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Gifted Education State Advisory Committee (GE-SAC)

Office of Gifted Education

Contents


Description

Purpose

In 1984, the Colorado State Board of Education (SBE) created the Gifted Education State Advisory Committee (GE-SAC) to assist the SBE in performing its responsibilities in implementing the Education of Exceptional Children's Statue part 2, Education of Gifted Children. The GE-SAC was further codified into law in 2014 and is referenced in the Colorado Revised Statutes [C.R.S. 22-20-203(3)].

C.R.S. 22-20-203(3) states, “The general assembly recognizes that, to assist the state board in performing its responsibilities in implementing this part 2, the state board has appointed a state gifted education advisory committee of an appropriate size. On and after August 6, 2014, the membership of the advisory committee must continue to include representatives from each congressional district in the state and consist of persons involved in or concerned with the education of gifted children. The state board shall continue to appoint members for terms as stated in the bylaws of the advisory committee. Members of the advisory committee continue to serve without compensation but may receive reimbursement for expenses.”

Function

GE-SAC serves as an advisory committee to support the SBE as it fulfills its responsibilities in implementing this part 2 by providing reasonable recommendations related to existing gifted education rules, (Exceptional Children’s Education Act).

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Membership

 

The SBE appoints members to the GE-SAC on an annual basis for a three-year term. The GE-SAC meets virtually 4 times per year, typically from 9 am - 3 pm, and a two day in person retreat in the summer at a metro location. Members are reimbursed for travel costs. Subcommittees of GE-SAC may hold additional meetings virtually or face-to-face. GE-SAC opens applications for current vacancies in the fall of each year. Application for the new term 2025-2028 extended to January 17, 2025.

2024 - 2025 Current GE-SAC Members

Congressional District 1

  • Educator: Cecilia Quintanilla
  • Parent: Charnetta Lewis

Congressional District 2

  • Educator: Kate Bachtel
  • Parent: Michelle DuBois

Congressional District 3

  • Parent: Virginia (Ginny) Johnson

Congressional District 4

  • Educator: Ryan McClintock

Congressional District 5

  • Educator: Teresa Brown
  • Parent: Beau Houston

Congressional District 6

  • Educator: Cameron Hays
  • Parent: Darcy Pearlman
  • Community: Shalelia Dillard

Congressional District 7

  • Educator: Kristin Shapiro
  • Parent: Marissa Benton

Congressional District 8

  • Educator: Jennifer Rizzo-Hamilton
  • Parent: Jaci Durrie
  • Community: Wendy Jensen

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Meeting Schedule & Minutes

GESAC Meetings are open to the public and held virtually on the second Monday of October, December, February and May.

2024 - 2025 Calendar of Scheduled Meetings:

  • October 14, 2024, 9am-3pm
  • December 9, 2024, 9am-3pm
  • February 10, 2025, 9am-3pm
  • May 12, 2025, 9am-3pm
  • June 16 - 17, 2025 Two-Day Retreat - in person. Denver CO

Minutes

GESAC archived minutes are available on request. Contact the Office of Gifted Education Program Administrator for assistance.

For more information about attending a meeting or public comment please contact Rebecca McKinney mckinney_r@cde.state.co.us

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Gifted Education State Advisory Committee Roles

Congressional Districts include educator, parent, community, and student representatives. Applications are reviewed, and selected applicants will be notified once your name is forwarded to the State Board of Education (SBE) in the spring for approval. Applicants will be invited to observe a GE-SAC meeting in the spring. Once appointed by the SBE, a three year term begins in July for all members, except students who serve one year.

  • Educator Member - an individual employed as an educational professional (e.g., teacher, counselor, administrator, support staff, specials teacher, content teacher, early childhood educator) in a preschool, elementary school, middle school, high school, or at higher education institute. 3 year term
  • Community Member - an individual who is (or wishes to be) actively engaged in gifted education through a business or an organization (e.g., educational experiences, non-profit, community college, technical schools, military representative from a district with Federal Impact Aid) 3 year term
  • Parent Member - an individual with a child/children identified as gifted and talented and who is/are attending a public school in Colorado from ECE - 12th grade. 3 year term
  • Student Member - a student who will be in grades 9-12 grade in the 2024-2025 school year and identified as gifted and talented. 1 year term

Functions of an Advisory Committee

  • Retain a focus on topics relevant to the benefit of gifted students, their families and educators
  • Explore timely and relevant topics
  • Define issue
  • Study - review and synthesize information and data
  • Dialogue
  • Look for connections to and within gifted education
  • Analyze for relevancy and meaning
  • Discuss
  • Make decisions about recommendations and communication to the State Board of Education
  • Share information

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Resources for GE-SAC

Supporting Gifted Learners: Insights into Organizational Roles and Collaborative Network

Additional Organizations and Resources

  • Colorado Association for Gifted and Talented (CAGT) - CAGT is a non-profit organization of parents, educators, and others interested in promoting suitable education, including creative stimulation, for gifted and talented children, while also seeking public recognition and aid for the special needs of these children. Local areas can also start a CAGT affiliate.
  • Colorado Gifted and Talented Student Board - A leading youth board based in the Denver area, and open to student's across the state. Empowering students to fully embrace their identity and gain all the skills needed to be leaders tomorrow.
  • National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) - NAGC is a non-profit organization of parents, teachers, educators, other professionals and community leaders who unite to address the unique needs of children and youth with demonstrated gifts and talents as well as those children who may be able to develop their talent potential with appropriate educational experiences.
  • CDE: Parents/Families of a Child with a Disability - This webpage is for parents and those who work with parents. It is dedicated to providing information on special education issues, practices, and resources to families who have children with disabilities (including twice exceptional).
  • Council for Exceptional Children - The Association for the Gifted (CEC-TAG) - A Division of the Council for Exceptional Children. Promotes Scholarly research, advocacy, and professional development.
  • The National Center for Research on Gifted Education (NCRGE) - Contains published research on important issues in the education of gifted and talented students.
  • Bridges 2e Media Educating the Exceptional - 2e News provides readers with high-level information and perspectives about twice-exceptional (2e) education and cognitive diversity.
  • Gifted and Talented Leaders of Color and Allies - started in 2019 for support, connections, and empowerment. Their mission is to support and connect Educators and Families of Color within the field of Gifted Education.
  • PEAK Exceptional Services - Organization that empowers differently wired individuals and their families, providing the insights and information to nurture their exceptional minds. 
  • Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG) - A nonprofit network of people who guide gifted, talented, and twice-exceptional individuals to reach their goals intellectually, physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.

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Note: If you are not able to access the resources or need additional support, please contact the Office of Gifted Education Program Administrator