Conference to Address Gifted-Child Education

Do you suspect your child may be gifted but aren't sure how to support his or her abilities?

The Las Virgenes Unified School District Gifted Conference, held annually in Aguora Hills at Yerba Buena Elementary School, offers parents and educators proven techniques for reaching gifted learners in challenging ways.

The conference is open to all parents and teachers, even if the child attends school outside the district. Los Angeles Unified School District students and home schoolers are welcome.

"This is for anyone who feels they may have a gifted child of any age," said Christina Desiderio, principal of Yerba Buena Elementary and mission representative for the California Association for the Gifted, adding that parents and teachers from other districts are also invited to attend.

The keynote speaker is Sandra Kaplan, past president and board member of the association.

"We are honored to have Dr. Kaplan speak at this event," Desiderio said.

Kaplan will address the conference for the first hour, after which parents and teachers will have 13 sessions from which to choose.

"The conference will give clarity to parents [who think their child] is gifted; it will show teachers how to meet the needs of advanced students," said Desiderio.

The conference takes place Saturday, Jan. 19, from 8 am. to noon at Yerba Buena Elementary, 6098 Reyes Adobe Rd Agoura Hills. A $30 pre-registration includes continental breakfast. (Fee waived for LVUSD teachers and staff. Site GATE funds can be used for Staff Development hours.); $35 on-site registration.

For more information, contact Desiderio at cdesi­derio@­lvusd.­org or call 818-889-0040.