Ann Sheldon has sent out updated information on the progress (?) of the Ohio budget. While Scott thinks our gutless lawmakers ought to rescind some of the recent tax cuts (which disproportionately benefit those who are better off!), that is unlikely.

So we are faced with gambling (a regressive “tax”!) to put a little more into the state coffers, and our legislators fighting over where to cut much and where to cut more. … There’s nothin’ pretty about this! Sausage-making is much more beautiful: and the result tastier!

Read Ann’s June 19th Advocacy alert.

You might also visit the O.A.G.C. Advocacy page where you can sign up for email alerts. You can also go directly to Biennial Budget News.

Now we wait to see what comes out of the conference committee.

Ohio Senate wants to slash gifted 12% + !!! Our gal Ann Sheldon says:
ACTION ALERT — SENATE CUTS GIFTED FUNDING — NEED PHONE CALLS NOW!!!!!!!

Time to make phone calls. While holding the rest of the education budget harmless, the Ohio Senate cut gifted funding by almost 12% taking funds from $48,008,613 down to $42,542, 293. It appears that all of the gifted identification funds were removed along with some additional. funding.
… Please don’t think someone else can make the call. Nothing will be more pathetic than if they only hear from 5 or 10 people.

And there’s more! … For the latest see: Gifted Budget News on the OAGC site!

I realize times are tough; but if we cut off opportunities for our future talent, they’re going to get tougher for the state of Ohio!

Come join us Monday April 27, 2009 – 6:00-7:30 p.m. We will have as guests Francie Nolan, and Toia Robinson. Our topic of discussion will be “Vision for the Future of Gifted and Talented Program at C.C.S.”

Join a Round table Conversation with Francie Nolan, Supervisor, Exceptional Children, Gifted and Talented Department. After many years building up the C.C.S. Gifted and Talented program, Francie plans to retire at the end of the summer. (She’ll leave things in capable hands!) Come hear Francie’s valedictory report and discuss a vision for the future of Gifted and Talented education in Columbus. Meet Toia Robinson, who will be the new Supervisor of the Gifted and Talented Department beginning August 3, 2009.

We will also elect officers for 2009-1010, take care of business items, and share breaking news. Child care will be available at this meeting.

Meetings are held at the Columbus Education Center, in the Board meeting room (downstairs) at 270 E. State Street.

Here is an important message from Ann Sheldon, Ex. Director of O.A.G.C. It is time to get in touch with your legislator, and ask that these problems in the present proposals be corrected! Links on the OAGC Advocacy Alert page provide some points to help formulate your message.

As many of you are aware the governor’s education plan for gifted education, as currently presented, will have a devastating impact on gifted services across Ohio. While it is clear that the governor had good intentions for gifted children, the plan does not reflect what is needed in Ohio. Funding will be cut to less than half the current level and will not be tied to trained gifted staff. In addition, all identification funds will be eliminated as well as the Summer Honors Institutes and the Martin Essex program. Finally, the funding mechanism for PSEO is dismantled, and it remains unclear whether students will have open access to PSEO opportunities. Representative Dyer, Chairman of the House Finance Primary and Secondary Sub-committee and the education policy staff in Speaker Budish’s office are aware of the issue and seem willing to help fix the problem. However, until the bill language is actually changed, gifted education remains vulnerable. Odder things have unintentionally gone into law. It is time for gifted advocates to contact their own legislators (email is fine) and simply tell them that you are very concerned about what will happen to gifted services in your district under this plan. Please be polite, and please do not bash the governor. You may find your Ohio House representative by clicking here. If you would like further details about the plan, please go the OAGC Advocacy Alert page. A representative from the governor’s office will be meeting with the OAGC Governing Board on Monday. If anything interesting is shared at this meeting, another email will be sent out.

You also may view this message here.

If you’d like to help get the word out about Step Into Summer Opportunities Fair 2009, here is the official flyer (400 KB). It can be printed on a single page — or two to a page if your system allows. You may need to right-click or shift click to download.

At the February 2009 P.A.C.E. Meeting we discussed some resources for how one might make the most of Parent Teacher Conferences for families with students of any age and level.

Here are links to some items:

The O.A.G.C. Parent Handbook, pp. 18-19 has for “Suggestions for Parent/Teacher Conferences” adapted from Dr. Joan Franklin Smutny’s Stand Up for Your Gifted Child. The Handbook may be found on the OAGC Parent Division Homepage. (look for “OAGC Parent Handbook” PDF.)

There is also a page on Tips for Successful Interaction with School Personnel (PDF) from the O.A.G.C., courtesy of Ohio Parent Mentors. This is on the Parent Day Handouts page.

For a lengthier article by Dr. Joan Franklin Smutny (from N.A.C.G. website), see Communicating Effectively with your Gifted Child’s School (PDF). This is also linked (with other resources) from the Parent Day Handouts page.

Hoagies’ Gifted Education Page has a resource if you are puzzled by some of the specialized jargon and acronymns: Acronyms, Terms, and other things we need to know.

Another article, How Parents Can Be Advocates for Their Children, is among many that may be found on the Reading Rockets web site. Though targeted to families of children with learning disabilities, it contains helpful information for families with children who are special in another ways – including gifted or twice exceptional.

From OCAN and www.KnowHow2GoOhio.org (see earlier post), there will be a special event Feruary 8, 2009: College Goal Sunday.

It’s all about getting financial assistance, and negotiating the paperwork to do so – including the dreaded Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Registrations are due February 6, so check it out now if you are interested.

WHAT: College Goal Sunday will be held at 40 locations across Ohio to assist students and families with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).


There are billions of dollars available; however, filling out the FAFSA is the only way students get grant money from the federal and state government to pay for higher education. College Goal Sunday was designed to ease the intimidation often felt by students and families about the FAFSA process.


During these sessions volunteers provide free financial aid expertise to families overwhelmed with the rising cost of higher education. Guidance counselors and financial aid administrators are available to guide parents through the form, fill in tax and income information and navigate tricky situations. Last year more than 3,100 Ohioans took advantage of College Goal Sunday.


In support of College Goal Sunday’s efforts to help give every Ohio high school graduate an equal opportunity to go to college, Governor Ted Strickland has declared February 2009 Financial Aid Awareness Month again this year.


College Goal Sunday is sponsored by the Ohio Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (OASFAA) through investments from the Lumina Foundation for Education, the Ohio College Access Network (OCAN), and Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Corp.

Francie Nolan recently shared about finding a treasure trove of information regarding how to gain access to (and pay for!) college education!

There is an organization called the Ohio College Access Network (OCAN), whose mission is “helping Ohio residents pursue postsecondary education.” See their site for links to College Access/Scholarship Programs, and more.

OCAN also sponsors an interactive web site targeted primarily to students (and families) from Middle School through High School, www.KnowHow2GoOhio.org. (There is a national affiliate, www.knowhow2go.org.)

Come join us Monday February 9, 2009 – 6:00-7:30 p.m., as we have as guests educators involved in various ways in the process of scheduling.

“The In’s and Out’s of Scheduling …” will seek to demystify scheduling at all levels: elementary, middle, and high school.

While a concern at all levels, scheduling becomes even more pertinent as students approach Middle and High School. While scheduling practices may in different schools and contexts, we will explore basic principles and procedures, some examples of how it might work, and who is involved. We’ll make particular note of special issues for our gifted children, and invite your questions for clarification.

We will also share additional resources for making the most of Parent Teacher Conferences for families with students of any age and level.

Meetings are held at the Columbus Education Center, in the Board meeting room (downstairs) at 270 E. State Street.