Dr. Debra A. Hill, Former Superintendent, ASCD Past President, Education Independent Consultant & Adjunct Professor, Argosy University What are the challenges in identifying and retaining children who are economically disadvantaged, of color, and second language learners in programs for high-ability learners? Learn how schools can do a better job of identifying, serving, and retaining these children, while engaging and involving their families.

1. WHO ARE THEY?
T O D AY ’ S O V E R L O O K E D A N D / O R
F O R G O T T E N G I F T E D A N D T A L E N T E D
S T U D E N T S
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2. Northwestern Center for Talent Development
Underserved Gifted Populations Summit
October 15, 2016
Evanston, Illinois
Presentation by
Dr. Debra A. Hill
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3. • Discuss the big picture related to the challenges in
identifying and retaining children who are:
economically disadvantaged, of color, and second
language learners in programs for high ability
learners.
• Explore how schools and teachers can do a better
job identifying, serving, retaining these children and
involving their families.
• Examine what we know.
• Identify the trends.
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4. WHO AM I AND WHO ARE YOU?
Introductions
 Personal
Name – family structure/history
 Professional
work environment past and present
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5. THE BIG PICTURE - UNDERSERVED
Who are they and what are the challenges?
Students from impoverished environments
economically, socially,
demographically
Systemic, perceptual/psychological,
social, family issues
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6. THE BIG PICTURE - IDENTIFICATION
Students of Color
 African American
 Native American
 Latino
 Mixed races
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7. THE BIG PICTURE – WHAT WE HEAR
Second Language learners
 European
 Hispanic
 Asian
 Caribbean
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8. THE BIG PICTURE - WHAT WE SEE
Students with Disabilities
o Physical
o Mental
o Behavioral
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9. THE BIG PICTURE – WHAT IF?
Ordinary People Do Extraordinary Things
What if one of your students will be the
one to…
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10. HOW CAN WE DO BETTER?
1. Review, develop, incorporate
researched strategies and programs
2. Actively seek and engage in
professional development (and use
what we learn)
3. Share best practices that work
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11. WHAT DO WE ALREADY KNOW?
 Statistics regarding the
disproportionality
 The contributing factors
 Teacher expectations impact student
achievement
 Family understanding and support are
needed
 G & T is not just about academics
 There is a plethora of available research
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12. WHAT’S TRENDING TODAY?
• A change in definition
• Addressing underrepresentation
• Multiple measures that go beyond test scores
• Focus on school readiness & achievement
gaps
• Extended and preparatory programs
• (Excite, Alive)
• Differentiated curriculum and instruction
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13. Q & A
What’s next?
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14. IN SUMMARY
It’s up to each of us individually and
collectively
us to change the tide of today’s overlooked
and/or forgotten gifted and talented
students. If we don’t no one else will.
A handout listing some references is
available.
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