Keynote: Dr. Michael Postma

When It’s Time for a Change

Let's face the facts. The vast majority of schools, both public and private, are ill equipped to handle the holistic needs of the gifted and/or multi-exceptional student. Generally, teachers are not exposed to proper staff development in the field of gifted education and are thus not prepared to understand the many nuances of meeting the complex needs of this neurodivergent population. At best, a student may, over the course of their educational experience, encounter a few teachers that fully understand their needs, but for the most part, it is a gauntlet of hit or miss. So, as a parent, how do I know when enough is enough? How do I know when the damage (socially, emotionally, or intellectually) out weighs the benefits? What indicators are there that tell me it is time for a change? In this presentation, Dr. Postma will address the issues related to educating gifted/2e children and present evidence on when to seek changes and how to go about the transition.

Participants will come away from this session:

• Understanding the state of public/private education today

• Knowing what questions to ask current administration

• Knowing when to begin looking at other educational options

• Understanding the process of transition

Dr. Michael Postma is currently the President and founder of Gifted & Thriving, LLC. He has spent the last twenty-five years working a variety of roles to support the ongoing social, emotional, and intellectual needs of gifted and multi-exceptional communities.