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Saturday, February 22
 

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
DK

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 →
avatar for Rose Blucher

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

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
EB

Edith Burke

TBD, Bridges Academy
TBD


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

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
avatar for Chris Wiebe

Chris Wiebe

Director, Bridges Academy
chris.wiebe@bridges.edu


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

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
JL

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 →



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

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
JK

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 →
RC

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 →



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

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
avatar for Valerie Del Carlo

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

7:45am PST

Asking Hard Questions: Critical Thinking Design with Paul's Reasoning Model

Paul's Reasoning web, designed at the Center for Gifted Education at the College of William and Mary, has been serving gifted educators for years. This redesign simplifies the experience for teachers so they can create critical thinking questions ahead of time as well as "in the moment" of the lesson. Participants will engage with the tool to create high-level questions to differentiate their curriculum and encourage critical thinking in any classroom.

Speakers
avatar for Ted Murcray

Ted Murcray

Associate Professor, Education, California Baptist University
Ted Murcray, an education professor, speaker, former k12 teacher and school administrator, has spoken at dozens of national and regional conferences. He is currently the Director of the Teaching and Learning Center and associate professor of education at California Baptist University... Read More →


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

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
avatar for Morgan Appel

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 →



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

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
avatar for Dr. Cynthia Z Hansen

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

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
avatar for Dr. Gary Saunders II

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

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
avatar for Senator Connie Leyva

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 →
avatar for Dr. Frank Worrell

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

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
avatar for Dr. Jann Leppien

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

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
avatar for Dr. Susan Baum

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

10:30am PST

Writing and the 2e Learner - Sponsored by Bridges Academy

Writing can often be a challenge for any student, especially for the 2E students who may have anxiety, perfectionism, soft executive functioning skills, etc. So how do we, as teachers, best approach the instruction of writing? Come join me to explore an approach that asks the student to play with their medium prior to being asked to apply structure and convention; not unlike the artist experiments with paint, the musician, with notes, or the dancer, with movement. Come away with a fresh perspective as well as specific strategies to guide our young writers to find their voice.

Speakers
MM

Mary McInerney

Teacher, Bridges Academy
Mary McInerney is a teacher at Bridges Academy, school for 2e students. She received her BA in Elementary Education, her MA in Gifted Education and is currently enrolled in Bridges Academy’s Doctorate Program in Cognitive Diversity. Mary was a teacher in New York, and has extensive... Read More →


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

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
avatar for Gina Danley

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

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
avatar for Aileen Allison-Zarea

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 →
avatar for Dr. Emily Schell

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 →
avatar for Diane Crum

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 →



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

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
KE

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

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
JK

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 →
RC

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 →



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

10:30am PST

Engage Students in 21st Century Learning with Renzulli Learning

Would you like to streamline enrichment and differentiation, while enhancing the learning environment for ALL students across MTSS? Come see how Renzulli Learning brings personalized, meaningful content to your students and supports 21st Century Learning Skills such as Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity. With Renzulli Learning, G/T and all students achieve more when engaged in inquiry-based learning focused on their individualized Profilers. Develop cultural awareness through Global Collaboration projects across the globe!


Speakers
avatar for Jeanne N. Pascon

Jeanne N. Pascon

Director for Professional Development and Client Support, Renzulli Learning
Jeanne N. Pascon, M.Ed. is the Director for Professional Development and Client Support for Renzulli Learning.  An educator for over 25 years, she has been a classroom teacher, technology specialist, and teacher for gifted & talented students in both Canton and West Hartford, Connecticut... Read More →


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

10:30am PST

Keys to Learning: Adding Layers of Rigor

This session will demonstrate the use of additional thinking tools to foster a deeper understanding of content and extend the core curriculum. You will be actively involved in applying the keys across subjects. See how to combine Depth & Complexity with Keys to increase rigor through prompts and questions. Templates will be given to assist in the direct application of these strategies- perfect for your GATE students!

Speakers
avatar for Marcie Griffith

Marcie Griffith

Principal, Garden Grove Unified School District
Marcie Griffith, M.A., started her career as an elementary GATE teacher in the Garden Grove Unified School District and is currently a Principal who oversees an onsite GATE program. Prior to her principalship, she served as K-12 GATE Supervisor in her district. Marcie has conducted... Read More →



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

10:30am PST

Using Math Prompts in Every Grade Level

Depth and Complexity is extended into math instruction in every grade level using the Math Prompts. Practical application will be discussed and applied as audience participants engage in a hands-on activity while learning a variety of connections to the classroom curriculum. You will leave the session with a deeper understanding of Math Prompt usage and its application for your classroom math instruction.

Speakers
avatar for Dolph Petris

Dolph Petris

Elementary School Teacher, Fullerton School District
Dolph is an enthusiastic educator and has taught in the Fullerton School District for 16 years. As a GATE teacher, he understands the value of being a lifelong learner and is always in the search of greater understanding. Whether engaged in discussion or reading a new book, he is... Read More →


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

1:00pm PST

Learning to Deal with the Unpredictable: Using Tools of Improv with 2E Students

What do you do when you don’t know what to do? Frustrating conundrum is typical for 2e students. Using the tools of Improvisation, unplanned spontaneous actions, helps students deal with unpredictable situations. Improv, often comedy, can also be used to deal with confounding situations. Participants will engage in collaborative “play” and will leave with ready-to-use ideas for the classroom.

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Richard Cash

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 →


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

1:00pm PST

When Math is a Problem: Creative and Humorous Ways to Teach Math without Worksheets

Place value is the essential tool for understanding the four basic arithmetic operations. Using a monetary approach and respecting the decimal point, the participants will find creative and engaging ways to teach the basic math concepts to all learners. Developmental theory, multiple intelligences and different learning styles will be emphasized, which should enable teachers to help students – including those who are dyslexic and math-anxious – understand math concepts from the concrete stages to the abstract. The final outcome is to understand that arithmetic is answering the question whereas mathematics is questioning the answer. Participants should come prepared to learn creative and infectious ways to teach math without worksheets.

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Rachel McAnallen

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 →


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

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
avatar for Jennifer Nusbaum

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 →
LW

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

1:00pm PST

Relationships And Retakes: Helping Students Develop A Growth Mindset

Research has shown that gifted students may be susceptible to developing a fixed mindset. In this presentation, I will share how a grading system that included retakes, along with the relationships I built with the students, impacted how students viewed themselves as learners and members of a learning community. And how relationships and retakes led to an increase in Growth Mindset, especially for my advanced learners.

Speakers
avatar for Dr. John Hayden

Dr. John Hayden

High School Math Teacher, Piedmont High School
Dr. Hayden has been a public school mathematics teacher for more than 25 years. In his career, he has focused on differentiation, co-teaching, assessment, social-emotional wellbeing, and, most recently, Growth Mindset. He has recently concluded a research project into mastery-based... Read More →



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

1:00pm PST

Learning to Think, Thinking to Learn: Strategies to Empower Students

A focus on developing thinking skills allows students to take charge of their own learning, deepen their understandings, and become more engaged. To cultivate student thinking and alertness to cognition requires tools and strategies for educators to use in their classrooms. This session will focus on the varied practices/strategies/and routines that can be used to deepen understanding and foster the desire for students to make their thinking visible as they interact with peers in all academic disciplines

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Jann Leppien

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 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST
San Jacinto

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
JP

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

1:00pm PST

Introduction to the Original Prompts of Depth and Complexity
Come learn and use the “original” prompts of depth and complexity to bring a deeper layer of understanding and connections between concepts for your gifted and advanced learners.

Speakers
avatar for Krisa Muller

Krisa Muller

GATE Program Specialist, Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District
Krisa has been a California public educator since 2000 and involved in gifted education since 2002. Her work has been on behalf of students, parents, and other educators. Her educational practices and beliefs are grounded in her own education developed at CSU, Fullerton, UC, Irvine... Read More →



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

1:00pm PST

Strategies to Generate LCAP Support for Gifted Services in Your School District

This workshop will provide parents, teachers, administrators, and GATE advocates with some proven strategies for better-ensuring school districts incorporate GATE services into their local state-required academic plan, known as the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). Barrett and Caitlin are advocates for the California Association for the Gifted in Sacramento.

Speakers
avatar for Barrett Snider

Barrett Snider

Partner, Capitol Advisors Group
Barrett Snider has spent nearly two decades working in California politics and is a founding partner of Capitol Advisors Group, where he manages the daily government relations operations of the firm. His diverse experience in both legislative advocacy and political campaigns provides... Read More →
avatar for Caitlin Jung

Caitlin Jung

Legislative Counsel, Capitol Advisors
Caitlin Jung is an attorney with experience with education, civil rights, bankruptcy, and landlord-tenant law. Prior to joining Capitol Advisors, she worked on prisoner rights cases at the UC Davis Civil Rights Clinic and with the Human Rights/Fair Housing Commission at its small... Read More →


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

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
avatar for Dr. Richard Olenchek

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

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
avatar for Cathy Nichols-Washer

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 →



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

2:15pm PST

Depth and Complexity: A practical approach to Teaching the Prompts

Are you struggling to figure out how to implement the depth and complexity prompts in a realistic and easy way? Then this session is for you!

Speakers
avatar for Robyn Arnold

Robyn Arnold

3rd Grade Teacher, CAG Master Teacher, Los Angeles Unified Schoo District
Robyn Arnold is a 3rd-grade teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District. With over 17 years of teaching experience, her career has focused on GATE education with EL students, Special Education students, and Highly Gifted students. As an original member of Dr. Sandra Kaplan’s... Read More →


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

2:15pm PST

Teaching Students to Self-differentiate As a Way of Implementing a Challenging Curriculum for Every Student

As teachers of gifted students we have learned how to differentiate, first, the content we teach second, the process, third and finally the product our students produce to demonstrate what they learn. Let’s go beyond this and additionally train our students to self differentiate. Let’s explore how offering choices and modeling products at different levels can help students engage in the processes, better serving their individual learning needs. Let’s strive to guarantee a curriculum that challenges each of our students personally. Let's train our students to learn how to assess and address the level of performance they are currently working at in any particular skill. I will share how I have done this in my classroom, and some of the results that I have achieved using this approach.

Speakers
avatar for Gian Molero

Gian Molero

World Language Department Chair and Middle School Spanish Teacher, The Mirman School
Gian Molero has been teaching gifted students for over 15 years, currently serves as a member of the Curriculum Committee at The Mirman School for the Highly Gifted, as well as the World Language Department Chair, and the Middle School Spanish Teacher. She has previously presented... Read More →



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

2:15pm PST

Exploring the New Prompts of Depth and Complexity
Come learn and use the “new” prompts of depth and complexity to bring a deeper layer of understanding and connections between concepts for your gifted and advanced learners.

Speakers
avatar for Krisa Muller

Krisa Muller

GATE Program Specialist, Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District
Krisa has been a California public educator since 2000 and involved in gifted education since 2002. Her work has been on behalf of students, parents, and other educators. Her educational practices and beliefs are grounded in her own education developed at CSU, Fullerton, UC, Irvine... Read More →



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

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
avatar for Michael Buist

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 →
RC

Rebecca Coplan

Fulton Elementary


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

2:15pm PST

Project Period Table: A Successful use of Type III Enrichment for Gifted

Presents the results of the first Type III Enrichment (Project-based) with gifted students at a full-time talent program in Mexico as well as its effects on teamwork abilities, communication, and independent learning. Was conducted as small group project instruction for 12 months to teach High School Chemistry to 10-12-year-old students in an advanced placement program. This culminated with the public presentation of the project at a national Science Custer Fair. We described the team abilities, changes on learning strategies and creativity within this independent but supervised project that involved learning complex biochemical concepts and public speaking skills.

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Andrew Almazan

Dr. Andrew Almazan

Director of the Psychology Department, CEDAT Talent Attention Center Mexico
Dr. Andrew Almazan directs the Psychology Department at CEDAT (Centro de AtenciĂłn al Talento). He is also a representative of Mexico at the World Council of Gifted and Talented Children (WCGTC). Dr. Almazan received the 2010 Mexico City Youth Prize, and the 2016 National Prize in... Read More →
DA

Dafne Almazan

Professor, CEDAT Talent Attention Center
Dafne Almazan works as a full-time teacher for gifted at CEDAT (Centro de AtenciĂłn al Talento). She received the 2018 Mexico City Youth Prize, and the 2016 National Prize in Psychology. Dafne is a student in the Ph.D. in Special Education at Liberty University, has earned her Master’s... Read More →


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

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
avatar for Karen Anderson

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

2:15pm PST

Supporting Diversity in Gifted Education Panel

Speakers
avatar for Alicia Weyeneth

Alicia Weyeneth

Administrator, Curriculum and Instruction, Compton Unified School District
Alicia Weyeneth is an Administrator for the Department of Educational Services: Curriculum and Instruction for the Compton Unified School District. Ms. Weyeneth oversees the District’s GATE and VAPA programs. She has been a strong supporter of pushing students to higher levels as... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Pamela Lovett

Dr. Pamela Lovett

Gifted Coordinator, CAG Educator Representative Chair (Equitable Access), Long Beach Unified School District
Pamela Lovett, Ed.D. is the Equity and Excellence Coordinator for Long Beach Unified School District. She has been an elementary teacher, instructional coach, and consultant. She conducts professional development on gifted education and is interested in addressing the needs of underrepresented... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Frank Worrell

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 →
avatar for Martha Gomez

Martha Gomez

Director of Language Services and Student Programs, Jurupa Unified School District
Martha Gomez has worked in the field of education for over 30 years. She has been a classroom teacher, a bilingual resource teacher, a site administrator, and a district administrator. In the last 15 years, she has focused on the education of English learners as well as Gifted Learners... Read More →


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

2:15pm PST

Unlocking the "GATE" for Latino Students

Throughout the presentation, participants will:
  1. Identify gifted characteristics within diverse populations.
  2. Understand the correlation between gifted identification and multiple intelligences.
  3. Discuss how culturally responsive educational strategies can be embedded in instruction in order to increase motivation and achievement.

Speakers
CE

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

2:15pm PST

Interdisciplinary Instruction: Differentiation, Demonstration and Discussion

The session features an introduction to the importance and challenges of interdisciplinarity as a dimension of differentiation. Examples of math, English language arts, social studies, and art will be presented to show how each may be linked to other disciplines in an interdisciplinary fashion. Each demonstration will be followed by a reflection from the other panelists who will share insights regarding the why, what, and how of developing and implementing interdisciplinary instruction.

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Sandra Kaplan

Dr. Sandra Kaplan

Professor of Clinical Education, University of Southern California
Dr. Sandra Kaplan teaches the methods courses for the Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential at the University of Southern California. She is a consultant for several state departments and school districts nationwide on the topics of education for gifted students, differentiated curriculum... Read More →
avatar for Eugenia Mora-Flores

Eugenia Mora-Flores

Chair of the MAT and MAT TESOL Programs; Associate Professor of Clinical Education, University of Southern California
Dedicated to improving literacy and language development instruction for K-12 English Language Learners, Mora-Flores is making an impact on the next generation of teachers as an author, staff developer for large urban school districts, Chair of the Master of Arts in Teaching programs... Read More →
avatar for Dr. William McComas

Dr. William McComas

Parks Professor of Science Ed., University of Arkansas
William F. McComas is the inaugural holder of the Parks Family Endowed Professorship in Science Education at the University of Arkansas where he directs the Project to Advance Science Education (PASE).  This follows a career as a biology and physical science teacher in suburban... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Julia Nyberg

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 →
avatar for Dr. Kim McComas

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 →



Saturday February 22, 2020 2:15pm - 4:15pm PST
Mojave Learning Center

3:30pm PST

How Mathematical Learning Disorder Works and is Overlooked

Mathematical Learning Disorder (MLD) is the least researched and most overlooked of the learning disorders. This lecture will teach the nuts and bolts of MLD in regard to how it works in the brain, what it looks like on paper, how to assess it, and methods of remediation. The lecture will be filled with anecdotes and case examples to illustrate the process of MLD.

Speakers
DP

Dr. Paul Beljan

Pscyhologist, Lecturer, Beljan Psychological Services
Dr. Paul Beljan is the past president of the American Board of Pediatric Neuropsychology. He holds child and adult diplomate qualifications with the American Board of Pediatric Neuropsychology and the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology. Dr. Beljan co-wrote Misdiagnosis... Read More →


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

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
avatar for Erica Herro

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 →
avatar for Molly Bozzo

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

3:30pm PST

Quality Professional Learning to Support Gifted Students

This interactive workshop will take participants on a journey through the seven Quality Professional Learning Standards (QPLS) to support educators in meeting the unique needs of their gifted students. The standards detail the characteristics of high-quality professional learning that build individual and collective educator capacity to meet professional, school, and student performance expectations unique to their own contexts. Participants will also hear the QPLS story of one California school and gain resources for future implementation.

Speakers
avatar for Aileen Allison-Zarea

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 →
avatar for Diane Crum

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 →



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

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
avatar for Vanessa Heller

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

3:30pm PST

An Introduction to Differentiation
Differentiated instruction is vital to meeting the needs of students who are gifted. Learn how to differentiate for content, process and product based on students’ ability, interest and learning strengths. This interactive session will equip teachers with tools that can be implemented immediately in the classroom.

Speakers
avatar for Julie Hull

Julie Hull

President, GATE Coordinator, California Association for the Gifted, Orange County Department of Education
Julie Hull has worked in the field of education for over 20 years in various capacities. As a secondary classroom teacher, master and mentor teacher and as a site GATE coordinator, assisting in identification and GATE program development. Julie currently works at the Orange County... Read More →


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

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
avatar for Donna Knoell

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

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
avatar for Dan Song

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
 
Sunday, February 23
 

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
avatar for Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman

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 →
avatar for Dr. Susan Baum

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 →
avatar for Dr. Jann Leppien

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 →
KB

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 →
avatar for Dr. Richard Olenchek

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 →


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

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
avatar for Dr. Rachel McAnallen

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

8:00am 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
avatar for Aileen Allison-Zarea

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 →
avatar for Dr. Emily Schell

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 →
avatar for Diane Crum

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 →



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

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
KE

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 →


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

8:00am PST

Compacting Curriculum
Come learn how to modify the pace of instruction and/or practice time to honor what your students already know and give them the "gift of time" to pursue more challenging learning experiences commensurate with their academic needs.

Speakers
avatar for Krisa Muller

Krisa Muller

GATE Program Specialist, Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District
Krisa has been a California public educator since 2000 and involved in gifted education since 2002. Her work has been on behalf of students, parents, and other educators. Her educational practices and beliefs are grounded in her own education developed at CSU, Fullerton, UC, Irvine... Read More →



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

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
JG

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

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
PL

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 →
avatar for Traci Grove

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 →



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

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
avatar for Dr. Ron Beghetto

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

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
DS

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

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
avatar for Rose Blucher

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 →


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

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
avatar for Gary Soto

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 →



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

11:00am PST

How to Support the Needs of GATE Students and Parents

Gifted students often struggle with the executive function aspects of being a successful student. Their parents often compensate either by trying to micromanage or by focusing on supporting academic skills. This session shall focus on how to explain the diverse needs occasioned by differences in the gifted brain. Practical interventions you can provide to both parents and students in order to clearly communicate and support lasting strategies for success will be discussed.

Speakers
KM

Kate Miller

Teacher/GATE Coordinator, Los Angeles Unified School District
Kate Miller has worked with GATE students for over 20 years in both elementary and middle school and has also served as GATE Coordinator at multiple schools. An experienced presenter, Kate has presented numerous professional development sessions on a variety of topics related to giftedness... Read More →
JS

Joyann Sofio

Teacher, Los Angeles Unified School District
Joyann Sofio has been teaching students at an elementary and middle school level for more than 25 years. She currently teaches students in a specialized program designed for Highly Gifted students at a public middle school and has taught strategies for success to students, teachers... Read More →



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

11:00am PST

PBL: Problem-, Project-, and Passion-Based Learning with Renzulli Learning

Renzulli Learning provides many pathways to “PBL.” Through the Renzulli & Reis Enrichment Triad Model, students explore their Passions with Type III Investigations, Project Based Learning intertwined with Problem Based Learning – “PBL” at its very best! Learn how Renzulli Learning’s budding partnership with Future Problem Solving will bring even more amazing Problem Based Learning opportunities to your classroom. Discover ways to connect with classrooms around the globe for Global Project Collaboration!

Speakers
avatar for Jeanne N. Pascon

Jeanne N. Pascon

Director for Professional Development and Client Support, Renzulli Learning
Jeanne N. Pascon, M.Ed. is the Director for Professional Development and Client Support for Renzulli Learning.  An educator for over 25 years, she has been a classroom teacher, technology specialist, and teacher for gifted & talented students in both Canton and West Hartford, Connecticut... Read More →


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

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
avatar for Dr. Julia Nyberg

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

11:00am PST

Think Like a Disciplinarian
Extend your students thinking using the strategy: Think Like a Disciplinarian (TLAD). Learn the details around using TLAD in the K-12 classroom to increase student interest and add real world relevance to the History / Social Science content standards. Session will be interactive as participants will engage in an activity using the strategy.

Speakers
avatar for Julie Hull

Julie Hull

President, GATE Coordinator, California Association for the Gifted, Orange County Department of Education
Julie Hull has worked in the field of education for over 20 years in various capacities. As a secondary classroom teacher, master and mentor teacher and as a site GATE coordinator, assisting in identification and GATE program development. Julie currently works at the Orange County... Read More →


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

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
avatar for Dr. Richard Cash

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

12:00pm PST

Aesthetic Education and the 2e Learner: A Perfect Match

Using the framework established by Lincoln Center Institute for Aesthetic Education, this workshop will present an interactive demonstration of a process that develops capacities of imagination such as deep noticing, questioning, and making connections to ideas leading to understanding and making meaning. Participants will experience various genres of arts, and learn how this promotes the strengths of 2E students. Using great works of art from artists such as Chagall, Copland, and Graham as entry points to curriculum not only connect to historical periods of Russia in the early 20th century, and the pioneer movement, but helps students embody the experience, develop empathy, and make meaning in deeper ways. Participants will be able to create a lesson encompassing the components of the Lincoln Center Framework to develop the capacities of imagination, and practice the process of inquiry questioning. Through the experiential process, participants will come to understand the purpose of aesthetic education in the development of creative teaching and learning as well as in personal growth.

Speakers
KB

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 →


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

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
avatar for Gary Soto

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 →
JM

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 →



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

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
avatar for Dr. Cynthia Geary

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

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
avatar for Adam Laningham

Adam Laningham

Owner/President, Bright Child AZ / SENG
www.BrightChildAZ.com


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

12:00pm PST

Introducing and Implementing the Prompts of Depth and Complexity and the Content Imperatives

Start using the Prompts of Depth and Complexity and the Content Imperatives to enhance the curriculum and provide powerful instruction to students. Learn techniques for introducing the prompts and integrating them into daily instruction., thereby enabling students to explore the curriculum with greater depth and complexity. Participants will leave this workshop with concrete examples and activities that will empower them to start using the prompts tomorrow.

Speakers
avatar for Teresa Koontz

Teresa Koontz

GATE Coordinator, Carpinteria Unified School District
Teresa Koontz serves as the GATE coordinator for the Carpinteria Unified School District where she designs curriculum, instructs small group lessons using the Project Lead the Way STEM curriculum and provides support to GATE teachers and parents. Having earned a master's degree in... Read More →


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

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
avatar for Donna Knoell

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 →


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

12:00pm PST

Getting Out of the Quagmire: A Roadmap for Redirecting Underachievers and Selective Producers

Students don’t naturally underachieve. It is often through misguided and unchallenging learning experiences that lead them to underperform or selectively produce. Helping students develop constructive attitudes towards personal growth has a tremendous effect on achievement. This session will show you how to assist students in applying self-regulating strategies that can increase self-esteem, develop greater self-efficacy and produce a positive self-image.

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Richard Cash

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 12:00pm - 12:45pm PST
Catalina

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
avatar for Kim Louie

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.



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

12:00pm PST

Homeschooling the Gifted Learner

Homeschooling is a broad term that involves parent facilitated learning experiences for students outside of the traditional all-day, site-based classroom structure. This session will share the stories of four gifted students who were homeschooled for part or all of their pre-college years. Public school independent study programs, radical acceleration through private homeschooling, and early college access will be discussed along with practical suggestions for how teachers can support families choosing this alternative path.

Speakers
avatar for Stephanie Hood

Stephanie Hood

Director, Peach Blossom School
Stephanie Hood has worked as a district GATE administrator and classroom teacher. She served on the CAG Board for four years and was on the team that authored CAG’s position paper, “Homeschooling the Gifted Learner,” 2004. A founding member of Gifted Homeschoolers Forum. Stephanie... Read More →



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


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