The Gifted Education Family Network may be a young organization, but we’ve accomplished a lot in a few short years. Please see below to learn about our significant work and milestones, and please help our organization continue to grow by spreading the word. We look forward to connecting gifted families from all populations through support and advocacy for years to come.
Our Publications
- Co-authored Full Grade Acceleration: Resources for Parents with Gifted Unlimited, LLC to provide families with free, evidence-based, organized guidance for making acceleration decisions in Texas
- Interviewed internationally-known GT experts on our blog, Excellence and Equity, with more family-requested content and interviews to come
- Authored “Advocacy, Parent Groups, and Collaboration: Tools for Meeting Gifted Needs” for the newsletter of the Victorian Association for Gifted and Talented Children (Australia)
- Provided members with detailed information on state GT requirements and options for GT services, and provided curated 2e (twice-exceptional) resources through our eNewsletter articles
Events Hosted by GEFN
- “Starting a Gifted Parent Group,” a free virtual event that provided instructions around types of parent groups that can be established, as well as specific instructions and information.
- “Parents and Teachers Working Together for the Benefit of Our Gifted and 2e Learners,” a free virtual event with Gayle Bentley, a teacher, GT parent, and doctoral student at the Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity in Education
- “How to Use Math to Invent,” a free virtual family event with math expert Professor Po-Shen Loh, math professor at Carnegie Mellon University and national coach of the USA International Math Olympiad team
- “Panel Discussion for Building on Resilience: Models and Frameworks for Black Male Success Across the P-20 Pipeline – A Book Read Experience,” a virtual event with the MACH-III Center (Minority Achievement, Creativity, and High-Ability Center) at Texas Prairie View A&M University, open to all members
- “The 87th Texas Legislative Session: Conversation with Representative Matt Shaheen,” a virtual opportunity for GEFN members to ask questions and learn from a Texas Representative supporting GT education
GEFN Advocacy
- GEFN partnered with the Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented to advocate for an increase in the GT Allotment in 2025 and in prior years successfully requested state agency guidance to accurately convey legislative purpose for the new GT Allotment, ensuring GT program support from both dedicated GT funding and from the Basic Allotment, as intended
- With support from our Legislative and State Advocacy Committee, GEFN partnered with the Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented in drafting and working with legislators on amendments to House Bill 1302, which would have increased access to needed acceleration opportunities in Texas, and which can now serve as a starting point for future legislation
- Advocated on behalf of member families at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to request that state agency guidance would ensure continuation of state-manded GT programs, including services during both synchronous and asynchronous virtual instruction
- Promoted additional advocacy opportunities aligned with our Mission, Vision, and Priorities, including advocacy for public education funding through Raise Your Hand Texas and advocacy from the National Association for Gifted Children requesting federal funding for the Javits Gifted Education Program
Outreach
- Free newsletter for our 1900+ (and growing) members
- Social media information shared through Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram
- Provided information about our free membership and support to Regional Education Service Center staff across Texas
- Provided parent survey input, planning input, and publicity for the 2020-2025 GT Parent Conferences and upcoming 2026 GT Parent Conference hosted by the Baylor Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development, including presenting keynote sessions, breakout sessions, and scholarships to ensure equal opportunity for all GT families
- Gathered member feedback regarding parent information on the TEA GT Equity website, and provided feedback to TEA
- Promoted scholarship opportunities, research opportunities, and interest surveys aligned with our Mission, Vision, and Priorities.
- Shared free articles of interest with our GT families, including multiple articles published by the Gifted Education Review and Parenting for High Potential
- GEFN leaders and volunteers actively engage with and volunteer their individual time and talents for numerous organizations dedicated to GT education, public education, and equity work.
- Promoted free and low-cost virtual and in-person family events related to GT family support and GT education.
Our Future
The Gifted Education Family Network was founded by and for families of GT students, and our future depends on the passion and involvement of families like yours. We invite you to subscribe to our free member newsletter, to join our online community, and to share our information with families across Texas. We welcome contact from businesses or organizations interested in joining us as partners or sponsors, and we invite all GT families to volunteer for our projects or committees.
If you support our Mission, Vision, and Priorities, your input is important to us, and we have a place for your interests and needs. We look forward to connecting with you and learning from you.
Gifted Education Family Network 