Annual Conference

Theme:  Bridging Gaps

Keynote, Jonathan Plucker, PhD -- Addressing Excellence Gaps: Promoting Equity and Excellence in the 21st Century
Our Keynote Speaker is Jonathan Plucker, PhD, President elect of National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC).  Dr. Plucker will also lead two Breakout Sessions.
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Dr. Plucker is a prominent education policy and talent development scholar, and the inaugural Julian C. Stanley Professor of Talent Development at Johns Hopkins University. He holds a joint appointment at the Center for Talented Youth (CTY) and School of Education.
For more information on Dr. Plucker click HERE to go to his web site.
​Keynote: Addressing Excellence Gaps: Promoting Equity and Excellence in the 21st Century
The economy and culture of the 21st century has a tremendous need for talent. Whether one works in manufacturing, government, education, or the service industry, there is always a shortage of talented people. A major cause of this shortage is the excellence gap - the achievement gap at the high end of student learning. Evidence suggests excellence gaps are growing, yet research has also identified possible strategies for reversing this trend. In this session, we will briefly review recent research on the excellence gaps, followed by a detailed discussion of potential solutions.

Breakout #1: Creativity Through the Magic of Constraints
Constraints are often viewed as the enemy of creativity, but research suggests that constraints may be helpful to the creative process. Using a hands-on activity, we will explore the relationship between constraints and creativity and discuss specific ways to use these principles when working with children. 

Breakout #2: What's Your School's Talent Development Plan? 
In a series of recent studies, the lack of coordination among advanced learning policies and programs within schools and districts has become apparent. In this session, we will discuss how to construct talent development plans, share examples from districts, and begin creating plans for your schools and districts.
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