On this MLK Day we are reminded that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s work of civil rights activism is not finished. Racism still pervades American culture. We find it not only in our history but in ourselves, our leaders, and our institutions, including in those systems for identifying and serving the needs of high ability students in New Mexico public schools.
We know many high-ability students are being left behind by their school districts. The latest Office for Civil Rights 2013-2014 data collection reveals wide disparities in the percentages of high schools attended by mostly Black and Latino students that offer courses such as calculus, physics, chemistry, and Algebra II, compared to all high schools. The data also show low percentages of enrollment in gifted education and AP courses by Black, Latino, and children with disabilities, compared to those groups’ total enrollment in schools offering these programs and services. -NAGC, Closing Opportunity Gaps, July, 2016.
What are you doing to stand up for justice in the field of gifted education? When your activism begins to flow beyond the boundaries of your own community, connect with NMAG in celebrating equitable gifted education policy that exists in our state and in supporting statewide reform efforts. Comments are welcome. Tell us what you are doing to contribute to equitable identification and service of diverse gifted learners at your school, community, or beyond.
New Mexico’s annual law-making session in Santa Fe begins this week, and NMAG will keep you informed. The two bills our members supported last year will be back on the table this session. When they are assigned bill numbers we will spread the word about them. In the meantime, I recommend all of us gear up for the short, intense 2018 legislative session by reading Steve Terrell’s 20 pointers for “Roundhouse rookies” recently updated in the online edition of The New Mexican. Terrell’s insights may be seen as unwritten rules for accomplishing your goals at the Roundhouse, from orienting yourself in the circular building to successfully parking, snacking, getting a seat, and being listened to at committee hearings.
- 2021 New Mexico Association for the Gifted Fall Institute Goes Virtual. - August 9, 2021
- NMAG 2021 Fall Institute: Recharge, Reenergize, Reimagine: Igniting the Spark of Our Gifted Learners - June 3, 2021
- Support House Bill 130 - February 21, 2021
- Support for House Bill 130: Equity and Excellence in Gifted Education Act - February 18, 2021
- Announcing the NMAG Four Corners Affiliate - August 16, 2019
- Webinar: Teaching the Gifted and Talented in Art - December 14, 2018
- Training and Maintaining Alternate Protocol for Gifted ID - November 14, 2018
- Download and Share Your Fall 2018 Newsletter - October 15, 2018
- Get Your Get Smart Full Program - October 10, 2018
- Your own Q: Special Agent Dr. Jackie Gerstein at our Get Smart Fall Institute - October 7, 2018
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