Volume I. Issue V., 2007

Newsletter

CLEBRATING TEN YEARS OF SERVICE

     Mallett & Company is celebrating ten years of service to private and public schools in the state of Texas. The outstanding performances of the schools that have participated in our services are to be commended. We are now proud to announce that these services have expanded to parent groups and special needs schools who are interested in establishing programs for the gifted and talented.

     This year Mallett & Company participated in the Annual Educators and Parents Conference hosted by Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented. The Annual Parent Conference hosted by Houston Independent School District and produced by TAGT was another exciting event. Dr. Rick Olenchak, professor at the University of Houston, Gifted and Talented Department, was the featured speaker. Deborah Mallett was able to visit with parents who had concerns about student performance and concerns about programs for their gifted and talented children. One repeated concern from parents was the need for teachers to implement appropriate instructional strategies and lesson planning. Parents voiced their concern that students should be provided with the least restrictive environment for the gifted learners. Parents felt that gifted and talented students’ needs should be addressed in positive and constructive ways, with teachers offering more opportunities for gifted learners to explore their interests. Additionally, parents felt that teachers should be better informed about the needs of the gifted and talented. Another concern was that gifted learners needed some type of education plan that could track the progress of the student. Parents expressed concerns that moving from one district to another was stressful, due to the fact that their child had to be retested for the gifted program. To parents, there seemed to be no consistency as to how a student qualifies for a gifted and talented program from one district to the next. All of these concerns are valid. Mallett & Company has successfully planned and presented informative sessions to help meet the needs of parents, educators, and the gifted learners. It is our goal to continue to present information that is researched-based and is in step with the current trends in gifted and talented education.

THIS SUMMER

     Mallett & Company is interested in providing training sessions for private schools that have a high population of gifted and talented learners. Sessions will focus on meeting the needs of the gifted, as well as developing programs, and creating a system for accountability. Also, public schools who would like to participate in learning about how individual education plans can make their gifted and talented programs more effective and have a positive effect on the gifted population are encouraged to contact Deborah.

THIS FALL

     Mallett & Company will be publishing its first book. It has been years in the making. Now, Deborah Mallett is ready to give information will appeal to parents, educators, and students. The book is informative to parents, a guide for teachers, and an inspiration to gifted and talented students who need to be understood. This is an exciting experience. An event planning company from Houston, Texas will hold the opening for the book. More details will follow this summer.

     Also this fall, Mallett & Company will participate in the annual TAGT Educators and Parents Conference. Other events for the fall will be announced later in the summer.

     A SPECIAL THANKS TO DEBBIE KASCHIK AT THE WOODLANDS YOUNG LEARNER’S ACADEMY. It has been a pleasure working with Debbie as she prepares to open this new school in the Woodlands, Texas. Parents who are interested in finding a great learning experience for their children must contact the Young Learners Academy. The school will open on August 15, 2007. For more information about this innovative school, please contact Debbie Kaschik at: Debbie@twyounglearners.com

A NEW DIMENSION FOR MALLETT & COMPANY

     For the last five years, I have participated in Pilates workout sessions. The Peak Pilates System out of Boulder, Colorado has afforded me the opportunity to become a certified instructor. This form of exercise is excellent for building strength and toning, developing self-confidence, and creating a positive outlook. Some of the principles developed by Joseph Pilates decades ago are applicable to concepts found in talented and gifted education. Mallett & Company will be offering sessions to educators interested in developing this mind-body connection. When these principles are applied, educators will be learn how to relax and have less stressful days in the classroom. For more information, contact Mallett & Company to see how your school can participate. (And bring your mats!!!)

     Many thanks!

     Deborah G. Mallett, Ed.M., CEO