News and Resources
HELP needed. In 2012 WiseOnes plans to provide web conferencing for faster learning pupils in small and rural schools where there may be only two or three gifted pupils. We need a skilled web video conferencing adviser to help us when needed. This would be on a free, voluntary basis as we are not a profit making business. We are currently seeking the best technology that could support 8 students online with a teacher, all at once. The most advanced we can find at any sort of price is for 6 pupils and a teacher. Does anyone have a good suggestion for this? Being with other like minded children is a key part of our program as it encourages high level discussion and the expression of different opinions and unusual senses of humour. Our teachers need to see all the faces at once as body language is a greater part of communication than the words spoken. Perhaps someone has an interactive web conferencing “room” that we could use until this project grows enough to be self supporting. Pat Slattery
Sensitivities help go to http://www.wiseones.com.au/index.php/sensitivities-help/
The Iowa Acceleration Scale is a wonderful instrument for ensuring the right decision is made about grade acceleration of a child. Pat Slattery was trained in its use by Nick Colangelo from the Belin-Blank Center while at GERRIC, and has used it in some very satisfying mediation meetings. If you as a parent, or as a school leader, would like to know more about this please email info@wiseones.com.au. The IAS includes all points of view and a wide range of educational, social and phychological issues . The child cannot fail the process as the relative importance of each item is carefully considered. The right decison could be acceleration but may be some acceptible alternative. The process is very good at bringing a decision that works for everyone, including consideration of siblings whose relationships have to be taken into account too. It is very conservative in its approach so the child’s future is secure.
Funding for WiseOnes childrenMensa Organization can provide funds for some children to attend the WiseOnes program. The children need to have one parent born in Australia and one grandparent and one great granparent who all lived in Australia. The funds come from the Alan Wilfred Bull estate and these are the term of the bequest. It also only applies to students in the top 2% so you need to ask the WiseOnes Education Manager at your school whether your child scored exceptionally well on the free Try-Out. Our tests are not so specific and we take the top 5% but once the child has started we can see who the Highy Gifted are. It may have been noted on the qualifying reply to you.
To request funding PO Box 2165, Byron Bay, NSW, 2481 Tel: 02 6684 7829 or email bullbequestatmensa.org.au You would need to re-apply each year.
WiseOnes has a template for a Community Sponsorship program in your local area. Normally it would need a keen parent to organize this, approaching local businesses, which want to advertise in the local area anyway. It is set up to benefit both the children and the businesses and is easy to administer. School staff are too busy to pursue this but a small support group of parents could do it. Email info@wiseones.com.au for a copy of the proposal for your school. This would be an ongoing commitment from the businesses.
