NAGC_PAGE- Episode 1 - Gifted Across the States

Let's explore what makes gifted education in Pennsylvania unique and how it differs from other states nationwide.

Welcome to the first episode of the Turning the PAGE Podcast NAGC Conference series, launched in preparation for the 2025 NAGC Conference in Pittsburgh. In this episode, podcast guests Dr. Catherine Little (NAGC President-Elect, NAGC Board of Directors) and Dave Mendell (PAGE President) explore what makes gifted education in Pennsylvania unique and how it differs from other states nationwide.

Gifted education in the U.S. varies widely due to differences in state laws, local policies, and funding, with many decisions left to local school districts. Pennsylvania, as the 2025 NAGC Conference host state, offers a distinctive model shaped by specific state regulations, identification processes, and support services. Catherine and Dave discuss how Pennsylvania defines and identifies gifted students, highlighting contrasts with the approaches of other states. They explain the range of services available and how schools tailor curriculum differentiation to meet diverse student needs.

The episode also emphasizes the critical role of parents in advocating for gifted learners and directs listeners to valuable resources, including NAGC’s National Standards in Gifted and Talented Education and the State of the States reports. Catherine and Dave share how the Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education (PAGE) actively advocates for gifted students statewide and supports ongoing collaboration among educators, families, and policymakers.

Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of Pennsylvania’s gifted education landscape, common challenges faced by students and families, and promising trends shaping the future of gifted education in the state. Join us for this insightful conversation that sets the stage for the upcoming NAGC 2025 conference and deepens awareness of gifted education’s evolving priorities nationwide.

Resources: 

Standards of Gifted Education Programs from NAGC: https://nagc.org/page/National-Standards-in-Gifted-and-Talented-Education

A variety of resources may be found at: https://nagc.org/page/knowledge-center