Kate Simkowiak

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From The Washington Coalition For Gifted Education – May 2nd

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Your Action is Needed Immediately! Last chance to influence Highly Capable funding – contact the legislators below.

“Legislature Determines That Access to Highly Capable Basic Education Must Continue to Depend on Your Zip Code”

This might well be the headline, UNLESS YOU CHANGE IT. Today, 40% of districts offer no programs or services for their most advanced learners. Not surprisingly, inequalities in access and programming disproportionately affect small and rural districts, minorities, and poor students. The Legislature has done nothing to remedy the situation for the future.

There is no other part of basic education that is being told that to ensure proper funding, parents must go to their local school boards and ask for it. Access to highly capable programming needs to be uniform statewide and should not depend on your zip code.

The state Constitution requires that the state fully fund basic education for all students and HCP services are basic education for gifted students.

Relying on local school districts to decide whether or how to fund a portion of basic education is neither fair nor equitable.  The McCleary Decision says it is unconstitutional. Today’s state funding level – 2.314% of enrollment, unchanged since 2007- is demonstrably inadequate.

The Legislature must correct this situation in this session for all of Washington’s Highly Capable children, and follow the Quality Education Council’s recommendation for increased funding at 5% of enrollment.

What you need to do today:

Please use this message, or compose one of your own, and send it to each of the legislators listed below. Not all are participating in the budget negotiations but all have influence with those who are.

You may wish to use the Legislative Hotline but that requires a much shorter and more concise message.  1.800.562.6000

ACTION ALERT! – From The Washington Coalition For Gifted Education – April 22nd

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Time is running out to get the HCP funding formula changed. The last bill alive is HB 2051, which was heard in the House Appropriations Committee this morning. Because of the short notice given on this bill HCP advocates were not able to testify. We need you to flood the House Appropriations Committee with messages before the executive session tomorrow (April 23) at 10:00am. So please get your emails and hot line messages in before then.

We oppose Section 3(10)( c) of HB 2051 for Highly Capable Program funding. The Legislature asked OSPI and the State Gifted Advisory in 2010 to define what constitutes a basic education program for Highly Capable students. These recommendations, including an appropriate state-level funding structure, were sent to the Quality Education Council which has three times adopted them and sent them to the Legislature.

Yet, Highly Capable is the only basic education program that has not received increased funding in the $1.3 billion McCleary appropriations proposals before the Legislature.

Highly Capable Programs are an integral part of basic education which means Highly Capable students as a class are entitled to a basic education. A basic education no matter what district they attend. Students who are sometimes identified as behavior problems in elementary school or who might become drop outs in middle and high school are often unidentified gifted students whose needs have not been assessed and addressed. Gifted students in small, rural, and high poverty school districts are entitled to the same opportunities for a basic education as those in urban and wealthy districts. Current funding levels do not provide this opportunity. Requiring parents of Highly Capable students to lobby their school board to ensure access to a basic education in NOT equitable, yet that is what the current level of state funding requires them to do.

Ask legislators to please fund Highly Capable Programs at the 5% of FTE level and at the hours recommended by the QEC. Providing Highly Capable Students a basic education is good for both the students and the State.

Please contact the members of the House Appropriations Committee as soon as possible. Use any of the information provided above to formulate your message. A list of committee members follows. Because using the Legislature’s email service requires you be a resident of the district, you will need to email each member separately. The format for names is FirstName.LastName@leg.wa.gov. It may be easier to use the Legislative Hotline: 1.800.562.6000.
If you do so, be sure to write out your message before placing the call. Operators take down your message verbatim and send it on to the legislators so having it written out before you begin ensures your message is clear and gets to the legislators as you composed it.

Ross Hunter, Chair
Timm Ormsby, Vice Chair
Gary Alexander, Ranking Minority Member
Bruce Chandler
J.T. Wilcox
Vincent Buys
Reuven Carlyle
Eileen Cody
Cathy Dahlquist
Hans Dunshee
Susan Fagan
Tami Green
Kathy Haigh
Larry Haler
Paul Harris
Zack Hudgins
Sam Hunt
Laurie Jinkins
Ruth Kagi
Marcie Maxwell
Dawn Morrell
Kevin Parker
Jamie Pedersen
Eric Pettigrew
Liz Pike
Charles Ross
Joe Schmick
Larry Seaquist
Pat Sullivan
David Taylor

Also, our Facebook and Blog pages have the committee members names as link in your email program. Will save you the effort of entering all of them yourself.
http://www.facebook.com/wagifted
http://wcge.wordpress.com

We really need you to make this effort!!!!

This may well be our last chance to influence the budget this session. Please contact the above legislators before 10:00am Tuesday morning!

Thank you for your advocacy for and support of our Highly Capable students.

Message From the Washington Coalition For Gifted Education – April 21th

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Still no movement on the budget in Olympia. To summarize, maintenance level funding for FYs 2014 and 2015 has been calculated to be $19,083,000. The various proposals from the Governor and the Legislature hover around that number, with none being less than that amount. As soon as we hear anything substantive, we will let you know.

Meanwhile, our major goal of enactment of the revised Washington Administrative Code (WAC) for the Highly Capable Program has been accomplished and the new WACs approved and published. They are available here. These are the rules with which your local district must comply in implementing Highly Capable as part of Basic Education.

If you are interested in how OSPI will interpret and enforce the new WAC, there are two webinars you can participate in. I’ve copied this from a forwarded email so if the links don’t work, go here to sign up.

Highly Capable Program and Basic Education WAC 392-170 Changes

Find out what you need to know about the changes to WAC 392-170—Special Service Program—Highly Capable Students—background information for why the changes were made, overview of new and repealed sections of the WAC, and details about amendments to specific sections which are consistent with the RCW 28A.185—Highly Capable Students, effective September 2011, which finds that for highly capable students, access to accelerated learning and enhanced instruction is access to a basic education.

Register for a session now by clicking a date below:

Wed, May 1, 2013 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM PDT

Wed, May 1, 2013 2:45 PM – 4:15 PM PDT

Once registered you will receive an email confirming your registration with information you need to join the Webinar.

Direct questions to Kristina Johnstone, Highly Capable Program Supervisor, at kristina.johnstone@k12.wa.us or (360) 725-4991.

This is an ACTION ALERT! – From The Washington Coalition For Gifted Education

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The Washington Coalition for Gifted Education represents all Highly Capable children in Washington. We are calling for an increase in funding to 5%, as recommended by the Quality Education Council, so that all districts can identify and support every Highly Capable child’s strengths.

Some background information:

All the proposals for the final supplemental budget for FYs 2012 and 2013 (the current biennium) call for $ 17,904,000 for HCP.

The Office of Financial Management has calculated that maintenance level funding for HCP for FYs 2014 and 2015 is $19,083,000.  This amount is what it will take to provide the same services in 2014 and 2015 as the $17.9 million did in 2012 and 2013.

Below compares budget proposals that will be considered in conference. All funding amounts are based on 2.314%. Funding is Section 511 of the proposal.

Gregoire: $19,268,000
Inslee: $19,277,000
Senate: $19,153,000
House: $19,236,000

These amounts are all barely maintenance level funding. This level of funding leaves 40% of districts, many small and rural, with no services or programs whatsoever.

Legislators have told us that they assume that the districts will use some of the $1 billion increase all budgets propose for basic education to cover the increased costs of the Highly Capable Program based on the revised WAC. The legislature cannot direct them to do so, so they have to “assume” it will happen. That is wishful thinking.

Contact your representatives and senator NOW and tell them you want the HCP supplemental funding increased to the 5% level.

The House budget will be on the floor for a vote within a few days so contact your Representatives as soon as possible. After that vote, the different bills will go to a conference committee so contact your Senator next.

Here’s how:  If you do not already know who they are, find your legislators here.

Next, call the Toll-Free Legislative Hotline, 8AM to 8PM at 1-800-562-6000 and leave this message for your State Legislators: “I want you to increase Highly Capable Education funding to 5%, the level recommended by the Quality Education Council.”

Follow up with short emails with the same message to your State Representatives and Senator. Email addresses use this format: Firstname.Lastname@leg.wa.gov or find them here.

Camp Invention Summer Program – $25 Early Bird Discount

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Now through March 30, all who register online receive $25 off along with an additional $5 savings! Click the REGISTER button now to find a location near you!

A WEEKLONG SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN ENTERING GRADES ONE THROUGH SIX

The Camp Invention program instills vital 21st century life skills such as problem-solving and teamwork through hands-on fun!!!!

 

Time is running out!

April 2, 7-9pm: Uniquely Gifted, a FREE presentation brought to you by the HiCap Advisory Board

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Uniquely Gifted

April 2, 7-9pm

Administration Building, Board Room
3330 Monte Villa Pkwy, Bothell, WA
(Just walk straight past the stairs as you enter the lobby – you can’t miss it.)
A FREE presentation brought to you by the Northshore HiCap Advisory Board

Presented by:
Sandra Malone-Long, PhD
(Lake Washington Quest program school psychologist)

Who should go?
Parents of highly capable or “gifted” children,
especially if that child has some sort of unique challenge
such as perfectionism, anxiety, intense emotions, a visual-spatial learning style, or a disability of any sort.
(Note that these are VERY common in gifted kids, so this talk would apply to pretty much everyone)

Description:
In this presentation you will learn characteristics of gifted learners with unique learning needs and styles.
Parents will learn the level of interventions possible in the school and home setting.
We will focus on the need for team collaboration and targeted interventions.
Noted is the importance of the “home and school environment.”
Most important is for students, educational staff, and parents to be able to identify the “markers of success.”

This is an ACTION ALERT! – From The Washington Coalition For Gifted Education

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Dear Gifted Education Advocate,

We must convince legislators to increase funding for Highly Capable Education, and need your immediate action. Thank you in advance for your advocacy.

Please do the following TODAY or TOMORROW. Please have students leave messages as well!

1.    If you do not already know, find your legislators here.
2.    Call the Toll-Free Legislative Hotline, 8AM to 8PM at 1-800-562-6000 and leave this message for your State Representatives:

“I want you to tell Representative Hunter that it is time for Washington State to ensure equity for all students. I want you to increase Highly Capable Education funding to 5%, the level recommended by the Quality Education Council.”

3.    Call the Toll-Free Legislative Hotline, 8AM to 8PM at 1-800-562-6000 and leave this message for your State Senator:

“I want you to tell Senators Tom and Hill that it is time for Washington State to ensure equity for all students. I want you to increase Highly Capable Education funding to 5%, the level recommended by the Quality Education Council.”

4.    Follow up with short emails to your State Representatives and Senator. Email addresses use this format:  Firstname.Lastname@leg.wa.gov or find them at https://dlr.leg.wa.gov/MemberEmail/Default.aspx

5.    Send additional emails to Ross.Hunter@leg.wa.gov, Rodney.Tom@leg.wa.gov, and Andy.Hill@leg.wa.gov

You may wish to provide them with more information in your email. Feel free to add your personal experience, or use the information below.

With 5% funding the state’s Highly Capable Programs plan will:

  • Ensure equity for all students by supporting early identification, a continuum of services K-12, along with appropriate professional development.
  • Provide equitable screening that eliminates bias
  • Establish a deliberate, systematic effort to look at traditionally underserved populations.
  • Widen opportunity for young children (K-3) who show potential in comparison to their classmates, and to develop that potential to see where it may lead.
  • Provide programming appropriate to the student’s strength.

We are counting on you to take action immediately. There are tens of thousands of Highly Capable children in Washington state who need your help!

Message from The Washington Coalition For Gifted Education – March 24th

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Gifted Education Day 2013 Resolutions

Gifted Education Day 2013 was a huge success with our best turnout ever. Our thanks to everyone who took the time to come to Olympia to show their support for Highly Capable Programs!

The two houses of the legislature adopted nearly identical resolutions honoring Gifted Education Day. The sponsors of the resolution are listed below. If one of them represents you, please send a thank you email for their sponsorship and ask that this support be manifested in a yes vote for a new, more equitable formula and increased funding in the upcoming budget. Email address are on https://dlr.leg.wa.gov/MemberEmail/Default.aspx

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2013-4640
By Representatives Maxwell, Haler, Sullivan, Tarleton, Bergquist, Orwall, Magendanz, Stonier, Ryu, Habib, Fitzgibbon, Farrell, Holy, Sells, Zeiger, Wylie, Johnson, and Kagi

SENATE RESOLUTION 8622
By Senators Rivers, Litzow, Hewitt, Braun, Bailey, Honeyford, Baumgartner, Carrell, Smith, Kohl- Welles, Ericksen, Holmquist Newbry, Hobbs, Fain, Hargrove, Parlette, Fraser, Murray, Darneille, Cleveland, Hill, Schlicher, Hatfield, McAuliffe, Mullet, Padden, Brown, King, Schoesler, Dammeier, Tom, Pearson, Becker, Nelson, Conway, Benton, Hasegawa, Chase, Billig, Ranker, Frockt, Keiser, Eide, Harper, Kline, Roach, and Rolfes

Following adoption of the Senate resolution, students gathered on the floor of the Senate chamber for a group photo.

 

Message from The Washington Coalition For Gifted Education – March 13th

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BUDGET PROPOSALS

Of interest to all Highly Capable advocates is what the budget proposals will provide for HCP funding. As part of basic education, costs of a classroom, utilities, teachers, administration, transportation, etc are covered under basic education funding. The considerable costs of identification, professional development, special curriculum and textbooks are covered by the supplemental HCP funding provided by the funding formula.

Everything on the budget is happening AFTER Gifted Education Day. The Revenue Forecast Council releases its quarterly revenue forecast on March 20th. This lets the Governor and Legislators know how much revenue the state expects to have this fiscal year.

It is the Senate’s turn to put out a budget first this year and the Senate Majority Coalition Caucus plans to present their budget proposal the week of the 25th and the House Democratic Caucus shortly thereafter. At some point Governor Inslee is expected to propose either a budget or an outline of spending priorities – which is not clear from news reports.

The current biennial budget provides $8,759,000 for FY 2012 and $8,842,000 for FY 2013 for HCP, a total of $17,601,000. The last budget prior to inclusion in basic education provided  $17,993,000 for the biennium.

Governor Gregoire’s last budget proposal called for $9,472,000 for FY 2012 and $9,594,000, a total of $19,268,000; approximately a 9% increase. Since the HCPTWG and QEC Recommendations (see next paragraph) call for a new funding formula which we estimate as yielding about $45,000,000 per fiscal year, it is clear that no “real and measurable progress toward achieving full compliance” has been made toward full and ample funding as part of basic education.

McCleary calls for compliance by 2018, so the Legislature has a long way to go to reach this goal for Highly Capable Programs. We strongly suggest that it begin with this budget, enacting a new formula based on 5% of students, in a class size of 15, 6.5 hours for grades K-6 and 3.1 hours for grades 7-12.

Legislators are talking about an additional $900 billion to $1.6 billion for basic education. Surely they can find an extra $45 million for HCP!

GIFTED EDUCATION DAY  – AND AFTER

We have been attempting to get HB 1560 amended to provide for a new formula, with little visible progress to date.

Last week we sent you a draft of a proposed resolution in the Legislature. This week we are pleased to send you a copy of the actual resolution, co-sponsored by 47 of 49 Senators. It is a very strong statement of support for gifted education but we should take it cautiously – many may have co-sponsored as a professional courtesy without reading it carefully and becoming aware of its implications. Different versions of this Resolution are circulating in the House and as a Proclamation from the Governor.

If the sponsors really believe what the resolution states, then they should immediately vote to implement the recommendations of the Highly Capable Program Technical Working Group as endorsed by the Quality Education Council. They should vote a more adequate and equitable funding formula to enable these programs to reach more students and help close the opportunity gap. They should substantially increase Highly Capable Program funding in the upcoming biennial budget and reach full and ample funding by 2018.

So come down to Olympia on March 19th and talk to your Legislators about the need for and value of Highly Capable Programs to both the student and the state; the requirements of the McCleary Decision for full and ample funding; and the recommendations of the HCPTWG and the QEC.

Before you do so, take a close look at the power point from NEWS, the plaintiffs in McCleary, presented March 10, http://waschoolexcellence.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/McCleary-presentation-3-10-13.pdf. The Coalition is a member of NEWS.

Be ready to push harder on the budget if the various budget proposals don’t “do right” for Highly Capable Programs when they come out. We will let you know if such action is necessary.

To end the State’s violation of Washington children’s constitutional rights by 2018, each State budget must:
(1) “demonstrate steady progress” implementing education funding reforms under ESHB 2261, and
(2) “show real and measurable progress toward achieving full compliance with article IX, section 1 by 2018.”
July 18, 2012 Supreme Court Order at ¶4

SENG Webinar Event, March 26th – Living with Intensity Series – Part 3

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Title: “Still Gifted After All These Years — Lifespan Intensity and Gifted Adults”
Date: Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Time: 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m. (Eastern)
Presenter: Patricia Gatto Walden, PhD
APA CE: 1

Gifted children become gifted adults experiencing their inner world and surrounding environment in deep and complex ways. Throughout their lives, gifted adults have recognized that intensities, asynchrony, perfectionism, and feelings of dissimilarity from others have affected their relationships, personal life, and career choices.

Incorporating a holistic perspective (focus given to intellectual, emotional, physical, spiritual/ethical and social domains), this SENGinar will identify the multifaceted intrinsic strengths, concerns, and needs of gifted adults. Primary lifelong issues of feeling different and alone, coping with isolation, self-criticism, and relentless perfectionism will be addressed.

After participating in this webinar, you will be able to:

  • Understand how an individual experiences giftedness “from the inside out.”
  • Identify common difficulties and misunderstandings of adult giftedness.
  • Appreciate the lifelong focus on meaning and purpose.
  • Understand the importance of attending to the total self to attain health and well-being.

This SENGinar is the third in a 3-part series based on the book Living with Intensity. To receive APA credit you must read the book, attend the entire webinar, and complete the post-event evaluation. You may purchase the book through Great Potential Press or Amazon.