Arizona Associaton for Gifted and Talented
2011 Parent Institute: Parenting High Ability Children
Frequently Asked Questions
… about the schedule and registration
Q.: Can we register there?
A.: Preregistration is recommended. You may not be able to attend if registration fills before the event - it filled last year. The children's program registration usually closes first, so you will definitely want to register children sooner rather than later.
Q.: Why would both parents want to attend?
A.: Both parents would want to attend because it will give you a common point of reference, terms, AND there may be two breakout sessions (see last year's) that you want to see at one time, and you can split up and cover twice as much. We will post a schedule of sessions (see last year's) so you can decide ahead of time who will be attending which session.
Q.: Where will we be able to park and how will we find the ASU College of Law?
A: Parking is free in the parking garage to the east of the College of Law. When you register your confirmation email will include driving directions from the different freeways nearby.
Q.: Is there a children's program in the same area as the parents?
A.: Yes, there is a children's program for K-10 in neighboring buildings run by gifted teachers. More details on children's program below.
Q.: Who will the speakers be?
A.: The keynote speaker is Vicki Ragsdell, a licensed psychologist in private practice in Louisville, KY. Dr. Ragsdell has 20 years of experience working with gifted adults, children and families. She provides therapy, coaching and consulting on a national basis. There will also be a number of great local speakers including Dr. Paul Beljan, a pediatric neuropsychologist, Janet Gore, and Dr. James Webb, authors on gifted, and other well qualified individuals on a number of different topics.
Q.: Will there be different sessions to choose from? Do we need to choose them when we register?
A.: There will be six different sessions to choose from during each of the three breakout sessions (see last year's) after the keynote speaker starts the day. You will want to check the program for any changes when you arrive and select the sessions you want to attend. A draft of the schedule will be posted before the event, but will be subject to change. The final schedule will be in your program.
Q: I am coming from out of town, is there an AAGT group rate at any nearby hotels?
A: Yes, there are several hotels near ASU that offered special rates last year. There are several other local events at this time so vacancies in this area might be hard to find. Be sure to book as early as possible:
Q.: Can I register online if I’m using a Purchase Order?
A.: Yes. You can register online using a Purchase Order. Our online system allows you to pay with a credit card, indicate your purchase order, or indicate you will be paying with a check.
Q.: I don't want to pay by credit card, how do I pay by check if I register online?
A.: You can register online, then print out the confirmation email you receive and mail your check in with that. If you are having problems you can use this Printable registration form.pdf, but registrations are processed faster when they are done online.
… about the children's program
Q.: What will the children's program be like?
A.: The children's program for grades k-10 will be organized by local gifted teachers. Children will be grouped together by grade and a variety of topics will be covered. Here is a link with Program Descriptions for each group.
Q.: How do I register my child for the children's program?
A.: You can register your child when you register. Just indicate your child's full name and grade in the appropriate place on the online registration form.
Q.: Will there be a Mock Trial program for middle and high school students again this year?
A.: There will be a Junior Law/Courtworks program this year for 7th - 10th grade students that includes a mock trial. This program will be taught by law students with teaching experience, some from Teach for America. Please follow the instructions above for registration in the children's program to register your middle school or high school student.
Q.: Our organization has information we'd like to share with parents at this event. How can we do that?
A.: You can see the Call for Exhibitors information here. In addition to having a table to exhibit for your organization, it includes information about advertising in our event program, how schools can share their program information and how to include brochures or catalogs at our Resource Tables.