Georgia Association for Gifted Children Conference Proposal

Caitlin Lemieux

Title: Analyzing the Effects Gifted Assessment Methods Have On Underrepresentation

Audience: Teachers, University Students, Administrators

Conference description (75 words):

Experience members of the GAGC Coalition for Access and Equity discuss data collected

regarding instrumentation methods utilized in gifted education systems across Georgia. Utilizing

survey responses from gifted professionals, the coalition will address specific assessment

methods as well as the impact these methods have on the underrepresentation of student

communities. Learn more about equitable instrumentation methods for diverse students, as well

as the importance of adaptability in gifted identification, as presenters unpack recent and relevant

research.

Main Description (250 words):

Nationwide, there is an issue of underrepresentation in students identified for gifted

services that has not yet been adequately addressed. In response to this notion, the GAGC

Coalition of Equity and Access has facilitated a research project to gauge the methods of gifted

assessments being practiced in schools. In this presentation, members of the GAGC Coalition for

Access Equity will share the results of surveys completed by gifted professionals in districts

across Georgia, which aim to understand the instrumentation methods utilized for gifted

identification. The data will be discussed in light of research on equitable practices for avoiding
underrepresentation of student communities in the gifted program. Members of the coalition will

discuss in-depth the importance of critically analyzing screeners and tools for gifted

identification to ensure they are free of bias and allow for the most equitable results to be

yielded. The role of districts will also be explored, as members share the necessity of awareness

in district leaders. It is crucial for these leaders to address disparities in their program and

identification methods regularly, as well as analyze the representation of diverse students in the

gifted program.

The coalition conducted a research project by means of surveying gifted coordinators in

Georgia’s school districts. The purpose of this project was to “collect information across the state

of Georgia regarding the methods, instruments and issues that make up the identification process

in districts across the state that can be shared across districts to inform practices and

instrumentation that help to reduce inequitable representation in gifted programs” (GAGC

Coalition of Equity and Access, 2022). Members will present the findings of this study, as well

as interpret the results in order to form a more universal understanding of equitable gifted

identification.