Parent Conference
Fourth Annual Parent Conference: Saturday, February 11, 2023
Thank you for attending! Information on the 2024 conference will be shared soon.
The virtual GT Parent Conference consists of informational sessions led by renowned educators, counselors, and parents. These sessions address critical issues in parenting gifted students, such as debunking common myths about gifted kids, advocating for your child, accessing services, and more. In addition, you will have an opportunity to meet the parents of other gifted students and share experiences, learn from each other, and build relationships. All sessions will be recorded and you will have access to them after the conference, so even if you can make it to only a few live sessions, we would love to have you attend!
Download the full program now!
All registrants will receive an e-mail with Zoom links/information on the afternoon of Friday, February 10. Please be sure to register no later than February 10.
Date: February 11, 2023 (online)
Time: 8:45 a.m.–1:45 p.m. Central
Cost: $45/person
2023 Agenda
Welcome and Keynote (8:45 a.m.–9:50 a.m.)
The Psychosocial Basis of a Happy, Healthy, Productive Gifted Student
Dr. Tracy L. Cross
In this research-based session, Dr. Cross will discuss challenges to gifted students’ psychosocial functioning. The day-to-day lived experience of gifted students can include a variety of stressors unique to them. Peers, teachers, and family members may support or undermine their psychological functioning. Using developmental and motivation theory, he will discuss what the research on gifted students tells us about challenges to their happiness, mental health, and productivity. From there, he will explore options for the adults in their lives to provide the support the gifted student needs so he or she can become a fulfilled person.
Session 1 (10:00 a.m.–10:50 a.m.)
Social-Emotional Learning in Early Childhood:Practical Strategies for Families and Educators
Dr. Bronwyn MacFarlane
Living in Shades of Gray: Understanding and Managing Cognitive Rigidity
Dr. Matthew Zakreski
Session 2 (11:00 a.m.–11:50 a.m.)
Acceleration Effects on Gifted Students
Dr. Héctor Rivera
Hot Topics in Texas GT Compliance: Understanding Common Issues and Helping Your District Get on Track
Emily Villamar-Robbins and Tracy Fisher
Session 3 (12:00 p.m.–12:50 p.m.)
Carry Your Own Backpack: Fostering Independence in Our Children
Barbara Allison
Unleashing the Math Potential of Gifted Students: Strategies for Acceleration and Success
Rachel Goodlad
Twice-Exceptional Gifted Students
Gayle G. Bentley
The keynote and breakout sessions will be recorded so attendees will have access to all of the sessions for 180 days after the conference to allow everyone to view any they were unable to watch live.
Some need-based scholarships and partial scholarships are available. In addition, need-based scholarships are also being sponsored by the Gifted Education Family Network (GEFN), a Texas-based nonprofit organization dedicated to excellence and equity in gifted education. For more information about GEFN, please visit www.giftededucationfamilynetwork.org. Please e-mail gifted@baylor.edu for more information.