You’re Invited: NAGC Advanced Literacy Task Force Community Conversation, May 12, 5:00 p.m. ET

Over the last several years, there has been an intensified focus on literacy, with states rapidly adopting literacy-related laws. These policies have driven significant changes in professional learning, assessment practices, intervention models, and early identification of reading challenges. While these policies have advanced national literacy priorities, they rarely include mention of advanced and twice-exceptional readers. NAGC is positioned to lead a proactive effort by connecting advanced learner needs to this high-profile policy area, building on momentum and funding, and leveraging existing member interest in literacy.

Please join us for NAGC's Advanced Literacy Task Force Community Conversation on literacy and advanced learners on May 12, at 5:00 p.m. ET (register here). Topics will include exploration of current literacy policies, professional learning practices, and the needs of gifted and twice-exceptional readers. We hope these conversations will bring together gifted education specialists, literacy educators, researchers, and administrators to collaborate on thinking about how to ensure advanced readers are visible and well-served in today's literacy landscape.

We are interested in your input on what is, or is not, happening, as well as ways NAGC can support advanced learners, their families, and the educators who serve them. During the Community Conversation, after a brief overview of the work of the NAGC Advanced Literacy Task Force, we will invite participants into breakout rooms to share their thoughts and experiences on questions such as these:

• What is happening in your context in relation to serving advanced and twice-exceptional readers under current literacy policies and practices?

• What do you see as the most pressing concerns and the most important practices to employ?

• What would you like to see from NAGC?

The NAGC Advanced Literacy Task Force was established in November 2025. The charge from the NAGC Board of Directors is as follows:

The Advanced Literacy Task Force is established as a time-limited group to identify and initiate resources and actions that will position NAGC as a national leader in advocating for and equipping educators to meet the literacy needs of advanced readers. The work of the task force will include but not be limited to (a) exploring the landscape of current policies and guidelines regarding advanced readers in the scope of current literacy policy development; (b) identifying, curating, and/or developing resources for practitioners for supporting advanced readers in the current literacy environment; and (c) making recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding opportunities for NAGC leadership and collaboration in the national literacy conversation.

Anticipated outcomes of the Task Force work may include the following:

• Gathering and analyzing information regarding advanced literacy (professional learning, resources, outreach, etc.)

• Recommendations for an Advanced Literacy Position Statement and/or Framing Paper

• Additional recommendations regarding actions the Board might consider for NAGC. 

The Community Conversation is a first step to seek input and expertise regarding advanced literacy and gifted education to inform the work of the task force moving forward. 

Members of the Advanced Literacy Task Force include:

• Co-Chairs: Sheyanne S. Smith & Chandra Floyd

• Members: Casey Hogan, Joy Lawson Davis, Cara Wegrzyn, Jennifer Gottschalk, Elizabeth Fogarty, Tricia Merenda, Shelby Turner, Susannah Richards, Laura Beltchenko, & Angela Novak

• NAGC Staff Liaison: Lacy Compton & Jessica Gutierrez

We hope you’ll plan to join us May 12 at 5 p.m. ET for the Advanced Literacy Task Force Community Conversation! To learn more and register, click here.