March GATE PA Meeting: Key Updates & Insights
GATE PA Meeting & Education Session was held on May 14, 2026 at 7:00 PM (Google Meet). Agenda items included:
- Land Acknowledgement
- Welcome – Who we are and what we do
- Parent Education Session: Tips for Consuming Research on Giftedness from Someone Who Helps Create It
- Approval of Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from previous GM
- Advocacy & Communication Update
- Planned 2025/26 Activities
- Financial Update
- GATE School Updates
- Volunteer Positions
- Question & Answer period
Meeting minutes will be available soon on this website. Meeting Minutes | GATE Calgary
In Case You Missed the Parent Education Session
Presentation: Tips for Consuming Research on Giftedness from Someone Who Helps Create It (Presenter: Matthew C. Makel)
The session focused on how to read studies critically and avoid overgeneralizing findings.
Key Topics Covered:
- Research does not always apply to every child or situation. Context matters.
- Be careful with strong claims—evidence and opinions are not the same.
- Single studies (especially case studies) should not be used to guide big decisions.
- How “giftedness” is defined can change who gets identified and supported.
- Identification methods vary widely across schools and can affect results.
- Mental health findings can be misleading if based only on selected groups, not the full population.
- Broader research suggests high cognitive ability may support some social-emotional outcomes.
For more information:
The recording and presentation slides are available on our website gatecalgary.ca/presentations/
Volunteer Opportunities
We’re looking for a Henry Wise Wood Site Representative!
Your responsibility is to attend your school’s council meetings and keep the GATE PA informed about important updates.
Interested? Email: info@gatecalgary.ca
UPCOMING PARENT EDUCATION SESSIONS
The Community Education Service (CES) offers free, evidence-informed resources for parents and caregivers. Their expert speakers provide reliable information and practical strategies to support the development and mental health of children and youth. A variety of free parent education sessions are available from May to September. Please register using the posters for each session.
May – Supporting Your Child/Teen with ADHD (May 28) – strategies to support ADHD at home and school.
June – Circle of Security (June 9) – strengthening parent–child attachment
Psychoeducational Assessment (June 10) – understanding school learning assessments
September – Executive Functioning Essentials (Sept 16) – supporting organization and regulation skills
Teens & Gambling (Sept 23) – understanding risks, signs, and how to talk with youth
Click below to learn more.