Breakout Session 1: 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM

The Schoolwide Cluster Grouping Model
How to Challenge Gifted & High Performing Students While Improving Achievement

The Schoolwide Cluster Grouping Model (SCGM) represents an inclusive, practical option serving all gifted students and enfranchising the under-served. The SCGM allows for full-time services, facilitates achievement for all, and requires no significant funding. Gifted students learn together all day—with an appropriately trained teacher – increasing the likihood of being challenged in all subjects. Learn to implement and support the SCGM, group students for maximum achievement potential, prepare cluster teachers to teach in the model, and build staff and parental support. Identify and understand methods for evaluating the success of the SCGM and learn to articulate the strengths of the model to the school community.

Dina Brulles, Ph.D., Director of Gifted Education in the Paradise Valley Unified School District, AZ

Getting Started: Creating a Differentiated Classroom

Teachers often feel overwhelmed by the challenges of differentiating curriculum and instruction for the gifted.  This session presents techniques for creating a climate of differentiation permeating all aspects of a classroom and supporting appropriate levels of challenge for gifted students.

Caroline Cohen, Educational Consultant & Coach, East Windsor, CT

Parent/Teacher Communication:What Works!

Intended for both parents and educators, this session will examine how teachers can talk to parents, and effective parent communication with the school. How can teachers relay what they expect from home and what expectations do parents have from teachers? Arlene's Handouts

Arlene DeVries, G/T Consultant, Adjunct Professor, Drake University, Windsor Heights, IA

Identification of the Gifted

The highly successful process to identify gifted students in Westport, Connecticut will be presented in detail. Come and learn about the multi-modal process which includes formal, informal and affective needs assessment. Barbara's Handout

Dr. Barbara Fischetti, Coordinator of Psychological Services, Westport Public Schools, Westport, CT
Co-Presenter: Kerstin Warner, Teacher of the Gifted, Westport Public Schools, Westport, CT

Altruism or Personal Gain: the Ultimate Gifted Dilemma

Many young  people feel their imagination,  intuition and clairvoyance are the real “magic” of their giftedness.  These qualities permit them to ask “ big questions”, but anxieties and conflicts may prevent them from making important discoveries. Teachers can become “psychologically informed” mentors helping their students organize a vision for their gifts, find an appropriate venue for their expression , help them balance their altruistic desires with their need for private gratification and help them accept their potential for leadership.

Jerald Grobman M.D., www.psychotherapyservicesforthegifted.com, NYC, NY

Culturally Diverse Gifted Students: Perspective for Student Support Personnel

Guidance counselors, school psychologists, school social workers, school administrators, and teachers of gifted students all play a vital role in ensuring the needs of gifted students are met. This workshop will increase the awareness of participants’ knowledge about the unique academic and social and emotional needs of students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Tiombe-Bisa Kendrick, School Psychologist/Miami-Dade County Public School District, Miami, FL

Without Geometry, Life Is Pointless

Paper folding benefits spatially mathematically talented students by exposing them to transformational geometry. It begins with using hands and motion to understand something intellectually as well as tactilely. Inherent in all square or circular paper folding is the wonderful world of geometry including correct geometric vocabulary. In this workshop, participants will leave with several models in hand to enrich and challenge the mathematically talented student. Come prepared to be challenged and be sure to bring your sense of humor.

Rachel R. McAnallen, UConn, Storrs, CT

Gifted-Asperger's Group:  You Too Can Start Your Own!

Growing up gifted with Asperger's Disorder can involve numerous struggles. This session for teachers, counselors and parents will describe goals, guidelines, topics and potential pitfalls of facilitating a Gifted-Asperger's Group. Success stories will be shared!

Agnes Meyo Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist, Creve Coeur, MO
Co-Presenter: Dan Peters, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist, Walnut Creek, CA

Literacies for the Information/Creativity Age

What are the critical 21st century literacies our students need and why aren't most schools providing them? Learn how Virtual High School's online global classrooms bring a wealth of courses that enable schools to individualize educational plans to students, while also developing critical literacy skills. During this session, you will see examples of how teachers are using web 2.0 tools in student-centered online courses to support student inquiry, collaboration and communication with students around the world.

Liz Pape, CEO VHS, Inc., Maynard, MA

How To S.A.V.E. Your Child From Stress and Anxiety

Does your child get stressed or anxious about school, friends, or life in general? Learn ways to identify your child's stress triggers, your role in assisting them to manage their stress and specific strategies you can use to help S.A.V.E. your child from stress and anxiety.

Vidisha Patel, Peace of Heart LLC, Sarasota, FL  

Challenging Talented Readers

Little research has been conducted on talented readers. This session will address issues related to talented readers and provide information about what currently happens to them in American classrooms. Attention will be focused on the special needs of this group as well as the specific differentiated strategies necessary to help them continue to progress in reading. Suggestions for helping talented readers make continuous progress in reading using the Schoolwide Enrichment Model in Reading will also be summarized.
Sally's Handout

Sally Reis, Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor, Teaching Fellow, UConn, Storrs, CT

 Many Faces of Gifted - A New Definition

A new definition of gifted has been developed by the National Association for Gifted Children that now recognizes the upper 10% of the population. More recognition is being given to levels of giftedness, educational effects on brain development, specific domains, and factors that promote or inhibit talent development. This session describes the new definition and some implications, and highlights several types of gifted children and behaviors, along with behavior patterns and cultural factors, which too often result in gifted children being overlooked, not recognized or served in schools, and even mislabeled. "High achievers" and "social leaders," as Drews calls them, are likely to be identified and served, but "creative intellectuals" and "nonconformist rebels" are not. Other gifted children are never identified because they are learning-disabled or because of their disadvantaged background. Though test scores and grades are helpful in identifying gifted children, specific behaviors are at least as important, as are the observations provided by parents and educators.

Dr. Jim Webb, Clinical Psychologist, currently Chair of SENG's Professional Advisory Committee, Scottsdale, AZ.

Meeting the Needs of Mathematically Gifted Children

Are you finding it difficult to meet the needs of children who are mathematically gifted? Even in schools that group by ability, the pace is often too slow and acceleration isn’t always the answer. This session will show teachers how to nurture a passion for mathematics while providing an appropriate challenge.

Ed Zaccaro, Author, Orneville, ME