process that emphasizes the importance of assessing and considering both qualitative and quantitative data. As participants learn to find evidence of high potential and areas of difficulty, they will become more proficient in the identification process.

Speakers

Dr. Karen Cross

Assistant Professor in School of Psychology, Bridges Academy, California Baptist University

Karen L. Ottone-Cross recently graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Doctorate in Educational Psychology and has taken an Assistant Professorship in School Psychology at the Metcalf School of Education at California Baptist University in Riverside, CA. While at the University... Read More →

Rose Blucher

Director of Blucher Educational Services for Boundless Potential, Bridges Academy, Blucher Educational Services for Boundless Potential

Rose R. Blucher, M.Ed., is the Director of Blucher Educational Services for Boundless Potential. In Maryland, she worked for over 20 years as a GT/LD Specialist/Director, developing programs for 2e students. She has taught at the K-12, undergraduate, and graduate-level as an adjunct... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2020 7:45am - 8:45am PST
Mesquite DE

2e: Twice Exceptional, Giftedness: Characteristics/Behaviors/Identification

Audience Principals, Coaches, Counselors, Teachers (ALL), Parents

7:45am PST

Simple Strategies for Creating 2e-Friendly Classrooms

Many 2e students need adaptations to the environment to make their day (and yours) go more smoothly. We will work together to identify common obstacles that impede student learning, discuss why students may have difficulties in certain areas, and through guided brainstorming, determine what simple changes can be made to make the classroom 2e friendly. This workshop will offer numerous ways you can use inexpensive everyday items to meet the needs of your students and stay within your budget! Learn to make kinetic sand, sensory bottles, as well as a variety of manipulatives that you can personalize to individual students. Some of them the students can create themselves!

Speakers

Edith Burke

TBD, Bridges Academy

TBD

Saturday February 22, 2020 7:45am - 8:45am PST
Mesquite GH

2e: Twice Exceptional, Affective Development: Social & Emotional

Audience Principals, Coaches, Teachers (ALL), Parents

7:45am PST

Skills and Traits of Successful 2e Educators.

Twice-exceptional (2e) students often struggle in schools where their teachers don’t understand their dual diagnoses and struggle to maximize their potential. This session explores the attributes, traits, and skills of teachers who are most successful with 2e students, utilizing case studies to highlight specific backgrounds, temperaments, beliefs, and practices that are most conducive to working with the 2e population. Teachers will leave this session with a better understanding of how to work with and advocate for 2e students. Administrators will gain insight into building and supporting a faculty and culture that supports all cognitively diverse populations.

Speakers

Chris Wiebe

Director, Bridges Academy

chris.wiebe@bridges.edu

Saturday February 22, 2020 7:45am - 8:45am PST
Chino

2e: Twice Exceptional, Legislative: Advocacy, Funding, LCFF/LCAP

Audience Principals, Coaches, Superintendents, Counselors, Coordinators, Teachers (ALL), Parents

7:45am PST

Meeting the Needs of Gifted Students Who Have Experienced Trauma

Many gifted students experience intense emotions and are able to be resilient in the face of these feelings. However, many students have had traumatic events happen in their lives, and we as educators need to be able to differentiate between intense emotions or the effect of traumatic experiences. We will discuss how to support traumatized students academically, socially, and emotionally.

Speakers

Jaclyn Loncteaux

Instructional Strategists, Myers Elementary

Jaclyn is currently employed as an Instructional Strategist at a low-income, low-performing elementary school. She is also pursuing her Master’s Degree in Educational Administration. Her experience as a gifted student who faced childhood trauma and intense emotions prepared her... Read More →

Gifted Students and Trauma CAG2020 pptx

Saturday February 22, 2020 7:45am - 8:45am PST
Smoketree AB

Affective Development: Social & Emotional, Giftedness: Characteristics/Behaviors/Identification

Audience Principals, Coaches, Superintendents, Counselors, Coordinators, Teachers (ALL)

7:45am PST

Developing Student Ownership: Support Students to Move Beyond Doing and Understanding School to Owning Their Learning

Students are not merely passengers in their education. They deserve to go beyond just doing or understanding school—they deserve to own their learning. This means giving students the authority, capacity, and responsibility to know what they are learning and why, explain how they learn best, articulate when they are learning and when they are struggling, and understand their role in any academic setting. Learn engaging and research-based strategic learning practices that develop student ownership.

Speakers

Jane Kennedy

CFO and Instructional Coach, Elevated Achievement Group

Jane is a co-founder of Elevated Achievement Group. She founded this professional learning company with the express desire to work cooperatively and collaboratively with teachers, coaches, and administrators. Jane began her career in 1991 as a self-contained classroom teacher in an... Read More →

Robert Crowe

CEO and Instructional Coach, Elevated Achievement Group

Bob is a co-founder of Elevated Achievement Group, a professional learning company dedicated to helping educators develop student ownership at all grade levels. Bob began his career as a bilingual teacher in California in 1993. He then took his passion for learning and used it to... Read More →

CAG 2020 0222 DevelopingStudentOwnership Booklet pdf

Saturday February 22, 2020 7:45am - 8:45am PST
San Jacinto

Challenging Curriculum: Lessons and Units of Study, Administration: Roles/Services/Programs/Teacher Development/Identification

Audience Principals, Coaches, Superintendents, Coordinators, Teachers (ALL)

7:45am PST

Help Your Students Go Deep, Go Wide, for Rich Understanding of Math Concepts Essential for Higher Math

M3 and M2 allow K-6 math learners to create a Yeti, challenge the Guinness Book of World Records, create their own number system, and more. Students engage in such motivating activities acting as professional mathematicians around a Common Core concept of math, e.g. Algebra or Geometry. Each lesson extends the understanding, while students grow in the use of mathematical vocabulary and oral and written communication. Take the plunge: come try a few activities

Speakers

Jan Hayes

Educational Consultant, Kendall Hunt Publishing Company

Jan Hayes is a GT consultant, who presents researched, exemplary gifted math and LA curricula for Kendall Hunt throughout the US. She served as International Fellow for the Department of Defense initiative to align all DoD Schools to current math standards and approaches to teaching... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2020 7:45am - 8:45am PST
Pueblo

Challenging Curriculum: Lessons and Units of Study, Challenging Curriculum: Lessons and Units of Study

Audience Principals, Coaches, Superintendents, Teachers (Early Childhood), Teachers (Elementary)

7:45am PST

The Gratitude Project- An Innovative Approach to Student-Led Research and Exploration of Universal Concepts

The Gratitude Project is a yearlong, multi-discipline exploration of the universal concepts of Gratitude, Power, Conflict, Relationships, and Change. This session will demonstrate how through interviews with family and community elders, students uncover details of legacy, sacrifice, and perseverance. Both a personal and shared experience, learning is differentiated as students construct and then prove their own generalizations. Reflections through art and writing allow students to connect and respond to their developing sense of personal gratitude.

Speakers

Valerie Del Carlo

Teacher, Garden Grove Unified School District

Valerie Del Carlo has taught 6th-grade at Murdy Elementary in the Garden Grove Unified School District for the past 17 years. As the 6th grade GATE Cluster teacher since 2015, she meets the educational needs of her students in a vibrant and inclusive classroom. She is the creator... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2020 7:45am - 8:45am PST
Andreas

Challenging Curriculum: Lessons and Units of Study, Differentiation in the Core Content Areas: History

Audience Principals, Coaches, Superintendents, Counselors, Coordinators, Teachers (Early Childhood), Teachers (Elementary), Teachers (Middle School), Teachers (High School), Teachers (ALL), Parents

7:45am PST

The Cartoon Curriculum: Using Humor for Student Engagement and to Develop Critical Thinking

This session presents strategies for teaching literary concepts required by the CCST and crucial to students’ facility literary study. Using cartoons from wide sources as The New Yorker, Calvin and Hobbs, The Far Side, and other sources, this session will demonstrate cartoon reading and interpretation promotes critical thinking by making conscious students’ prior knowledge, and by providing a concrete connection to abstract literary terms as well as to the Depth and Complexity icons.

Speakers

Sandy Robertson

Differentiation Specialist, Santa Barbara Unified School District

Sandy Robertson taught grades 7-12 English and Social Studies and is currently a Differentiation Specialist and a Literacy Coach. She has published articles in professional journals and chapters in books and was an original member and eventually Chair of the Early Adolescence English... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2020 7:45am - 8:45am PST
Pasadena

Differentiation in the Core Content Areas: ELA, Affective Development: Social & Emotional

Audience Coaches, Teachers (Elementary), Teachers (Middle School), Teachers (High School)

7:45am PST

Productively Struggling to Gain Conceptual Understanding in Math

Learn how to challenge students in math with activities that promote productive struggle. Students will experience problem solving through collaboration with others, while teachers facilitate the learning process of discovery and the value of mistakes. Come experience the benefits of teaching math concepts to allow students to develop a deeper level of understanding and apply their own thought processes.

Speakers

Andrea Mooney

Curriculum Program Specialist, Colton Joint Unified School District

Andrea Mooney served as an upper elementary teacher in the Colton Joint Unified School District for twenty-five years. She is currently a Curriculum Program Specialist and a District GATE coordinator.

Gloria Gutierrez

GATE Site Coordinator, Colton Joint Unified School District

Gloria Gutierrez is currently a 5th-grade GATE teacher in the Colton Joint Unified School District. She has taught for 19 years and serves as the site GATE coordinator at Grand Terrace Elementary School.

Saturday February 22, 2020 7:45am - 8:45am PST
Ventura

Differentiation in the Core Content Areas: Math, Challenging Curriculum: Lessons and Units of Study

Audience Coaches, Coordinators, Teachers (Elementary)

7:45am PST

Brave New Worlds: The Gifted, Gaming and Social Media

Social media is ubiquitous and pervasive, but its fluid, magnetic and chaotic nature affects the gifted and talented in distinctive ways. Brave New Worlds offers a synopsis of the roles it plays in the lives of students, educators and families. Impacts of social media use on mental and physical well-being; cognitive and socioemotional development; creativity and critical thinking; perfectionism/impostor syndrome; dual exceptionality; cultivating resilience and growth mindset; technology overuse/addiction; among others will also be explored.

Speakers

Morgan Appel

Assistant Dean, Education and Community Outreach, UC San Diego, University of California, San Diego

Morgan Appel is Assistant Dean for Education and Community Outreach (ECO) at UC San Diego Extension, overseeing programming for PK-post retirement. He previously served as Director of Education Programs at UC Irvine’s Division of Continuing Education following a research appointment... Read More →

Brave New Worlds for CAG Con 2020 pdf

Saturday February 22, 2020 7:45am - 8:45am PST
Catalina

Giftedness: Characteristics/Behaviors/Identification, Technology Integration

Audience Principals, Coaches, Superintendents, Counselors, Coordinators, Teachers (Elementary), Teachers (Middle School), Teachers (High School), Teachers (ALL), Parents

7:45am PST

When Lazy Doesn’t Make Sense: How Executive Functions Impact our Gifted Learners

Difficulty starting a task, staying focused on non-preferred tasks, and great ideas without follow-through may indicate weak executive skills. Often our brightest students are labeled “lazy” and begin to doubt their abilities when their production lags. This presentation describes how executive functions may manifest in our students with high potential. Integrating research from noted professionals in the special education and gifted communities affords us the opportunity to offer explicit strategies to support our gifted learners.

Speakers

Dr. Cynthia Z Hansen

ET/P Gifted Education Specialist, Private Practice Educational Therapy

Dr. Cynthia Z. Hansen, Ed.D., ET/P, Is it educational therapist serving, gifted, creative, and twice exceptional learners through individualized, strength-based enrichment and learning supports. Dr. Hansen holds three teaching credentials, post-Masters CA certificates in GATE and... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2020 7:45am - 8:45am PST
Mesquite F

Giftedness: Characteristics/Behaviors/Identification, 2e: Twice Exceptional

Audience Principals, Coaches, Counselors, Coordinators, Teachers (ALL), Parents

7:45am PST

Developing Critical Thinking and Creativity as a "Maker"

The 21st Century Learning skills of critical thinking and creative problem solving are imperative to developing our next generation of responsible and successful citizens (Wai & Worrel, 2016). However, the skills often merely lip-service when it comes to effective integration into curriculum and pedagogy. We examine the development of these skills over the course of a schoolwide effort to incorporate making and design into the curriculum. We also examine this effort through change management.

Speakers

Dr. Gary Saunders II

Superintendent/Principal, Mariposa County USD

Dr. Saunders has been advocating for the needs of gifted students for over 30 years. His research into makerspaces and project based learning has contributed to the field of gifted identification know as entrepreneuerially gifted. He is the husband of an amazing mom and father of... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2020 7:45am - 8:45am PST
Smoketree C

Technology Integration, Administration: Roles/Services/Programs/Teacher Development/Identification

Audience Principals, Coaches, Superintendents, Coordinators, Teachers (Early Childhood), Teachers (Elementary), Teachers (Middle School), Teachers (High School), Teachers (ALL), Parents

9:00am PST

Keynote: Gifted Education and Talent Development are Synonyms

Is my child gifted? This question, frequently posed to educators, is typically premised on the assumption that giftedness is a trait that individuals are born with. However, consider any gifted adult that you know in any domain of endeavor from academia to the athletic field, the concert hall to the art gallery, and look at their history. Their adult performance was the result of many years of study and work. Adult success requires potential in a domain, good teachers, and long-term effort on the part of the individual. In other words, no matter how bright or gifted you appear to be as a child, without talent development, there will not be a gifted adult. In this presentation, Dr. Worrell will use the talent development megamodel (Subotnik, Olszerwski-Kubilius, & Worrell, 2011, 2018) as a backdrop to discuss the psychology of outstanding performance. This presentation will provide an overview of the talent development elements that increase the probability of gifted performance in adulthood.

Speakers

Senator Connie Leyva

Senator, 20th State Senate District, California

Reelected to represent the 20th State Senate District in 2018, Senator Connie M. Leyva is serving her second term in the California State Senate. The district includes the cities and communities of Bloomington, Chino, Colton, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Montclair, Muscoy, Ontario, Pomona... Read More →

Dr. Frank Worrell

Professor; Faculty Director of the School of Psychology Program, University of California, Berkeley

Frank C. Worrell is a Professor in the Graduate School of Education at the University of California, Berkeley, where he serves as Faculty Director of the School Psychology Program, the Academic Talent Development Program, and the California College Preparatory Academy. He also holds... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am PST
Oasis

Keynote

Audience Coaches, Coordinators, Counselors, Parents, Principals, Superintendents, Teachers (ALL)

10:30am PST

Technology and Productivity: Supporting the 2e Learner

Technology can be the key to unlocking 2e students’ potential, allowing them to concentrate on the content being taught and supporting their ability to communicate what they know and understand. Students enjoy the use of technology because it allows them to work independently and receive “just-in-time” support when needed. Essentially, 2e students use technology to enhance their lives — not only to compensate for what they may not be able to do, but more so to focus their attention on what they can do and to further explore areas of interest. This session will focus on sharing a list of top technology tools to support the productivity of 2e learners.

Speakers

Dr. Jann Leppien

Professor, the Margo Long Endowed Chair in Gifted Education, Whitworth University, the 2e Center for Research and Professional Development at Bridges

Dr. Jann Leppien is a professor and the Margo Long Endowed Chair in Gifted Education at Whitworth University. Whitworth's Center for Gifted Education supports policies that encourage the diverse expressions of gifts and talents and offers a Gifted Education Specialty Endorsement and... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am PST
Mesquite GH

2e: Twice Exceptional, Technology Integration

Audience Principals, Coaches, Superintendents, Counselors, Coordinators, Teachers (ALL), Parents

10:30am PST

When the IEP is Not Enough: Strength-based, Talent-focused Planning for 2e Students

Twice-exceptional learners have a dual set of needs that separates them from other students with IEPs who do not have advanced abilities, interests, or talents. Unfortunately, the IEP is designed to address weaknesses with no consideration of how these students' advanced abilities complicate the situation. IEPs are designed to identify deficit areas and use strategies to "bring the learner up to grade level". Rarely, is there a talent development goal or language that considers these students’ need for enrichment and talent development. In this session, you will learn about the Suite of Tools and how to plan with students' strengths, interests, and talents in mind.

Speakers

Dr. Susan Baum

Director, The 2e Center for Research and Professional Development at Bridges Academy

Susan Baum, Ph.D. directs the 2e Center for Research and Professional Development at Bridges Academy. Susan is widely published in the field of gifted education including her seminal book (in its 3rd edition), To be gifted and learning disabled. Her expertise in twice exceptionality... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am PST
Catalina

2e: Twice Exceptional, Challenging Curriculum: Lessons and Units of Study

Audience Principals, Coaches, Counselors, Coordinators, Teachers (ALL), Parents

10:30am PST

An Observation Look-For Form for Gifted Classrooms

Do you conduct observations in classrooms? Do you have Look-for forms to use? Not sure what to look for in GATE classrooms? You will walk away from this session with a Look-for form to use with your GATE classroom teachers, and also a template upon which you can build your own with your staff. Warning: seeing this form may initiate the need for more professional development for your faculty, but we will cover that too.

Speakers

Gina Danley

Interim Assistant Principal, Santa Maria-Bonita School District

Gina Danley has served as an educator of gifted and talented students for twenty years. She served her district as a Teacher on Special Assignment as a Resource for GATE students, educators, and parents. Currently she is an Interim Assistant Principal at an elementary school. She... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am PST
Smoketree E

Administration: Roles/Services/Programs/Teacher Development/Identification

Audience Principals, Coaches, Superintendents, Coordinators, Teachers (ALL)

10:30am PST

Cultivating Social Emotional Learning in Gifted Students through the Lens of Global Education

Learn how to support social and emotional learning (SEL) for gifted students by intentionally incorporating the Four Domains of Global Competence into daily lessons and overall school culture. Review the California Global Education Project’s indicators and benchmarks of global competence; learn about the CDE’s 2016 California Global Education Summit, the 2018 Global Education Exemplary Awards Competition, and new SEL resources; and hear about how an award recipient’s model program sets them apart.

Speakers

Aileen Allison-Zarea

Education Administrator, California Department of Education, Educator Excellence and Equity Division

Aileen is an Education Administrator in the Educator Excellence and Equity Division at the California Department of Education. She oversees activities related to state-level professional learning for English Language Arts/Literacy, World Language, History-Social Science/Civics, the... Read More →

Dr. Emily Schell

Executive Director, California Global Education Project

Dr. Emily Schell is Executive Director of the California Global Education Project, one of nine discipline-specific K-12 professional learning networks of the California Subject Matter Project. Schell is a former GATE teacher, Social Studies Resource Teacher, and site principal in... Read More →

Diane Crum

Education Programs Assistant, Educator Equity and Excellence Division, The California Department of Education

Diane Crum is an Education Programs Assistant in the Educator Equity and Excellence Division (EEED) at the California Department of Education. Prior to joining the EEED, she taught in the Roseville Joint Union High School District (RJUHSD) since 2005. During her tenure at the RJUHSD... Read More →

Final 2020 00131 Cultivating SEL in Gifted Students through the Lens of Global.. pdf

CGEP GC Framework Benchmarks pdf

CASEL Competencies pdf

Saturday February 22, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am PST
Smoketree AB

Administration: Roles/Services/Programs/Teacher Development/Identification

Audience Principals, Coaches, Superintendents, Counselors, Coordinators, Teachers (ALL), Parents

10:30am PST

Beyond the Page: Picture Books as the Means Building Opportunities for Young Learners

Picture books have always been an integral component of early childhood classrooms. In an era of 21st Century literacy and critical discourse, picture books function as the medium for building experiences, academic language, questioning techniques, and content exploration. This session will demonstrate how high-leverage picture books can be used as the entrance (motivation or curiosity catalyst) AND the extension (synthesis and transfer) from core learning experiences. Participants will experience a lesson simulation that presents a curriculum model for how picture books bridge the discipline standards and meet the needs, interests, and abilities of emerging and identified gifted learners of any age or grade level. As a consequence of attending this session, participants will learn specific strategies for how high-level picture books can be used to fuel curiosity and questioning in young learners and be used as a means of non-traditional identification.

Speakers

Jessica Manzone

Faculty, University of Southern California

Dr. Manzone currently teaches in the MAT program at the University of Southern California. Jessica is a former classroom teacher whose research interests include non-traditional identification, early childhood, and the expansion of differentiation to include culturally sustaining... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am PST
Mesquite F

Challenging Curriculum: Lessons and Units of Study, Differentiation in the Core Content Areas: ELA

Audience Teachers (Early Childhood), Teachers (Elementary), Principals, Superintendents, Coaches

10:30am PST

Inquiry-Based Teaching and Learning Cultivates a Culture of Critical Thinking

The consistent and persistent use of questions cultivates a stance of genuine inquiry rather than a portrayal of information. In this session, Kelly Emanuel will model and teachers will experience, the nimble use of asking questions as an instructional tool. Participants will convene around a common text and engage in a sequence of activities that scaffold the depth of student-centered knowledge acquisition. All participants will leave the session with lesson plans for use in their own classroom.

Speakers

Kelly Emanuel

National Training Instructor, The Great Books Foundation

Kelly Emanuel is a Professional Development Instructor for the Great Books Foundation and has delivered seminars nationwide for teachers in Inquiry-Based Teaching and Learning. He is passionate about coaching educators as they refine their questioning strategies in order to get their... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am PST
Pueblo

Challenging Curriculum: Lessons and Units of Study, Differentiation in the Core Content Areas: History, Differentiation in the Core Content Areas: ELA, Differentiation in the Core Content Areas: Science, Challenging Curriculum: Lessons and Units of Study

Audience Principals, Coaches, Superintendents, Coordinators, Teachers (Elementary), Teachers (Middle School), Teachers (High School), Teachers (ALL)

10:30am PST

Power Planning: Build Lessons that Support Student Ownership of Learning

Authentic learning is driven by student ownership. This means students have the authority, capacity, and responsibility to be the leaders in what they are learning and why. But this mindset requires teachers to be purposeful decision-makers throughout planning and delivery. Learn how to build daily lessons that allow students to take ownership of their learning through research-based strategies that support students to own the context, outcome, process, demonstration, and application of their learning.

Speakers

Jane Kennedy

CFO and Instructional Coach, Elevated Achievement Group

Robert Crowe

CEO and Instructional Coach, Elevated Achievement Group

CAG 2020 0222 PowerPlanning LearningModel Booklet pdf

Saturday February 22, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am PST
Andreas

Challenging Curriculum: Lessons and Units of Study, Administration: Roles/Services/Programs/Teacher Development/Identification

Audience Principals, Coaches, Coordinators, Teachers (ALL)

10:30am PST

Differentiation for the Middle School Student can be Educational and Fun!!!

Prepare to enter a session in which you will leave with an engaging, differentiated social studies curriculum of strategies and units of study that an educator may readily use upon your return to school. Imagine quick writes to research papers, art activities, group collaboration; and role-playing. Units of study include "Women in Ancient Civilizations", "Trade in Ancient Civilizations"; "Comparison of Ancient and Modern Houses". (You may also bring a chromebook or laptop.)

Speakers

Jo Ann Gillespie

Teacher, National History Day Consultant, Vista Heights Middle School

Jo Ann Cato Gillespie has been an educator and a life-long learner since 1970. Working currently on her doctorate at Grand Canyon University, she has been instrumental in establishing National History Day in her district; facilitates the Chapman University Art and Writing curriculum... Read More →

Differentiation pptx

Saturday February 22, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am PST
Mesquite C

Differentiation in the Core Content Areas: History, Challenging Curriculum: Lessons and Units of Study

Audience Coaches, Coordinators, Teachers (Middle School)

1:00pm PST

Unwrapping the Gift: Rethinking Leadership in a Gifted School

To mobilize your school community toward continuous improvement, it’s not enough to ask for or demand buy-in. To build an effective and affective comprehensive campus with collective efficacy, a school leader must offer explicit opportunities for students, parents, teachers, and staff to lead. Discover things that work (and don’t work) to maximize divergent thinking and human resources, include and invite all shareholders in decision-making, and share responsibility of school-wide initiatives and programs.

Speakers

Jennifer Nusbaum

Dean of Students, Knox Gifted Academy, Chandler Unified School District

Jennifer Nusbaum is the Dean of Students at Knox Gifted Academy, a public school that serves approximately 700 gifted K-6 students in Chandler, Arizona. Jennifer is a parent of four gifted children and has served gifted students and families as a program coordinator, teacher, teacher-leader... Read More →

Lynn Weed

Principal, Chandler Unified School District

Lynn Weed is the Principal of Knox Gifted Academy, a public school that serves approximately 700 gifted K-6 students in Chandler, Arizona. In her tenure as an educator, Lynn has served as a teacher, Instructional Specialist, Assistant Principal, Assistant Superintendent, and Principal... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2020 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST
Smoketree E

Administration: Roles/Services/Programs/Teacher Development/Identification

Audience Principals, Coaches, Superintendents, Teachers (ALL), Parents

1:00pm PST

Questioning In The Classroom To Support Interdisciplinary Instruction

Can your students construct relevant, coherent questions? I will share ideas for introducing questioning techniques and identify the 3 types of questions. You will be able to incorporate these strategies into your lessons across the disciplines and there will be an emphasis on STEAM. Come experience simulation lessons and receive tools that you can use with your students when you return to school.

Speakers

Juli Petrilli

Juli Petrilli, Los Angeles Unified School District

Juli Petrilli is a National Board Certified Teacher who holds 2 masters degrees in Elementary Education and Educational Administration. She has certification in Gifted Education and was a CAG Summer Institute Master Teacher for several years. Juli also holds a micro-credential in... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2020 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST
Andreas

Challenging Curriculum: Lessons and Units of Study, Differentiation in the Core Content Areas: Science

Audience Principals, Coaches, Coordinators, Teachers (ALL)

1:00pm PST

Using Video Production to Drive Differentiation in a GATE Cluster Classroom

This session will show you ways you can differentiate your Google Classroom ELA lessons by having students create high interest/novel/depth/complexity videos. Learn how to change writing assignments into scripts for weekly school newscasts using a green screen. Grammar lessons can become springboards for stop motion animation videos. Math scholars can create their own Classroom Academy where students create videos to teach what they have learned. Information will also be given on what you can do to acquire funds for these tools for your classroom.

Speakers

Paul Longshore

4th Grade Teacher, Galileo Academy

Paul Longshore started teaching 29 years ago in a high school biology class. He later would teach middle school science for 7 years before ending up in a self contained 4th grade classes for the last 22. Currently he develops lessons and teaches at a parent choice School, Galileo... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2020 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST
Smoketree C

Technology Integration, Differentiation in the Core Content Areas: ELA

Audience Principals, Coaches, Superintendents, Coordinators, Teachers (Elementary), Teachers (Middle School), Teachers (High School), Parents

2:15pm PST

Feelings Matter! Social and Emotional Development in Twice Exceptional Youth

Despite attention to improving education for Twice Exceptional students, who grapple with the challenges of having both gifts/talents and disabilities, little direct consideration has been accorded their social/emotional development. While problems can arise due to the seeming dichotomy of juggling significant potential with disabilities, academic dilemmas frequently prompt less concern over time than does a student’s overall social/emotional adjustment. This interactive session will showcase practical, field-tested approaches for scaffolding social/emotional development at school and home.

Speakers

Dr. Richard Olenchek

Professor, Gifted Education Research and Resource Institute, Purdue University

Dr. Rick Olenchak, is professor in three disciplines at Purdue University. He taught grades 2-11 and served as principal at elementary and middle schools, including a specialized 2E school. Having also served in leadership at three Research-1 universities, he pursues research that... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2020 2:15pm - 3:15pm PST
Mesquite GH

2e: Twice Exceptional, Affective Development: Social & Emotional

Audience Principals, Coaches, Superintendents, Teachers (ALL), Parents

2:15pm PST

Leading Girls to Leadership

For society to be more accepting of women in leadership positions, we must inspire and develop leadership in girls today. Female leadership potential often goes unnoticed or under-supported impacting choices girls make regarding classes, activities, college, and career. By identifying and supporting girls with leadership qualities, educators can change the look of corporate administration, legislative bodies, and Board tables. Leadership is a gift and talent and girls need support to be tomorrow’s leaders.

Speakers

Cathy Nichols-Washer

Superintendent, Lodi Unified School District

Dr. Washer has served as superintendent for over 19 years and is currently one of the longest sitting superintendents among California’s largest districts with 15 years in Lodi Unified. When the Lodi USD Board of Education appointed Dr. Nichols-Washer as superintendent in July 2008... Read More →

Leading Girls to Leadership CAG Conference 2020 pptx

Leading Girls to Leadership CAG Conference 2020 pdf

Saturday February 22, 2020 2:15pm - 3:15pm PST
Smoketree AB

Affective Development: Social & Emotional

Audience Principals, Coaches, Superintendents, Counselors, Coordinators, Teachers (ALL), Parents

2:15pm PST

Maslow 2.0: The Hierarchy of Needs, Redefined

In his 1943 paper “A Theory of Human Motivation,” Abraham Maslow introduced the idea that human beings have a hierarchy of needs: physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. In this talk, Scott Barry Kaufman picks up where Maslow left off, expanding upon the unfinished theory and integrating new scientific findings, including Kaufman’s own research on creativity, love, personality, and well-being. Through his unique work on the subject, Kaufman reinvigorates the profound insights of humanistic psychology with the latest scientific findings from a wide range of fields, introducing them to a generation that consistently feels unsatisfied in their work, creative pursuits, and educational path. Students can be high achievers and yet still yearn for self-realization. The philosopher Erich Fromm said that there is “an art of being.” But as Kaufman persuasively shows, there is also a science of being, and this talk will help educators set students on the path to a life of optimal health, growth, wholeness, and real fulfillment.

Speakers

Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman

Professor; Director of Research, Columbia University; The 2E Center at Bridges Academy

Scott Barry Kaufman is a professor at Columbia University and Director of Research at the 2e Center, Bridges Academy. He is interested in helping all kinds of minds live a creative, fulfilling, and meaningful life. In addition to writing the column Beautiful Minds for Scientific American... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2020 2:15pm - 3:15pm PST
Catalina

Affective Development: Social & Emotional, Challenging Curriculum: Lessons and Units of Study

Audience Coaches, Coordinators, Teachers (Elementary), Teachers (Middle School), Teachers (High School)

2:15pm PST

Multiage Learning Environments: Supporting Social, Emotional, and Academic Needs Through Design Thinking Pedagogy.

In terms of educational reforms and innovations, learners don’t need more or better. Many need different. Their intelligence and intensities are so unique that even the most innovative classrooms aren’t innovative enough. Therefore, it is our job, our challenge, our purpose to ensure the environments match their needs. Participants will learn how a multiage, design thinking, maker ed environment supports the social, emotional, and academic needs of all learners.

Speakers

Michael Buist

Multiage Classroom Teacher, Knox Gifted Academy

Michael Buist is one-third of the multiage cohort teaching team at Knox Gifted Academy, a public school that serves more than 700 gifted K-6 students in Chandler, Arizona. Michael has taught in the Chandler Unified School District for 21 years and has served gifted students and families... Read More →

Rebecca Coplan

Fulton Elementary

Saturday February 22, 2020 2:15pm - 3:15pm PST
Mesquite C

Differentiation in the Core Content Areas: Math, Differentiation in the Core Content Areas: ELA, Affective Development: Social & Emotional

Audience Principals, Coaches, Counselors, Coordinators, Teachers (ALL)

2:15pm PST

Identification of Giftedness: Opportunities for Equity

In this session, participants will explore a multi tiered model of identification that strives to support teachers in understanding the characteristics of giftedness through multiple lenses. We will dig in to pedagogical opportunities that support the revealing of potential in young people, as well as the systematic change that must occur to identify students from all subgroups.

Speakers

Karen Anderson

Arts & Enrichment Coordinator, Pasadena Unified School District

Karen Anderson is the Arts & Enrichment Coordinator for the Pasadena Unified School District. She graduated from Northwestern University and received her Master’s degree in education from USC. Karen has worked in public, private, and charter schools in dual language environments... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2020 2:15pm - 3:15pm PST
Mesquite F

Diversity, Administration: Roles/Services/Programs/Teacher Development/Identification

Audience Principals, Coaches, Superintendents, Counselors, Coordinators, Teachers (ALL), Parents

2:15pm PST

Unlocking the "GATE" for Latino Students

Throughout the presentation, participants will:

Identify gifted characteristics within diverse populations.
Understand the correlation between gifted identification and multiple intelligences.
Discuss how culturally responsive educational strategies can be embedded in instruction in order to increase motivation and achievement.

Speakers

Catherine Estrada

Principal, San Jose St. Elementary and Highly Gifted Magnet; CAG Educator Representative, Mission Region, San Jose St. Elementary

Catherine Estrada, MA, is an educator with over 25 years of experience. She has been a teacher, literacy coach, and coordinator in the LAUSD GATE department. She currently is the principal of San Jose St. Elementary/Highly Gifted Magnet.

Saturday February 22, 2020 2:15pm - 3:15pm PST
Sierra

Diversity, Giftedness: Characteristics/Behaviors/Identification

Audience Principals, Coaches, Superintendents, Counselors, Coordinators, Teachers (ALL), Parents

3:30pm PST

Why Before How: Inquiry Based Instruction and the Twice Exceptional Learner

Inquiry based instruction develops the ability to: actively listen and discuss content; critically consider information before making conclusions; tackle deep and complex ideas; and form evidence based opinions. Students are capable of self-awareness, insight and empathy when they are given the procedural training by their teachers to support peer discussions that tap into many of their developmental and cognitive needs. Students come away with a sense of earned responsibility and an increased ability to negotiate with diplomacy.

Speakers

Erica Herro

Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Stevenson School

Erica Lewis Herro, M.A., BCET Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Stevenson School; Board Certified Educational Therapist; Author, A Review of Research on Teaching Reading Comprehension and the Effect of Frequent Focused Practice (2010); Dynamic Optimism: Mediating Accurate Assessment... Read More →

Molly Bozzo

Head of School, Stevenson

Molly Kathleen Bozzo, M.A., Education Administration and Leadership, B.A. English Literature; Head of School, Grades PK-8, Stevenson School; English Teacher, Stevenson School; Director, Northwest Montessori School (1993-1995), Director of Residence and Activities, Santa Catalina School... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2020 3:30pm - 4:30pm PST
Mesquite GH

2e: Twice Exceptional, Differentiation in the Core Content Areas: ELA, Affective Development: Social & Emotional, Challenging Curriculum: Lessons and Units of Study

Audience Principals, Coaches, Teachers (Middle School), Teachers (High School), Teachers (ALL)

3:30pm PST

Inquiry/PBL and the Gifted Student

The process of inquiry creates a hands-on, minds-on approach to learning and critical thinking. Inquiry/PBL appeals to many students who think not just outside of the box, but far beyond it. Participants will learn what inquiry/PBL is, the commonalities among its models, and how best practices in gifted education blend seamlessly with the stages of the inquiry cycle to promote deeper learning and critical thinking.

Speakers

Vanessa Heller

Educator & GATE Coordinator, Oak Park Unified

Ms. Heller has contributed to Teaching for Racial Equity: Becoming Interrupters (2022) and presents best practices in gifted education and inquiry throughout the U.S. Ms. Heller teaches middle school humanities, serves as Gifted Education Site Coordinator and Diversity & Equity Task... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2020 3:30pm - 4:30pm PST
Andreas

Challenging Curriculum: Lessons and Units of Study, Giftedness: Characteristics/Behaviors/ Identification

Audience Principals, Coaches, Superintendents, Coordinators, Teachers (ALL)

3:30pm PST

Robotics, Electronics, & Engineering: Helping Gifted Learners Engage, Advance Academically and Be Future-Ready!

Speaker will share strategies and ideas for developing effective robotics and engineering programs for grades K-12 that will increase engagement and ignite inspired, sustained learning for ALL gifted students. Speaker will demonstrate a variety of cutting-edge devices and will show how to use them to engage and advance learning for gifted students, beginning at the primary levels. Speaker will engage participants in discourse, emphasizing development of critical and creative thinking, engineering principles, and collaborative and communication skills.

Speakers

Donna Knoell

Educational and Technology Consultant, Educational Consultant

Dr. Donna Knoell is an esteemed, highly sought after speaker and educational and technology consultant who works with schools, districts, and teachers, to help them improve their instructional programs, with special emphasis on advancing achievement and engagement for Gifted and Talented... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2020 3:30pm - 4:30pm PST
Pasadena

Differentiation in the Core Content Areas: Science, Challenging Curriculum: Lessons and Units of Study

Audience Principals, Coaches, Superintendents, Coordinators, Teachers (Early Childhood), Teachers (Elementary), Teachers (Middle School), Teachers (High School), Teachers (ALL), Parents

3:30pm PST

Balancing Developmentally Appropriate Practice with the Needs of the Highly Gifted Child in an Early Childhood Setting

Research continues to show that early identification of a gifted child can be definitive for both the child and his caregivers. Understanding his unique characteristics allows adults to provide appropriate supports for the child as he navigates school, home, and social settings. Educators have a particular responsibility to provide an engaging and differentiated environment in which gifted children are encouraged to develop their individual talents and interests while laying the foundation of academic content. In this session, educators will be challenged to consider the influence of developmentally appropriate practices when considering how to best meet the advanced cognitive needs of the highly gifted early childhood student.

Speakers

Heather Brown

Teacher, Higley Unified School District, Arizona

Mrs. Heather Brown has taught for over 20 years in a wide variety of settings across several states. Currently, Mrs. Brown is a kindergarten and first-grade teacher in Arizona in THINK: Higley Unified School District's Highly Gifted Academy. Her professional goal is to be able to... Read More →

CAG 2020 pdf

US Coin Unit Plan CAG pdf

Scholarly Trait Resources pdf

Saturday February 22, 2020 3:30pm - 4:30pm PST
Mesquite F

Giftedness: Characteristics/Behaviors/Identification, Affective Development: Social & Emotional

Audience Principals, Coaches, Coordinators, Teachers (Early Childhood)

3:30pm PST

Applying Programming Skills into Gifted Classrooms

Programming is becoming a more and more important skill to have. Childhood is a great time to start learning programming and to develop computational thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. In this session, the presenter will show you how to program in Scratch and how to apply the skills into gifted curricula. The presenter will also demonstrate using diverse examples, including subjects such as English, Math, and World Languages.

Speakers

Dan Song

Teacher, Mirman School

Dan Song earned her B.A. in English and her first M.A., in Teaching Mandarin as a Foreign Language, from Huazhong University of Science and Technology. In 2015, she received her second Master’s degree (Bilingual Education) from Loyola Marymount University. Now she holds a clear... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2020 3:30pm - 4:30pm PST
Smoketree C

Technology Integration, Challenging Curriculum: Lessons and Units of Study

Audience Principals, Coaches, Superintendents, Teachers (ALL)

8:00am PST

Don’t You Forget About Me: Understanding the Social and Emotional World of Gifted Students

Too often the social-emotionl needs of gifted and advanced learners are overlooked because teachers and parents are focused on their cognitive abilities and academic achievement. As a result, gifted students may feel misunderstood and suffer from perfectionism, perceived unmet expectations, and feelings of alienation and loneliness. Through clips from the movie Breakfast Club the panel of experts will explore the needs of these youngsters with some tips for meeting their needs.

Speakers

Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman

Professor; Director of Research, Columbia University; The 2E Center at Bridges Academy

Dr. Susan Baum

Director, The 2e Center for Research and Professional Development at Bridges Academy

Dr. Jann Leppien

Professor, the Margo Long Endowed Chair in Gifted Education, Whitworth University, the 2e Center for Research and Professional Development at Bridges

Kristin Berman

Associate Director, Bridges Academy

Kristin Berman received her Ph.D. from the University of CT in Educational Psychology specializing in Gifted Education. She has practiced as a teacher, college professor, professional developer, administrator, and parent advocate for gifted and twice-exceptional children. She currently... Read More →

Dr. Richard Olenchek

Professor, Gifted Education Research and Resource Institute, Purdue University

Sunday February 23, 2020 8:00am - 8:45am PST
Catalina

2e: Twice Exceptional, Challenging Curriculum: Lessons and Units of Study

Audience Principals, Coaches, Counselors, Teachers (ALL), Parents

8:00am PST

Tangrams: An entry point to advanced mathematical understandings

Tangrams, the age-old dissection puzzle, can bring excitement into any math classroom and can wake up those spatially gifted students who are bored with the number side of mathematics. Using the tangrams, the attendees will leave this session with many creative ideas for teaching in-depth fractional problem solving that will challenge and empower the 2-E mathematically talented student.

Speakers

Dr. Rachel McAnallen

Dr. Rachel McAnallen aka Ms. Math, Bridges Academy

Known simply as Ms. Math to children across the country, Dr. Rachel McAnallen has devoted her life to sharing the joy and beauty of mathematics with learners of all ages. A professional educator for more than 60 years, she travels the globe teaching her subject at every grade level... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 8:00am - 8:45am PST
Mesquite DE

2e: Twice Exceptional, Challenging Curriculum: Lessons and Units of Study

Audience Principals, Coaches, Counselors, Teachers (ALL), Parents

8:00am PST

Cultivating Social Emotional Learning in Gifted Students through the Lens of Global Education

Speakers

Aileen Allison-Zarea

Education Administrator, California Department of Education, Educator Excellence and Equity Division

Dr. Emily Schell

Executive Director, California Global Education Project

Diane Crum

Education Programs Assistant, Educator Equity and Excellence Division, The California Department of Education

Final 2020 00131 Cultivating SEL in Gifted Students through the Lens of Global.. pdf

CASEL Competencies pdf

Sunday February 23, 2020 8:00am - 8:45am PST
Smoketree D

Affective Development: Social & Emotional, Administration: Roles/Services/Programs/Teacher Development/Identification

Audience Principals, Coaches, Superintendents, Counselors, Coordinators, Teachers (ALL), Parents

8:00am PST

Connecting through Collaboration

Systems exist in every part of our daily lives. However, what do systems have to do with gifted education? Surprisingly, they make a tremendous impact. Learn how to frame an entire year’s academic and social-emotional curriculum around an essential question. Explore the ways team-teaching can provide a unique opportunity to use stories to teach students how to be a vibrant part of a diverse, empathetic community of learners.

Speakers

Monica Dalton

Teacher, Chandler Unified School District

It has been a long and exciting journey for Monica Dalton. It started twenty-one years ago with a desire to provide a one-of-a-kind educational experience for her students, many of whom were identified as gifted learners. Monica pursued her passion to work for a district committed... Read More →

Lynn Barakat

Teacher, Chandler Unified School District

Lynn Barakat has been an enthusiastic and innovative classroom teacher for over ten years. At a time when Chandler Unified School District was instrumental in identifying and providing the cognitive and affective needs for gifted students, Lynn learned quickly how education had changed... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 8:00am - 8:45am PST
San Jacinto

Challenging Curriculum: Lessons and Units of Study, Diversity

Audience Coaches, Counselors, Teachers (Elementary)

8:00am PST

Inquiry-Based Instruction Through Texts of High Complexity Ensures Academic Rigor and Critical Thinking

Through nimble questioning, students are invited to think rather than being told what to think. In this session, participants will convene around a common text and engage in a sequence of activities that scaffold the depth of student-centered knowledge acquisition. After this experience, teachers will have the opportunity to reflect on the pedagogy that promotes inquiry and equips students with the nimble habits of mind of effective critical thinkers. Teachers will leave with the understanding that when students engage in Inquiry-Based Learning, they own their thinking and we hear their voices.

Speakers

Kelly Emanuel

National Training Instructor, The Great Books Foundation

Sunday February 23, 2020 8:00am - 8:45am PST
Pueblo

Challenging Curriculum: Lessons and Units of Study, Administration: Roles/Services/Programs/Teacher Development/Identification

Audience Principals, Coaches, Coordinators, Teachers (Elementary), Teachers (Middle School), Teachers (High School), Teachers (ALL)

8:00am PST

Strategy Mash-Up for Greater Student Impact

We will combine DeBono's 6 Thinking Hats, Thinking Like a Disciplinarian, and SCAMPER to look at, and connect to, current events at a deeper level. This is a “make and take” lesson where you will have time to plan how to incorporate these strategies into an upcoming lesson. This activity can work as a stand-alone assignment, or a springboard for project-based learning.

Speakers

Jessie Green

GATE Coordinator/TOSA, Pleasant Valley School District

Jessie Green has been the GATE Coordinator for the Pleasant Valley School District for the past four years. In that time, she has created a flipped-model GATE Teacher certification program, integrated GATE into the regular classroom, facilitated professional development with strategies... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 8:00am - 8:45am PST
Ventura

Differentiation in the Core Content Areas: History, Differentiation in the Core Content Areas: Visual and Performing Arts, Differentiation in the Core Content Areas: ELA, Differentiation in the Core Content Areas: Math, Differentiation in the Core Content Areas: Science, Affective Development: Social & Emo

Audience Coaches, Coordinators, Teachers (ALL)

8:00am PST

Using AVID Strategies to Support & Accelerate Learning for Gifted Students

AVID's proven learning support structure known as WICOR, incorporates teaching and learning methodologies in the critical areas of Writing to Learn, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading to Learn. How does WICOR support our gifted and talented students? How do we provide differentiated strategies to support GATE students with organization? In this session we will take a deeper dive into using collaborative structures to engage gifted students in inquiry-based discussions to challenge and motivate their learning.

Speakers

Paul LaPorte

AVID District Director, Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District

Paul La Porte is the AVID District Director for the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District. Paul is masterful at supporting sites with the integration of GATE and AVID. He has seen first hand how AVID strategies, have supported the needs of the gifted and talented populations... Read More →

Traci Grove

AVID Associate Area Director, AVID

Traci Grove, an educator for over 30 years, serves as a California Division, AVID Program Manager. Traci supports over 248 K-12 AVID sites in Orange County. Facilitator for a variety of AVID Professional Learning strands, Traci is strategic at helping educators use AVID core strategies... Read More →

CAG Conference PPT pptx

Sunday February 23, 2020 8:00am - 8:45am PST
Sierra

Diversity, Administration: Roles/Services/Programs/Teacher Development/Identification

Audience Principals, Coaches, Coordinators, Teachers (ALL)

9:30am PST

Keynote: The Beautiful Risk of Supporting Creative Learners

Supporting creative learners often involves stepping into uncertainty and trying new things. Doing so can feel risky. The good news is this kind of risk is a beautiful risk. Beautiful risks are worth taking because they can have a profoundly positive and lasting impact on the learning and lives of young people. In this keynote address, you will be invited to take the beautiful risk of exploring new possibilities for designing creative learning experiences for young people. Concrete examples and strategies for how we can all better support creative learners will also be discussed. Be prepared for an engaging and interactive session.

Speakers

Dr. Ron Beghetto

Pinnacle West Presidential Chair, Professor, Arizona State University

Dr. Beghetto is an internationally recognized expert on creative thought and action in educational settings. He is the Pinnacle West Presidential Chair and Professor in the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. Dr. Beghetto is the Editor for the Journal... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 9:30am - 10:45am PST
Oasis

Keynote

Audience Coaches, Coordinators, Counselors, Principals, Superintendents, Teachers (ALL), Parents

11:00am PST

Creativity, Visual Thinking, and Gifted Children with Dyslexia

Research in neuroscience and learning disabilities establishes certain cognitive challenges and certain cognitive strengths for students with dyslexia. Eide and Eide (2011) identified four patterns of strengths in their dyslexic clients that they call MIND-Strengths. These include M: Material Reasoning; I: Interconnected Reasoning; N: Narrative Reasoning; and D: Dynamic Reasoning. Further dyslexic students have been found to exhibit creativity and a preference for original thinking. This presentation will take a look at these strengths and preferences as found in gifted children with dyslexia. Strengths and strategies for optimizing learning will be the emphasis.

Speakers

Dr. Susan Daniels

Educational Director, Co-Founder of the Summit Center; Professor; Educational Consultant, Summit Center

TBD

Sunday February 23, 2020 11:00am - 11:45am PST
Mesquite GH

2e: Twice Exceptional, Differentiation in the Core Content Areas: Visual and Performing Arts

Audience Principals, Coaches, Counselors, Teachers (ALL), Parents

11:00am PST

Strategy Development and Self-regulation: A Must for Twice Exceptional Learners!

How can a gifted student who is reading and writing several grades below expectancy perform in an accelerated learning environment? They do it daily by using highly effective self-regulating and compensatory strategies based on their strengths! Through a variety of activities, you will learn a strength-based process with practical strategies to assist twice-exceptional students in their academic pursuits. Participants will take home a packet of ideas to support gifted students by reaching their academic potential and fulfilling their social/emotional needs.

Speakers

Rose Blucher

Director of Blucher Educational Services for Boundless Potential, Bridges Academy, Blucher Educational Services for Boundless Potential

Sunday February 23, 2020 11:00am - 11:45am PST
Mesquite DE

2e: Twice Exceptional, Affective Development: Social & Emotional

Audience Coaches, Counselors, Teachers (ALL), Parents

11:00am PST

Just How Frustrated Are You With Your SBAC Scores?

When a parent requests their child to be placed with an effective teacher, school leaders throughout the nation would love to say “every teacher is remarkable!” Unfortunately because of the nature of human performance, every adult is NOT equal when it comes to increasing student academic results. Adults in our system certainly determine just how high the rigor of adult performance will be. Participants will not only hear what instructional strategies are key to implement in order to close the achievement gap but also how they as a leader sustains the level of competence in adult delivery. Increasing student achievement is NOT “rocket science”, but it does take high levels of accountability to create a high performing district.

Speakers

Gary Soto

Founder/CEO, GDS Consulting

Gary D. Soto is the recipient of the National Educator Award for helping to Reshape American Education. He is also one of the authors of "Crimes Against Learning: Solving the Serial Failure of School Reform" which is helping to guide educational leaders toward significant student... Read More →

CAG SBAC ScoresPPT ppt

SBAC Growth pdf

Brochure v9 optimize email pdf

Sunday February 23, 2020 11:00am - 11:45am PST
Smoketree E

Administration: Roles/Services/Programs/Teacher Development/Identification

Audience Principals, Coaches, Superintendents, Counselors, Coordinators, Teachers (ALL)

11:00am PST

Intersections: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Depth and Complexity

Participants will be introduced to Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and the relationship UDL has to pedagogical practices for gifted learners. Emphasis will be placed on the intersection between UDL and the prompts of Depth and Complexity as a means to activate potential in not only formally identified gifted populations, but also those individuals who may be advanced but not formally identified as gifted. Participants will create a tool that can be used for instructional planning purposes. A baseline background knowledge of the prompts of Depth and Complexity is suggested. Knowledge of UDL is not required.

Speakers

Dr. Julia Nyberg

Executive Director, California Association for the Gifted

Dr. Julia Nyberg is the Executive Director of the California Association for the Gifted. Dr. Nyberg is a leading K-12 curriculum development expert with professional experience in the United States and in China. Dr. Nyberg has taught, delivered demonstration lessons, and provided... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 11:00am - 11:45am PST
San Jacinto

Differentiation in the Core Content Areas, Challenging Curriculum: Lessons and Units of Study

Audience Teachers (ALL), Principals, Coordinators, Coaches

11:00am PST

Reframing Deficit Thinking to Surplus Thinking: Changing Perceptions of Underserved Gifted

How we see children has a profound effect on how we educate them. Schools are designed to “fix” students who are achieving poorly or are misbehaving. This deficit thinking has a profound impact on recruiting, recognizing and retaining gifted students of color and/or living in poverty. Learn how to shift deficit thinking of differing behaviors toward surplus thinking about strengths for learning. Reframe hyperactivity to verve; reframe talkative to fluent verbal abilities. Make powerful changes for underserved gifted students by tapping into strengths. Participants will receive surplus thinking instructional practices and a menu of encouraging additive approaches.

Speakers

Dr. Richard Cash

Education Consultant, nRich Educational Consulting, Inc.

Dr. Richard M. Cash is an award-winning educator and author best known for his work in differentiation and advanced learners. His range of experience includes teaching, curriculum coordination, and program administration. Currently, he is a widely respected education consultant with... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 11:00am - 11:45am PST
Sierra

Diversity, Giftedness: Characteristics/Behaviors/Identification

Audience Principals, Coaches, Coordinators, Teachers (ALL)

11:00am PST

Exploring Mathematics Using Desmos and Geogebra

The free online software programs Desmos and Geogebra provide mathematically gifted students opportunities to explore and discover mathematical relationships. With Desmos graphing software, students manipulate equations or graphs to analyze how changing one affects the other. Using Geogebra, students construct geometric figures then ‘drag’ the figures to create multiple examples that lead to generalization of properties of the figure. With minimal guidance, students can take off into their own mathematical investigations. Bring your own device.

Speakers

Dr. Kim McComas

Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Arkansas

Following a 20 year career teaching secondary mathematics, Kim McComas pursued a doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction with a focus on mathematically gifted children. She currently teaches pre-service mathematics teachers at the University of Arkansas, encouraging her students to... Read More →

CAG Desmos presentation pptx

Sunday February 23, 2020 11:00am - 11:45am PST
Catalina

Technology Integration, Differentiation in the Core Content Areas: Math

Audience Coaches, Teachers (Elementary), Teachers (Middle School), Teachers (High School), Parents

12:00pm PST

Is It Time to Rethink What a Successful School Is? We Did Just That!

Foothill Knolls is on its way to not only exceeding the needs of our Gifted Students but also to authentically meet the need of ALL LEARNERS. Come hear the journey they are taking from being a Traditional to Transitional and then hopefully being Transformational School. Implementing STEM, Argumentative Constructed Responses, Depth of Complexity Prompts, Social Emotional Learning Actions and believing that ALL students CAN and WILL learn is our core.

Speakers

Gary Soto

Founder/CEO, GDS Consulting

Jennifer Morris

Principal, Foothill Knolls K-8, Upland Unified School Districy

Jennifer Morris, M.A., is the Principal of Foothill Knolls STEM Academy of Innovation located in Upland, California. Jennifer has been a Classroom Teacher, Instructional Coach in Mathematics, Professional Development Leader, and Administrator within the Upland Unified School District... Read More →

CAG 2020 Is it Time to Rethink What a Successful School Is We Did Just That! (1) pptx

Sunday February 23, 2020 12:00pm - 12:45pm PST
Smoketree E

Administration: Roles/Services/Programs/Teacher Development/Identification

Audience Principals, Coaches, Superintendents, Counselors, Coordinators, Teachers (ALL), Parents

12:00pm PST

Giftedness and Managing Anxiety

Research has shown that gifted individuals have higher emotional sensitivity, coupled with a heightened level of analytical thinking. The combination of increased sensitivity and analysis can result in greater anxiety. This presentation will describe the conditions that can predispose a gifted individual to intense anxiety. As well as methods for reducing and managing anxiety for a more serene life.

Speakers

Dr. Cynthia Geary

Professor, California State Polytechnic University, Pomonaa

Dr. Cynthia Geary joined California State Polytechnic University, Pomona’s Teacher Education Department in 2013. She instructs the multiple subject CalTPA preparation course, as well as methods and foundation courses. Her areas of research include culturally relevant instruction... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 12:00pm - 12:45pm PST
Smoketree D

Affective Development: Social & Emotional, Giftedness: Characteristics/Behaviors/Identification

Audience Principals, Coaches, Counselors, Teachers (ALL), Parents

12:00pm PST

Strategies to Support Gifted Children Struggling with Trauma

Continuing our research into how trauma affects the brain, and its impact on our children, we are realizing that many gifted children, especially highly gifted children, suffer their own kind of trauma as they cope with being different and trying to fit into society and expectations placed on them. Having society, parents, teachers, a school system not understand them and how they think and learn, can have a profound impact on a child. These children are also just as likely to suffer from other traumas as any other child; however, their unique sensitivities and pressures they are already under put them at a unique risk. This presentation will open your eyes to what our children are going through, and also provide you with some strategies to help support them as we continue to learn more and more about this topic.

Speakers

Adam Laningham

Owner/President, Bright Child AZ / SENG

www.BrightChildAZ.com

Sunday February 23, 2020 12:00pm - 12:45pm PST
Pueblo

Affective Development: Social & Emotional, Giftedness: Characteristics/Behaviors/Identification

Audience Principals, Coaches, Superintendents, Counselors, Coordinators, Teachers (Early Childhood), Teachers (Elementary), Teachers (Middle School), Teachers (High School), Teachers (ALL), Parents

12:00pm PST

Advancing and Enriching Vocabulary, with Depth, Complexity, and Creativity: Joyful Success with Words

Speaker will offer strategies to increase academic vocabulary and communication skills across the curriculum. She will stress the importance of using classical roots, affixes, Latin cognates, and idioms to extend word knowledge and language proficiency. She will share strategies for using figurative language and multiple-meaning words and will offer creative activities and engaging word games, helping gifted learners capture a love of words and language, while unleashing their academic and creative potential. Handouts provided.

Speakers

Donna Knoell

Educational and Technology Consultant, Educational Consultant

Sunday February 23, 2020 12:00pm - 12:45pm PST
Pasadena

Differentiation in the Core Content Areas: ELA, Challenging Curriculum: Lessons and Units of Study

Audience Principals, Coaches, Superintendents, Teachers (Early Childhood), Teachers (Elementary), Teachers (Middle School), Teachers (High School), Teachers (ALL), Parents

12:00pm PST

Friendship & The Gifted Child

Friendships can be difficult, no matter how old a person is, and for Gifted Children, who sometimes have trouble fitting in, it can be even harder. This presentation will help parents of Gifted Children understand the underlying reasons why their child might have challenges in developing and/or maintaining friendships, as well as offer concrete and hands-on suggestions for what to do to help their child.

Speakers

Kim Louie

Program Specialist - Office of Special Projects/GATE, Rowland Unified School District

KIM LOUIE HAS BEEN IN EDUCATION WITH ROWLAND UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR TWENTY-FIVE YEARS, AND IS AN AUTISM MOM, A GATE MOM, A FUR MOM, A GATE EDUCATOR/COORDINATOR, A TEACHER, AN INTERVENTION COORDINATOR, A WIFE, A DOCTORAL STUDENT, A WRITER, A READER, AND A LIFE-LONG LEARNER.

CAG Copy of Friendship & The Gifted Child pdf

Sunday February 23, 2020 12:00pm - 12:45pm PST
Mesquite C

Parent, Affective Development: Social & Emotional

Audience Principals, Coaches, Counselors, Coordinators, Teachers (ALL), Parents