VAGTC 2011 Biennial Conference: Unmasking the Possibilities
- Is significant in its aim to address the factors that inhibit excellence and equity being not only the right but also the reality for all students in all educational settings.
- Will give educators the tools and insights that they are requesting in order to recognise the gifts and talents being masked by disabilities that can be physical, mental, social, cultural or emotional.
- Provides an opportunity to hear new research and ideas and to acquire new confidence to understand and educate twice exceptional children.
This year the conference will also include:
- A Parent Seminar on Day 2. (See information at the bottom of this page)
Keynote Addresses
Professor Mark Rose, is Chair of Indigenous Knowledge Systems at Deakin University, Geelong Campus. Previously he was Assistant General Manager in the Department of Education in Victoria. He is also a member of the federal minister’s advisory council. Currently in conjunction with co-chair Professor Veronica Arbon he is engaged a research project that aims to undo a lot of the damage done over the years to aboriginal people by Western research approaches.
Dr. Maureen Neihart, is currently Associate Professor and Head of Psychological Studies at the National Institute of Education in Singapore. Maureen has had more than 25 years of experience counselling high ability children and their families. She is co-editor of the text, “The Social and Emotional Development of Gifted Children.” Her research interests include the social and emotional development of gifted children, home and school based psychological interventions for children at risk, resilience and the psychology of high performance. Her most recent book “Teaching Gifted Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders “, was published in 2009.
About the Conference
Every child in unique and precious. Each child deserves to receive the type of education that will focus on his or her gifts and talents together with an acknowledgement that potential manifests itself under many guises. Giftedness is present in children from all cultures and all socio economic groups. Gaining experience and knowledge in unmasking their gifts and talents to achieve successful outcomes is the primary focus of this conference. It will expose delegates to current understanding, research findings and programs which enrich the learning environment for our gifted learners. Becoming advocates and ‘enablers’ for gifted children is achieved by increasing knowledge and understanding in the field of gifted education.
Conference Program
The Conference provides two outstanding days to join with professionals across the field of gifted education. The sessions provide a balance of research and classroom practice designed to inform, challenge, enlighten and support effective teaching and learning for all gifted students. Professor Mark Rose and Dr. Maureen Neihart will lead delegates across a number of sessions over the two days. Delegates will also have the opportunity to work with invited speakers including Leonie Kronborg, Margaret Plunkett, Carmel Meehan, Susan Nikakis and Maxine Cowie. Classroom practitioners and other professionals working in the area of gifted education will also share their knowledge and expertise.
