General Sessions
NAGC’s 55th Annual Opening General Session: Thursday, October 30
Contrary to the “skill and drill” emphasis in America’s public schools, the future belongs to a different kind of person with a different kind of mind: designers, inventors, teachers, storytellers. Daniel H. Pink is the author of A Whole New Mind, which reveals the sixabilities today’s working professional must master to survive in an outsourced, automated, upside-down world. In this entertaining and provocative presentation, Pink surveys evidence from around the world to reveal how today’s forces are nudging us into an era defined not by traditional “knowledge workers,” but by creators and empathizers.
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Daniel H. Pink
Thursday, October 30, 2008, 4:30 pm
Tampa Convention Center
Attend to find out exactly what this means for America’s classrooms and campuses—and how we teach in the future.
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| Closing General Session Teach Like Your Hair’s On Fire
He's been called "a modern day Thoreau" by Newsday, "a genius and a saint" by The New York Times, and "the most interesting and influential classroom teacher in the country" by The Washington Post. For the past two decades, this once-in-a-lifetime educator has taught fifth-graders at a public school in a Los Angeles neighborhood plagued by guns, gangs and violence. His exceptional classroom at Hobart Elementary—known simply as Room 56—is unlike any other in the country. Rafe Esquith may be the most inspiring school teacher in America.
Listen to this joyfully creative and energetic teacher as he delivers his informal "state of education" address. He will share his methods for turning kids on to the wonder of learning, the power of the imagination and the wealth of finding oneself. He touches on classroom issues (the best techniques for teaching various subjects, how to overcome budgetary constraints) and shows you how—by teaching them hard work, kindness, and the courage to go one's own way—his students have learned to adapt and to prosper in even the toughest of circumstances. Rafe Esquith is upbeat and revitalizing—a must-see for NAGC convention attendees.
Esquith will be available immediately following the session for book signing.
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Rafe Esquith
Sunday, November 2, 10:00 AM
Tampa Convention Center
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Advocates and Policy Wonks—This is for you!
In Tampa, the program features a newsworthy mini-keynote, "Surviving Neglect: High Expectations for Low-Income, High-Ability Students." Since 2006, a series of important reports have been released on high-ability, low-income students. The reports have made headlines. Meet the authors and representatives of the associations and foundations in an interactive session to learn what we know and what we can do. Join Joyce VanTassel-Baska, Arkansas state Senator Joyce Elliott, Tom Loveless of the Brookings Institute, and Josh Wyner of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation in a riveting hour of interchange on high-expectations for low-income gifted students.
The Creative Family—Does this Describe You or Someone You Know?
Join Barbara Kerr from the University of Kansas as she shares information about what makes a family creative. Whether you attend as a parent, as an educator or as both, Barbara’s message is an important one. Her lively presentation style will have you asking for more and leave you with interesting questions as well as answers.
Differentiation from the Experts
Back by popular demand, but with a new twist, a mini-keynote on the crucial concept of differentiation is sure to please educators Pre-K to 12. In "Differentiation—the Heart of the Matter" Shelagh Gallagher, Bertie Kingore, Carol Tomlinson, and Joyce VanTassel-Baska give us their collective insights. If instruction and curriculum are your bag, then this mini-keynote is unmissable.
Assessment—A Big Idea with Multiple Perspectives
In the search for talents, assessments are part of our toolbag. The technical issues of assessment are a challenge, but there are authoritative voices who bring light to a heated debate. Hear a discussion of non-verbal assessment from the leaders—Bruce Bracken, David Lohman and Jack Naglieri. Ably moderated by Frank Worrell of the University of California at Berkeley, this is a mini keynote that promises to be fascinating to practitioners and researchers alike.
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Social and Emotional Issues—Attention to Affective Needs
The affective needs of gifted children, adolescents, and adults are an enduring concern for our field. Hear from a range of experts on the social and emotional lives of gifted individuals. Sharing a wealth of knowledge, George Betts, Nick Colangelo, Jim DeLisle, Judy Galbraith, Rick Olenchak, and Bob Schultz reflect on the importance of nurturing giftedness through understanding and emotional support.
The Top Five Fundamentals in Gifted Education—What are They?
What are your top five fundamentals in gifted education? If you are new to the field, you may be asking yourself that question. If you have been in the trenches for a few years, you have developed your own answers, but want to hear what others have to say. This mini keynote features gifted educators from across the country with different experiences and perspectives who are excited to share their ideas with you. Look for this mini keynote early in the convention; the enthusiasm will be infectious.
Surviving Neglect: High Expectations for Low-Income, High-Ability Students
Poverty drops a screen over talent. The twin barriers of low expectations and limited opportunity confront many gifted learners from early years through college. Beginning in 2006 and continuing onward, NAGC, the Jack Kent Cook Foundation, The College Board and the Fordham Foundation each released key reports that explore exemplary ways to assist talented low-income. Moderated by Joyce VanTassel Baska, this inspiring panel of experts includes Joshua Wyner; Joyce Elliott, College Board; and Tom Loveless. Each are passionate about what we can do now to make a difference.
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