Concurrent 60 min

State-Level Legislative Advocacy: Strategies for Advancing Gifted Education Policy

Saturday, November 15, 2025

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM ET

Location: Convention Center, 306/307

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

Carol Malueg (she/her/hers)

Education Consultant, Learning Coach, Author
Gifted Roads
Burnsville, Minnesota, United States
Cori Paulet (she/her/hers)

Co-President
MCGT
St. Paul, Minnesota, United States
Elizabeth A. Fogarty (she/her/hers)

Associate Professor
University of St. Thomas
Chaska, Minnesota, United States
Melanie Olson (she/her/hers)

Gifted Education Classroom Teacher
MEGT
Buffalo, Minnesota, United States

Short Description: Effectively advocating for gifted education at the state level requires a strategic, collaborative approach that engages key stakeholders, utilizes data-driven messaging, and navigates legislative processes. This interactive session will equip participants with the tools to build advocacy networks, craft compelling messages, and engage with policymakers to drive meaningful change.

Learning Objectives:

Develop Effective Advocacy Strategies: Learn how to craft a compelling legislative proposal, identify funding opportunities, and navigate the policy-making process.
Build Strong Advocacy Networks: Understand how to leverage partnerships with state organizations, education departments, lobbyists, and legal experts to strengthen advocacy efforts.
Engage Legislators with Data-Driven Messaging: Learn how to effectively communicate advocacy goals through one-pagers, strategic emails, and face-to-face meetings with policymakers.