[Tag-Info] November Newsletter
FIGGINS Stacey
Stacey.Figgins at state.or.us
Wed Nov 5 09:14:58 PST 2008
Oregon Talented and Gifted Teacher Update #2
November 5, 2008
Please forward this issue of the update to interested professionals!
Teachers may sign up for this or other newsletters at: http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=1843
Past issues are also available at this website.
1. Welcome to the TAG Teacher Update
2. Legal Reminder of the Month
3. TAG Services Centers Update
4. Excellent Print Resources for TAG Coordinators & Teachers-Win one free!
5. Investigate the Power of Co-Teaching
6. Schools Explore Credit for Proficiency Models
7. Student Competition-Writing about Books
8. Build a Learning Station-Interactive Online Geography Games
9. Gifted Students Tackle Advanced Math
10. Inventories: Reading, Student Interest, Learning Styles, Career Interests
11. Gifted Education Training Modules from the Australian Government
12. Davidson Institute Seeks Extraordinary Achievers to Receive $50,000, $25,000 and $10,000 Davidson Fellow Scholarships
13. Science and Math Enrichment at Southern Oregon University for Middle School Girls
14. Caroline Brady Scholarship for 7th graders
15. Distance Learning in Talented and Gifted through Southern Oregon University
16. Membership in the Oregon Association for Talented and Gifted
17. The New Oregon High School Diploma
18. American Mathematics Competitions
19. Distance Learning Course for Counselors on Gifted Education
20. Pacific University-Gifted Education Certificate
21. University of Oregon to offer class series on gifted education
22. Portland State University to offer gifted education class and differentiation class
23. Check Out Teacher Updates in Other Content Areas
24. How to Submit Articles
25. In Every Issue-Internet Resources
1. Welcome to the TAG Teacher Update
This newsletter is designed to provide current information concerning teachers of TAG students, guidance counselors, administrators, and coordinators of TAG programs. Please let your colleagues know that they can subscribe to this and other ODE content area newsletters by visiting: http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=1843
2. Legal Reminder of the Month
OAR 581-022-1320 focuses on the rights of parents of talented and gifted students. Districts must inform parents at the time of identification of their child as talented and gifted, and the district must inform parents of the available programs and services. Parents must be given an opportunity to provide input about their child's education, and districts must inform parents of their right to file a complaint.
3. TAG Services Centers Update
The TAG Services Centers (formerly known as TAG Regional Planning Centers) at Southern Oregon ESD and Western Oregon University are already hard at work on their TAG plans for the state. The TAG Services Center at WOU is establishing an Advisory Committee which will be completing a needs assessment with Oregon districts about TAG education. They are also developing the first of eight asynchronous online modules with national experts in gifted education. These will be provided free of charge on their website. The TAG Services Center at Southern Oregon ESD is busy recruiting staff from each of the 20 Oregon ESDs and Oregon school districts to participate in their professional development opportunities. The trainings will begin in December and focus on differentiation for highly capable students.
4. Excellent Print Resources for TAG Coordinators & Teachers-Win one free!
Free Spirit Publishing has two fabulous resource books that Oregon districts will find extremely useful. Many of you who have been around the TAG block a few times may already own these, but if you don't you must add them to your collection. For TAG Coordinators, the must-have title is The Survival Guide for Teachers of Gifted Kids: How to Plan, Manage, and Evaluate Programs for Gifted Youth K-12 by Jim Delisle and Barbara A. Lewis. This easy-to-read resource guides program coordinators through a step-by-step process on how to create a successful TAG program in their own district. It provides many real-life examples, helpful forms that can be photocopied and instantly implemented, and helpful appendix information. For classroom teachers, the must-have title is Teaching Gifted Kids in the Regular Classroom by Susan Winebrenner. This text is also very readable and is jam-packed with practical strategies that can be immediately used in the classroom. This book also includes examples of student contracts, curriculum compacting forms, differentiation plan forms, and other activities and forms that teachers can photocopy and use with their own students.
I have three copies of each book to give away to any interested professional. To enter a raffle, simply send me an email indicating your interest. A raffle of all names submitted will be held on November 14th. Paula Abramson at Free Spirit will also offer bulk discounts to districts interested in ordering multiple copies. You can contact her directly at (612) 746-6837 or abramson at freespirit.com.
5. Investigate the Power of Co-Teaching
Co-teaching is often thought of as a strategy for students who are struggling, but it can actually be implemented as a strategy to provide appropriately paced instruction for students who are above grade level as well. Co-teaching can be used in a variety of ways, but usually two or three teachers collaborate on a lesson or unit of study. Students are pre-assessed and then activities are planned accordingly to meet the students at their current level of learning for that particular content. It can be quite powerful to have an additional adult or two to help form flexible groups where students can address specific skills at their exact level. For more information about how to make co-teaching work for gifted learners, contact me or consider attending the workshop on co-teaching put on by Anne Beninghof and the Bureau of Education & Research in Portland on December 5, 2008. For more information go to: http://www.ber.org/CourseInfo.cfm?seid=XCB9F1-PTO
6. Schools Explore Credit for Proficiency Models
Representatives from Scappoose High School and Redmond High School presented their innovative use of credit for proficiency in various courses to the State Board of Education this fall. Each high school has implemented their models differently, but at the base of each model is standards-based curriculum. Students are told overtly what standard they are working on. They complete activities to help them master the skills and/or content involved, and then they complete an assessment. Pre-assessment is also used, and students who have already mastered the content can move on to more advanced content. Seat time has become less of a focus and mastering skills and content is key. Both schools discussed the phenomenon of students making comments like, "I haven't quite mastered the skill of locating information in a text, and I need to practice that more so I can ace this course." Students are making the connection that grades should reflect learning. Both schools have systems in place to address needs of students who need more time working on a standard or who master a standard early. It seems that these types of models could have a huge impact on all students, and TAG students certainly are included in this equation. I would strongly encourage any teachers or administrators interested in investigating this option to contact either Principal Sue Hays at Scappoose High School at (503)543-6376 ext. 224 or shays at scappoose.k12.or.us<mailto:shays at scappoose.k12.or.us> or Assistant Principal Michael Bremont at Redmond High School at (541) 923-4800 or michael.bremont at redmond.k12.or.us<mailto:michael.bremont at redmond.k12.or.us>.
7. Student Competition-Writing about Books
Letters about Literature is a project put on by the Library of Congress Center for the Book. Students in grades 4-12 write a letter to an author living or dead explaining how the author's work changed the student's way of thinking about the world or themselves. There are prizes at the state and national level. State level prizes last year included $500 scholarships, and national prizes included a $500 gift card from Target for the student and a $10,000 Reading Promotion Grant for the winning school. For more information including entry forms visit: http://www.oregon.gov/OSL/LD/youthsvcs/aboutlit.shtml
8. Build a Learning Station-Interactive Online Geography Games
Engaging learning centers are always useful in classrooms, especially when you have a capable student who tends to finish work a little faster than the rest of the class. The two websites listed below have geography games and activities that are very engaging and educational and could be successfully implemented as a whole-class activity or as part of a learning station. Visit: http://www.travelpod.com/traveler-iq/usa or http://www.mywonderfulworld.org.
9. Gifted Students Tackle Advanced Math
A succinct article about a math program for profoundly gifted students in Fairfax County, Virginia, can be found at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/graphic/2008/10/13/GR2008101300628.html
10. Inventories: Reading, Student Interest, Learning Styles, Career Interests
There are many ways that inventories can be used by educators. They help students learn about themselves and teachers learn about their students. This is an area where it doesn't always make sense to reinvent the wheel. I compiled a few websites where you can find inventories that are ready to be used in the classroom.
For an inventory to determine students' feelings about reading go to:
http://www.sarasota.k12.fl.us/Sarasota/interinven.htm
For a general student interest inventory go to either of these two sites:
http://www.orange.k12.nj.us/InclManualOrange/InclusionForms/STUDENTINTERESTINVENTORY-OrangeInclusionManual.pdf
http://printables.scholastic.com/printables/detail/?id=35571
For an online career interest assessment go to:
http://www.learnmoreindiana.org/careers/exploring/Pages/IndepthCareerInterestInventory.aspx
For a learning styles inventory with suggestions for being a great student based on learning preferences to:
http://www.georgebrown.ca/saffairs/stusucc/learningstyles.aspx
11. Helpful Training Modules from the Australian Government
The Australian government has online training modules on the following topics: Understanding Giftedness, The Identification of Gifted Students, Social and Emotional Development of Gifted Students, Underachievement in Gifted Students, Curriculum Differentiation for Gifted Students, and Developing Programs for Gifted Students. Some of their legal information will be different, but the basic research involved in all of these trainings is universal. Check them out at: http://www.dest.gov.au/sectors/school_education/publications_resources/profiles/gifted_education_professional_development_package.htm
12. Davidson Institute Seeks Extraordinary Achievers to Receive $50,000, $25,000 and $10,000 Davidson Fellow Scholarships
The Davidson Institute for Talent Development<http://www.ditd.org/> is offering high achieving young people across the country the opportunity to be named as 2009 Davidson Fellows, an honor accompanied by a $50,000, $25,000 or $10,000 scholarship in recognition of a significant piece of work in Science, Technology, Mathematics, Music, Literature, Philosophy or Outside the Box.
To be eligible, applicants must be under the age of 18 as of Oct. 1, 2009, and a U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident residing in the United States. There is no minimum age for eligibility. The deadline to apply is March 4, 2009. Applicants must submit an original piece of work recognized by experts in the field as significant and it must have the potential to make a positive contribution to society. The scholarship must be used at an accredited institute of learning. For more information on the Davidson Fellows scholarship, or to download an application, please visit www.DavidsonFellows.org<http://www.DavidsonFellows.org>.
13. Science and Math Enrichment at Southern Oregon University for Middle School Girls
The AWSEM (Advocates for Woman in Science, Engineering, and Math) Symposium is a one-day symposium intended to motivate middle school girls to pursue higher education and careers in the areas of science, engineering, and math. Girls are nominated by their teachers. This year's event will be held on Saturday, April 18th. The day will begin with a variety of discovery activities. Participants then select and attend hands-on workshops covering topics such as forensic science, veterinary medicine, chemistry, and more. Throughout the day, female college students will be available to discuss their achievements and enrichment opportunities with the girls. Presenters are women from the local community who are chosen not only for their professional backgrounds and careers, but also for their ability to enthusiastically share their interest in these fields. For more information contact Carol Jensen at (541) 552-6326 or jensen at sou.edu<mailto:jensen at sou.edu>.
14. Caroline D. Brady Scholarship for Seventh Graders
This scholarship program is geared toward talented and gifted students and provides students full high school tuition at a school specially chosen to match students' educational needs. Winners also have access to a peer network through message boards and an annual seminar. This is an excellent opportunity to bring to the attention of parents who have TAG students in this age range. More information including application procedures can be found at: http://www.educationaladvancement.org/
15. Distance Learning in Talented and Gifted through Southern Oregon University
Beginning winter term 2009, Southern Oregon University will offer a three-class series on talented and gifted education. The first introductory course is ED 507: Seminar: Talented and Gifted Education, which addresses objectives like identifying the characteristics and needs of gifted learners and creating program and service options. In the spring, SPED 517: Differentiated Curriculum in the Inclusive Classroom (TAG) will be offered. Finally, in a four-week summer session the course will be SPED 415/515: Understanding the Social and Emotional Needs of the Talented and Gifted Student. Interested professionals are welcome to take one or more of the three-credit courses. All of the courses will be taught by Professor Pat Bentley, and you may contact her directly for more information at bentleyp at sou.edu<mailto:bentleyp at sou.edu>. To register, contact PJ Mau at maup at sou.edu<mailto:maup at sou.edu> or (541) 552-6698. To learn more about Distance Education at Southern Oregon University go to: http://www.sou.edu/distancelearning/
16. Membership in the Oregon Association for Talented and Gifted
The Oregon Association for Talented and Gifted (OATAG) is a statewide organization of educators, parents, and other individuals interested in gifted education in Oregon. OATAG advocates for the needs of talented and gifted children, serves as a resource for families, educators, and communities, and provides direction for excellence in gifted education. There are numerous benefits to joining OATAG, which include:
* Your membership supports OATAG's efforts with the Oregon Department of Education and Oregon's legislators. OATAG is working to ensure that gifted education improves in Oregon.
* Your membership supports research and development, books, position papers, and other resources focusing on issues, policies, and practices that impact the education of talented and gifted students.
* Your membership supports OATAG's future plans for development.
* Your membership supports the volunteer services of our Board, as well as future parent and educator representatives in each region, who will eventually provide resources at a local level.
* Your membership helps support OATAG's website, www.OATAG.org<http://www.OATAG.org>. This is an important resource with information about gifted education and OATAG news and events.
* Your membership supports scholarships and grants to help students access challenging educational resources.
* Your membership entitles you to the "A Different Drummer", OATAG's quarterly newsletter. This is an important resource for parents and educators.
* Your membership entitles you to reduced registration fees for events such as our annual conferences and other OATAG events.
* Your OATAG membership makes you part of the team of people who are working for gifted education.
* Through your membership in OATAG, you clearly demonstrate that you actively support gifted education in Oregon.
* Parents who join OATAG may also join the National Association of Gifted Children (NAGC) at the reduced rate of only $10.
Please visit OATAG's website at http://www.oatag.org for more information or to sign-up online. You may also download and mail/fax in the membership registration form from there as well.
17. The New Oregon High School Diploma
Are you up to speed with all of the changes to the high school diploma? Do you know this year's freshman class will be required to meet the first four essential skills before they receive an Oregon Diploma? Do you know that after this year's graduating class all graduating Oregon students will be required to earn 24 credits instead of 22 credits? Find lots of helpful information about the new diploma at: http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/results/?id=368
18. American Mathematics Competitions
Go to: http://www.unl.edu/amc/whatswhat.shtml to find out more information about getting students who are talented in mathematics to compete in the American Mathematics Competitions.
The American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) is dedicated to the goal of strengthening the mathematical capabilities of our nation's youth. We believe that one way to meet this goal is to identify, recognize, and reward excellence in mathematics through a series of national contests called the:
*
American Mathematics Contest 8 (AMC 8),
* American Mathematics Contest 10 (AMC 10),
* American Mathematics Contest 12 (AMC 12),
* American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME), and
* United States of America Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO).
19. Distance Learning Course for Counselors on Gifted Education
SENG, Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted, is offering a new home study course about gifted students geared toward school counselors. Counselors order and read the book Handbook of Giftedness in Children: Psycho-Educational Theory, Research, and Best Practices edited by Steven I. Pfeiffer and then take an exam. The cost is $90.00 and counselors earn 10 APA approved credits for their efforts. For more information, visit: http://www.sengifted.org/education_home_study.shtml
20. Pacific University-Gifted Certificate
Pacific University's Center for Gifted Education<http://www.pacificu.edu/coe/resources/giftededucation/index.cfm> offers an 11-credit certificate program for teachers, counselors, and parents who want to learn more about meeting the needs of gifted children.
The program starts with an introduction to gifted education including the history of gifted education and the Oregon TAG mandate. Courses on classroom strategies and the social and psychological foundations of gifted education are followed by a practicum where participants apply their knowledge and skills while working with talented and gifted students as well as their parents and teachers. Each class is offered on three Saturdays with the balance of coursework conducted online.
For more information go to: http://www.pacificu.edu/coe/academics/advanced/endorsements/tag.cfm
21. University of Oregon to offer class series on gifted education
The University of Oregon will be offering a three-class series on gifted education starting winter term 2009. The first three-credit class provides a comprehensive introduction to gifted education. The second three-credit class focuses on designing curriculum and preparing instruction for gifted learners. The final class is a practicum in talented and gifted education and will be arranged with the instructors based on individual student need. For more information, contact Dr. Marjorie DeBuse at (541) 346-1402 or mdebuse at uoregon.edu<mailto:mdebuse at uoregon.edu>
22. Portland State University to offer two differentiation courses during winter term
Portland State University offers a five-course series on differentiation titled Reaching All Students. There are two classes being offered during the upcoming winter term. The first is Multiple Ways of Knowing Your Learners. This course addresses the diverse needs of learners in today's educational systems and promotes social justice for learners who have traditionally been left behind. Focusing on learners living in poverty, English Language Learners, learners with disabilities, and learners identified as talented and gifted results in a better understanding of their learning needs and encourages teachers to use instructional strategies that better meet those needs and improve their learning. The second course is Systems for Successful Implementation of Differentiated Education. Participants in this course will explore yearlong, standards-based unit and lesson planning. We will also address venues for communication of differentiated instruction to our students, parents, team members, extended school personnel, administration, and the community. For program information, go to http://www.ceed.pdx.edu/differentiate or contact Cailín O'Connor, 503-725-8234 or caoconno at pdx.edu<mailto:caoconnor at pdx.edu>
23. Check Out Teacher Updates in Other Content Areas
There are fabulous Teacher Updates being published monthly in other content areas like foreign language, social studies, and mathematics. You can subscribe to them by visiting: http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=1843
24. How to Submit Articles
If you would like to submit information for this newsletter, please email publication-ready short articles by the end of the month to stacey.figgins at state.or.us<mailto:stacey.figgins at state.or.us>. Please include links and contact information but no attachments.
26. In Every Issue-Internet Resources
Oregon Department of Education TAG
http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/results/?id=76
ERIC - Educational Resources Information Center
http://www.eric.ed.gov/
Supporting Emotional Needs of Gifted (SENG)
http://www.sengifted.org/
Council for Exceptional Children http://www.cec.sped.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home
National Association for Gifted Children
www.nagc.org<http://www.nagc.org>
Oregon Association for Talented and Gifted
www.oatag.org<http://www.oatag.org>
REAL - Resources for Educational Achievement and Leadership
http://www.ode.state.or.us/teachlearn/real/
Get Ready Oregon web page: New Oregon Diploma information for the general public
http://www.getreadyoregon.org
Oregon Diploma web page: Resources and tools for educators
http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/results/?id=368
Contact the Education Specialist in TAG
Stacey Figgins, stacey.figgins at state.or.us<mailto:stacey.figgins at state.or.us> (503) 947-5701
****Disclaimer--The materials contained in the Oregon Talented and Gifted Teacher Update produced by Oregon Department of Education are drawn from both internal and external sources and inclusion of external materials does not necessarily indicate Oregon Department of Education endorsement.****
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