Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums General Discussion Anyone in NYC that has a GT story to tell?

I'm audio recording stories about gifted education for a audio documentary I'm producing. The documentary will cover the history of the gifted education, its present day significance, and what kinds of experiences people have with the program--whether they are students, teachers, parents, or anyone else with a story about gifted. If you have a story you would be willing share, I would love to hear from you.

Thanks!

For what purpose? What will be done with this documentary? Who will hear it and why?

I'm not in NYC. I'm just curious.

I'm an aspiring radio journalist/documentarian. Eventually, I hope to submit the piece to transom.org (a website that showcases public radio), Third Coast Audio Festival, and anywhere else I can find who accepts unsolicited submissions.

Right now I'm just focusing on putting this piece together--with the help of a friend, a producer who usually works in film and commercials--and concentrating on research, learning, and capturing people's thoughts and stories.

I have always had an interest in the subject of gifted. In school, was in gifted talented programs and, like for many students, the time I spent in my gifted classes were the highlight of my school career. As an adult, I have developed a more conflicted feeling about the programs and what they say about the current state of education, what we think about the nature of intelligence...It's a subject I want to explore and I think it could make an interesting documentary.

I always feel like I'm throwing a message in a bottle on the ocean on these forums, so thanks for your response!

I think it would make a very interesting documentary.

What's your take on the subject, if you don't mind my asking? What do you mean when you say you now have "a more conflicted feeling" about GT programs? It sounds like you have some sort of position in mind. I'm curious what that is.

I can honestly say that I don't know what my position is. Or, rather, my position vacillates all the time. I guess mostly I think that the GT programs are important, but that they they represent a band-aid on some pretty serious problems we have in the way we structure education.

I don't plan to put forward a particular position in the documentary, although if I end up eventually forming a conclusion of some kind, I would consider including that in the piece. Mostly, I just want to hear from people from all perspectives on the issue. Education is such an evocative subject, people have strong feelings, intense experiences, etc. I would like to capture some of that.

Right now I've been working my way through friends and friends of friends, but I'm really trying to open it up a bit and meet people from outside of my own little world. Any advice on how I might connect with people--other forums, groups, events etc. would also be much appreciated.

Sounds interesting.

I wish I had help to offer you, but other than obvious sources--like the NAGC ( http://www.nagc.org/ )and its NY affiliate ( http://www.agateny.com/ )--I don't think I can be of much help. Maybe check Facebook and MySpace for the networks of local schools and post something there?

Good luck with it! Please come back when it's finished and let us know where we could hear it. I'd love to listen!

I have a close friend that is currently out of the country with 2 GT kids. She resides in Manhattan. When she returns (by Labor Day), I'll ask her if she's interested and then contact you. Good luck!

Thank you both!