Don’t miss this special talk by the author of Ungifted: Intelligence Redefined, Scott Barry Kaufman.
FB Event Site: https://www.facebook.com/events/656059937773064/
PLACE: SUNY New Paltz; LC 100
DATE: Wednesday, 3/26
TIME: 5:30-7:00
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC; Appropriate for all ages (students, teachers, and school administrators are encouraged to attend).
RECEPTION TO FOLLOW
Renowned scholar, author, and presenter Scott Barry Kaufman, will be speaking on his work related to the nature of intelligence, testing, and modern education. Scott is a recent TEDx speaker and is slated to give a talk on the nature of genius at the 92nd Y – and is slated to give a keynote address at the upcoming meeting of the National Partnership for Educational Access.
Co-editor of the Cambridge Handbook of Intelligence, and author of many significant scholarly books and articles, Dr. Kaufman’s visit to New Paltz is truly a great opportunity for members of our community – and he’s got a great story to tell.
Psychology Students at New Paltz can receive three research experience credits for attending (see: http://newpaltz.sona-systems.com/).
Sponsored by Office of Academic Affairs, the School of Education, CAS, and the Department of Psychology
Please contact Glenn Geher (geherg@newpaltz.edu) with any questions.
SYNOPSIS OF DR. KAUFMAN’S TALK:
Severe ear infections rendered three-year-old Scott Barry Kaufman nearly deaf. As a result, he needed a few extra seconds to process things in real time—which landed him in a special education classroom. Inspired by his personal experience, Kaufman, now a cognitive psychologist, has made it his mission to debunk traditional methods of measuring intelligence. Why do we have such an obsessive need to compare students? Why do we insist on labeling and categorizing everyone?
In his talks, Kaufman encourages us—and specifically educators, school psychologists, parents, and caregivers—to move towards a culture of inspiration, where we only compare people to their past and future selves. He argues for intelligent testing as opposed to intelligence testing: deep evaluation that focuses on finding out a person’s strengths and weaknesses, and the characteristics that make them unique. And, he advocates for thinking about talent and potential as moving targets—they’re not inherent qualities we’re born with, they’re based on our engagement with something that is meaningful to us. When students are inspired or activated, they come alive.
Instead of using testing to sort gifted from ungifted students, Kaufman encourages audiences to take a holistic approach to evaluation that benefits all students. It’s time to focus on a practical approach to individual needs that enables students to unlock their potential and reach their goals, at school and beyond.