At NAGC25, Amanda O’Neil and Bobbie Parmann emphasized the essential role of arts in education, demonstrating its impact on student engagement and learning. They shared eight effective arts integration strategies, highlighting the benefits of creative expression for understanding, confidence, and social skills. These practices encourage innovative thinking among gifted learners.
Author Archives: Dr. Ann H. Colorado
#NAGC25 Session Review: How Blockbridge Increased Identification of Historically Underrepresented Groups by 16x
Dr. Austina De Bonte’s research presented at the NAGC25 Annual Convention highlighted how Blockbridge School District significantly increased the identification of underrepresented gifted students by implementing universal screening, static local norms, and multiple pathways for entry. Their comprehensive approach led to a sixteen-fold increase in underrepresented identifications and improved student performance, emphasizing the importance of equitable practices in gifted education.
#NAGC25 Session Review: MTSS, IEPs, and AI: Oh My! Rethinking Support for Twice-Exceptional Learners
Dr. Claire Hughes and Sheyanne Smith presented at #NAGC25 on enhancing support for twice-exceptional (2e) learners by evolving MTSS processes. Emphasizing a strengths-based approach and the 5F IEP framework, they advocated for unified educational practices and the use of AI to streamline IEP development. Their message: the system must adapt to meet student needs effectively.
Teacher Rating Scales: Promises and Pitfalls — A Review from #NAGC25
At NAGC25, Dr. McCoach and Dr. Rambo-Hernandez revealed that teacher rating scales (TRS) significantly impact gifted student identification, often leading to missed opportunities for nearly 70% of high-ability students. They urged educators to use TRS alongside multiple measures, advocate for fair policies, and provide ongoing training to improve accuracy in identification systems.
“Being the Educator They Need:” Reflections from Dwayne Reed’s NAGC25 Keynote
I share my reflections on Dwayne Reed’s opening keynote remarks at #NAGC25!
Holiday 2025 Shopping Guide for Gifted and Advanced Children and Teens- Creative Activity-Based Gifts
Open-ended, creative gift ideas for gifted and advanced learners: musical instruments, domino creations, coding toys, art kits, and blank books to inspire curiosity and talent development.
Holiday 2025 Shopping Guide for Gifted & Advanced Children and Teens — Toy Ideas
In Part Three of a holiday gift-giving guide, the focus is on selecting toys that engage and challenge gifted children. Key preferences include open-ended toys fostering creativity and problem-solving. Suggestions include LEGO, Marble Runs, Snap Circuits, Rubik’s Cubes, and handheld microscopes, all fostering inquiry-based learning and deep thinking.
Holiday 2025 Shopping Guide for Gifted and Advanced Children and Teens: Game Ideas
Playing board games as a family fosters strong bonds while enhancing gifted children’s thinking skills. The article highlights several games like Zingo, Blokus, No Stress Chess, Scrabble, and Apples to Apples, which offer strategic depth and cognitive challenges suitable for advanced learners. Engaging family game time can also encourage valuable discussions and reflections.
Holiday 2025 Shopping Guide for Gifted and Advanced Children and Teens: Book Ideas
The article provides holiday gift ideas for families with gifted children, focusing on books that stimulate cognitive development and creativity. It highlights classic literature, emphasizing timeless themes and critical thinking, while suggesting a book-and-movie gift basket for added engagement. Additional resources for book selections are also recommended.
I’m Presenting at NAGC25: Leveraging Talent Development to Better Identify Underserved Gifted Students in K-2
Next week marks the National Association for Gifted Children’s Annual Convention (#NAGC25), where I will present a session with colleagues on addressing the underrepresentation of gifted students from diverse populations. We’ll share strategies implemented in our school divisions to improve equity in gifted identification and nurture potential in all learners.
