#gtchat Archive
Global #gtchat Powered by TAGT is a weekly chat on Twitter that takes place on Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT and 5 p.m. PT in the U.S. For one hour, parents, educators, advocates and experts in the field of gifted and talented gather to share resources, links, authentic life experiences and insights about gifted issues.
Tuesday August 9, 2016
For the next hour I’ll be joining others at ( ) ~ please pardon the heavy stream or better yet; join us!
Welcome to Global Gifted and Talented Chat Powered by the Texas Association for the Gifted & Talented
Our topic today is “Parents & Teachers: Finding Common Ground”
Today we’re joined by Angie French & moderators and
I’m Lisa Conrad ~ advocate, conference presenter, blogger & mother of 2 gifted young adults from Pittsburgh, PA
Thanks for coming out! Let's take a minute to introduce ourselves. Share who you are & where you’re from! https://t.co/7x7bNSnXo2
Hi from NW Houston. I’m a GT Specialist for K-4, w/2 grown GT kiddos and married to a creatively gifted guy for um …33 years…
Hi, Angie! Thanks for being a guest today!
Goof evening everyone. . I teach 5-8 gifted
Dylan Smith from Ottawa saying hello!
Hi all! So excited to make it. Betina, mom of a gifted son & teacher educator from California
Hi, Jefff! Thanks for also being a guest today!
Good evening! , GIS 5/6 , Parent Group Facilitator , Co-Moderator of ;
Hi. Gail Post from outside Philly. Mom, psychologist, blogger for Gifted Challenges.
Hi all! Carol Bainbridge from Indiana here. Former expert on gifted kids about https://t.co/KS7SLizXRb . Mom to adult gifted kid.
Hi - I'm Corin Goodwin, ED of GHF, and mom to two 2e teens.
Hi, Heather! Thanks for being a guest at in wake of recent storms in your area!
New to ? We use a Q1) / A1) format for questions & answers. Remember to add the hashtag >>> to each tweet!
New to ? We use a Q1) / A1) format for questions & answers. Remember to add the hashtag >>> to each tweet!
Greetings All! Jonathan here from Nashville former Middle School G/T Teacher always thankful for
You're not an expert anymore? :-)
Question 1 is coming up; let’s chat!
A1) Often teachers do not have a strong knowledge-base on which to draw about needs of these children.
A1) Unfortunately, many educators do not have training on the needs of gifted children.
A1) Both have unique perspectives. Parents of their individual child; Tchrs of the class as a whole
A1. I feel that parents often know more abt their child than the parent. T's aren't always trained effectively about gifted.
I would't always agree with that. Many don't, largely bc teachers get poor gt training while parents live with the actual child
A1) Competing agendas - parents seek best education for their kids; teachers often lack training in g/t, and have other priorities
Q1) Many reasons that range from lack of knowledge to teach GT, lack of resources, and lack $$ to teach them.
A1) Because the have slightly different goals and perspectives.
Great minds think alike ;-)
A1) Looking at an individual child v. a whole class can lead to differences in "what's best at any given moment"
Hi, Jeremy just signing in!
A1) Ts sometimes see these kids as "taking care of themselves." Ps see a copout. https://t.co/QFjaBrou9x
Took the words out of my mouth! The perspectives of each other may not be understood.
A1) Ts lack training in identifying G/T learners which creates a barrier to bldg the home to class bridge https://t.co/MVmL7d6s28
A1) Parents often don’t understand the restrictions/responsibilities placed on teachers today by the system.
A1) Many T's may not realize how underchallenged these kids are - since they appear to do well, get good grades.
Parents have vital insight on their children.
A1. G/Ts are very heterogeneous, but stereotypes, e.g., programming, giftedness, sometimes delay shared home-school understandings.
Very true & how hard it is to differentiate in a heterogeneous classroom. Unfortunately often g/t kids get short end
Right, they are working from diff perspectives, with different motivations & goals, as well.
A1 I think that a lack of trusting relationships has a little bit to do with it.
A1 - Ts teach to the middle because of state stds and class sizes... Ps expect all Ss to grow... https://t.co/VeNVDe0IOE
<--- Advisor! Welcome Tracy!
<--- Advisor! Welcome Tracy!
A1) T's may not understand differences between achievers and gifted
Yes! Trust is so critical. Parents have to believe that Ts care about their kid. Ts need to tap into parent insights
I would love to know more about your GT child as their GT specialist. I bet our GT teachers would too but when is there time?
A1) Teachers & parents often don't *listen* to each other.
My Parents and Teachers page https://t.co/xqwkuNklLs Both need to work together for best facilitation of learning for the child.
It's easier to see deficits than need for going beyond curriculum.
A1) Lack of admin. support for teachers to educate g/t kids
Sorry I joined a little late! Tracy from North Texas, parent of two twenty-something GT sons!
A1) Lack of operational definition of gifts & talents within G/T programs creates parent/teacher tug of war https://t.co/MVmL7d6s28
A2) Listening would be helpful.
A2) As a T, I had students write me a letter; as a parent, I'd love for a T to ask me to write them a letter about my kid
A2) Teachers need to renew their communication toolboxes each new school year; not rely on antiquated tools.
Very true! A child can be gifted in one district but not the next, in one state but not the next.
A1) Branding & Communication, Ts create website, send newsletters, est. social media presence https://t.co/jcHUL1ovsv
A2) Validate their concerns. Parents need to know that teachers sincerely take them seriously.
A2. it all has to start with open communication.
A2) Show parents you understand their child - you get his/her quirks, talents, and learning needs
A2. Important for home & school to dialogue early in year. T’s responsibility to take lead here. “Seek first to understand.”
Listening. Putting aside assumptions. Not dismissing parents - esp moms - like they're all crazies or helicopter parents.
A2) Teachers can seek out professional development regarding gifted education not provided at undergraduate level.
Yes & feel open to asking for input regularly; being available is key
A2) Be present. Be online; share on social media. Reach out. Make us feel like you consider us a partner. https://t.co/lLFFgc7izF
A2 - Reach out to Ps... Apples don't fall far from trees... Hopes, dreams, what can they tell you abt their kids?!
Yes! And keeping an open mind! https://t.co/HxjwyxmQzy
Listening. Putting aside assumptions. Not dismissing parents - esp moms - like they're all crazies or helicopter parents.
Work on problem solving *together* as allies instead of antagonists.
AMEN! RT Putting aside assumptions. Not dismissing parents - esp moms - like they're all crazies or helicopter parents.
A2) Be positive, helpful and present at school (for all students). Communicate your child’s need. Be reasonable.
Easier said than done. Unfortunately. RT Work on problem solving *together* as allies instead of antagonists.
A2) When teachers have conferences with parents, go beyond the compliments and give parents where you will take the Ss.
Yes, because in the end, we want what's best for our kid AND all kids. Advocacy isn't a sign of selfishness.
This. https://t.co/4kuiowYeTB
Yes, because in the end, we want what's best for our kid AND all kids. Advocacy isn't a sign of selfishness.
That's the truth. But we can try...
An important point. Don't assume parents don't care about other students. That's insulting.
A2) Ts can use the strategies we teach our Ss embrace another perspective & take an in their shoes approach https://t.co/jcHUL1ovsv
A2 - Often GT parents feel alone as as parents... They know their kids though - ask them!
And by advocating for our kids we are also helping the teacher and the other kids.
A2) Be willing to challenge the child - not just give out easy A's or let the child coast/ tutor other kids/ read at his/her desk
There's art to this! Listening is key, but I also message early that the GT youngster will be leading us in imp ways.
Exactly! It's all about perspective & not pitting anyone against ea other, but working together.
Parents can try to understand what boundaries the teachers have to work within. Curriculum, tests, administrative, poor training.
A3) Acknowledge the work Ts are doing with your child.
A3) Parents can offer support & not just demands. It's hard bc you're passionate, but Ts are people too
A3) Be patient. Take the high road. Seek to understand teacher’s role in school system.
*tiptoes into late, hopes no one notices*
A3. Choose to work with teacher to find (better) answers, then express that intention to the teacher.
A3) As parents, we have to assume positive intent & listen too; respecting Ts perspectives & professionalism
Welcome! Glad you could make it!
A3 Parents continue to have an open line of communication face to face and on social media.
I know! Being on both sides of the fence, I have to remind myself all the time depending on the hat of the moment!
I dunno... I don't like the implication of pressure that can be seen as, iykwim...?
"(S)he's doing great!" "No problems at all."😝
Not concerned whether they're a burden on you. They should be. https://t.co/LaLKK951Ws
A2) When teachers have conferences with parents, go beyond the compliments and give parents where you will take the Ss.
A3) Respect their stress, limitations, caring intentions, and competing agendas from admin. and the rest of the class
We’re half way through our ! Thanks for all the great sharing.
A3) Don't talk yourself out of reaching out to your child's teacher.
A3) Never challenge their intentions, competence, commitment - even if you doubt these - it's unfair and disrespectful
Well said! https://t.co/R4MzkfA3Xc
A3) Respect their stress, limitations, caring intentions, and competing agendas from admin. and the rest of the class
A3 - Ps need to help support and enrich their kids' learning experiences. /7
Hello, sorry I am joining in late. In Melissa from Katy TX a GT science teacher.
A3) Provide teachers with information portfolio of their child’s behaviors (acad/soc/emo) outside of school.
A3) Parents can make an attempt to understand the teacher's position and show some empathy, not just complain, criticize, etc.
A3) Suggest you are there to "help" ease the teachers burden, in a sense, by providing info about your child
Welcome, Melissa! Never too late!
A3) Establish from the outset how you want to communicate and what you hope to learn about their classroom. https://t.co/umsWWQk9gq
I've found early agreement re listening to bright S's input can free T from pressure of an unduly strong parent opinion.
Yeah. Not entering the relationship in a defensive crouch helps.
5 Strategies for Building Effective Parent-Teacher Partnerships … From a Parent’s Perspective https://t.co/2QqRmjTY30
I expect it depends on the situation. As does everything in life :-)
. Invite them to visit for labs, speakers & activities. Get Ps involved in science club competitions. https://t.co/t0ue9WWQr5
A3) The more I know about your GT child the better I can reach/teach them. Please share!
Q4) What is the ‘chain-of-command’ in schools that should be followed to resolve differences? https://t.co/rO54J0fpNL
A3 - Ps should show confidence in their child's Ts... They are professionals. Appeal to that, share resources if needed.
A3) Show a collaborative effort in working together to support your child
A4) The first step in conflict resolution must always involve primary parties … parent and teacher.
What do you recommend for parents when teacher isn't interested? What can parents do to move past that point?
A4) Start with your child's teacher first and foremost. A good principal will refer you back to your child's teacher.
Ps can over inflate their child. They get upset if you do not too. Also, Ps of GT can be helicopter Ps. https://t.co/dpOOTOxKfz
A4) Tough Q! T 1st, then admin, maybe GT coordinator then district office but not in a threatening way, as an approach to support Ss
A4) Teacher, g/t consultant, gt/ supervisor, principal, admins higher up - tends to be chain for complaints
A4) Both parties should be slow to ‘kick it up a notch’ and consider consequences for the child.
A) Start w/ T, then move to principal, then coordinator, then superintendent, finally school board. https://t.co/29W8fuGtZ0
Q4) What is the ‘chain-of-command’ in schools that should be followed to resolve differences? https://t.co/rO54J0fpNL
Get involved but do not hover. GT Ps need to understand their child will fail at a task & nay struggle. https://t.co/mr1Ght41Hk
They NEED to struggle. If they don't, they aren't learning.
A4) If the conflict is not resolved through primary contact, then request a group conference. Your GT specialist should be included.
A) Depending on the concern starting at sup & copying school board creates barrier to helping relationship https://t.co/29W8fuGtZ0
Q4) What is the ‘chain-of-command’ in schools that should be followed to resolve differences? https://t.co/rO54J0fpNL
A4) Parents need to learn the chain-of-command & take positive steps to follow it for best outcomes.
A4) Forming g/t parent advocacy groups can ALSO help address problems - adds more voices to the mix
I agree Ps just want their child to succeed it is my job to ease them into a new way of thnkg https://t.co/Va3lkVzTDC
A3) Respect their stress, limitations, caring intentions, and competing agendas from admin. and the rest of the class
Exactly ... include all stakeholders! https://t.co/4Caod3np1a
A4) If the conflict is not resolved through primary contact, then request a group conference. Your GT specialist should be included.
Great! Actually I've seen that more with P's of high achievers - g/t P's often BEG for more challenge
A5) Kids, especially gifted kids, are highly cognizant of parent-teacher relationships. Beware of emotional repercussions.
It can be intimidating for them to reach out. Open line of comm podcasts, blog, twitter helps https://t.co/lI36onBS37
A3) Don't talk yourself out of reaching out to your child's teacher.
I’ve seen this happen too many times. There is usually a reason why the teacher that you may never learn.
A5) So many g/t kids are highly sensitive (I know mine is). It would really stress him out if he saw conflict bet me & his T
A5 I think the better the relationship between parent and teacher the better more confortable the student will be.
A5) & since g/t kids are also afraid of risk, if P/T are on the same page, it gives stability & safety to try something new
A5) Confirm child's reality, but support the role of the teacher - doing the best job he/she can
Tweetdeck froze up on me so the last tweet probably didn’t make any sense. Grrr!
A5) Students will share what has been said by their parents, and it will inform their attitude in class.
A5) "Achievement" can mean little with a poor p/t relationship. Just means the kid is complying, not reaching potential.
. I think Ts & Ps need to talk first. Stay united. If it is an issue beyond P T commun then Admin. https://t.co/FszHRG2yg3
Q4) What is the ‘chain-of-command’ in schools that should be followed to resolve differences? https://t.co/rO54J0fpNL
This is very true... I think asynchronous development can weigh in here in all-too-interesting ways.
A5) Ss occasionally respond to T in the same manner as the parent, lack of trust damages the S/T partnership https://t.co/2db3MBgiCy
A5) Even if you can't stand the teacher, contain it - you are a role model to your child - model respectful/kind behavior
A5) Mutual respect by all parties can enhance and propel student achievement; the key is ‘mutual’.
A5. I would agree. https://t.co/lyYrKtlcxT
A5) Mutual respect by all parties can enhance and propel student achievement; the key is ‘mutual’.
A5) I always wonder if parents realize how often their child repeats what they heard at home in school? More often than you think!
Agree! When T is not respectful/lies (have seen this!), confirm child's reality, but still put it in perspective
I know. Then the choices for the next move are limited. It only takes one teacher & then it may be game over. :-(
And vice versa... https://t.co/wZ1fnu2PgE
A5) Students will share what has been said by their parents, and it will inform their attitude in class.
Very true. Your reputation as ‘that’ parent does get around quick. Best to keep it as positive as possible https://t.co/5SR4RJvbj9
A5) Even if you can't stand the teacher, contain it - you are a role model to your child - model respectful/kind behavior
Absolutely! Mutual - this is a partnership - give your child's teacher a chance.
In my room always. My makerspace I hide tape/glue make them think outside box. I never give direct only sugg https://t.co/xDS0Cpy7sC
They NEED to struggle. If they don't, they aren't learning.
Do you think converse also occurs: S's achievement is shallow, tied to strong rel'nship w/ current teacher?
Q6) Can technology bridge the parent-teacher communication gap? Do you have a favorite app? https://t.co/kRG0vLIndc
I often said more years later!
my GT child is very sensitive. Afraid to displease his T. As GT T I listen and coll w/ Ps a lot. https://t.co/05BfdEHFUa
A5) So many g/t kids are highly sensitive (I know mine is). It would really stress him out if he saw conflict bet me & his T
A6) To be honest, my favorite piece of technology to use with parents is the telephone. Email can be read wrong.
A6 I think that technology can be a helpful tool. I like using the Remind App to communicate with students and parents.
A6) Seriously, I loved class dojo last year w/ my son's T. I could communicate w/ her privately & she posted pics of their learning
A6) New technologies can only help when everyone understands how to use the tools available.
We've found a less direct approach can help. When Ps & Ts are in a shared community, they discuss issues not indiv students.
We've found a less direct approach can help. When Ps & Ts are in a shared community, they discuss issues not indiv students.
getting too cozy, so a kid is let off easy? Any experience is possible (and has happened). Point is: All need same goals.
GT Ss want to please their parents but also their Ts. If their is friction they often give up W/ frustration https://t.co/cssv1Ho31v
There is no excuse for lack of communication today. In the 90’s we relied on paper & face2face. Today, websites, Dojo, email!
Ah ... but as a parent - I prefer it in writing. https://t.co/A1WZzdtThT
A6) To be honest, my favorite piece of technology to use with parents is the telephone. Email can be read wrong.
For ex, the GHF community has tons of both. By sharing stories & asking questions, all are educated while not under the gun
For ex, the GHF community has tons of both. By sharing stories & asking questions, all are educated while not under the gun
A6) I also like e-mail though. For more formal communication, it was helpful.
And I'm hearing impaired, so the phone isn't always an option for me.
I agree. I never want compliance I want engagement and excitement. Ps help with this too. https://t.co/i5ot5RlUAE
A5) "Achievement" can mean little with a poor p/t relationship. Just means the kid is complying, not reaching potential.
I have phone issues as well. Dread phone calls. https://t.co/r7O2faWWWb
And I'm hearing impaired, so the phone isn't always an option for me.
RT: There is no excuse4lack of communicn 2day.In the 90’s we relied on paper &; f2f. Today, websites, Dojo, email!
A6) Not every new piece of technology is right in every situation. Be aware of cultural concerns & availability of tech for all.
My tweet was weakly worded. I meant sometimes high success/motivation is too strongly tied to rel'nship w/ teacher.
A6) Yes. Simply texting feels very accessible. Still partial to teachers who use Twitter instead of nothing. https://t.co/6ilvMxvnAU
Q6) Can technology bridge the parent-teacher communication gap? Do you have a favorite app? https://t.co/kRG0vLIndc
I think that if the relationship is not positive then that may be the preference, but I send lots of emails too. :)
Yes. Ts are role models and even if you and the T don't mesh well be positive for your child. https://t.co/wAlmNpYqfE
A5) Even if you can't stand the teacher, contain it - you are a role model to your child - model respectful/kind behavior
Also language issues, and neurodiversity issues. If a kid is 2e, good chance one or both parents are, too.
A6) A lot of teachers feel burdened by the many demands for communication - a lot of extra work after school day
A6) Rather than mention/endorse specific apps, I will include links in our weekly blog posts to available apps.
We’re nearing the end of today … final thoughts/takeaways?
Not a Dojo fan... If Ss are engaged, why focus on their monstrous behavior? 😘
This will be archived at & the link will be shared via later today
A5) Consider P's school experience. Not always good and is passed down to Ss. Have to mend relationships
Very, very important point!
But: It's often "that" parent who may help open up possibilities for teachers similarly committed to change. https://t.co/KkmxagAtBC
Very true. Your reputation as ‘that’ parent does get around quick. Best to keep it as positive as possible https://t.co/5SR4RJvbj9
A5) Even if you can't stand the teacher, contain it - you are a role model to your child - model respectful/kind behavior
Thank you to our guests Angie French & moderators
Thanks to the extraordinary staff for their awesome support; we couldn’t do it without them!
😳😳😳
https://t.co/oTbbdVOG6s
A5) I always wonder if parents realize how often their child repeats what they heard at home in school? More often than you think!
of course. I just listed these. I know as a parent of. GT student I sometimes do not recog his issues. https://t.co/rY7Vw3HOuG
I love sending a picture of the student doing something neat to the parent through an app. It’s a positive thing!
Thanks to the Advisory Board:
Be sure to follow some of the new friends you met here today at to continue the convo!
I agree. Good behavior can be "caught", but GT kids may worry that their not being "caught."
Our next chat will be on Tues Aug 16th at 8E/7C/6M/5P (US)/Wed 17th Aug at 1AM (UK)/12.00 NZST/10.00 AEST
Usually but GT also gave a lot of activities outside of school that takes a lot of their time Workload chlng https://t.co/5VJwcFIr3t
Great! Actually I've seen that more with P's of high achievers - g/t P's often BEG for more challenge
Thanks. Such an important topic
Lurked in my first tonight. Some good discussion and shared links. Thanks! I will be back.
Thank you for a great chat. I learned a lot.
Lisa, thanks for another great and advocating for GT Ss!!
