A Special Invitation from Roots of Empathy
Roots of Empathy is a phenomenal program begun in Canada years ago and is now spreading around the world. This will be a fabulous (free!) talk.
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SENG Webinar Event Nov 17th, 2011 – Helping the Disorganized Gifted Family
“If I’m so smart, why can’t I ever find my keys?”
Presented by Kathleen D. Crombie, M.Ed.
It is common for gifted children and adults to have many projects in various stages, numerous collections, high expectations and shifting interests or areas of passion. Overwhelmed with your stuff? This SENGinar focuses on meeting the unique organizational needs of gifted families and shows how to use gifted characteristics for optimal functioning and productivity, whether at home, school or work. Learn routines that will allow gifted children and adults, including those with ADD, to get and to stay organized.
Message from the Coalition for Gifted Education – Nov. 1
OSPI is conducting a survey on the adoption of the Common Core Standard.
The needs of highly capable students are not specifically addressed either in the Standards or in the survey, but there is a space in the survey for comments that can be used to raise the issue. If you want to participate in this survey go to http://www.k12.wa.us/Corestandards/default.aspx and look at the section in the gray block – Your Input is Needed — and click on the survey link.
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News on the Supplemental Budget Front
The Governor’s proposals are complex. While funding for HCP is not directly at risk, the proposed cuts to levy equalization and the shift of all transportation costs to districts are potentially fatal to HCP in many districts. We will consider what steps we need to take on these issues and let you know.
This is only the first step in a long process. The Governor will next submit an actual budget bill. The Legislature will propose their own alternatives. We need to be patient and understanding of the difficulties involved. This is not a pleasant exercise for anyone involved.
The Governor’s proposal is attached. Charts and more details can be found at http://www.ofm.wa.gov/reductions/alternatives/default.asp
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An important issue in the implementation of Highly Capable into basic education is professional development of all teachers who work with these students in any setting. Whitworth University has long been the only institution in the state to offer both a bachelor and masters program in gifted education. And at the heart of this program has been Margo Long. Her years of dedication have been honored with the establishment of The Margo Long Endowed Chair in Gifted Education. All of us who have had the privilege of working with Margo over the years send our respect and wishes for a happy retirement.
Washington State PTA – Eliminate barriers to K-12 highly capable programs
On October 14 and 15, about 275 members from across the state gathered at Washington State PTA’s 33rd Annual Legislative Assembly to learn about timely issues and debate and vote on possible additions to our legislative agenda.
When the voting concluded, delegates approved proposals addressing the achievement gaps; early learning; highly capable programs; the juvenile justice system; public charter schools; and school zone signage.
2011 PROPOSED STATEMENT: HIGHLY CAPABLE
The Washington State PTA shall initiate and/or support legislation or policies that ensure highly capable children (K-12) receive an appropriate basic education, which includes access to highly capable programs (K-12).
The Washington State PTA recommends that the legislature and Quality Education Council build on the work of the Highly Capable Program Technical Work Group. This shall include, but not be limited to:
- Advocating for a standard definition of highly capable and working to ensure students who are both highly capable and students of color, who are poor, or who have disabilities, have equitable access to the state’s highly capable program.
- Further, Washington State PTA supports the recommendation that districts that do not currently offer highly capable programs refer to the guidelines set forth in the report of Highly Capable Program Technical Work Group.
Message from the Coalition for Gifted Education – Oct. 17th
1. A reminder that the Coalition leadership group and those wishing to become more active in the Coalition will meet on Tuesday, October 25, at the Burien Community Center, 14700 6th Ave. SW, Burien. We will be “open for business” at 11:00 and available to talk with you before the meeting proper begins at noon. We anticipate being done by 2 pm. Please join us!
As you know, on October 24th the Governor is scheduled to present her proposals for a supplemental budget to be considered by the Legislature in their special session scheduled for November 28. It is anticipated that this will be a major topic of discussion.
2. Highly Capable Programs have acquired several strong endorsements and some publicity in recent weeks.
A. The Washington State School Directors Association reaffirmed their long standing position on HCP services at their September Legislative Assembly.
7.1.7 Education for Gifted
The WSSDA shall initiate and/or support legislation which would assure funding for the education of gifted students at a level of 10 percent of the student population, place that funding within the basic education allocation system and set a minimum number of students to be funded in small school districts. (Adopted 1987; Amended 2005)
Their number one priority for the coming legislative session is:
1. Full Funding of Basic Education
WSSDA shall initiate and/or support legislation that fully funds and implements all aspects of Washington’s redefined program of Basic Education as outlined in ESHB 2261. (Chapter 548, Laws of 2009)
and since HCP is now a part of basic education, that includes HCP funding.
B. KIRO radio in Seattle broadcast a piece on HCP and the transcribed version is available at http://mynorthwest.com/11/560022/Above-average-students-need-help-too. WSSDA included it in their daily eClippings, which go electronically to all members and others statewide who have signed up to receive them.
C. At their Legislative Assembly last weekend, the State PTA voted unanimously for the following proposition, which also scored highly in their recent on-line survey.
HIGHLY CAPABLE: The Washington State PTA shall initiate and/or support legislation or policies that ensure highly capable children (K-12) receive an appropriate basic education, which includes access to highly capable programs (K-12).
The Washington State PTA recommends that the Legislature and Quality Education Council build on the work of the Highly Capable Program Technical Work Group. This shall include, but not be limited to:
Advocating for a standard definition of highly capable and working to ensure students who are both highly capable and students of color, who are poor, or who have disabilities, have equitable access to the state’s highly capable program.
Further, Washington State PTA supports the recommendation that districts that do not currently offer highly capable programs refer to the guidelines set forth in the report of Highly Capable Program Technical Work Group.
3. Don’t forget the WAETAG State Conference at the Convention Center in Wenatchee on October 28 and 29. http://www.waetag.net/ (There will be sessions for parents.)
4. You can help us gather some much needed information. What services does your district provide for students who are gifted in one area but not another, i.e. strong in writing/reading, but not strong enough in math to qualify for whatever program the district offers. We know some districts provide enrichment and/or acceleration in the domain of strength while others do not. What does your district do?
Please send your responses to wagifted@earthlink.net. Thank you.
5. Don’t forget to renew or become a member of the Coalition or the Joint Membership. All three groups need your financial support. As you can see by the items above, we still have lots of work to do!
Social and Emotional Issues – SENG Article
They always said he was one of the brightest kids in the class.
Right before they sent him to the principal’s office.
“I didn’t grow up gifted, at least not by name. I grew up being asked what was wrong with me.”
Joseph Hughes, age 19
Click here to read this article from the SENG: Through His Eyes and Through His Mother’s Eyes
SENG Webinar Event October 20th, 2011
Forging Partnerships with Teachers and Why They Often Don’t Work
Presented by Nancy M. Robinson, Ph.D.
Children deserve to have the adults who care for them—parents and teachers—working as partners. This is especially true for gifted students, for whom the usual guidelines may need tweaking if they are to be enabled to grow at their own pace. All too often, that crucial partnership doesn’t happen. This talk will explore some of the understandable reasons that parents and teachers may feel, at times, that they are caring for two very different kids, and discuss ways the adults can take the initiative to repair that situation.
Date: October 20, 2011
Time: 4:30 PM Pacific
Location: Participate at home or office using your computer.
News from Washington State made the Davidson Institute newsletter!
Highly Capable Program in the State of Washington – Q & A on Legislation and Advocacy
In the summer of 2011, the Washington Coalition for Gifted Education and local advocates were instrumental in advocating for a number of legislative changes related to gifted education. This article contains answers to a number of questions presented by the Davidson Institute for Talent Development.
Here is a link to the interview with Barbara Poyneer.
CPA’s 1st General Meeting – Oct. 6th, 2011
Thursday, October 6th, 2011
6:30 pm – 7 pm CPA General Meeting
Highlights:
• Election of Michelle Toshima & Kristin Merrill as Board Members-at-Large
• CPA 2011/2012 Budget
• CPA 2011/2012 Calendar
7 pm – 8 pm CPA Round Table Discussion
Meet fellow parents and teachers in an informal round table discussion. Bring your questions about CPA, homework, social issues, transportation, etc.