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Friends: TOMORROW, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024, the Oregon House Education Committee will have an interim hearing on school finances and accountability. You can find the agenda here: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2023I1/Committees/HED/2024-12-10-11-30/Agenda On the top right-hand corner of that page is a tab labelled “e subscribe” If you follow that link and enter your email it will give you an option to subscribe to any legislative press releases, legislator emails, and committee agendas. Once you have checked a box indicating your choices, it retains your subscription preferences from session to session until you unselect them. On the agenda page, you will find tabs with links to the recording of the hearing (after it has taken place), meeting materials, and the text of any bills that have been submitted. During the long session, there are four or more education committee hearings every week, so I don’t send out notices unless a particular hearing is especially relevant for TAG. If you would like to follow the legislative session yourself, please sign up for yourself! You will learn a great deal about how our state works. Most of the action in the legislature takes place in committees. If you go to the committee webpage, you can find most of the material you need to follow subjects of interest to you. It is also helpful to check out the websites for your own legislators and sign up for their newsletters on their legislative webpage. You can find out who represents you by going to the legislature’s homepage at https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/ and using the tab headed “Discover your district and who represents you.” You must enter your zip code in the space for a result. Note that the legislators AND committee assignments will be different in January! If your legislator is resigning, you can check back again next month. The Oregon legislature makes many decisions that affect you and your family. I strongly recommend becoming familiar with this site and your representatives. Listen into some hearings and encourage your students and children to watch their government in action! The site is well organized and easy to navigate (unlike the Department of Education website!) Meanwhile, this is an excellent time to request a meeting with your own legislators and ask them to support TAG funding. TAG is a bipartisan issue. Margaret

Friends: Below is an excerpt from an article about the way Virginia is reconsidering both its math instruction and the way it monitors the opportunities offered in lower-income districts. The previous situation with "math pathways" that discouraged acceleration until 11th. grade, is exactly the same as the one currently in place here in Oregon. It is based on discredited claims by professor Jo Boaler at Stanford. "Why Algebra in Middle School Is Civil Rights Issue" by Todd Truitt, posted by ADVANCE "Civil rights leader Bob Moses referred to the ability to accelerate in math (i.e. go above grade level) in order to take Algebra in middle school as a civil right. It has been a longstanding goal of the US Department of Education and civil rights organizations. Nationally, middle schools that are not offering Algebra disproportionately serve lower income and underrepresented minority students. As explained by Stanford University Math Professor, and Director of Undergraduate Math Studies, Brian Conrad: “A solid grounding in math from high school—which traditionally has included two years of algebra, a year of geometry, and then, for more advanced students, other coursework leading up to calculus [and beyond]—is a prerequisite for a four-year college degree in data science, computer science, economics, and other quantitative fields. Such a degree is, in turn, the price of entry for jobs not only in the sciences and Silicon Valley but also in a number of seemingly distant fields. … The students who are most reliant upon public schools are the most harmed when districts embrace policies based on superficial appeals to equity or false promises about future job opportunities." ..... https://edadvance.substack.com/p/new-accountability-system-supports-advanced-math-learners

Free Winter course for caregivers of 2-e youth: January 7 to February 11, 7-8:30 PM EST/ 4-5:30 PM PST INTRODUCTION A doctoral student from Bridges Graduate School, Marna Wohlfeld, is designing a six-week Education and Support Program for Parents and Caregivers of 2e Youth as part of her dissertation research. She is inviting parents and caregivers of 2e children to attend the free, six-week online program, which will feature the latest research on supporting 2e children using concepts from the Five Non-negotiable Environments for 2e Learners and nervous system regulation. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScB7Oy00Pt1jh8lHrPJ9OfnyH2FU8rIwWghdAcCAt3Gf4NqoA/viewform

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/

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

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

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

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

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 – 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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!