Professional Learning
Professional Learning
- Six Hour Update G/T Professional Learning
- On-going Professional Learning, including Depth & Complexity and all listed below.
For G/T Coordinators and Administrators
Using Case Studies in Professional Learning
This session focuses on use of case studies for professional learning. Small group discussions will engage participants in the application of a case study. A large group discussion will then be used to share the outcome of the case and how it can become an effective professional development activity.
For G/T Teachers, Coordinators, and Administrators
Using Case Studies
This session focuses on use of case studies to address specific G/T issues. Sample case studies on one or more topics of interest are used to engage participants in the application of a case study. Participants will be provided a specific case to discuss, evaluate, and plan for resolution of the issue. The case studies center on the following categories:
- Recognizing Learning and Developmental Differences, including twice exceptional
- Assessing Learning Progress and Evaluating Services
- Making Decisions Related to Curriculum and Instruction
- Creating Safe Learning Environments
- Providing a Continuum of Services
- Planning for Professional Learning
You may select from a variety of sample cases within each category for your audience.
Using Case Studies for G/T Differentiation
This session focuses on use of case studies to address G/T differentiation. Sample case studies on issues of interest are used to engage participants in the application of a case study. Participants will be provided a specific case to discuss, evaluate, and plan for resolution of the issue. Select from these case studies that center on the following categories:
- Differentiated Instruction in the Regular Classroom – Elementary, Middle, and High School
- Differentiated Instruction in a Cluster Classroom – Elementary and Middle School and Underrepresented Populations
- Differentiated Instruction in a Full-Time G/T Classroom – Content, Process, Product, and Affect
Topics for Educators of Migrant Students
The six-hour updates listed above are developed for educators of migrant students. If you have a need for a special topic, let’s talk.
- Six Hour Update G/T Professional Learning
- On-going Professional Learning
Nature and Needs of Migrant Students who are Gifted
This session addresses the characteristics of gifted learners who are identified as migrant students. Gifted students are found in all communities and in all socioeconomic circumstances. Children of migrant workers express their giftedness in ways different from their peers who do not migrate. Participants will leave with an understanding of characteristics of the gifted and how to see these characteristics in their migrant students.
Identification of Migrant Students for G/T services
Gifted migrant students are often not referred for G/T services and, when referred for evaluation, do not respond well to criteria developed for non-migrant students. This session focuses on the migrant population as one aspect of underrepresented populations and how to develop an identification process that shows their learning strengths.
Effective Curriculum Models for Migrant G/T Students
Research-based curriculum models that work for Migrant G/T students are explored in this session. Participants will learn about the curriculum models that best fit the Migrant G/T students. Instructional strategies and examples will be recommended.
Increasing Student Performance Using RtI for the GT – Dr. Cecelia Boswell and Vowery Carlile
If you are looking for ways to increase the performance of your district’s top students, this is the workshop for you. This day of professional development illustrates the use of the Response to Intervention (RtI) model with the gifted student. Tiers I, II, and III will be fully explained with examples of intervention at each level. Many research-based strategies and classroom management strategies will be discussed including: critical and creative thinking, Bloom’s higher order questions, depth and complexity, and research and independent projects.
Meet Them Where They Are
This professional development session combines problem-based projects with age- and intellect-appropriate content. Participants will learn about practices that accommodate Response to Intervention methods along with classroom management strategies and brain-compatible instruction. Project assessment measures are provided that include standards of TEKS and College Readiness and an evaluation of the So What factor of research. Sample problems and a framework for development of problem-based projects are provided.
Engaged Thinking
How can we encourage thinking in the classroom and beyond? This session offers questioning strategies and classroom management techniques that promote deep and complex thinking. When students are engaged in learning that is based on their interests and previous knowledge, they begin to think in deeper and more complex ways. Assessments that validate growth in learning will be suggested.
Equity for the Gifted and Response to Intervention, RtI. All Things Being Equal”
Professional Learning for all educators who are concerned with equity issues and how to meet the needs of all students through the RtI model. Specific examples of how to accommodate the gifted within the structure of RtI are offered for participants. This professional development can be tailored for administrator or for teachers.
Yes, You Can Do It All!
This session models classroom management to meet the needs of the gifted within a regular secondary or elementary classroom. A variety of techniques are explored as participants practice differentiation.
Differentiation: A Tiered Assignment Approach
This professional learning opportunity integrates differentiation with tiered assignments. Participants will review the principles of differentiation, learn how to design tiered assignments, and create lessons appropriate for their classrooms.
Extending Achievement: Adding Rigor and Relevance
Educators will learn ways to extend students’ thinking and increase achievement levels. This session will illustrate how to address student interest through authentic learning that will add rigor, relevance, depth and complexity to their learning.
Is It Gifted Enough?
Dr. Boswell’s session reviews the tools of differentiation reflected in a research-based checklist steeped in the principles of differentiation. The checklist coordinates program standards, issues of poverty in giftedness, and accepted differentiation practices. The session offers participants an opportunity to evaluate the checklist and assists in establishing curriculum to meet the needs of their GT students from all ethnicities and socioeconomic status. Participants will be guided through curriculum modification with examples that work.
Independent Study: Ensuring Rigor & Relevance
In light of demands on time and resources, a practical way to serve gifted students with requisite rigor and relevance is presented. This session serves to blend Advanced Placement, the Texas Performance Standards Project, and Independent Study.
Nature and Needs for Administrators and Counselors.
This session is based on the precise needs of administrators and counselors who make decision for gifted education services. Program options and evaluation are highlighted along with characteristics of the gifted and identification procedures.
Nature & Needs of Gifted Learners
This session provides a thorough look at how gifted perceive the world and the learning needs associated with their perceptions. Social and emotional needs and characteristics of the gifted are included in this session.
Assessment of Gifted Learners
Identification issues and answers are approached and found throughout the six hour workshop. Identification is tied to characteristics, nature and needs of gifted learners as presented in “Nature & Needs” workshop.
Curriculum for Gifted Learners
Session 1
Participants are introduced to vocabulary associated with curriculum for gifted learners and differentiation strategies recognized as appropriate for characteristics of the gifted.
Session 2
This session builds on Session 1 by adding strategies and activities to meet the needs of the learners. Strategies and activities are built around meeting the Texas State Plan for Education of Gifted/Talented by addressing depth, complexity, and pacing.
Session 3
The culminating session includes classroom management strategies for gifted in mixed ability classrooms, in pull-out classes, and for independent study. Participants begin writing lessons and units for immediate use.
Writing Books for Children
Participants will learn how to write books for their students, their own children, their grandchildren, or children at church or in the neighborhood. Participants will leave with a book ready for some lucky child or youth.
Rigor & Relevance in a New Age
This session offers rationale for adding rigor and attaching relevance for all students. Suggestions for accomplishing rigor and relevance are embedded in the session.
Differentiation and Advanced Placement
This session offers insight into the place of Advanced Placement for gifted learners. Differentiation strategies are included.
Secrets of Gifted Education
The keynote delivers insight into the vision of gifted education and its impact on education for all students.