Each year, the State of Wisconsin officially recognizes Gifted Education Month to highlight the unique talents, abilities, and needs of high-ability and twice-exceptional (2e) youth. Explore the official proclamations from Governor Tony Evers and State Superintendent Dr. Jill K. Underly below, along with resources to help educators and families advocate for equity and talent development.
Proclamation by Governor Tony Evers
Key Highlights from the Governor's Office:
- Recognizing Broad Potential: Honors students with intellectual, academic, creative, leadership, and artistic gifts across all income levels and backgrounds.
- Closing Opportunity Gaps: Calls for collaborative action across state agencies, school staff, and families to dismantle systemic barriers to identification.
- Whole-Child Support: Emphasizes the critical role of informed teachers,
counselors, and parents in supporting the social, emotional, and psychological needs of gifted children.
Proclamation by State Superintendent Dr. Jill K. Underly
Key Highlights from the Department of Public Instruction (DPI):
- Inclusive Excellence: Reaffirms that giftedness has no limits related to race, ethnicity, economic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or language ability.
- Statewide Partnership: Honors the joint efforts between DPI, WATG, CESAs, Badger Precollege, WASDA, WASB, AWSA, and WASCD to support high-ability learners.
- National Recognition: Spotlights Wisconsin as the host state for the
National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) conference in Milwaukee.
How You Can Celebrate and Advocate
For Educators and Administrators
For Families and Caregivers
For Community Leaders and Advocates
System and Professional Practice
- Implement Equitable Identification: Adopt culturally responsive screening and multi-criteria talent identification tools to ensure all students are fairly evaluated.
- Share Knowledge in Newsletters: Highlight differentiation techniques and social-emotional support strategies in staff newsletters.
- Distribute Learning Resources: Post gifted education facts, infographics, and resources from NAGC and WATG in staff breakrooms, work areas, or bulletin boards.
- Highlight Student Experience: Share quotes from advanced learners about the impact of gifted programming on their educational journey – amplifying real student voices.
Culture and Advocacy Within Schools
- Recognize Teaching Excellence: Publicly thank and celebrate colleagues who differentiate effectively for advanced learners.
- Support Staff Professional Development: Build a professional lending library with books on gifted education (e.g., using recommended titles).
- Professional Learning Communities: Form a mini-study group or book club centered on gifted and talented pedagogy.
- Parent Communication: Share regular updates with families detailing enrichment opportunities, contest entries, and high-ability learning resources.
Learning and Community Engagement
- Attend Educational Events: Join upcoming parent learning sessions, such as the Parenting Advice Webinar on November 12th.
- Connect with Networks: Join local parent support groups to share insights, navigate challenges, and nurture your child's unique interests and "sparks."
- Build Household-School Partnerships: Gift your child's teacher a resource book on gifted education (e.g., selecting from recommended reading list).
Teacher Appreciation and Community Literacy
- Express Gratitude: Show appreciation to teachers who support your child with personalized notes or small token treats (e.g., Kudos bars, Smarties, or pencils marking Gifted Education Month).
- Expand Local Resources: Request that your school or local public library acquire books on high-ability and gifted education (reference this suggested book list).
- Build a Coalition: Partner with other parents. One voice is a request; multiple voices form a movement!
- Home Enrichment: Create a home "spark station" with open-ended projects, logic puzzles, and self-directed research opportunities.
Policy and Legislative Advocacy
- Engage Local Leadership: Write to school board members, superintendents, and curriculum directors emphasizing the necessity of robust gifted programming.
- Contact State Representatives: Advocate with state legislators regarding stable funding and supportive legislation for gifted services.
- Promote Official Recognition: Distribute the official Gifted Education Month Proclamation to school board leaders, municipal officials, and local media.
Public Outreach and Digital Engagement
- Amplify on Social Media: Follow and interact with WATG on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Share posts using #WATG and #GiftedEdMonthWI to spotlight local talent.
- Join Advocacy Organizations: Become an active member of key organizations such as WATG, NAGC, SENG, or the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children.
- Host a Community Showcase: Organize or sponsor a public exhibition (e.g., at a local library or community center) showcasing student innovation, artwork, or passion projects.
- Business and Community Mentorships: Partner local business leaders with advanced students for real-world mentorship and passion-project feedback.
