Gifted & Talented News
Spring 2023
Teacher Resource Edition
Welcome to the Spring edition of Heartland AEA Gifted & Talented News! I know, it's the end of the year, but education has a way of spiraling like the photo. Soon you will be right back at August (we'll call that the bright light in the middle of the photo), excited and ready for a new school year. And on all of the colorful steps in between now and then, you will have time to think and plan with maybe a couple of new ideas. So this issue includes some high quality online curriculum resources as well as a list of the newest books we have added to our professional library that you may want to check out over the summer.
Also, there is one favor you could do for us. If you know that there will be a staffing change at your district, please email us to let us know as much information as you know about that change. That will help us keep our address book up to date so our future communications reach the right people.
kwilcox-conley@heartlandaea.org
As we close the year, Kate and I thank you for all you do for your gifted students. You are appreciated. And educators need to hear that more than ever. Enjoy these last crazy weeks of school and here's to a relaxing, rejuvenating summer!
Kate & Kyra
Learning Opportunities
Save the Date: 2023-24 Gifted Education Learning Series
- August 30
- October 25
- December 6
- February 21
- April 10
It is our hope that with advance notice of the dates, you may be able to schedule your student contact time to allow you to join us. If your district has early releases on Wednesdays, you could inquire about this professional learning as an alternative to in-district activities for that day
Attend all 5 sessions for a licensure renewal credit, or select a session or two that best meet your current needs. Look for a registration link for the licensure renewal credit in August!
Good Reads
Kate is reading...
Kyra is reading...
Eats, Shoots & Leaves
This is an oldie, but a goodie. Great for talking to kids of any age about how punctuation can change the meaning of what we write in the most hilarious ways. Other titles by Lynne Truss include Girls Like Spaghetti and Twenty Odd Ducks.
Online Curriculum Resources
New in the Professional Library!
Collaboration, Coteaching, and Coaching in Gifted Education
Includes methods and strategies for coplanning, coteaching, coaching and collaboration with school staff. Tools help facilitate and maintain collaborative work in order to challenge and support all gifted students.
Artistic Ways of Knowing
This curriculum offers the elements of theory and practice to understand the artistic experience. Includes three books: Arts Talent ID: A framework for the identification of students talented in the arts; Think Like an Artist: Lessons for experiencing the artistic creative process; and Artistic Ways of Knowing: How to think like an artist.
Methods & Materials for Teaching the Gifted
This 5th edition is completely revised with current research and best practices for identifying gifted students, addressing needs of twice-exceptional and culturally and linguistically diverse learners, designing curriculum, developing critical and creative thinking, differentiating instruction, and encouraging talent development.
Start Seeing & Serving Underserved Gifted Students
Check it out here!
Over 50 strategies help teachers work with and advocate for underserved gifted learners in all content areas.
Handbook on Assessments for Gifted Learners
Check it out here!
Topics: building an effective identification system, targeted learning progress assessments, program evaluation, assessments, and processes used to gauge programs' success. Includes research-based, practical ideas for identifying and measuring the progress of gifted and advanced learners.
Paradigms of Gifted Education
Check it out here!
Research in the belief systems that are historically present in gifted education-the Gifted Child Paradigm, the Talent Development Paradigm, and the Differentiation Paradigm.
And to end on a sweet note...
Before you know it, gardens and farmers markets will be overflowing with zucchini. Here is a delicious use for it!