The GATE Parent Association will be having a Parent Education Session on Monday, March 2, 2026, entitled:

“Giftedness Beyond Grade Levels: Understanding Growth and Challenge in Schools“

Presented by Dr. Karen Rambo-Hernandez, Professor, Fulbright Research Chair, University of Calgary. 

Many gifted and/or high-achieving students do not always get what they need from school, since most lessons target grade-level expectations and can overlook how far ahead some students are. Karen will share what research shows about the wide range of achievements in classrooms, how high achievers learn and grow, and why gifted and talented services matter for these kids. She’ll also offer practical ideas for parents, especially those with students who need more academic challenge.

Presentation Slides

Video Link

Individualized Program Plans (IPPs) are powerful tools that help tailor education to meet the unique strengths and needs of gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) students. This session will help parents understand how IPPs work, what meaningful goals look like, and how families can collaborate with teachers for support, challenge, and growth. Together, we’ll explore how IPPs can celebrate your child’s abilities while addressing learning differences, building a roadmap for both academic success and well-being.

Presentation Slides

Video Link

Guest Speakers: Heather Lai & Ley-Anne Folks, Westmount Charter School

Gifted students often face unique emotional and social challenges, such as heightened sensitivity, perfectionism, and isolation. In this presentation, our speakers discuss ways to support their well-being, which involves creating a safe, understanding environment, promoting peer connections, and providing access to mental health resources.

Presentation Slides

Video Link

Guest Speaker: Dr. Matthew Makel, Professor and Chair in High Ability Studies, Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary

There can be many goals of gifted education. In this talk, Dr. Matthew Makel provided example goals that have been established by the gifted education field, while also providing context for how parents can assess whether their own goals are being met by the services that their children receive.

Presentation:

Slides

Video Link

Guest Speaker: Jodi Staples, Certified Counselling Therapist

Jodi Staples, GPA Vice President, discussed Executive Functioning and its role in academic and emotional development. She explained what Executive Functioning is, explored its role in relation to gifted learners, shared common struggles experienced by gifted learners, and described how families can provide students with strategies and supports.

Presentation:

Video Link

Guest Speaker: Dr Ana Pardo, Academic Accommodation Advising – Bridge the Gap

Dr. Pardo has spent thirty-five years examining disability, diversity and equity issues, teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels in the areas of equity and disability. She has worked as the Director of Access and Inclusion Services at Mount Royal University and the Director of Accessibility Services at the University of Calgary. Dr Pardo shared critical information for students who will require accommodation in their post-secondary education.

Presentation:

GPA Parent Education Presentation – April 30, 2024

Video Link

Guest Speaker: Chris Radu – Education Director, CBE

Chris currently leads the Inclusive Education portfolio and supports over 150 specialized classes across the CBE, including GATE. He shared current information on the GATE program and responded to questions from our membership and some guests.

Presentation:

CBE GPA Parent Education Presentation Slides – March 12 2024

Video Link

Guest Speaker:
Gary Perfect – Humanities/Social Studies & GATE Leader at Queen Elizabeth High School

Gary has worked with Calgary GATE students for over 20 years and with gifted students for over 30 years. He shared his insights on GATE students and the unique ways in which GATE students approach school projects.

Presentation from our November 2023 Meeting:

Video Link

Guest Speaker:

Darragh Lannigan – Student Support Learning Leader at Henry Wise Wood

djlannigan@cbe.ab.ca 

Darragh spoke to us about helping teens advocate for themselves and how to transition IPP concepts to a post secondary learning environment.

Presentation:

GATE Parent Meeting May 2023

Guest Speaker:
Raluca Neamtu – Student Services leader at Louis Riel school

roneamtu@cbe.ab.ca

Raluca spoke to us about helping parents advocate for their students in the classroom environment and the ways parents can support gifted learners.

Presentation:

GATE IPP parent presentation