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Posted by on Sep 27, 2020 in Greater Minnesota, MN Dept of Education

MDE Gifted Coordinator Virtual Series, GT Resources for COVID-19

MDE Gifted Coordinator Virtual Series, GT Resources for COVID-19

Minnesota Department of Education covers six recommendations to meet GT learner needs via hybrid and distance learning during COVID-19. Download the new resource: Utilizing the Expertise of Gifted Education Coordinators and Specialists (.pdf). Topics include:

  1. Identify Students for Services
  2. Differentiate Instruction
  3. Create Independent Learning Experiences
  4. Facilitate Professional Learning
  5. Support Families and Communities
  6. Strengthen Gifted Education Procedures and Practices

2020-2021 Gifted Education Coordinator & Specialist Virtual Series

The 2020-2021 Gifted Education Coordinator & Specialist Virtual Series is a collaboration of the Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota Council for the Gifted and Talented (MCGT), and Minnesota Educators of the Gifted and Talented (MEGT). Cost for the 3-day series is $50 and is intended for gifted education coordinators and specialists. Full session descriptions and presenter details appear below.

TIME & DATES | 12:30 – 2:30pm, October 26, 2020, December 14, 2020, and January 12, 2021
COST | $50 includes all three events
WHERE | Hosted via Zoom, a link to join the workshop will be sent prior to each meeting
REGISTER | Online Registration opens September 10, 2020, with registration deadline October 19, 2020 (5pm)

Contact – Registration Questions: Jennifer Farner, MCGT, 952.848.4906, info@mcgt.net

Contact – Program Questions: Wendy Behrens, 651.582.8786, wendy.behrens@state.mn.us

Cancellation Deadline: October 19, 2020 (5pm)

Invoicing, Payment Options, & Registration by Mail: A $10 invoicing fee applies to all invoices, invoice 30 days after workshop. Visit the registration page for other payment options and to access print registration forms.


October 26: Optimizing Online and Blended Learning for Gifted Students

Presented by Dr. Diane Heacox, Professor Emerita at St. Catherine University in St. Paulgifted coordinator

As schools have transitioned into online or blended learning, there is a stronger need for significant differentiation to occur. Given the wide variations offered to students online, it is expected that the range of learners in a classroom has increased. In response, teachers must empower gifted students by integrating more choice, voice and control to encourage independence. Leave this session with solid ideas and strategies for addressing the unique needs of the gifted in online or blended learning formats.

December 14: Integrating Affective Needs into the ELA Curriculum for Gifted Learners 

Presented by Dr. Tamra Stambaugh, Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee

How do you find time to proactively develop students’ awareness of their affective needs while simultaneously teaching content standards?  Learn and practice applying a scaffolding framework for building critical thinking skills, promoting inquiry-based discussions of texts, and supporting standards-based learning while also engaging students in conversations about achievement patterns, identity, feelings, goal setting, and facing adversity.

January 12: Creating Spaces for Change: Integrating Equity & Culturally Responsive Practices to Promote Student Success

Presented by Dr. Javetta J. Roberson, Coordinator of Secondary Advanced Academics & Gifted and Talented, McKinney ISD in McKinney, TX

Being culturally competent and responsive will help educators and leaders to see gifts and talents in diverse student populations, particularly students who are poorly represented in gifted education and advanced level courses. During this workshop, leaders will be provided with resources and strategies for advanced level students to improve student success for racially, culturally, and linguistically diverse gifted students.