Unwrapping the Gifted
Tamara Fisher was a K-12 gifted education specialist for a school district located on an Indian reservation in northwestern Montana and past president of the Montana Association of Gifted and Talented Education. This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: gifted education.
Education
Opinion
The Echo in the Pipeline
In a few days, one of my former GT students will begin her student teaching. She came to school with me one day last week to shadow me, to have an opportunity to observe and discuss some of what I do with my gifted students. Yes, she participated in the program when she was a kid, but she came this time with a different perspective – that of a soon-to-be teacher.
Education
Opinion
Born? Made? Developed? Unstoppable?
[ugh... I suppose it's now obvious to the whole world that I have too much on my plate this year, huh? Sorry for the delay everyone... Here is today's update.]
Education
Opinion
The Evolving Definition of Giftedness
This is somewhat short notice for y'all, but I thought I'd mention it for those of you who don't subscribe to the EdWeek updates (which I know a number of you don't). So FYI for anyone interested who doesn't already know...
Education
Opinion
This Year's Kid, not Next Year's Teacher
There are a lot of reasons why the academic needs of our gifted students aren’t always met, among them lack of teacher training, lack of funding, lack of accurate data on student learning needs (or lack of acting upon the data we do have), lack of awareness about these students and the effects that little challenge can bring about for them, and so on.
Education
Opinion
Think It Off
One morning last week, I was working during recess in the Computer Lab at one of our elementary schools when one of my third graders popped in. "Oh! Ms. Fish! I want to come in here during recess and do some research about space and astronauts, but my teacher said I could only do it if someone was in here with me. Will you be in here for a little while?"
Education
Opinion
Growing Gifted in the Sunshine State
It’s that time of year again! The annual NAGC (National Association for Gifted Children) convention is soon approaching, this year to be held in Tampa, Florida, from October 29th through November 2nd. Given that the temperature at my house was all of 4 degrees when I left for last year’s NAGC convention, I’m particularly excited for my first trip to Florida and a wee little escape from clouds, snow, and cold :o)
Education
Opinion
Good-bye, M.B.
Good-bye, M.B… School has started once again, yet you are not here with us. We’ve re-convened after a summer of travel and relaxation, learning and camps, celebrations, … and mourning your death. The other kids come in with their backpacks over their shoulders and I think of you, the one who didn’t make it back…
Education
Opinion
Advanced Readers
Greetings from a knoll in Iowa! I’ve been out of town for a bit, hence my absence from this place where we all gather together. The last week of July saw me in Boise, Idaho, for the 12th annual Edufest conference, “the Northwest’s premier summer conference on gifted and talented education.” It was my 7th summer of Edufest and I’m already looking forward to going back again next summer. Being able to get together with others in the field who do what I do and who love to discuss and debate issues in gifted education is such a blast. Being a Gifted Education Specialist is a rather solitary position to hold. Yes, my District has a great track record of supporting me and my students, for which I’m wholeheartedly grateful, but I’m still “alone” there in some sense in what I do. It is at places like Edufest where I can connect with others who do the same, swap ideas, and give and receive reinforcement about the importance of what we are doing for these kids who learn so differently. A special “hello” to everyone that I saw and met at Edufest this year!
Education
Opinion
GT is NOT...
In my dozen years working as a Gifted Education Specialist, I’ve encountered a number of people who hold misconceptions and misperceptions about what Gifted and Talented Education is all about.
Education
Opinion
How I Got to Where I'm Going
I just spent a little time looking back over my old posts and it occurred to me that I never got around telling all of you more about myself (beyond the tiny bio above) and how I came to be in the position of writing books and blogs about Gifted Education. So, for anyone who may be curious about the path that led me to all of you, this is the story of how I came to be where I am.
Education
Opinion
Jump Start
Today’s post has been uploaded for you via an analog cell phone signal at a campground in Nebraska. Isn’t technology amazing‽ (I’ve been here for a few days celebrating my aunt & uncle’s 50th wedding anniversary.) Summer is upon me now and I’m bound and determined to catch things up here at Teacher Magazine for all of you. I apologize for not keeping up during my unusually busy spring. But… onward nonetheless!
Education
Opinion
Seeking Teachers for Gifted Children Part 2
Last November at the annual NAGC convention in Minneapolis, I attended the membership business meeting where, among the many items discussed, it was brought up that NAGC will be striving to collaborate with colleges and universities the next few years to increase content about gifted students for America’s pre-service teachers. Since that time, NAGC has conducted an extensive survey of every higher education institution in the country and compiled their findings of “what’s offered,” which were recently finalized and just posted (within the last week… such timing!) at their website. (links are below)
Education
Opinion
Seeking Teachers for Gifted Children
Hello, everyone :o) I apologize that it’s been awhile since you’ve heard from me. You may recall from my last post that I was in the midst of organizing and hosting our annual state gifted conference. It was a huge undertaking, but a very valuable one. Aside from wearing myself out that week (two or three hours of sleep each night, working 18-20 hours a day on conference tasks), I ended up getting sick after it was all over. Go figure ;o) So I am finally working my way back out of the swamp! I will make up for lost time with you in the coming weeks and months.