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Workshops
Meet Them Where They Are
This professional development session combines problem-based projects with age- and intellect-appropriate content. Participants will learn about practices that accommodate Response to Intervention methods along with classroom management strategies and brain-compatible instruction. Project assessment measures are provided that include standards of TEKS and College Readiness and an evaluation of the So What factor of research. Sample problems and a framework for development of problem-based projects are provided.
Engaged Thinking
How can we encourage thinking in the classroom and beyond? This session offers questioning strategies and classroom management techniques that promote deep and complex thinking. When students are engaged in learning that is based on their interests and previous knowledge, they begin to think in deeper and more complex ways. Assessments that validate growth in learning will be suggested.
Six Hour Update Sessions
Curriculum Compacting
What if your students already know everything in your new unit? Curriculum compacting is one way to meet the needs of gifted students in the regular classroom. This workshop will show participants how to eliminate the repetition of work that has already been mastered and how to streamline lessons. Participants will learn how to compact a unit of study and how to manage a classroom with a myriad of learning needs.
Equity for the Gifted and Response to Intervention, RtI. All Things Being Equal”
Professional Development for all educators who are concerned with equity issues and how to meet the needs of all students through the RtI model. Specific examples of how to accommodate the gifted within the structure of RtI are offered for participants. This professional development can be tailored for administrator or for teachers.
Yes, You Can Do It All!
This session models classroom management to meet the needs of the gifted within a regular secondary or elementary classroom. A variety of techniques are explored as participants practice differentiation.
Differentiation: A Tiered Assignment Approach
This professional development opportunity integrates differentiation with tiered assignments. Participants will review the principles of differentiation, learn how to design tiered assignments, and create lessons appropriate for their classrooms.
Extending Achievement: Adding Rigor and Relevance
Educators will learn ways to extend students’ thinking and increase achievement levels. This session will illustrate how to address student interest through authentic learning that will add rigor, relevance, depth and complexity to their learning.
As They See It (Primary)
This session for Pre K, K, & First Grade explores strategies to elicit gifted responses and meet the needs of young gifted learners.
Is It Gifted Enough?
Dr. Boswell’s session reviews the tools of differentiation reflected in a research-based checklist steeped in the principles of differentiation. The checklist coordinates program standards, issues of poverty in giftedness, and accepted differentiation practices. The session offers participants an opportunity to evaluate the checklist and assists in establishing curriculum to meet the needs of their GT students from all ethnicities and socioeconomic status. Participants will be guided through curriculum modification with examples that work.
Independent Study: Ensuring Rigor & Relevance
In light of demands on time and resources, a practical way to serve gifted students with requisite rigor and relevance is presented. This session serves to blend Advanced Placement, the Texas Performance Standards Project, and Independent Study.
Basic 30 hour G/T Professional Development Sessions
Nature and Needs for Administrators and Counselors.
This session is based on the precise needs of administrators and counselors who make decision for gifted education services. Program options and evaluation are highlighted along with characteristics of the gifted and identification procedures.
Nature & Needs of Gifted Learners
This session provides a thorough look at how gifted perceive the world and the learning needs associated with their perceptions. Social and emotional needs and characteristics of the gifted are included in this session.
Assessment of Gifted Learners
Identification issues and answers are approached and found throughout the six hour workshop. Identification is tied to characteristics, nature and needs of gifted learners as presented in “Nature & Needs” workshop.
Curriculum for Gifted LearnersSession 1
Participants are introduced to vocabulary associated with curriculum for gifted learners and differentiation strategies recognized as appropriate for characteristics of the gifted.
Session 2
This session builds on Session 1 by adding strategies and activities to meet the needs of the learners.
Session 3
The culminating session includes classroom management strategies for gifted in mixed ability classrooms, in pull-out classes, and for independent study. Participants begin writing lessons and units for immediate use.
General Education Sessions
Writing Books for Children
Participants will learn how to write books for their students, their own children, their grandchildren, or children at church or in the neighborhood. Participants will leave with a book ready for some lucky child or youth.
Differentiation: A Tiered Assignment Approach
This professional development opportunity integrates differentiation with tiered assignments. Participants will review the principles of differentiation, learn how to design tiered assignments, and create lessons appropriate for their classrooms.
Extending Achievement: Adding Rigor and Relevance
Educators will learn ways to extend students’ thinking and increase achievement levels. This session will illustrate how to address student interest through authentic learning that will add rigor, relevance, depth and complexity to their learning.
KEYNOTES
Rigor & Relevance in a New Age
This session offers rationale for adding rigor and attaching relevance for all students. Suggestions for accomplishing rigor and relevance are embedded in the session.
Differentiation and Advanced Placement
This session offers insight into the place of Advanced Placement for gifted learners. Differentiation strategies are included.
Secrets of Gifted Education
This keynote was originally given as a luncheon address at Region 14 ESC, Abilene, Texas, Leadership Academy. The keynote delivers insight into the vision of gifted education and its impact on education for all students.
Future of Technology in Education
Originally delivered for the Region 9 ESC Technology Conference in Wichita Falls, Texas in October 2005, the contents of this key note have been inculcated into the Rigor and Relevance professional development option. It can be delivered as a keynote or a half- or full- day session.