WELCOME

The Arizona Association for Gifted and Talented (AAGT) is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization of parents, educators, and community members working together to advocate for education that meets the academic prerequisites of gifted children and to better meet the unique needs of our gifted and talented students in Arizona.

AAGT is a state affiliate of the National Association of Gifted Children (NAGC).

AAGT is a resource for the information and guidance necessary for parents, teachers, administrators, counselors, community stakeholders and legislators to develop and support gifted education in our state. All of us share in the challenge to meet the needs of Arizona’s gifted children with limited funds for their education and development.

AAGT provides an annual conference for parents, educators and community members as well as an annual Parent Institute. In addition, AAGT offers scholarships for teachers of the gifted and scholarships for educational opportunities for gifted students. AAGT provides continuous support to local affiliate chapters.

Information on these opportunities can be found on the website.

2019 Parent Institute

2019 Parent Institute

Unleashing Our Children’s Potential is this year’s theme. Dynamic speaker, Colin Seale of Think Law, is the keynote speaker. How can our gifted children meet their true potential? With everything going on in the world today, what can we do as the supportive adults in our children’s lives to strengthen their social & emotional well-being and academic abilities? Come and receive concrete takeaways. This is also a great opportunity to connect with other parents from across the state. Children’s Enrichment Classes for students K-5 are offered for an additional cost.

DATE: Saturday, September 21, 2019

TIME: 8:30 am – 12:30 pm. On site check-in will open at 8:00 am

LOCATION: Barry Goldwater High School, 2820 W. Rose Garden Ln., Phoenix, AZ 85027

*Proceeds from the 2019 Parent Institute will benefit the gifted programs of the event host. Would you like YOUR school district to host a future AAGT Parent Institute? If so, contact AAGT at (602) 882-1848 or via email at director@azgifted.com.

*NEW* for 2019! SENG Model Parent Group will follow Parent Institute! Do you live in the north or northeast valley and want to continue your parent networking and learn even more about how giftedness impacts a child’s growth and development, strengthening your parenting strategies?

Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG) Model Parent Groups bring together 10-20 parents of gifted and talented children to discuss such topics as motivation, discipline, stress management and peer relationships over a period of six weeks in a nurturing and non-judgmental environment. The cost of the SENG Parent Group includes the first group meeting on September 21st, the five additional weekly meetings in the Deer Valley Unified School District and Scottsdale area as well as the cost of materials. SENG Childcare (K-5) for September 21st is available for an additional cost.

Call for Proposals: Parents of GT kids want to hear from you! Come share your tips, experience and expertise at the 2019 Parent Institute to empower parents to unleash the potential in their gifted and talented children. Theme: Unleashing Our Children’s Potential

Submit your proposal: https://forms.gle/NPGG3WAiqFdbb8km7

Businesses/Exhibitors: We appreciate our exhibitors and support from the business community. For exhibitor registration, click here.

Advocacy and Legislative Update

Thank you so much for helping to get the $1 million grant in the 2019 Legislative budget to support our gifted students in the state. It was with your persistence in sending emails, placing phone calls and making personal visits to Legislators that you were heard and wow, did they pay attention!

The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) has officially opened the grant application process. http://www.azed.gov/gifted-education/. It is very important for every district to apply to get its fair share of the funds.

To do that, each district must complete the grant application process online at the ADE. The district must designate what the money will be used for as part of the application process. This past year, districts used their share of the grant primarily for identification tools, teacher professional development, classroom resources and enrichment opportunities.

The application process is open only until September 6, 2019. The earlier a district applies, the more quickly they can receive their funds. This means with early application, identification and services can begin early in the school year.

Here is how you can help to be sure your school applies and receives funds from the grant:

CONTACT YOUR SCHOOL DISTRICT’S SUPERINTENDENT OR GIFTED SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO APPLY FOR THE GIFTED EDUCATION GRANT IMMEDIATELY.

Remember, these are the only dedicated funds for gifted education. The funds are distributed in accordance with the mandate for gifted education. Be sure your district gets their fair share!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!