#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.

Thursday October 18, 2018
8:00 PM EDT

  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:00 PM EDT
    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
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:02 PM EDT
    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
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:02 PM EDT
    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.
  • gtchatmod - Moderator Oct 18 @ 8:03 PM EDT
    Greetings to Global #gtchat Powered by #TAGT @TXGifted from @WaltDisneyWorld @Epcot Hope y'all have a great chat with guest moderator @FarleyJeffrey Thank you Jeffrey ... See you next week!
  • jofrei Oct 18 @ 8:03 PM EDT
    Hi! Jo Freitag from Gifted Resources and Sprite's Site blogs Victoria Australia here at 11.00am Friday for #gtchat
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:04 PM EDT
    Lurking to learn? Please say ‘hi’ and then view a livestream from Participate Learning at https://t.co/6nPX9C4wcq #gtchat
  • lindalautrey Oct 18 @ 8:06 PM EDT
    I’m Linda Autrey, Director of Advanced Academics, @NacISD in Nacogdoches, TX. New member of #TAGT ‘s Emerging Leader Program. #gtchat @gtchatmod @TXGifted
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:06 PM EDT
    Hi, Linda! Welcome! #gtchat
    In reply to @lindalautrey, @NacISD, @gtchatmod, @TXGifted
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:07 PM EDT
    Enjoy the chat! All the resources and a summary of this chat will be posted later on our blog at https://t.co/f76PnWU3fQ #gtchat
  • Kate_Arms Oct 18 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    Lurking tonight. Kate from Toronto, mom of 4 gt kids (3 2e) and coach to gt/2e adults and parents of get/2e kids. #gtchat
  • kgraham612 Oct 18 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    👋🏻 Kristin here, District Coordinator for Jacksonville ISD #gtchat
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    Welcome, Kate. Glad to have you! #gtchat
    In reply to @Kate_Arms
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    Good evening, Kristin. Thanks for joining us. #gtchat
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:09 PM EDT
    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
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:09 PM EDT
    Q1 What is the role of the gifted education coordinator? #gtchat
  • lindalautrey Oct 18 @ 8:09 PM EDT
    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
  • ccoxteach Oct 18 @ 8:10 PM EDT
    Hi! I am a GT Specialist for @oksde. I am part of a Javits grant to improve GT for underrep populations! #gtchat
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:10 PM EDT
    Thanks for joining us, Christy. Welcome. #gtchat
    In reply to @ccoxteach, @oksde
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:11 PM EDT
    A1 Administrator Quick Guide to Gifted Education (pdf) via @NAGCGIFTED https://t.co/L6tb2IXGGK #gtchat
  • smalone0721 Oct 18 @ 8:12 PM EDT
    Hi @FarleyJeffrey So excited for this #gtchat! I am a District Coordinator for Elementary schools
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:13 PM EDT
    That's certain, Linda. The coordinator's role is huge, especially if you want your program to be the best it can be for #gifted students. #gtchat
    In reply to @lindalautrey
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:13 PM EDT
    A1 Pre-K to Grade 12 Gifted Programming Standards via @NAGCGIFTED https://t.co/avZxR32giX #gtchat
  • kgraham612 Oct 18 @ 8:14 PM EDT
    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
  • mrsbennahaas Oct 18 @ 8:14 PM EDT
    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
  • jofrei Oct 18 @ 8:15 PM EDT
    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
  • ccoxteach Oct 18 @ 8:15 PM EDT
    A1) advocate. They are there to support educators and parents navigate the GT world. They need to be knowledgeable and approachable. #gtchat
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:15 PM EDT
    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
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:16 PM EDT
    Welcome, Benna! #gtchat
    In reply to @mrsbennahaas
  • JeremyDBond Oct 18 @ 8:16 PM EDT
    A1) Not sure but here to learn! Joining from Connecticut. #gtchat
    In reply to @FarleyJeffrey
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:16 PM EDT
    Welcome, Jeremy! Nice to see you. #gtchat
    In reply to @JeremyDBond
  • mrsbennahaas Oct 18 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    a fascinating topic as we look into the revision of the AIG plan cycle 2020 - 2023 #gtchat
    In reply to @FarleyJeffrey
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    Question 2 is coming up! #gtchat
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    Q2 Should the GT coordinator be seen as a stakeholder or gatekeeper? #gtchat
  • jofrei Oct 18 @ 8:19 PM EDT
    Yes! So often they act as advocate! #gtchat
    In reply to @ccoxteach
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:20 PM EDT
    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
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:20 PM EDT
    A2 Stakeholder or Gatekeeper: The Role of the Principal in Gifted Education (pdf) https://t.co/vmbG2SAWQM #gtchat
  • RobynCh57745984 Oct 18 @ 8:21 PM EDT
    #gtchat joining from Canada. Coordinator from Coquitlam, BC
  • ccoxteach Oct 18 @ 8:21 PM EDT
    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
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:21 PM EDT
    Welcome, Robyn! Great to have you here tonight. #gtchat
    In reply to @RobynCh57745984
  • mrsbennahaas Oct 18 @ 8:23 PM EDT
    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
  • lindalautrey Oct 18 @ 8:25 PM EDT
    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
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:25 PM EDT
    Question 3 is coming up in just a moment! #gtchat
  • mrsbennahaas Oct 18 @ 8:25 PM EDT
    GT leaders must also be actively engaged in state and national level advocacy & strengthen policy research for giftedED #gtchat
    In reply to @ccoxteach
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:25 PM EDT
    Q3 What are some ways GT coordinators can interact with teachers and staff to build consensus around the gifted program to benefit students? #gtchat
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:27 PM EDT
    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
  • JeremyDBond Oct 18 @ 8:27 PM EDT
    Maybe the keymaster? ;) #gtchat A2
    In reply to @FarleyJeffrey
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:28 PM EDT
    A3 TEMPO: Positive Ripple Effects of Professional Development for Gifted Programs (pdf) via @TXGifted https://t.co/xzPtaYUcOh #gtchat
  • JeremyDBond Oct 18 @ 8:28 PM EDT
    The chat will probably get to this, but is this a common position in districts? #gtchat
    In reply to @lindalautrey
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:29 PM EDT
    Yes, Jeremy. Especially in districts of 20,000 kids or more. Or where stakeholders simply demand excellence in their gifted education program. #gtchat
    In reply to @JeremyDBond, @lindalautrey
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:30 PM EDT
    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.
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:30 PM EDT
    A3) Shaping School Culture: The Heart of Leadership (bn) https://t.co/uUp2BsOra1 #gtchat
  • kgraham612 Oct 18 @ 8:31 PM EDT
    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
  • jofrei Oct 18 @ 8:31 PM EDT
    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
  • mrsbennahaas Oct 18 @ 8:32 PM EDT
    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
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:32 PM EDT
    A3) Programs and Services for Gifted Secondary Students: A Guide to Recommended Practices (Prufrock) https://t.co/3I4qeJpDQQ #gtchat
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:33 PM EDT
    Q4) What experiences encourage GT coordinators to make a commitment to gifted education? #gtchat
  • lindalautrey Oct 18 @ 8:34 PM EDT
    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
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:36 PM EDT
    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
    • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:33 PM EDT
      Q4) What experiences encourage GT coordinators to make a commitment to gifted education? #gtchat
  • jofrei Oct 18 @ 8:37 PM EDT
    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
  • kgraham612 Oct 18 @ 8:37 PM EDT
    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
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:38 PM EDT
    Amen! #gtchat
    In reply to @kgraham612, @TXGifted
  • lindalautrey Oct 18 @ 8:38 PM EDT
    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
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:39 PM EDT
    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
    In reply to @lindalautrey
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:40 PM EDT
    A4) How Leadership Influences Student Learning (pdf) https://t.co/r8WuhUkSWC #gtchat
  • mrsbennahaas Oct 18 @ 8:40 PM EDT
    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
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:41 PM EDT
    Great ideas, keep sharing! Question 5 is coming up. Preface your answer with A5) And don't forget to add #gtchat to your tweet!
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:41 PM EDT
    Q5) What are some justifications GT coordinators can use for providing gifted education services when they are not valued by the local community? #gtchat
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:44 PM EDT
    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
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:45 PM EDT
    A5) Gifted Tactics in the Field: Reports from Four School Districts on the Challenges of Instruction for Gifted Students https://t.co/lb61u4ndRP #gtchat
  • mrsbennahaas Oct 18 @ 8:45 PM EDT
    Parents demand what their children need. It's their right #Article9B. We are required by the state of NC to provide services for gifted #gtchat
    In reply to @FarleyJeffrey, @lindalautrey
  • lindalautrey Oct 18 @ 8:47 PM EDT
    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
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:47 PM EDT
    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
    In reply to @mrsbennahaas, @lindalautrey
  • jofrei Oct 18 @ 8:48 PM EDT
    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
    In reply to @FarleyJeffrey
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:48 PM EDT
    A5) Snapshot Survey of PK-Grade 12 Gifted Education Programming Effectiveness Factors (pdf) https://t.co/7PuIZwSUZf #gtchat
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:49 PM EDT
    I love it! #gtchat
    • jofrei Oct 18 @ 8:48 PM EDT
      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
      In reply to @FarleyJeffrey
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:49 PM EDT
    Final question, #gtchat! Please preface your responses with A6)
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:50 PM EDT
    Q6) Where can GT coordinators find resources to inform their decisions about the administration of gifted programs in their schools? #gtchat
  • mrsbennahaas Oct 18 @ 8:52 PM EDT
    Q6) #NAGT administrator's toolbox https://t.co/dclUIlEUMg #gtchat
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:52 PM EDT
    A6) Texas G/T Program Implementation Resource: G/T Coordinator-Teacher-Counselor Documents https://t.co/PCRe9opyE3 #gtchat
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:53 PM EDT
    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
  • nevitdilmen Oct 18 @ 8:55 PM EDT
    Digest for #Gifted! Parents and Educators! is out! https://t.co/AGMFNoaKGv #gtchat #edchat
  • lindalautrey Oct 18 @ 8:55 PM EDT
    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
  • jofrei Oct 18 @ 8:56 PM EDT
    A6) National and state gifted associations, conferences and workshops, online information sources such as @HoagiesGifted etc #gtchat
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:56 PM EDT
    A6) Resources for Administrators via @NAGCGIFTED https://t.co/FuXlvYVlIe #gtchat
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:56 PM EDT
    We are nearing the end of #gtchat today. Please share your final thoughts and takeaways from our chat?
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:57 PM EDT
    More resources & a summary of today’s chat will be posted on the Global #gtchat Powered by TAGT Blog at https://t.co/qsb9XSxlRA
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:57 PM EDT
    Thanks to the awesome #TAGT staff @TxGifted for their continuing support; we couldn’t do it without them! #gtchat
  • jofrei Oct 18 @ 8:58 PM EDT
    A6 And of course GT Chat blog https://t.co/HgcVUsJdJT and the weekly #gtchat
  • JeremyDBond Oct 18 @ 8:58 PM EDT
    Wondering why I didn't know more about this position and whether it exists in my district. Thanks! #gtchat
    In reply to @FarleyJeffrey
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:58 PM EDT
    Thanks to my colleagues on the #gtchat Advisory Board: @antraasa @GingerLewman @jofrei @msheathervaughn @teachagiftedkid
  • JeremyDBond Oct 18 @ 8:59 PM EDT
    "Because no one else can." Love it! #gtchat
    • lindalautrey Oct 18 @ 8:47 PM EDT
      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
  • lindalautrey Oct 18 @ 8:59 PM EDT
    Thank you for moderating and your thoughtful contributions. This was a pleasure. #gtchat
    In reply to @FarleyJeffrey
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:59 PM EDT
    Thanks to my colleagues on the #gtchat Advisory Board: @antraasa @GingerLewman @jofrei @msheathervaughn @teachagiftedkid #gtchat
  • kgraham612 Oct 18 @ 8:59 PM EDT
    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
  • jofrei Oct 18 @ 8:59 PM EDT
    Thank you Jeffrey Farley @FarleyJeffrey and @TXGifted advisory board, sponsors,supporters and everyone for a very interesting #gtchat
  • FarleyJeffrey Oct 18 @ 8:59 PM EDT
    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