Monthly Archives: February 2009

Biennial Budget News from O.A.G.C.

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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.

Suggestions and Resources for Parent/Teacher Conferences

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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.

College Access – College Goal Sunday, Feb 8 2009

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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.

College Access (including Paying for College!)

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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.)