WATG to Focus on Rural Schools ~ by Deb Douglas, WATG President

Having grown up in a very small western Wisconsin village, I have a special interest in the needs of gifted rural students and their parents and educators.  While small towns offer many benefits, they also can cause gifted kids to feel isolated. Urban kids have a much better chance of finding a kindred spirit, programming that matches their abilities, and a wealth of enriching experiences at their doorstep . . . or at least a public transportation ride away. Of course, that doesn’t mean that gifted kids in urban areas have it made.  NO gifted student has it made!  But rural kids often face a different kind of struggle.

I believe our 2011-2013 strategic goals will be of special help to those in rural areas.  
 
1.     WATG will spread Educational Outreach events around the state.  By the end of the 2012-2013 school year WATG will perform needs assessments for each CESA and provide an Educational Outreach event that targets each CESA.  (You can help by taking our survey)
 
2.     WATG will create a vibrant online community of support and a database for advocacy and networking
by the end of the 2011-2012 school year. (The more we share, the lighter the load.)

3.     WATG will lobby for dedicated funding for GT education and/or categorical funding. (Enough for every district in the state.)

If you have specific ideas on how we can meet these goals, please let us know by filling out our online WATG survey.