1. Bridging the Excellence Gap: Bringing Balance and Equity to GT Programming
Dr. Demond A. Means
Superintendent of Schools
Mequon-Thiensville School District – Wisconsin
June 21, 2016

2. We must stand for what is just even when victory is not possible because not to do so is to co-sign on the injustice.
Derrick Bell
There are millions of gifted children who are over looked in our schools and therefore unable to access traditional Gifted and Talented programming.

3. A gifted individual is:
[…] those who demonstrate outstanding levels of aptitude (defined as an exceptional ability to reason and learn) or competence (documented performance or achievement in the top 10 percent or rarer) on one or more domains. Domains may include any structured area of activity with its own symbol system (e.g. mathematics, music, language) and/or set sensorimotor skills (e.g. painting, dance, sports).
National Association of Gifted Children

4. Strategies to Increase Equity in GT Programming
Use multiple criteria and assessment tools to develop a profile of a student’s giftedness.
Non-verbal assessments, portfolio evaluations and parent checklists.
Greatly reduces cultural biases that may exist with traditional GT assessments
Universal screener for giftedness.
Teachers and parents of underrepresented children are less likely to refer students for GT programming.
The universal screener can also be used to assist in differentiating instruction.

5. Strategies to Increase Equity in GT Programming
Professional Development for educators to identify gifted behavior in underrepresented students.
Focus on learning characteristics, culturally responsive teaching practices, restorative justice practices and use of nonbiased assessments.
Family support in the recruitment and retention of underrepresented students in gifted programs.
Parents of gifted students who are also members of underrepresented groups will need support and assurance that they are desired and wanted in the District’s GT program.

6. Strategies to Increase Equity in GT Programming
Emphasize the development of a student’s unique perspective and voice.
When underrepresented students believe that their perspective is honored, the students become the greatest recruitment tool for a more balanced GT program.