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.
Welcome to Global Gifted and Talented Chat Powered by the Texas Association for the Gifted & Talented @TXGifted#TAGT ~ Thanks for joining us to chat about “Gifted Education Coordinator: Stakeholder or Gatekeeper?” #gtchat
I’m Jeffrey Farley ~ guest moderator, Special Programs Coordinator from Beaumont, TX currently in transition to the balmy climes of Wisconsin. Please take a minute to let us know who you are and from where you’re tweeting! #gtchat
Are you new to Twitter chats? We use the Q1 / A1 format for #gtchat … Please remember to use the #gtchat hashtag to participate in the conversation. This will make sure that other chat participants see your tweets.
I’m Linda Autrey, Director of Advanced Academics, @NacISD in Nacogdoches, TX. New member of #TAGT ‘s Emerging Leader Program. #gtchat@gtchatmod@TXGifted
Our first question is coming up; let’s get ready to chat!
Please preface your responses with A1)
Excited to collaborate and share ideas with you today about the role of the gifted education administrator. #gtchat
A1) The #GT coordinator’s role is a big one- ensure equitable identification/assessment process, communicate widely/ often to community/parents/staff, help provide training, monitor programs w/a wide array of opportunities that meet the needs of #gifted learners. Whew! #gtchat
A1)At the forefront our role is to provide services to meet the learning needs of our #GT students but also important is being able to do a unique type of code-switching as we communicate needs/information/education to a variety of stakeholders #gtchat
Hello, Gifted Specialist from Chapel Hill. I am aware of what I represent in the community -- both a gatekeeper and a stakeholder for giftedED & equity #gtchat
A1) The Gifted Education Coordinator organizes the gifted and talented programs, supports and mentors teachers, keeps up to date with resources, may arrange testing and communicates with parents #gtchat
A1) Especially if one wishes to move a program of any size from mere compliance with state standards to an exemplary program that really offers students the opportunities they need to thrive, it is one of the most important roles in the district.
https://t.co/4H5htBlI9R#gtchat
A2) In my experience as both a principal and as a district gifted coordinator, I always felt much more like a very vested stakeholder. And like some of you have said, my students' strongest advocate. #gtchat
A2) stakeholder- they need to be a leader in the conversation, but ultimately GT programs need to be a collective vision for the school/district/state. This collective vision creates buy-in and successful programs. ... #gtchat
A1) AIG coordinators/educators are perceived as both -- stakeholders & gatekeepers; however, it's all about providing equitable gifted services for all, for some, and for the few who need them #gtchat
A2) Both, in reality. Stakeholder bc we can’t be good at our jobs if we aren’t invested in our children & the programs that serve them. (Also, I have a #GT child of my own.) Gatekeeper bc we aren’t here to promote elitism but ensure students are properly ID’d/served. #gtchat
A3) I have always thought that this - working on the ground with teachers and staff to teach and build programs - is the most important and most challenging task a GT Coordinator faces. #gtchat
We are already half way through our chat! Thank you for sharing so many inspiring thoughts about the role of the gifted education administrator! Please remember to use the #gtchat hashtag to participate in the conversation.
Q3) 1 thing I do when communicating with teachers is start by trying to meet them where they are, not make assumptions about their experience, knowledge or concern of #GT students/issues, and then find out their needs and capacity and go from there. Go slow to go fast. #gtchat
A3) The gifted coordinator can give teachers one on one time to discuss particular students or groups, can give in service training sessions and have a great collection of resources available #gtchat
A3) I listen. I listen 2 assess where their understanding is on gifted ed, what they think they know, where their assumptions are, and how their opinions on gifted children are formed. #gtchat
A3) Talk, communicate, ask questions, find out what they want to see! The ideas of our staff in our district far exceed my own. Make it a team effort, build those relationships. I learned yesterday about turning your naysayers into allies. You will see movement!😃#gtchat
A4) This answer, for me, is a painful one, but the biggest drivers behind my commitment to raise the bar for gifted kids have been inequity across student populations, under-representation, and what I perceived as a lack of rigor and depth in the program. #gtchat
A4) Attending conferences and workshops can provide inspiration, knowledge, and connection to resources and programs and seeing positive results and happy students encourages commitment #gtchat
A4) As an “accidental” gifted leader myself, I can say these 2 things: the professional gifted community (@TXGifted was a gamechanger and lifesaver!), and seeing first hand how underserved students needs weren’t being met and feeling compelled to fight for them #gtchat
A4) It started 4 me seeing many bright students get lost in the shuffle/lose their spark. I couldn’t stand it. Since my 10yo daughter was identified, I’ve learned so much & I don’t see myself ever stopping. I’ll stay this course for her & every student w/needs like hers. #gtchat
It certainly helps to experience the program through the eyes of a parent. Until one experiences that, it is easy to say that the status quo is "good enough". #gtchat
Q4) GiftedEd has been an unmarked space for White adults and students. Testing instruments and the ways in which the nature of gifted ed has been constructed must 2 be explored #gtchat
Q5) What are some justifications GT coordinators can use for providing gifted education services when they are not valued by the local community? #gtchat
A5) My favorite: If a student is operating at one-and-a-half or more standard deviations below average, we provide services in the form of Special Education. If a student operates at one-and-a-half standard deviations ABOVE average, shouldn't we do the same? #gtchat
A5) Gifted Tactics in the Field: Reports from Four School Districts on the Challenges of Instruction for Gifted Students https://t.co/lb61u4ndRP#gtchat
A5) In Tx we’re now able to tie it in to our CCMR & state accountability. I talk to principals about how this helps their school. We share all the good news on Twitter & FB to tell our story bc no one else can. Great schools that meet all Ss needs better our community. #gtchat
Their right to demand #gifted services often has a lot to do with how well Gifted Coordinators do their job of reaching out and teaching parents what those rights are and what their children's giftedness really means. #gtchat
Yes and in sports loving groups you could ask Would you make your potential Olympic swimmers sit in the shallows and kick their legs until everyone can swim? #gtchat
Yes and in sports loving groups you could ask Would you make your potential Olympic swimmers sit in the shallows and kick their legs until everyone can swim? #gtchat
A6) If you live in or ANYWHERE NEAR Texas especially, keep a close eye on @TXGifted. TAGT offers OUTSTANDING conference opportunities and a bevy of resources throughout the year. #gtchat
A6) The amazing educators I’ve met & been mentored by w/ @TXGifted#TAGT have been my lifeline. A supportive district admin has also helped, particularly in a less wealthy district. Creative, energetic #GT teachers are worth their weight in gold as $$ is always an issue. #gtchat
A5) In Tx we’re now able to tie it in to our CCMR & state accountability. I talk to principals about how this helps their school. We share all the good news on Twitter & FB to tell our story bc no one else can. Great schools that meet all Ss needs better our community. #gtchat
As a gifted ed leader the best thing you can do is CONNECT, connect with others and organizations regionally, state-wide, nationally and of course on the great PLN that is Twitter! #gtchat
Our next chat will be on Thursday October 25th at 8E/7C/6M/5P US and Friday 26th October at 1 PM NZDT/11 AM AEDT/1AM UK. Please note TIME CHANGES. Our topic will be “Procrastination and Gifted Students” #gtchat
