Over 2,000 people from around the world (though mostly U.S.) attended the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) Conference in New Orleans, and it seemed the excitement was more than in years past even though many attendees bemoaned the budget cuts that their gifted programs were experiencing. The most excitement was generated by discussion of a new definition of gifted. A blue-ribbon NAGC committee spent more than a year working on this project, and decided that gifted children and adults should no longer be considered only the top 3% to 5%. Instead, the committee concluded that 10% made more sense, based on the research. In addition, the new definition calls for a focus on specific domains of ability, rather than the globally gifted. The new definition also specifically recognizes, for the first time, adult gifted.

The new NAGC president, Dr. Paula Olszewski-Kubilius of Northwestern University, emphasized the new definition and paradigm shift in her speech at the NAGC Awards banquet on the opening night, and it created a favorable buzz. Read more about the new definition of gifted. 

Another exciting aspect of the NAGC conference was that Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted’s (SENG) new Executive Director (Jim Maloney of Kansas City) was present, and the energy of the various members of SENG’s Board of Directors and the new Executive Director was palpable throughout the conference.

The Great Potential Press exhibit booth was as much fun as it always is. This year, there were four GPP staff members at the conference—Dr. James Webb (president), Janet Gore (acquisitions editor), Anne Morales (fulfillment and finance manager), and Jen Ault (copy editor and manager of e-books).  NAGC is always a great opportunity to see old friends, meet new folks, display books from Great Potential Press, and talk to potential authors.

Photos of GPP staff at the conference:

NAGC president, Dr. Paula Olszewski-Kubilius, presents GPP's Dr. James Webb with the association's prestigious Community Service Award.

GPP's Anne Morales (fulfillment and finance manager) and Janet Gore (acquisitions editor) stand with GPP's booth display.

Carol Strip Whitney, Ph.D., author of 'A Love for Learning' and 'Helping Gifted Children Soar,' stops by the GPP booth for a visit.