WHO ARE THEY?

T O D AY ’ S O V E R L O O K E D A N D / O R F O R G O T T E N G I F T E D A N D TA L E N T E D S T U D E N T S

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Northwestern Center for Talent DevelopmentUnderserved Gifted Populations Summit

October 15, 2016Evanston, Illinois

Presentation by Dr. Debra A. Hill

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• Discuss the big picture related to the challenges in identifying and retaining children who are: economically disadvantaged, of color, and second language learners in programs for high ability learners.

• Explore how schools and teachers can do a better job identifying, serving, retaining these children and involving their families.  

• Examine what we know. • Identify the trends.

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WHO AM I AND WHO ARE YOU?Introductions

Personal Name – family structure/history Professional work environment past and present

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THE BIG PICTURE - UNDERSERVEDWho are they and what are the challenges?

Students from impoverished environments economically, socially, demographically

Systemic, perceptual/psychological, social, family issues

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THE BIG PICTURE - IDENTIFICATION

Students of Color African American Native American Latino Mixed races

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THE BIG PICTURE – WHAT WE HEAR

Second Language learners European Hispanic Asian Caribbean

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THE BIG PICTURE - WHAT WE SEE

Students with Disabilities

o Physicalo Mentalo Behavioral

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THE BIG PICTURE – WHAT IF?

Ordinary People Do Extraordinary Things

What if one of your students will be the one to…

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HOW CAN WE DO BETTER?1. Review, develop, incorporate

researched strategies and programs

2. Actively seek and engage in professional development (and use what we learn)

3. Share best practices that work

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WHAT DO WE ALREADY KNOW? Statistics regarding the

disproportionality The contributing factors Teacher expectations impact

student achievement Family understanding and

support are needed G & T is not just about academics There is a plethora of available

research11

WHAT’S TRENDING TODAY?

• A change in definition• Addressing underrepresentation• Multiple measures that go beyond test

scores• Focus on school readiness &

achievement gaps• Extended and preparatory programs• (Excite, Alive)• Differentiated curriculum and instruction

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Q & A

What’s next?

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IN SUMMARYIt’s up to each of us individually and collectivelyus to change the tide of today’s overlooked and/or forgotten gifted and talented students. If we don’t no one else will.

A handout listing some references is available.

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