Gifted Education Advocates of Rockland

 We hear that comment a lot from people who are questioning whether a child is gifted or not.  What they probably don't know is that Einstein didn't even speak until he was three, didn't show an aptitude for anything in particular, and was so dismal a student in school that he was thought to be "...somewhat mentally retarded."  And we all know how that turned out.   We hope you'll use this site to inform yourself and challenge the myths that abound about the gifted child.  Our goal is to support you, empower you and inform you so that you can be a more effective advocate for the gifted child in your life, and in the process, be a more effective advocate for all. 

Gifted Education Advocates of Rockland (GEAR) was founded in 2002 by parents from the South Orangetown Central School District who were committed to providing support and information to those who know, love or work with gifted children.  Our members  are parents, grandparents, teachers, school administrators,  and others who work with or care for gifted children from districts throughout Rockland County.   We believe that every child has the right to an education that provides the challenges and supports that will enable him/her to reach his/her fullest potential.  GEAR meetings are free and open to the public. Check the calendar for more information. 

As an organization committed to supporting gifted children and their families, we want you to know that New York state is one of SEVEN states in the country that has neither a mandate nor funding for gifted education programs and services.   Until we have these mandates our children and their grandchildren will be likely to encounter the same obstacles we face today in New York State in regard to ensuring an appropriate education for these children with exceptionalities.  

So we hope you will use these pages as a resource and inspiration. Remember to advocate first for your own child, and then all others.   Nothing was ever changed by people standing on the sidelines.   Support the gifted children you know by joining GEAR/AGATE today and make a difference.  Click here to download a form.

GEAR is the Rockland County chapter of AGATE (Advocacy for Gifted and Talented Education in New York,  Inc.), a non-profit organization founded in 1973 to support the needs of gifted and talented students, their parents and teachers in New York.

Note:  "GMO" indicates material accessible to "GEAR/AGATE Members Only" and requires a password made available to current GEAR/AGATE members.  All other areas of the website may be accessed without registering. However, you may choose to register with the GEAR Website in order to participate in the GEAR Forum and to be placed on the GEAR Email list, free of charge. 

Completing the registration on this site does NOT enroll you as a member of GEAR/AGATE.  To join GEAR/AGATE visit the AGATE website at www.agateny.com or download the GEAR membership form here.  If you have any questions please contact GEAR at gearny02@gmail.com.