Raising the Bar: Implementing the NAGC Pre-K–12 Gifted Education Standards
Includes a Live Web Event on 01/21/2026 at 5:00 PM (EST)
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- Non-member - Free!
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- Student - Free!
This webinar provides an accessible and practical overview of the National Association for Gifted Children’s (NAGC) Pre-K–Grade 12 Gifted Education Programming Standards. Participants will learn how the standards support high-quality programming, strengthen instructional practices, and promote equitable identification and services for gifted learners. The session will highlight each standard, offer examples of implementation in school settings, and provide guidance on how educators can use the standards to advocate for and improve gifted education in their own districts.
Michelle Buchanan
Senior Clinical Instructor
University of Central Arkansas
Michelle Buchanan (PhD, NBCT) is a Senior Clinical Instructor at the University of Central Arkansas with 28 years in education. She coordinates the ITEC and Digital Age graduate programs, teaches educational foundations and technology courses, researches gifted science education and teacher identity, writes the Socially Scientific column, and serves as Co-PI on an NSF-funded chemistry education grant.
Amy Davis McShane
Western PA Gifted Liaison and Career Ready PA Lead
Amy Davis McShane has over 30 years of experience in education. She directs gifted and career education at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, created Pennsylvania’s statewide STEM Design Challenge, and serves as the Western PA Gifted Liaison and Career Ready PA Lead. She also serves as the Co-Chair for the NAGC Gifted Programming Standards Committee.
Ali Murray
Gifted Coach
Phoenix's Deer Valley Unified School District
A gifted coach in Phoenix's Deer Valley Unified School District, Ali Murray has experience as a high school Gifted Specialist, International Baccalaureate® Middle Years Programme Coordinator, and teacher of advanced ELA and Creative Writing for grades 6-12. With a master’s degree in Secondary Education, Ali is committed to empowering gifted students to discover their highest potential as future leaders.
Sheyanne S. Smith
State Director for Gifted
Nebraska Department of Education
Sheyanne S. Smith is the State Director for Gifted at the Nebraska Department of Education. She holds a BA in English, an MAT, and an M.Ed. in Gifted, Talented, and Creative Education. She is currently pursuing her doctorate at William & Mary. Sheyanne has published and presented nationally and internationally, and received the 2023 NAGC Master’s and Specialist Award.
Dr. Patricia Cummings
Gifted Compliance Diagnostician
Dr. Patricia Cummings is a Gifted Compliance Diagnostician and staff developer in Florida. Before that her experience included teaching both general education and gifted education students in grades K-12. Patricia has an Ed.D. from the University of Central Florida and was recently appointed as a Graduate Faculty Scholar within the organization.
Laurie Croft
Laurie Croft is a Professor Emeritus of Gifted Education after 26 years at the Belin-Blank Center in Iowa, retiring in June 2024. She facilitated professional learning about gifted/talented students for educators from around the world. She has been an active member of NAGC, serving on the Board from 2017 – 2023 and receiving the 2019 NAGC Distinguished Service Award.