Gifted Ed, Some Advocacy, More

ON GIFTED ED — from Australia’s Teacher Magazine. The magazine interviewed a professor of educational psychology and exceptional learning about how to identify different types of gifted learners, how to meet their learning needs, and how twice-exceptional learners fit into the mix. You already know some of the things he says about 2e learners — such as how an LD can mask giftedness, and how it’s important to allow these students alternative ways to express what they know — but there’s more to learn in it. An interesting thought from the professor: “…when you look at the history of the vast majority of disciplines that underpin what we teach at school, the most creative people in those disciplines were twice exceptional.” We think you’ll find some of his education and parenting tips on giftedness applicable. Read or listen to the interview.

EQUITY IN GIFTED ED. A writer/advocate at Loudoun Now wants equity in the way schools treat gifted students — students of color, 2e student, profoundly gifted students, all of them. Her perspective is unique: “…mom to five square pegs in round holes, educator’s wife, law grad, courageous conversationalist and impassioned advocate in pursuit of social justice and the next challenge—of purpose.” One of her advocacy wishes is that gifted programming consist of an immersive environment, not just an occasional pull-out. Read more.

NEURODIVERSITY IN ENGINEERING. The University of Connecticut engineering department is attempting to re-engineer its own learning environment to be more accommodating to students who learn differently. Using universal design for learning, the department will develop new teaching guidelines that include “new ways of delivering a lesson, stages of feedback, and multiple modes of presentation and assessment for students.” Find out more.

POPULAR FROM ADDITUDE: “Do you field unsolicited advice from judgmental family members and friends who don’t understand ADHD? Are you worn down by hearing that ADHD is a character flaw and that stricter discipline will solve your child’s difficult behaviors? The criticism is not only exhausting, it is unhealthy and demoralizing. Here is how to respond with science.” Find the advice.

TiLT PARENTING. Last week’s podcast offered insight into telling whether your differently-wired child is ready for elementary school. Find it.

LDA. The Learning Disabilities Association of America keeps tabs on legislation relevant to LD community (and therefore often relevant to the 2e community). The most recent edition of the LDA Legislative News covers the beginning of the U.S. budget process for FY2021; the organization’s stance on flavored tobacco products (thumbs down); and the status of the “public charge” rule as it affects immigrants — especially immigrants with disabilities. Find the newsletter.

EVENTS
— January 28, SENG webinar “The Modern 2e Family.” A fee applies. More information.
— March 15-17, NAGC 2020 Leadership and Advocacy Conference, Alexandria, Virginia. More information.

Find Us
— At The 2e Resource website
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