Extended 90 min

Should We Continue to Use the Word Gifted?

Friday, November 14, 2025

9:15 AM - 10:45 AM ET

Location: Convention Center, 406

Grade Level: Pre-K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Postsecondary, Professionals

MM

Matt Makel

Professor
University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Shelagh A. Gallagher (she/her/hers)

Director, Office of Gifted and Talented Education
University of North Texas
Denton, Texas, United States
April Wells

Director of Admissions
Illinoid Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA)
Elgin, Illinois, United States
Jonathan A. Plucker, PhD

Professor
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
P. Susan Jackson

Founder
Daimon Institute for the Highly Gifted Inc.
Langley, British Columbia, Canada

Short Description: Should the field continue to use the word gifted? If not gifted, then what? Come to a debate between respected experts on this long-standing controversial issue. Learn the pros and cons of keeping or leaving the term behind. And take advantage of joining the conversation through virtual Q&A and weighing on what arguments are most persuasive.

Learning Objectives:

Attendees will learn the strengths and weaknesses of continuing to use the term gifted.
Attendees will learn the strengths and weaknesses of transitioning to a field that does not use the term gifted.
Attendees will learn how to better articulate their own beliefs and advocate for their own programs.