Kate Simkowiak

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SENG Webinar Event March 15th, 2012: Giftedness and Learning Disabilities: Unearthing the Missed Diagnosis

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Presented by Paul Beljan, PsyD, ABPdN

In this SENGinar, teachers, parents, and counselors will learn how to correctly diagnosis learning disabilities in gifted and talented children.

Characteristics of gifted and talented children can result in incorrect diagnoses, such as overlooking learning disabilities. Learning disabilities can take the form of academics (reading and math) or innate abilities in general learning that may relate to social learning.

In this SENGinar, Dr. Paul Beljan will review some of the basic tenants of giftedness that include intellect and asynchronous development. He will then turn to the nuts and bolts of learning disabilities: what they look like, how to assess them, and what to do about them in the contexts of the gifted population. The “discrepancy model” of learning disability will be dispelled in favor of understanding the brain basis of learning disabilities. Dr. Beljan will present several anecdotes and case examples to illustrate the process of learning disabilities.

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Message from The Washington Coalition For Gifted Education – March 9th, 2012

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THE BUDGET

The legislature is going into special session beginning Monday since they have been unable to agree on a second supplemental budget during the regular session. While we all hope they will limit themselves to the budget, any bills may be considered so who can guess what will happen.

All the various budget proposals with even a breath of life in them treat Highly Capable Program funding similarly. The small differences in the total amount to be allocated result from different case load counts and pension adjustments and do not reflect an intent to decrease funding to the districts.

Last minute actions kept levy equalization funding at the current level while prior versions of the budget made a big cut. It is hard to know what the compromise that eventually emerges will do so, if you have strong feelings about LEA, contact your legislators now.

More information may be posted but as of right now, the most recent budget proposal is in amendment 1344 on the ESB 5967 page at http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=5967&year=2011

EDUCATION BILLS

Several bills which would have enacted some of the recommendations of the Highly Capable Program Technical Working Group, including a new definition of a highly capable student and guidelines for identification, got caught in an intramural squabble and failed to get out of committee in both houses. The Coalition had serious concerns about these bills, so this is not entirely a bad thing – better no bill than an unsatisfactory one – and we will be back to work on the issue in the next regular session. Meanwhile, we will continue our work with OSPI to get as many of the recommendations as possible included in the necessary rewrite of the Washington Administrative Code (WACs) and to get the rewrite done as soon as possible. Your strong showing on Gifted Education Day makes our work easier.

With all the various educational issues that came before the legislature, you may wonder why the Coalition did not call your attention to any of them. This is because the Coalition is a single issue political advocacy organization: appropriate educational opportunities for highly capable students. We advocate with legislators and administrators for these students and usually do not become involved in other issues, thus leaving our supporters free to take individual stands as they see fit.

OPPORTUNITY AT THE ROBINSON CENTER AT THE UW FOR SPRING MATH AND WRITING GRADES K-11

Click here to download the flyer for this program.

GIFTED EDUCATION DAY 2013

We have been successful in obtaining a permit to use the Columbia Room for Gifted Education Day 2013 on February 8. The date is early enough in session to avoid conflicts with cut off dates which make it difficult to get appointments with legislators and, so far as we know, does not conflict with school holidays. Please mark your 2013 calendars now!

FEDERAL LEGISLATION

The following comes from the National Association For Gifted Children, our national organization which lobbies with the Congress.

No Federal Funding For Gifted Ed In 2012 – Congress Directs Department To Continue Research

In mid December, 2011 the Congress approved a package of appropriations bills to fund federal agencies and programs through September 2012.  The “omnibus” bill does not include funding for the Javits program, which was de-funded in 2011, but the report that accompanies the omnibus appropriations bill includes some supportive language for gifted education.

The “report language” urges the Institute for Education Sciences (IES), the U.S. Department of Education’s research arm, to continue research into the learning needs of gifted and talented students, to retain a national research center on the gifted, and to include gifted and talented children in the key data collection efforts and reports developed by IES.  NAGC and CEC will discuss with Department officials several ways in which IES can meet Congress’s intent to continue this critical research.

Gifted students have been fortunate to have long-time friends in the Congress who lead the effort to secure support for funding for the Javits program each year. Gifted education supporters have done a great job in developing bipartisan support in both the House and Senate for the needs of gifted students.  It’s imperative that we keep up the education and advocacy efforts with every Members of Congress so that there is increased understanding and support that can be translated into federal initiatives.

The annual federal budget process is now underway in Congress. To find what you can do regarding funding for Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Act, please go to http://www.magnetmail.net/actions/email_web_version.cfm?recipient_id=189770814&message_id=1849408&user_id=NAGC&group_id=343230&jobid=9333559

We need you to take action by March 16th.

Free Monthly Math Hour at the University of Washington

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After two great seasons, the MATH HOUR at University of Washington for middle and junior high school students is starting again in the Spring. Our first talk will be given by Professor Jon Brundan from the University of Oregon. You can find the abstract for the talk and other information on the UW’s website.

Seattle-area middle- and junior high-school students are invited to participate in the Monthly Math Hour on the University of Washington’s beautiful campus during the Spring of 2012. The Monthly Math Hour at the UW is a series of talks that will take place from 1-2pm on Sunday afternoons to introduce students to the beautiful and exciting world of mathematics. The lectures are given completely FREE of charge in Savery Hall.

Well-behaved parents, coaches, and teachers are also welcome to attend with the permission of their children. Siblings are free to join in, too.

There will be time for questions and further discussion after the talk.

Replacement Technology/Capital Levy

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Election Day — Tuesday, February 14, 2012

The Edmonds School District is holding an election Tuesday, February 14, 2012 to renew its Technology/Capital Levy.  The decision to put this measure on the ballot was reviewed extensively, and the levy will collect the same amount approved by voters in 2008, helping the District’s students keep pace with today’s learning needs. The Capital portion of the replacement levy will also address priority safety issues. Details about this four-year replacement measure are available at www.edmonds.wednet.edu/2012levy.

Message from The Washington Coalition For Gifted Education – Jan. 30th, 2012

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It appears we have all survived the snow, ice, power outages and loss of internet connections. Despite all these problems, we were able to continue to organize last minute arrangements for Gifted Education Day on January 23 and more than 400 enthusiastic parents and students braved the icy highways to come to Olympia. The unofficial award for furthest distance traveled goes to the intrepid group from Stevenson-Carson School District, down on the Columbia River.

Our thanks to Charlotte Akin who drove up from Battle Ground to remind us why we care about our highly capable students and their unique needs.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn spoke to the group and took the time to answer questions from the audience.

Governor Christine Gregoire received an enthusiastic welcome and spoke to encourage all of us to continue to advocate for gifted students and the contributions they will make to our future.

Now that we were all revved up and ready to go, Kelly Munn of the League of Education Voters spoke to us about how best to interact with Legislators.

Our special thanks to Kelty Pierce from Puyallup who introduced Supt. Dorn and to Charlie Hannigan from Lake Stevens who introduced the Governor. We also thank all the students who made presentations to our honored guests or made remarks. Due to disrupted communications I do not have the names of all these students, but you know who you are and we say Thank You for participating.

We need to know which Legislators were visited and the results of those visits. Pasted in is a Contact Report. You have several options for reporting to us.

  • Fill it in right in this email and click the reply button. I’ll extract the information.
  • Highlight the text and copy it, paste it into a new email, complete it and send it to wagifted@earthlink.net.
  • Highlight the text and copy it and paste it into a word processing document, complete it and mail to WCFGE, 18149  147 Ave. SE, Renton WA  98058.

CONTACT REPORT FOR PERSONAL VISIT
Name and title of person contacted:
Type of contact (personal or group visit)  (email contact)  (letter)  (phone)
Issues discussed:
Is the Coalition expected to follow up with this contact?
Describe any follow-up needed:
Notes and comments; was contact supportive or enthusiastic about HCP:
Your name:
Group, if any:
Your email address or other contact information in case we need to check with you.

NWGCA – Connections Conference February 4th, 2012 – Agenda

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NWGCA-Connections Conference February 4th, 2012
8:00 – 2:00
Edmonds-Woodway High School
The Great Hall
7600 212th St SW Edmonds, WA 98026

Parents of gifted rarely have the opportunity to get information about the specific academic, emotional and social needs of their gifted children. They have even less opportunity to talk with other adults candidly about the delights and the challenges of raising highly capable children. Spend a day asking questions and talking with educators and other parents who understand the joys and challenges you face.

Keynote Speaker: Charlotte Akin 8:30 – 9:30, 11:40 – 12:30

So What? Who Are These Kids and Why Do We Serve Them?

Frequently it is difficult to explain to teachers or a neighbor or relative why it can be challenging to have a very bright child. Or to be a very bright child. Or to educate a very bright child.

This presentation is designed to help participants articulate to others who gifted children are, what their characteristics and learning needs are, what their social and emotional issues are, the myths surrounding this small population, and the risk factors they face. Filled with examples to illustrate and research to quote, this presentation helps participants themselves feel like now they can talk about it to the others in their lives.

Breakout Sessions: 9:40 – 10:30 Session 1

  1. Childhood Stress & Anxiety – Chris McCurry, Ph.D.
  2. Educational Alternatives: Homeschooling and Other Non-traditional Options – Patrice Torres
  3. Gifted Tweens – Lisa Krieger

10:40 – 11:30 Session 2

  1. Building Relationships with Administrators and Teachers to Benefit Highly Capable Learners – Nancy Velazquez, Director,Gifted Education, Puyallup School District
  2. Student Voices: What has worked for them – Teen panel discussion
  3. Twice Exceptional: Caught Between a Rock and a Hard Place – Larry Davis

12:30 – 2:00 Optional: Brown bag table sessions.

Register today at www.nwgca.org!

SENG Concerns for Gifted ADHD Diagnosis: Help Us to Launch Our Public Awareness Effort

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Gifted, ADHD, or Both?

The answer is not always as clear as we might think.

Intellectually gifted children whose needs are neglected or misunderstood may exhibit traits and behaviors that resemble those of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and be wrongly diagnosed, possibly resulting in unnecessary medication and unintended harm. Young gifted children are especially at high-risk for misdiagnosis, in light of the new extended guideline for ADHD diagnosis.

To alert the pediatric healthcare community to the potential for misdiagnosis and the complexity of dual diagnosis, SENG, in coordination with its Professional Advisory Committee, has issued a news release and suggested resources as part of a public awareness effort.

Please help us by distributing the following information to members of your communities:

As part of this effort, SENG is also publishing for free on YouTube its video The Misdiagnosis of Gifted Children, formerly available only by purchase.

SENG Webinar Event Feb. 16th, 2012: Taming the Worry Monster: Anxiety in Gifted and Twice-Exceptional (2e) Youth

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Presented by Dan Peters, Ph.D.

In this SENGinar, teachers, parents, and counselors will learn to identify the warning signs of anxiety; the process which anxiety uses to become powerful; and, practical and effective techniques for managing and overcoming anxiety.

Gifted learners are prone to several types of anxiety, including worrying, obsessing, perfectionism, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety. Worry, fear, and anxiety are common, yet often quiet “monsters” which have significant negative effects on a child’s academic achievement, social and emotional functioning, and self-esteem. While the aforementioned is true for gifted children, twice-exceptional children appear to be at even greater risk given their disabilities such as ADHD, Asperger’s Disorder, and Dyslexia.

Being aware of a gifted child’s propensity to become anxious and knowing effective interventions for reducing anxiety increase the likelihood of academic achievement and positive social-emotional adjustment.

Date: Feb. 16th, 2012

Time: 4:30 PM Pacific

Location: Participate at home or office using your computer.

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Gifted Education Day Information from the CPA

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Thank you so much for your planning participation in Gifted Education Day this Monday, January 23rd.

In preparation for the day, we wanted to cover some important items.

1. Since the Coalition activities start at 9:00am in Olympia, we will not be meeting at Terrace Park in the morning as a group to arrange carpools. If you have arranged to meet independently, that is fine. Please allow for time to park at the Capitol. On Monday there is also a hearing on same sex marriage and we anticipate a large showing at the Capitol on both sides of this issue so be prepared for some crowds.

2. When you arrive in the Columbia Room, please check in with the Coalition to receive a name tag and green scarf from the Puyallup School District. We wear the scarves for the day and please remember to return them to the Columbia Room before you depart at the end of the day.

3. CPA board members will be in the Columbia Room to answer any questions you may have on Monday. We will have copies of the schedule and maps in case you need them. We will also have the T-shirts that you ordered to hand out. Throughout the day, Michelle Toshima and Kristin Merrill will be in the Columbia Room for any questions or directions needed.

4. The first meetings of the morning are with Randy Dorn and the Governor in the Columbia Room. These are being coordinated by the Coalition and we have a short amount of time with each. We have arranged for a few students to talk and a few more to stand in support. If your child is not a part of these presentations, please know they will have a chance to speak with our legislators at the afternoon meetings we have arranged.

5. Attached is an updated agenda for the day. Please note that leaders have been assigned to each meeting with our legislators. The leader will introduce our group and the purpose of our meeting. At these meetings, we will ask if any student would like to say a few words. Please see the attached prompts to cover with your child to prepare them if they would like to speak. The message this year is to say thank you for including highly capable within the definition of basic education and also for maintaining the funding highly capable in the current budget.

6. On the agenda, we have specified districts of each representative we are meeting. We ask that you try to attend the meetings with the representatives from your district or when there are no conflicting meetings, we all try to attend.

Thank you again for your participation!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Tina Raghu.

CONNECTIONS Conference sponsored by Northwest Gifted Child Assoc. – Feb. 4th

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Parents of Gifted Learners:

Parents of children in the Edmonds School District gifted program are encouraged to attend the following conference for parents of gifted learners.

The 2012 CONNECTIONS Conference, sponsored by Northwest Gifted Child Association, will be Saturday morning, February 4 th , at the Edmonds-Woodway High School in the Edmonds School District. Don’t miss this informative symposium on raising gifted children. You can learn more about this conference and register by going to www.nwgca.org and clicking on the CONNECTIONS registration tab on the home page.