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Apply to be a Student Representative to OATAG
Dear Students and Parents We are excited to announce an important opportunity for students who are passionate about advocacy, leadership, and the education of talented and gifted (TAG) learners across Oregon. We are seeking a motivated and dedicated student representative to serve on the Oregon Association for Talented and Gifted (OATAG) board. About OATAG and Its Mission OATAG is a state-wide non-profit membership organization committed to ensuring that all highly capable students in Oregon receive an education that challenges and nurtures their individual abilities. Our mission is to create an inclusive and equitable educational environment for TAG students, regardless of their socio-economic, racial, or ethnic background. We advocate for comprehensive training for educators, culturally sensitive assessments, strong parent and student involvement in educational planning, adequate funding, and appropriate instruction for every student. We work to ensure that every TAG student has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Role of the Student Representative We are looking for a student who is not only passionate about advocating for the needs of highly capable learners but also willing to work collaboratively with other stakeholders to improve educational opportunities for TAG students across the state. This is a great chance for students to make a real impact on policy and practice at the state level. The selected student will: Serve as a Student Representative on the OATAG Board for a term of up to two years. Participate in quarterly online board meetings, where they will help represent the voices and perspectives of TAG students in Oregon. Provide feedback and insights from the student body, sharing ideas and concerns about how to improve programs and services for TAG students. Meet with policy makers and legislators Serve as the OATAG representative to the National Gifted and Talented Student Advisory Board that is currently being organized by students. Eligibility We are seeking a highly capable student who: Is actively engaged in their education and passionate about advocating for their peers. Has demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to improving the educational experience for TAG students. Is available to attend quarterly online board meetings for the duration of their term. Why Apply? This is a unique opportunity to: Engage with state leaders and educators who are dedicated to improving TAG education in Oregon. Contribute to meaningful conversations and decisions that affect TAG students statewide. Gain valuable leadership experience, including advocacy, public speaking, and policy development. How to Apply To apply, please submit a brief application (no more than 2 pages) that includes the following: Your name, grade level, and school or homeschool. A short essay describing your interest in serving as the student representative, including why you are passionate about gifted education and what you hope to accomplish on the OATAG board. A brief letter of recommendation from someone in your school or community who can speak to your leadership abilities and academic potential. Applications are due by Monday, December 16th. Please complete the application form here: https://airtable.com/appe8JFFOVEZvaeaL/shrWjc5opBxBeMJR7 We look forward to seeing your application and hearing how you can contribute to the important work of OATAG! Sincerely, Margaret DeLacy, President Oregon Association for Talented and Gifted www.OATAG.org OATAG provides information at no cost to support Oregon students, educators and families. Your OATAG membership is essential for this to continue. https://www.oatag.org/
Started by Margaret DeLacy @
Access to advanced learning
Friends: The report on access to advanced learning that was commissioned (at OATAG¡¯s request) by the last long session has been issued. You can find the full report on the OATAG website here: https://www.oatag.org/advocacy.html Below is an excerpt from the executive summary: ¡°¡­equitable access to accelerated learning programs begins with high leverage instructional practices for all students beginning in kindergarten. Merely offering the classes at the secondary level doesn't mean students were effectively and equitably prepared to be successful in advanced learning classes during their elementary and middle school years. The successful implementation of these early education initiatives has been hampered by a lack of adequate funding. It is crucial to secure sustainable funding sources to ensure equitable access to accelerated learning opportunities for all students. Equitable access to accelerated learning programs is essential for supporting students' successful transition into post-secondary education and careers. These programs provide students with the academic rigor and skills necessary to excel in college and the workforce. Moreover, they can help close achievement gaps and create a more level playing field for all students. The benefits of accelerated learning programs are well-documented. Students in these programs typically achieve higher test scores, have higher college acceptance rates, and earn higher incomes than their peers. They are also more likely to graduate from college and pursue advanced degrees. The disparities in access and participation in accelerated learning programs are a matter of social justice. The consequences of these disparities are significant. Students who are denied access to accelerated learning programs miss out on opportunities to develop their academic potential, gain advanced skills, and prepare for college and careers. This can lead to lower educational attainment, reduced job opportunities, and diminished social mobility. All students, regardless of their background, should have the opportunity to reach their full potential¡± Margaret
Started by Margaret DeLacy @
SENG Virtual Support Group for Parents of Young Children
Friends, Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG) has announced a SENG Community Group Meeting focused on parents of Young Children. Virtual SENG Community Group: Parents of Young Gifted Children (ages 0-8) Weekly on Thursdays from Jan. 9 - Feb. 13, 2025 8:00 p.m. - 9:15 p.m. PST Registration is limited https://www.sengifted.org/events/virtual-seng-community-group-parents-of-young-gifted-children-ages-0-8 Judy Smith
Started by Judy Smith @
SENG Author Chat with Cally Flox
Friends, Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG) is offering an chat with Cally Flox about her book Teacher's Guide to Resiliency Through the Arts on Tuesday Nov 19th at 4PM Pacific Time. This is a virtual event. Cally Flox is scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the SENG Conference in 2025. She is a teaching artist, educator, and administrator, and is the founding director of the BYU ARTS Partnership. For more information and to register see: https://www.sengifted.org/events/seng-author-chat-with-cally-flox SENG members receive a discount on registration. Judy Smith
Started by Judy Smith @
Academic competitions for gifted students
Friends: Below is a link to a blog from the Davidson Institute that compiles a list of academic competitions, updated in October. https://www.davidsongifted.org/gifted-blog/list-of-academic-competitions-for-gifted-students/ Margaret
Started by Margaret DeLacy @
League of Women Voters free Legislative Process Day online
Friends: If you are interested in advocating in the Legislature about education issues, or you just want to know more about how our state government works behind the scenes, the League of Women Voters offers a free online Legislative Process Day. If you are new to advocacy, I recommend it. Margaret Legislative Process Day ¨C Friday, Nov 15, 10-12:15pm on Zoom The LWVOR Action Committee is proud to sponsor Legislative Process Day from 10 until 12:15pm on Friday, November 15. This year the event will be held entirely on Zoom. Get an inside look at the legislative process from the comfort of your own home! Please register here to attend. Legislative Process Day Agenda: 10:00am Panel of legislative leaders discuss their priorities for the 2025 Session: House Speaker Rep. Julie Fahey House Majority Leader Rep. Ben Bowman Senate Minority Leader Sen. Daniel Bonham House Minority Leader Rep. Jeff Helfrich will invite a speaker on his behalf 11:00am "How to Engage in Lobbying", with former League Lobbyist Sandra Bishop 11:45am LWVOR Action Coordinators share their priorities for the 2025 Session We invite you to join this informative event to gain insights into the legislative process and learn about what's to come in the 2025 legislative session! Register Now!
Started by Margaret DeLacy @
New report says that G/T programs should be strengthened, not undermined
Friends: A new policy paper from the Fordham Institute challenges the idea that programs for high-achieving students are inherently inequitable and argues that we should require every state to create and strengthen robust advanced programs. ¡°This policy brief challenges those claims. It argues that, rather than harming marginalized students of high ability, these programs are the best way to maximize their achievement. That¡¯s because interventions, including acceleration and readiness grouping, benefit high-achieving students from every sort of background while doing minimal harm to lower- and middle-achieving peers; more heterogeneous classroom groupings, however beneficial for some students (when done well), rarely succeed at educating students across the wide range of achievement at all grade levels. This reality is especially concerning when more effective methods exist to identify and nurture the talents and abilities of students who are Black, Hispanic, low-income, and otherwise underserved.¡± https://fordhaminstitute.org/national/research/think-again-are-education-programs-high-achievers-inherently-inequitable
Started by Margaret DeLacy @
REMINDER: You don't want to miss this TAG talk on TUESDAY
Join Us for the 2024 OATAG Membership Meeting and our 3rd TAG TALK of 2024 THIS TALK WILL NOT BE RECORDED. THIS IS YOUR ONLY CHANCE TO HEAR IT. Don't miss an inspiring evening with our guest speaker, Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman, a leading expert on intelligence and creativity, as he presents: "Toward a Human-Centered Gifted Education" Date: Tuesday, October 29, 2024 Time: 4:30 PM What if we reimagined gifted education to focus on nurturing each child¡¯s potential? In this talk, Dr. Kaufman will: Redefine human intelligence and potential. Emphasize seeing ¡°gifted children¡± as ¡°humans with a gift,¡± placing their humanity at the forefront. Discuss how we can support gifted children¡¯s basic needs and opportunities for growth to help them thrive. Share 6 transformative ways we can empower gifted students to reach their fullest potential. About Dr. Kaufman Dr. Kaufman, a professor at Columbia University and director of the Center for Human Potential, is one of the world¡¯s top 1% most cited scientists for research on intelligence and creativity. His early educational experiences made him realize the deep reservoir of untapped potential of students, including bright and creative children who have been diagnosed with a learning disability. As the host of The Psychology Podcast with over 30 million downloads, and author of 10 influential books, Dr. Kaufman¡¯s mission is to help minds of all kinds lead creative, fulfilling, and self-actualized lives. Don¡¯t miss this opportunity to explore new horizons in gifted education! Online only. Registration: Free for OATAG Members, $5.00 for non-members Register at https://www.oatag.org/tagtalk.html
Started by Margaret DeLacy @
SENG Chat Tuesday Oct 22
Friends, Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG) is offering a SENG Chat on Tuesday, Oct 22nd at 4PM Pacific Time. The topic is: Perfect to a Fault: When Rigidity Causes Trauma. Presenter Dr. Megan Helmen is a pediatric neuropsychologist. Her 20 minute presentation on complex intersections created in families who have giftedness, perfectionism, trauma, twice exceptionalism, and emotional intensity will be followed by a 60 minute interactive discussion. The session will not be recorded. More information and registration is here: https://www.sengifted.org/events/sengchat-perfect-to-a-fault-when-rigidity-causes-trauma SENG members receive a discount on registration. Judy Smith
Started by Judy Smith @
SENG Webinar on Social Entrepreneurs Who Are Gifted Adults
Friends, Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG) is offering a webinar on Thursday, October 10th at 4:00 PM Pacific Time. The topic is: Social Entrepreneurs Who Are Gifted Adults: Career Impacts of Their Social and Emotional Development. Social entrepreneurs have a primary mission to positively impact their communities, above and beyond mere profit, however they also create an enterprise that is sustainable. The presenter is: Joi Lin, PhD, recently defended her dissertation entitled a Collective Case Study Career Critique of Social Entrepreneurs Who Are Gifted Adults. She works as an adjunct professor of gifted education in the Teacher Education Program at the University of Denver. More information and registration is here: https://www.sengifted.org/events/senginar-social-entrepreneurs-who-are-gifted-adults-career-impacts-of-their-social-and-emotional-development SENG members receive a discount on the registration. Judy Smith
Started by Judy Smith @
NAGC webinar on Advocating for Brilliance
Friends, The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) is offering a free webinar on Sept. 25th at 4 PM Pacific time. The webinar will provide insights into how to partner with professionals for nurturing your child's potential. Registration is here for this virtual event is here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Tvfrp1sWR5CQLNWJXiVLBA#/registration Judy Smith
Started by Judy Smith @
Hearings/meetings on revised Administrative Rules for appeals
Friends: The State Board of Education is scheduled to hold a first hearing on new Oregon Administrative Rules on complaints and appeals https://www.oregon.gov/ode/about-us/stateboard/pages/default.aspx . The board¡¯s rules only require that dockets be posted one day before the board meeting which will take place on Thursday. However, the staff to the Department shared their draft some time ago and made it public. The current version seems to be the same as the one they shared previously. You can find it here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1raCXxfSQpbYLFVB0R6An3fYFEiE7fgj4/view The rules for complaints and appeals include the rules for appeals related to the Division 22 Standards for education which include the three TAG Administrative Rules covering identification, services, and the rights of students and parents. When districts violate these rules, families must follow the complaint and appeal process which gives the district a maximum of 90 days to respond and then permits an appeal to the Department of Education if the district does not resolve the complaint. The proposal sets a limitation of one year for initiating appeals and gives the Department 270 days to ¡°resolve¡± an appeal after it is submitted. It seems that when the State Board revised the identification rule, it unintentionally removed the right of families to appeal to the Department of Education when a district did not identify a student. That¡¯s because the new rule removed the absolute score cutoff from the criteria for identification and left identification procedures up to district policies and practices. https://www.oregon.gov/ode/learning-options/TAG/Pages/statutes.aspx Unless a rule says that district policies and practices must be applied, or implemented, they can¡¯t be appealed. I flagged this at the time, but no one paid attention. I don¡¯t know whether it is reasonable to keep appeals over identification within districts or to allow people to appeal to the state, but I have not received a lot of mail from families about this problem. Given the extremely long delays at the state level, it might make more sense for a family to renominate their student the following year than to wait for the state to rule. I have included a general comment about this in my own comments, but I haven¡¯t applied it to TAG issues. There is a public hearing on the revisions on TUESDAY (tomorrow) at 3:00 PM. The public hearing is usually informal. You can find more information and a link if you wish to listen in or comment here: https://www.oregon.gov/ode/rules-and-policies/StateRules/Pages/StateBoardProposedOARs.aspx . This link will take you to the welcome page of the State Board of Education with more information on how to participate https://www.oregon.gov/ode/about-us/stateboard/pages/default.aspx If you wish to participate, please sign up for either the public hearing or the Board meeting or submit testimony in writing. You have to sign up to give oral testimony to the Board. Margaret
Started by Margaret DeLacy @
SENG CHAT for Educators - Free
Friends, Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG) invites Educators of the Gifted to a Virtual Happy Hour on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 5:00pm Pacific time. This free Chat is hosted by SENG Board Director Shaunne McKinley and Board President Adam Laningham. Register at: https://www.sengifted.org/events/sengchat-sip-share-a-virtual-happy-hour-for-gifted-educators Judy Smith
Started by Judy Smith @
SENG Webinar on Building Resilience and Regulation Skills
Friends, Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG) is offering a webinar on the topic of Building Resilience and Regulation Skills through Accessible Neuroscience and Connection Strategies. The presenter, Ginger Healy, LCSW, is currently a clinical social worker and the director of programs at the Attachment & Trauma Network. She co-anchors the podcast ¡°Regulated and Relational¡±. More information and Registration is here: https://www.sengifted.org/events/senginar-building-resilience-and-regulation-skills-through-accessible-neuroscience-and-connection-strategies Sept 24th 4:00 to 5:30 Pacific time - Online Webinar There is a discount for SENG members Judy Smith
Started by Judy Smith @
OATAG at OMSI expo, Sept. 28th.
OATAG will be at the free Education and Enrichment expo at OMSI on September 28th. Come and meet us there! We will be sharing a table with the Portland Symphonic Girlchoir https://www.nwkidsmagazine.com/2024-education-enrichment-expo/ Margaret
Started by Margaret DeLacy @
Advise the Department of Education on its data reporting
Friends: Do you like data? The Oregon Department of Education is seeking members for its Data Justice Stewards Advisory Group. You can find more information below: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/ec2469e23a1e4bdb97a3aa345c35bd33 The department is seeking A demonstrated commitment to racial equity, social and economic justice, diversity and inclusion; Personal and/or professional experience and knowledge in data justice, public policy, education policy, research or evaluation, algorithmic justice, and/or data; Prior experience or expertise in serving student focal groups; and Education and community partners, including parent, guardian, or caretaker of students in student focal groups; representatives of tribal governments and community-based organizations The application mentions ¡°focal groups¡± twice. Here is the current list, which was created by the Student Investment Act: Students experiencing poverty Students of color Students with disabilities Students who are emerging bilinguals Students experiencing homelessness Students experiencing foster care. TAG students in any of those groups can be part of SIA services as members of the focal group but TAG students and high-achieving students as a group were deliberately disqualified from inclusion on the list of ¡°focal groups¡±. According to the Department, TAG students do not experience ¡°academic disparities.¡± Plans may be developed for LGBTQSIA+ students, students who are recent arrivals, students who are migrants, and students experiencing detention or incarceration. It looks like the group will only meet twice this year. It would be very helpful to have someone on the group advising about data reporting as it affects high-achieving students and gifted student populations and letting the TAG community know what is being planned. The research I have done myself in the past demonstrated that Black students who ¡°exceeded¡± benchmarks made lower achievement gains than any other single group. Currently, most state data combines the gains of students who ¡°met¡± benchmarks with students who ¡°exceeded¡± them, or breaks data down by ethnicity without breaking it down further by ability level. This conceals the problem. I would like to see that information captured and reported in the future. Margaret
Started by Margaret DeLacy @
Free: learn about Robotics at the library
Calling All Parents and Caregivers with Children in Grades 2 to 8! Join us for an exciting opportunity to explore the world of robotics with the Oregon Robotics Tournament and Outreach Program (ORTOP)! We're hosting two informational sessions where you and your children can dive into the fun of LEGO robots.Event Details: 1. Rockwood Library Date: Wednesday, September 11, 2024 Location: Large Meeting Room Agenda: 4:30 PM: Presentation, demonstration, and Q&A session 5:00 - 5:45 PM: Informal drop-in session 2. Holgate Library Date: Monday, September 16, 2024 Location: Conference Room 2A Agenda: 4:15 PM: Presentation, demonstration, and Q&A session 5:00 - 5:45 PM: Informal drop-in sessionWhat to Expect: Learn about robotics, robotics teams, and upcoming tournaments Experience a demonstration of LEGO robots themed around this year¡¯s ocean focus Get information on how to get involved and have fun with robotics! This is a fantastic opportunity for kids and their families to engage with robotics and discover how to participate in our local robotics community. We hope to see you there!
Started by Margaret DeLacy @
Department of Education proposed new rules on complaints and appeals
Friends: The staff at the Oregon Department of Education are proposing new rules on complaints and appeals. These rules will affect the way the Department responds to appeals from district decisions concerning allegations that a district is not implementing state education standards including the ¡°Division 22 standards.¡± The Division 22 standards include the three administrative rules concerning TAG services: identification, parent/student rights, and rate and level services. Below are excerpts from the official announcement giving the process for approving these revisions. The title for the link to the proposed rule (Athlete Agent¡­.) is incorrect. The link actually leads to the proposed complaints and appeals rules. The proposed rules separate the procedure for Division 22 complaints from other complaints about restraint/seclusion, discrimination, and other state rules not in Division 22. If you would like to comment about these changes, follow the procedure below! Time is short. ODE Rules Public Hearing Information - September The State Board of Education will hear the following administrative rule proposals as first reads on September 19, 2024 at 9am. State Board materials are posted to the State Board's online BoardBook approximately one week prior to each meeting. ODE will hold a public hearing on the proposed rules on September 17, 2024, at 3pm. The ODE Hearings Officer will conduct the September 17, 2024, public hearing by video conference. You can join by video conference. To join by phone, dial (Toll Free): 1 669-254-5252; Meeting ID: 160 593 5586. We welcome your comments on the proposed rules. If you would like to submit public comment on the proposed rules, you may: Attend a State Board of Education meeting and provide public comment. Information on board meetings and providing public comment is available on the State Board Meetings web page. Submit your comments in writing to the ODE Rules Coordinator. Submit your comments to the State Board of Education. Contact ODE¡¯s Rules Coordinator if you have questions about the hearing. The State Board will vote on the proposed rules at the October 17, 2024, meeting. State Board materials are posted to the State Board's online BoardBook approximately one week prior to each meeting. New Rules & Repealing Rules: Complaint Rules Proposed rule language on the Athlete Agent Certificate Hearing Process is linked here Statement of Need: Currently, the Oregon Department of Education takes on appeal complaints alleging discrimination, restraint, seclusion, retaliation, and violations of educational standards codified in OAR Chapter 581, Division 022 (Division 022 standards). The department has identified several areas where its current appeals procedures (set forth in OAR 581-002-0001 to 581-002-0023) need to improve, including that (1) the procedures are not as timely or efficient as they need to be; and (2) complaints alleging violations of Division 022 standards require different investigatory procedures and remedies than other types of complaints. With those considerations in mind, the proposed rules would enact two major changes. First, the proposed rules would require the department to immediately order corrective action after concluding an investigation as opposed to allowing the parties an opportunity to settle the matter. Importantly, the parties would still be able to settle the matter at any time before the department concludes its investigation. Second, the proposed rules create a different process for complaints alleging violations of Division 022 standards than for appeals of complaints alleging discrimination, restraint, seclusion, or retaliation. Even though many elements of the existing procedures would remain the same as those set forth in current OAR 581-002-0001 to 581-002-0023, the clearest way to write these proposals ¨C given the number of changes that need to be made ¨C is to repeal the existing rules and write new rules. The clearest way to codify the proposed rules is to create a new division within OAR Chapter 581 that is specific to complaint and appe
Started by Margaret DeLacy @
SENG Virtual Events in Sept
Friends, Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG) is offering virtual events in September for parents and educators. SENG Authors will present Julie Skolnick on her parenting book Gifted and Distractible September 3, 4PM PST SENG Chat will host a Happy Hour for Educators hosted by Shaunne McKinley and Adam Laningham September 17, 5PM PST SENG Webinar will present Building Resilience and Regulation Skills through Accessible Neuroscience and Connection Strategies with Ginger Healy, LCSW September 24, 4PM PST Information about these online events is available at the SENG Website https://www.sengifted.org/virtualprograms Judy Smith
Started by Judy Smith @
Free webinar on navigating the transition to school , fwd
Forwarding for Gifted and Thriving, Learn more and register at https://www.giftedandthriving.com/offers/zcFLSagy/checkout Margaret Navigating Transitions: Shifting from Summer to School Details: ?Hosted by: Dr. Michael Postma ?Date: Wednesday, August 28th, 2024 ?Time: 5 pm PT (8 pm ET) ?Cost: FREE! Description: Transitions can be difficult for anyone, however, it can be especially rough gifted and twice-exceptional students. Why is this? Generally, transitions are unpredictable, new, and can feel unsafe. Gifted/2e students thrive with consistency and predictability and when faced with change, the perception is that they will have to transition away from their comfort zone. The biggest transition for these students, by far, is the move back into fall with all the expectations of school norms and performance. Even going back to a familiar environment has its risks: new students, new teacher(s), new routines, new expectations, and of course, the dread of facing another eight months as an outlier. While there is no perfect solution, Dr. Mike will review strategies for dealing with transitions, have open Q&A discussion time, and will help get your family ready for the new school year. What We Will Be Discussing: ? Surviving the transition from Summer to Back-to-School ? Building new Routines that emphasize predictability and (some) productivity ? Embracing new challenges ? Cultivating motivation and passion ? Screen time Management ? Reducing the intellectual 'Summer Dip' ? Reviewing and Amending learning plans (IEPs/504's) ? When the initial answer is always 'NO' ? And more.... Meet Dr. Mike Postma:
Started by Margaret DeLacy @
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