About California Association for the Gifted (CAG)

California Association for the Gifted (CAG) is an organization of educators and parents dedicated to meeting the unique needs of gifted and talented students. CAG was started in 1966 by a group of educators and parents who wanted to make a difference in the lives of gifted students. CAG is one of the nation’s largest state advocacy groups of its kind, providing its members information and training about the education of gifted and talented students. Becoming a Member of California Association for the Gifted Gives You a Voice! Parents and educators in California Association for the Gifted (CAG) have been the principal supporters of gifted learners in California since 1966. The program benefits that gifted children enjoy today are a direct result of that support.

Professional Development
California's GATE Standards require that all teachers with gifted students in their classrooms must be trained in meeting the special needs of these students. Although it is up to local school districts to determine the requirements, many school districts look to CAG as a mark of quality training. CAG also offers a Certificate of Completion in three different categories and credit toward these certificates can be earned at all CAG Educational Opportunities.

The most popular option for obtaining professional development credit hours is our annual three-day conference – CAG’s premier professional development experience!  This event to be held in Anaheim, February 15-17, 2008 offers over 200 educational sessions, networking opportunities, and nationally known speakers on the subject of gifted education.  CAG also offers teacher and parent institutes with new educational theories and ideas.

Advocacy
Gifted students are found in all populations and grade levels. As a result, California must develop the intellectual capacity and the intellectual potential of the next generation to ensure that the state has the opportunity to be a leader in a competitive market. California Association for the Gifted strongly endorses differentiation and excellence in educational programming to meet this goal.

CAG hires a part-time lobbyist who continually monitors proposed legislative initiatives that impact gifted education at the state level. Through periodic legislative updates, members are kept informed about potential legislation and rulings that may be issued by the California Department of Education (CDE). We work closely with CDE to address trends in gifted curriculum and accountability for program and educator standards.

CAG Members Receive Quarterly Publications
Gifted Education Communicator is a quarterly journal on topics of interest and benefit to parents and educators.
The CAG Newsletter, Intercom, is now an electronic quarterly newsletter sent to all CAG members in a downloadable format. Thus it is most important that we have current email addresses for all of our members.
CAG members will also receive periodic notification of educational opportunities and matters of legislative urgency.