Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE)

Gifted and Talented Education Advisory Council

The Gifted and Talented Advisory Council advises the Commissioner and the Board of Education on meeting the special educational needs of students who are academically advanced (gifted and talented) and issues concerning academically advanced education in the Commonwealth. Made up of parents, educators, content experts, and community representatives, the Council represents a variety of interests and perspectives that support challenging learning opportunities for students. Along with the advice of members, the Council relies on research in the field by nationally recognized experts when developing recommendations for the Commissioner and the Board of Education. The work of this council supports the goal of providing a world class education for all students within the Commonwealth, in every school, across every city and town, and from all economic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.

Council Charge

A 2019 report detailed the current state of gifted education in Massachusetts, and highlighted an absence of adequate programming, particularly for students of color. Specifically, more than three-quarters of Black and Hispanic students identified as academically advanced in 3rd grade are no longer in the top decile by 6th grade. In response, the Commissioner has charged the council to identify recommendations for how the Department can support districts and schools in addressing the inequities outlined in the report.

Council Members

MembersTitleInstitution
Kari AndradeDirector of Teaching and Learning PK–5 and the GATEWAY Director K–12Barnstable Public Schools
Katharina ElbertAdvocateMassachusetts Association for Gifted Education
Emmanuel GuzmanStudentMelrose Public Schools
Isha HassanStudentRevere Public Schools
**Albert Johnson-MussadEducation ConsultantCollaborative for Educational Services
Tyrone MowattFounderEd Inquiry
Courtney PerdiosParentQuincy Public Schools
Magalie PinneyParentBrockton Public Schools
*Donna Potter AstionRetired — Enrichment and Academically Advanced SpecialistBerkshire Hills Regional Schools
MaryGrace StewartChief Academic OfficerIDEAL4Gifted
Hengameh (Heny) TarazChallenge Lead TeacherWaltham Public Schools
Darnell WilliamsSenior Administrator of Professional Growth and School CultureBrockton Public Schools

*Chairperson

**Vice-Chair

DESE Staff Contact

Thomas Zorich , Liaison to the Council

Meeting Schedule

Meeting Date and Time and Link to AgendaLocation
Thursday, October 17, 2024, 4:00 – 6:00 PMZoom — Registration closed
Thursday, November 21, 2024, 4:00 – 6:00 PMZoom — Registration closed
Thursday, January 16, 2025, 4:00 – 6:00 PMZoom — Registration closed
Thursday, March 20, 2025, 4:00 – 6:00 PMZoom — Registration closed
Thursday, May 15, 2025, 4:00 – 6:00 PMZoom — Registration closed
Thursday, June 5, 2025, 4:00 – 6:00 PM Zoom — Register as attendee
Thursday, June 26, 2025, 4:00 – 5:00 PM (tentative)Zoom — Registration not yet open

Meeting Minutes

Last Updated: May 30, 2025

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