State Associations

State associations for the gifted are collaborative efforts of parents, educators, and other interested parties, usually as nonprofit organizations. Many associations were originally established in the [Page 829]1950s and 1960s, when gifted education as it is known today was in its infancy. These associations typically have a mission of advocacy and support for educators and parents of gifted children. Forty-seven state associations are currently members of the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC). The focus in this entry is on consistencies across most state associations, while acknowledging the individuality of each association, based on the state's size, history, needs, and resources.

Many state associations provide self-published educational materials, such as statewide or regional newsletters, or professional journals. Newsletters provide educational materials in the form of articles and research reports and communicate information about upcoming events and legislative actions. Associations also act as dissemination sites for other resources concerning gifted education, through online connections, publishing of white papers and fact sheets, or providing an access point for journals and books on gifted education. Most state associations have Web sites that serve as clearinghouses of local resources as well as connections to national information regarding gifted education.

Influencing public policy as it applies to gifted education is an ongoing goal of virtually all state associations. The state associations have members in advisory groups for state departments of education, collegiate programs for gifted education, and local school districts. Members of state associations work with local and state legislators in developing and supporting public policy to benefit gifted children and educators. Each association sets its own legislative priorities and strategies. Legislative concerns addressed through state association advocacy work can include funding of gifted education; teacher training, including pre-licensure and postlicensure; and meeting the programming needs of gifted children, including acceleration and identification policies. In addition, some state associations have been instrumental in establishing public policy on educational options for students that reflect current trends in gifted education, such as programs or schools for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or for fine art.

State associations also provide educational experiences in the form of conferences, workshops, online courses, or continuing education courses for educators. Typically, each state or regional area provides an annual conference for educators and parents with up-to-date information on the best practices in gifted education. Workshops and seminars may focus on specific topics of importance in gifted education and provide timely presentation of research. Many state associations provide continuing education credits to meet the certification requirements of their state for teachers and gifted specialists and coordinators. Lists of speakers on current topics in gifted education who have expertise in those topic areas are generally distributed by the state associations.

Support for parents, educators, and students takes many different forms among the state associations. In addition to providing information and guidance on topics of gifted children, associations work to promote the development of innovative programs at the school and regional levels. Scholarships are often provided for educators and students, and in many cases, educators are supported through mini-grant opportunities to refine their knowledge base regarding best practices in gifted education. Students are frequently supported to attend academic classes and summer programs designed specifically for gifted students. In addition, in some states, students may apply for mini-grants for personal research, or creative projects that reflect their gifts and talents. Outstanding contributions by educators, parents, and students are recognized through a variety of awards, providing opportunity to identify excellence or creativity in teaching or exhibition of student talent. The Nicholas Green Award through the NAGC is a common form of recognition for student achievement by a state association.

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