AGATE is a recognized statewide organization whose membership includes parents, teachers, administrators and psychologists. AGATE provides support to its chapters by calling on the vast knowledge of its individual members who share their information. Our newsletter, GEMS of AGATE, provides valuable information. The conferences that AGATE organizes are often the only opportunities for individuals to learn about the latest ideas and research in the field of gifted education.
On a local level, you become an organization, much like PTA. As opposed to a SEPTA which is limited to a single school district, a chapter can include membership from a greater geographical region. It can include home-schooled and private-schooled children. Your strength in numbers allows your voice to be heard representing more than just yourself.
Chapters have been successful in increasing opportunities available to students in their districts including increasing the types and numbers of honors courses available as well as changing the method of kindergarten screening. Programs have been preserved where they were on the verge of extinction. In one Chapter, a Saturday Scholars Program brought large numbers of bright students in from a variety of districts to learn together. Chapters have brought in guest speakers to cover topics such as testing and what the tests actually tell us, gifted and learning disabled, social and emotional needs of gifted children, just to name a few.
A chapter links all of us around the state to each other, giving us a method of gaining information which can be used to support legislative actions. It allows us to pool the very many talents of our membership to branch out and educate our politicians as well as state and local education officials as to the needs of gifted children. As our numbers grow, so does our influence.
If you are considering starting a chapter or want more information, contact:
Jenn Bashant (Chapters/Affiliates Chair)
12 Hamilton St.
Guilderland, NY 12084