Georgia DOE Update The “State of the State” in Gifted Education Dr. Sally Krisel GAGC Conference Athens, Georgia March 11, 2005

Let’s Look at Numbers: Enrollment , ,407 (+13%) ,534 (+9%) ,042 (+10%) ,182 (+10%) ,524 (+7%) ,251 (+3%) ,673 (+7%) ,596 (+2%) 78% increase in the gifted population in seven years (4.5 to 7% of K-12 population) Total K-12 enrollment has increased by about 15% during that time period. Students Identified as Gifted

Gifted Program Participation by Ethnic Group Since Implementation of Multiple-Criteria Rule (% growth) White51,022 79,803 (+56%) Black ,210 (+179%) Asian (+183%) Hispanic (+442%) American Indian (+101%) Multi-Racial (+492%)

Population Percentages By Ethnic Group

General and gifted populations are more similar.

Population Percentages By Ethnic Group Our schools have become MUCH more diverse!

Let’s Look at Numbers: Enrollment ,524 (+7%) ,251 (+3%) ,673 (+7%) ,596 (+2%) A closer look at changes in the last year Students Identified as Gifted

Gifted Program Participation by Ethnic Group, 1-Yr Growth (% growth) White79,492 79,803 (+.4%) Black 15,880 16,210 (+2%) Asian (+9%) Hispanic (+29%) American Indian (+13%) Multi-Racial (+39%)

Our On-Going Challenge How might we (HMW) maintain overall low growth rates of the gifted population while continuing to search diligently for gifted students in underrepresented populations, particularly those who are linguistically and culturally different?

HMW best use a variety of assessment tools in ways that are sensitive to cultural and individual differences while maintaining consistently high standards (both flexibility AND rigor)?... to document a variety of advanced curriculum needs?

HMW focus less on identifying STUDENTS and more on identifying NEEDS? Can we use comprehensive evaluation and programming options to provide challenging curriculum for more students, regardless of gifted program eligibility status?

Let’s Look at Numbers: Money Fiscal Year 1998: $70 million Fiscal Year 2005: $155 million (The largest Gifted Education budget in the country!) Statewide Gifted Education Allotment

Legislative Actions  Further austerity cuts appear unlikely.  Continuation of flexible spending across QBE funding categories likely  Inclusion of Gifted Education in use of a system average maximum class size (to be set by the SBOE)

Flexible Spending Across Funding Categories LEAs can reduce services to gifted students only if they’re providing more than the minimum that is required by SBOE Rule: at least five segments a week (or the annual equivalent) of gifted program instruction, using approved delivery models.

FY 2005 FTE Weights Kindergarten ($3868) Primary Grades (1-3) ($3012) Upper Elem Grades (4-5) ($2428) Middle Grades (6-8) ($2392) Grades ($2362) Spec.Ed VI (Gifted) ($3891)

Our Job? Be at the table! Understand how FTE funding is earned and how it can be used. Check your FTE reports. Ensure program quality and integrity. Effectively communicate program impact (“Visible Effectiveness”). Cultivate advocates.

OPPORTUNITY: Statewide emphasis on curriculum development Use roll-out of GPS to learn about elements of quality curriculum, focus on alignment and rigor of Gifted Program curriculum. (Expertise and concern for gifted students throughout DOE)

OPPORTUNITY: Form partnerships with NCLB initiatives. Use... Title I funds for a gifted- endorsed Talent Development Specialist; Title II funds to provide training to enable teachers to address the needs of gifted students; Title V funds for innovative assistance programs to “provide for the educational needs of gifted and talented children."

OPPORTUNITY: Emphasize the role of gifted programming in the development of America’s “pipeline of talent.” Capitalize on national and state emphasis on increasing enrollment in AP courses. Explore GA Virtual High School.

OPPORTUNITY: Enhance gifted programming through federal grants. Javits Grants – Javits, the only federal program dedicated specifically to gifted and talented students, funds research and demonstration projects st Century Community Learning Centers – After- school academic enrichment for students in high-poverty schools; broad array of supplemental services for students and families

Conclusions Georgia continues to be a national leader in the field of Gifted Education. Look what you’ve accomplished – at the state level, locally, for individuals! GA’s Gifted Education “family” is the most talented and dedicated group of individuals in the world! The best is yet to come!

WE HAVE STOOD ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS! Dr. Mary M. Frasier Scholar Teacher Mentor Friend May 17, 1938 – February 3, 2005

Next GAGC Newsletter will feature the life and work of Dr. Frasier. Dr. Mary M. Frasier Memorial Fund 505 Sandstone Drive Athens, GA 30605