What's New at This Year's Conference

PAGE is headed to Mars!  Join us for our next conference from April 22nd through April 24th at the Four Points North by Sheraton Hotel in Mars, PA.  In keeping with the theme of Exploring New Worlds in Gifted Education, this year’s conference will include many new and exciting features.

New Location.  This year’s conference will be at the Sheraton Hotel in Mars, about 30 miles north of Pittsburgh.  Located near the intersection of Interstate 79 and the Pennsylvania turnpike, the hotel is easily accessible from the major highways.  Parking is free, and there are many attractions within a 30-minute drive, including the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, Hartwood Acres, and the Grove City Outlets.  Rooms are available for $120 per night and include a full breakfast.  To reserve your room, call the toll-free reservation line, (888) 627-8175, making sure to mention the PAGE conference to get this special rate, or visit www.starwoodmeeting.com/book/PAGE2010.

New Technology.  Keep up with the latest conference news on this blog.  In addition, you can also network with parents and teachers of gifted children throughout Pennsylvania and talk about the conference at the PAGE Goes to Mars site on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=139031349787.

New Session Strands.  In order to assist in planning your schedule, each breakout session will be classified in one of ten strands.  These strands are:
•    Assessment and Identification
•    Computers and Technology
•    Counseling and Guidance
•    Creativity and the Arts
•    Curriculum and Instruction
•    Foundations of Gifted Education
•    Math and Science
•    Parent and Community
•    Programming and Services
•    Special Populations

Expanded Keynotes.  Friday will feature Dr. Karen Rogers of The University of St. Thomas providing and update on the latest research in gifted education, while Saturday will begin with Dr. Jean Peterson of Purdue University discussing the importance of social and emotional issues when advocating for gifted learners.  Both women will speak for 75 minutes, providing conference attendees with more in-depth information about these important topics.

More Invited Presenters.  In order to offer a wide range of sessions, we have developed a schedule consisting of more invited presenters than ever before.  On Thursday, a mix of full- and half-day sessions will be offered by Dr. Mary Slade of James Madison University (“Best Practices for Meeting the Needs of All Gifted Learners”); Dr. Ann Shoplik of C-MITES (“Developing Mathematical Talent”); Andy Mahoney, counselor of the gifted (“The Challenges of Parenting and Teaching Gifted Children”); and Dr. Kim Maguire of the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (“GIEPs: New Forms, Enhanced Functions”).  To lead breakout sessions on Friday and Saturday, we have:

• Dr. Karen Rogers (“Do Australians Do It Better? An Outsider’s Perspective of Education Down Under” and “Teachers Who Make a Difference in Gifted Children’s Lives”)
• Dr. Jean Peterson (“Bullying of and by Gifted Students” and “Parenting Gifted Kids: A Counselor’s Perspective”)
• Andy Mahoney (“The Price of Achievement” and “Early Indicators: Revealing Learning Problems for the Twice Exceptional”)
• Dr. Victoria Damiani of Indiana University of Pennsylvania (“Understanding Your Child’s Assessment: What Do Those Tests Really Tell You?” and "Resources for Gifted Preschoolers")
• Linda Deal of Millersville University (“Perfectionism in Gifted Students: Burden or Bonus?” “Creativity: A Gift to Be Fostered,” and “Due Process: Views from the Sides”)
• Dr. Carol Frieze of Carnegie Mellon University (“Encouraging the Participation of Girls and Women in Computer Science: Research and Action”)
• Dr. Jennifer Rotigel of Indiana University of Pennsylvania (“What Do Colleges and Universities Teach Their Students about Gifted Education”)
• Dr. Mary Ann Swiatek, psychologist and researcher (“Ability Grouping: Helpful or Harmful?” “Gender and Giftedness,” and “Questions and Answers about Academic Acceleration”)
• Charles Jelley, attorney ("Legal Issues in Gifted Education")  
• Dr. Diane Williams of The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (“Challenges to Learning: Gifted Children and the Autism Spectrum”)
  

First Annual President’s Panel.  Led by PAGE President Dr. Judith Mosse, this year’s panel will consist of Drs. Karen Rogers, Ann Shoplik, and Victoria Damiani.  These leaders in gifted education will be available to answer any questions you may have.

Networking Night.  On the evening of Friday, April 23rd, we will host a networking night at the hotel that will be open to all PAGE members.  Conference registration is not required to attend this event, which is sponsored by the North Allegheny PAGE Affiliate.  Join fellow parents and teachers from across the state to discuss what is happening in your district and hear what others are doing and experiencing throughout the state.

New Award.  PAGE has established a Service and Scholarship Award exclusively for children of our members.  This award, which will be presented for the first time at this year’s conference, honors 10th, 11th and 12th graders who have demonstrated leadership and excellence in both academics and community service.  This year’s honoree will receive a $500 award to apply toward an academic or service endeavor of his or her choosing.

More Prizes.  We are currently exploring various opportunities for sponsors and vendors.  As such, we will be offering more prizes.  In addition to our traditional raffle (used to support the new Scholarship and Service Award), we will be featuring an Exhibit Hall stamp card program.  By visiting selected vendors, all participants can be entered in a drawing for a number of prizes, including a free three-day registration to the 2011 PAGE conference in Harrisburg.  No purchase is necessary in order to participate in this raffle.

The registration form for the conference will be published in the December issue of the PAGE newsletter UPDATE and can also be found online at www.giftedPAGE.org.  You can also receive a copy of the registration form by emailing PAGEgoes2Mars@gmail.com or by calling the toll-free PAGE Helpline at (888) 736-6443.