May 21st was our last chat before the summer break. We had a great chat with Ann Sheldon (@anngift). We talked about the latest changes to the Ohio Gifted Operating Standards.
There was a few things that Ann stressed that teachers need to be aware of as these new standards become law this summer.
1. Universal Screening: Districts now are mandated to have whole grade tests for grade bands K-2, 3-6 grade bands. This will help us find more gifted children.
2. Testing: Must help to identify students who are superior cognitive, specific academic in math and reading, and creative thinking.
3. Professional Development for Classroom Teachers: Regular education teachers need to have 60 hours of PD in gifted education over a 2 year period. This will help to ensure gifted services in included in the regular classroom.
OAGC has been a great voice for gifted education in Ohio. Ann shared some things that OAGC advocated for that they believe is important.
1. State Gifted Advisory: This will be formed in order to help with gifted legislation, and to be a conduit to help keep standards up to date.
2. Parent Notification of No Services: This is a letter that schools send home to parents letting them know their schools are not servicing their children in certain areas.
When it comes to gifted education in Ohio we still have a long way to go. We need to get a full mandate to service our gifted children, but with the new standards we have a start.
If you missed our complete chat check out our transcripts.
Our next chat will be Aug. 13: Classroom Prep--How do you start your school year? What are some of the aspects that you feel are most important when creating a classroom environment that encourages creativity and challenge for gifted children? Let's talk about classroom seating, climate, lesson planning and development, activities, and extensions that help stretch and challenge our gifted children.