Save the Date - Page Conference 2006

NEW HORIZONS: EXPANDING THE CHALLENGE

April 6 - 7- 8, 2006
Valley Forge Hilton
Valley Forge, PA

Session Highlights

Printable Pre-Conference and Conference Schedule Details

Printable Registration Form

Printable Hotel Registration materials

Exciting Programs for Kids!

Friday Night Activities

Information on "Boot Camp" for Parents & Act 48 Credit

You're Invited: Friday Night Reception

Printable information for the Nicholas Green Scholarship
Nominating Criteria
Release Form
Nomination Form

Printable Award Nomination Forms
Humanitarian Award
Educator Award
Parent Award

Thursday, April 6 Pre-Conference Workshops

Strand 1. Research Into Practice:
Understanding the Affective and Cognitive Needs of the Gifted Full Day
Presenter: Nicholas Colangelo, Ph.D.

Professor of Gifted Education at The University of Iowa, co-author of "A Nation Deceived: How Schools Hold Back America’s Brightest Students" Noted researcher and author will explain the connection between the social/emotional needs of gifted students and academic challenge. The importance of offering rigorous enrichment and acceleration options for the gifted will be presented and described. (Full-day session)

Strand 2. Using Student Data/Profiles to Develop GIEP Goals and Objectives AM – PM Sessions
Presenter: Ronald Schmiedel; Gifted Facilitator, Grades 9 – 12, Pine-Richland School District

Pennsylvania Regulations emphasize the GIEP is to be responsive to the needs of identified gifted students. This session will review gifted programming options and the GIEP process with a focus on writing goals and objectives.

Participants will evaluate and discuss student data/profiles as found in the Present Levels of Educational Progress (PLEP) and make connections between the PLEP and specific GIEP goals and objectives. (AM and PM)

Strand 3. Why Can’t I Divide by Zero? - Teaching the Mathematically Gifted
AM-PM Sessions
Presenters: Richard Miller, Supervisor, Appalachia I.U. #8
Linda Deal, Teacher of the Gifted, Penn Manor S.D.

This session will explore methods for assessing high ability in mathematics and present a Diagnostic testing/Prescriptive Instruction model designed to better meet the needs of students possessing high mathematical ability.

Participants will be given examples of materials and practical strategies for implementing this model in the classroom. Methods for assessing degrees of ability and selecting appropriate differentiation will be included. (AM and PM)

Friday, April 7 Keynote Speaker
What it Means to Teach Gifted Learners Well - Carol Ann Tomlinson, Ed.D.
Renowned author, speaker and advocate for gifted education. Professor of Educational Leadership, Foundations and Policy, University of Virginia; Past President of National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC).

High quality instruction for highly able learners should not depend upon the whims of a particular teacher.
Nor will it result from assorted strategies and topics strung together over time. Rather, such instruction is
a direct response to the particular traits and needs of advanced learners. Curriculum and instruction that is
responsive to the needs of gifted students will necessarily be coherent and aimed at helping these students
grow into their potential as both individuals and as contributors to their world. This presentation will look at
the traits of curriculum and instruction that's most likely to serve this population well.

Saturday, April 8 Keynote Speaker
Recognizing and Building on a Child's Interests: An Essential Piece in the Talent Development Process - Robin Schader, Ph.D.
Parent resource specialist for the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC); assistant research professor at University of Connecticut, Neag Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development; principal investigator on research project with National PTA on parent involvement: LearningLinks: Connecting Parents, Teachers and Students.

Finding out what interests a child can be a powerful key that can unlock a lifetime of learning and provide a
framework for challenge. Most of the hundreds of calls received through the Neag Center for Talent Development at the University of Connecticut are from parents who are worried because their child isn't achieving up to his or her perceived potential, yet relatively few kids are asked what they really like doing, what truly excites them. We'll explore fun ways that both parents and teachers can become "opportunity makers," and help students build connections between what they are taught in school and what excites their curiosity.

Student Program - Grades K-6
The conference committee is excited about the program being offered to students in grades K- 6 during our 2006 conference. Camp Invention, a nationally recognized summer day camp, has developed new programs that they will be introducing to us at the Valley Forge Hilton in Valley Forge, PA. Children will be immersed in activity-oriented adventures that invite them to let their imaginations run wild through teamwork, creative
problem solving and inventive thinking.

Brain Games for the Family—and Evening Activities
Expect a carnival of fun at this year’s Friday Family Night. All parents, teachers, and students are invited to join us for an evening of games, activities, and entertainment. Come stimulate your brain, meet new friends, and compete in challenging fun. Does your family or class have a favorite activity you would like to share? Would you like to demonstrate a special talent? Bring your enthusiasm for fun—and your props, games, or supplies to share with others. For more information, call Judy Johnston at 215-661-1680.

If you are looking for other opportunities, the Valley Forge area offers a wide variety of historic sites, museums, recreation, outstanding restaurants—all within a half-hours’s drive from Philadelphia. The Plaza and the Court at King of Prussia are just a few minutes away, where you can enjoy shopping at one of the nation’s largest retail shopping malls.

Act 48 Credits
PAGE is an approved provider for Act 48 credits by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education. A certificate will be issued according to state guidelines. Attendance at required sessions and completion of evaluation for each session are required.

Graduate Elective Credits Available
Contact Franny McAleer, franny@learnerslink.com, 724-941-4032. Information including syllabus and on-line registration can be obtained at www.learnerslink.com. Link to PAGE Credits. Attendance at Pre-conference and both conference days is mandatory to receive the graduate credits.