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Advocate for Special Populations in Gifted and Talented Education
Advocate for Special Populations in Gifted and Talented Education
Special Populations are defined as gifted children who have at least one additional circumstance or characteristic that can impact their access to academic achievement, social/emotional growth, or optimal development of their potential. Special populations may also refer to populations that require specialized instruction, advocacy, or support to address the needs of the population. Special Populations include but are not limited to:
From Cultural/Linguistic/Ethnically diverse backgrounds;
Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgendered/Questioning+ (LGBTQ+);
Experiencing the impact of gender issues;
Twice-exceptional (2e) Gifted Children with Disabilities;
Highly and Profoundly Gifted;
From Low Socio-Economic Status (SES) backgrounds;
Impacted by geographic issues, such as urban and rural settings
Primary Learners/ Primary Talent Development Educators
Emergent Multilingual Learners and English Language Development Educators
Special Populations Advocate(s) can describe an individual, team, or organization that acts as change agents for the population(s) they represent.
Provide a brief explanation of how the nominee meets each of the criteria. A detailed explanation of the impact with multiple artifacts/evidence must be provided to support the nomination. The nomination must include an explanation of how this change will impact underserved/special populations.
ALL criteria must be met to qualify.
The "Considerations" section offers examples to guide nominators but does not require nominees to meet every listed example. Where applicable, consider submitting artifacts in place of lengthy descriptions.
Criterion 1 Increase of Access to Gifted and Talented Programs or Advanced Learning
Criterion 1 Increase of Access to Gifted and Talented Programs or Advanced Learning
The advocate(s) implements strategies to increase the access for the special population to gifted and talented education opportunities within a school system or community.
Considerations:
Describe how the nominees(s) impact the special population within local or statewide access to education
Describe how the work is responsive to the specific needs of the special population
Explain how the work is beyond the required expectations of his/her/their professional or volunteer position
Possible Evidence:
Provide 2-3 specific examples of how the nominee has implemented strategies to increase access for the special population to gifted and talented education opportunities.
Criterion 2: Personal and Professional Learning
Criterion 2: Personal and Professional Learning
The advocate(s) pursue continual learning in the field of gifted and talented education and the needs of the special population. This might look like participation in conferences, workshops, graduate courses, or educating others via presentations, lectures, or other speaking engagements.
Considerations:
Describe and explain how the nominee(s) has worked to improve their knowledge of gifted and talented education or programming either through taking classes, attending conferences, or reading and implementing new approaches
Describe and explain how the nominee(s) their expertise at national, state, or regional conferences or other authentic audience(s)
Possible Evidence:
Provide 2-3 specific examples of how the nominee pursues continual learning in the field of gifted and talented education and the needs of the special population (e.g. workshops, graduate courses, lectures, etc.)
* Consider reaching out to the nominee for examples or artifacts to support their nomination.
Criterion 3: Change Agent
Criterion 3: Change Agent
The advocate(s) act as change agents for the special population.
Considerations:
Describe how the nominee(s) has acted as a change agent through breaking down barriers, teaching peers, colleagues, or those in positions of power about the needs of the special population
Describe the actionable work the nominee has led or supported that has led to a significant and lasting impact for the special population.
Possible Evidence:
Provide 2-3 specific examples of how the nominee serves as a catalyst for change for this special population.
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