Conference Sessions
Daily Structure: Breakfast (8:00), Classes (8:30-4:00), Keynote/Wrap-up
Welcome Breakfast & Registration
Grand View Ballroom - Coffee, pastries, and networking.
AI 101: The Basics
For absolute beginners: Setting up ChatGPT and MagicSchool.
Identification Myths
Spotting giftedness in underrepresented K-5 populations.
The Anxious Learner
Helping perfectionist students handle failure.
Prompt Engineering
Teaching 4th-8th graders how to ask AI better questions.
Tiered Lesson Design
Using AI to create 3 tiers of assignments in 5 minutes.
Parent Communication
Explaining "Gifted Services" to demanding parents.
Canva Magic Studio
Using AI image generation for creative storytelling.
Inquiry-Based Learning
Structuring "Genius Hour" so it doesn't become chaos.
Twice-Exceptionality
Supporting students with high IQ and ADHD/Autism.
🥗 Lunch Break (90 mins)
Buffet Lunch in the Lakeside Atrium.
AI & Cheating
Redefining academic honesty for the middle schooler.
Low Floor, High Ceiling
Creating math problems that stretch your top 1%.
Legal Safety
COPPA, FERPA, and "Under 13" AI accounts.
Python for 5th Graders
Using AI as a coding tutor for advanced students.
Advanced Novel Studies
Moving beyond "comprehension questions" to analysis.
Peer Relations
Helping gifted kids navigate friendships.
AI in 2030
What skills will our students actually need?
Virtual Labs
Simulating complex experiments with digital tools.
Curriculum Compacting
How to "buy time" for enrichment projects.
Kickoff Keynote: The Rise of AI
Renowned Gifted Ed Speaker & Author
Dr. Housand discusses how AI is reshaping the childhood of our gifted learners. From "Digital Nannies" to "Creative Co-pilots."
Winter Summit Social Hour (Ends 6:30 PM)
Join us in the Lakeside Atrium. Connect with fellow K-8 educators, meet the speakers, and enjoy complimentary drinks and hors d'oeuvres.
Breakfast Gathering
Grand View Ballroom - Hot breakfast buffet.
Blooket & Kahoot AI
Generating review games instantly from text.
Primary Enrichment
Challenge centers for the K-2 classroom.
Overexcitabilities
Understanding Dabrowski's theory in 2026.
Lego Spike & AI
Integrating AI vision into Lego robotics.
The AI Co-Author
Using AI to help students outline novels.
Budgeting for Gifted
How to write grants for your program.
Green Screen & AI
Creating AI backgrounds for student news shows.
Simulating History
Roleplaying historical events with AI characters.
Teacher Wellness
Managing the workload of a gifted coordinator.
🥗 Lunch Break (90 mins)
Buffet Lunch in the Lakeside Atrium.
Grading with AI
Building rubrics and giving feedback in seconds.
PBL Generator
Designing interdisciplinary projects on the fly.
College Prep Early
What middle schoolers need to know now.
AI in the Arts
Composing music and generating art with tools.
The AI Opponent
Using chatbots to practice debate skills.
Using MAP Data
Analyzing NWEA MAP scores for grouping.
Student Voices
Editing podcasts with AI audio tools.
Cluster Management
Logistics of the cluster grouping model.
The Disorganized Genius
Tools for students who lose everything.
Daily Wrap-Up Meeting
Reflection and door prizes.
Breakfast Gathering
Grand View Ballroom - Networking tables by grade level.
Assistive AI
Tools for students with Dyslexia/Dysgraphia.
Skipping Grades
The Iowa Scale and making the decision.
Calm Classrooms
Meditation apps for high-energy kids.
Deep Research
Using Perplexity AI for academic sourcing.
Better Discussions
Leading deep philosophical talks in 5th grade.
State Laws
Updates on the Illinois Accelerated Placement Act.
Virtual Reality
Using headsets for virtual field trips.
Torrance Tests
Assessing creativity, not just IQ.
The Underachiever
Re-engaging the student who has checked out.
🥗 Lunch Break (90 mins)
Buffet Lunch in the Lakeside Atrium.
ESL Gifted
Using AI translation to find gifted ESL students.
Contracts
Managing 5 different independent studies at once.
Training Others
How to lead a PD session for your staff.
Data Wizardry
Excel/Sheets tricks for coordinators.
Depth of Knowledge
Moving from DOK 1 to DOK 4.
Social Dynamics
When the "smart kid" becomes the target.
App Smackdown
Rapid fire sharing of the best 50 apps.
Unit Design
Work time to build your next unit.
Parent Groups
How to start a parent advocacy group.
Daily Wrap-Up Meeting
Final thoughts for the day.
Administrator's Breakfast
Grand View Ballroom - Leading staff through AI anxiety.
Hiring for Gifted
What to look for in a gifted specialist interview.
Curriculum Audits
Using AI to scan your maps for gaps in rigor.
LMS Automation
Automating Canvas/Google Classroom tasks.
The 5-Year Plan
Strategic planning for district gifted programs.
Demographics
Does your program mirror your district?
Push-In Models
Supporting gifted kids in the regular classroom.
Emotional Intelligence
Why EQ is the new "premium" skill.
The AI Secretary
Automating emails and scheduling.
Presenting Data
Visualizing success for the School Board.
🥗 Lunch Break (90 mins)
Buffet Lunch and Networking.
Implementation Planning
Guided time for school teams to plan next steps.
Grant Writing
Finding funds for new tech.
Personal Goals
Setting professional goals for the year.
The Human Element in a Digital Age
University of Virginia | Author of "The Differentiated Classroom"
Connecting the dots between AI efficiency and the irreplaceable human need for connection.
