GIFTED EDUCATION NETWORKING AND ADVOCACY

On August 5, Deb Kucek and Jackie Drummer, Past Presidents of the Wisconsin Association  for Talented and Gifted, presented at the Wisconsin Public Education Network Summit in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Their topic was Excellence With Equity: A Talent Development Perspective on Gifted Education. As a result of this presentation, several important networking opportunities evolved. 

One of the participants in the Summit workshop was Dan Rossmiller, the lobbyist for the Wisconsin Association for School Boards, who took copious notes and asked insightful questions about gifted students and gifted education. Mr. Rossmiller’s knowledge will be very helpful as WATG moves forward with legislative actions. 

Another outcome of the Summit included an emerging partnership with Kim Kaukl, Director and lobbyist for the Wisconsin Rural Schools Association (WiRSA). Discussion with Mr. Kaukl provided valuable insight into how best to communicate with rural districts regarding gifted education and gifted students. WATG continually seeks partnerships with other associations/organizations in order to reach underserved populations. The WiRSA will share information about WATG and our fall conference in its newsletter, and has welcomed WATG to its fall conference, also in October of this year. Plans are being made to present at the WiRSA conference next year.

All in all, August has been a very good month for advocating and networking for the needs of gifted kids across Wisconsin.