I have been deeply moved by the outpouring of support from readers world wide. Some of the readers are parents and family members, others community members, research scholars, K-12 educators, some policymakers - ALL with a similar concern- that we make equity in gifted and advanced learner programs a HIGH priority in our schools and communities. This 'high priority' status means that rather than focusing so much attention on the negative outcomes or results of schooling conditions, we should bring greater attention to their intellectual, creative, and academic strengths.
It is important for us all to acknowledge that among the students who are poorly served in school environments (low achievers, high on suspension rolls, dropouts, etc) are many who have great potential for intellectual, creative and academic accomplishments who with the proper resources and expectations CAN be successful. Thus, focusing attention on what they CAN do, rather than what they CAN'T DO has greater potential to yield better results for all. Stories shared here over the past year has demonstrated this to be true.
I believe that most of us are drawn to this blog because we believe that more children and youth have potential to express 'high ability and gifted level' behaviors than our schools have traditionally served. I believe that many readers have always felt that advanced level schooling should be made available to a wider range of students from different communities than has traditionally been the case.
Whatever your beliefs and reasons for reading this blog, it is clear that there are many of us who believe the same. The numbers don't lie. In the past year, this blogsite has had over 15,000 pageviews from many different parts of the USA and around the world. As a result, we have partnered with more individuals and organizations than before. Among our partners are mathematics, technology gurus, artists, researchers, community leaders, parent advocates, authors, journalists, and gifted education support organizations representing many different ethnic groups from the east coast of the USA to the west coast, in Europe, South America, and Africa.
I have invited many of you to share as guest bloggers and you have been very gracious sharing your stories, your research, your day-to-day experience as advocates for gifted learners who are far too often overlooked, cast aside, and thus, are in time-- ill-prepared to face the challenges of post secondary education, the globally competitive marketplace, and a world of growing technological advances.
Thank you all so much for being a part of WeAreGifted2!
Over the next month, a number of you have accepted the invitation to share as guest bloggers and I am very excited about reading and posting your experiences with high ability and gifted learners and specific programmatic efforts you are leading to nurture and help develop their potential.
The invitation to others to share is OPEN!! If you have a story or have a special program that you would like to have featured here, please send me an email!!
Thank you again for helping WeAreGifted2 REACH THE MASSES as we spread information and advocacy support for high ability students who are African-American, Hispanic, Native American, biracial, first generation immigrant living in rural, urban, suburban communities across the nation and around the world.
REMEMBER, WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER~
