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Frequently Asked Questions (and Answers) about NCoGS
What is the National Conference of Governor's Schools ?
The National Conference of Governor's Schools, is devoted exclusively to educational,
research, and charitable purposes that promote, aid, and advance education,
particularly as related to Governor's School.
The purpose of the NCoGS is:
- To provide a vehicle to exchange, develop and share
educational, instructional, cultural and enrichment resources, ideas,
information, curricula and material of all kinds, of and with participating
members and interested others, which may include but not be limited to
students and those associated with gifted or leadership education, with the
goal of strengthening programs of excellence at existing Governor's Schools
and of sharing their non-traditional approaches with public and private
schools, associations and institutions of higher education.
- To promote, encourage, assist, counsel, and stimulate new
Governor's Schools and those in the planning stages, both in the United
States and abroad, with a goal of establishing Governor's Schools in all 50
states.
- To foster recognition of Governor's Schools as an exciting
innovation in education with benefits to the greater society, as well as to
individuals, and to cultivate awareness and interest of the citizenry and of
political, educational and media leaders in the unique role of the
Governor's Schools in advancing quality education and preparing talented
students for future leadership in a variety of fields.
- To encourage, stimulate and inspire Governor's Schools to
nurture ethical, personal, social, and civic responsibility in students,
faculty, and alumni.
- To stimulate, promote and engage in training, research, and
technical assistance either directly or contractually, and to prepare and
distribute publications and audio-visual materials of all kinds either
directly or contractually. The corporation may conduct and finance studies
and research in any and all fields, including the arts, sciences, and
education in keeping with the purposes and objectives of the National Conference of Governor's Schools .
- To work with, advise, and assist other associations with
similar or related interests in promoting mutual concerns and developing
programs and materials.
What is a "Governor's School"?
The Governors' School concept and practice began in
North Carolina in 1963 when Governor Terry Sanford established the first one at
Salem College, Winston-Salem, NC. The idea came from a member of Governor
Sanford's staff, novelist John Ehle. This first school was initially funded
through a grant from the Carnegie Corporation. Later it came under the
auspices of the North Carolina Board of Education of North Carolina and
Department of Education.
After the first school was established, several states,
including Georgia, South Carolina, Arkansas, and Kentucky, quickly established
similar schools . As of 1996, there were approximately 100 schools in 28
states. It should be pointed out that some of the NCoGS affiliated
schools do not bear the words "Governor's School" in their titles,
although many do. The mission and purpose of schools from individual states vary
from one state to another and indeed from one school to another. The National Conference of Governor's Schools enjoys a very diverse group
in its affiliated schools.
It is very important to note however, that there are both
collective and common features in all states and schools.
- Each school is a summer program for gifted and talented
youths of high school ages.
- Each school has highly selective criteria for student
selection.
- Most member schools are supported entirely or in large part
by their state legislatures and educational funding.
- Schools vary in the length of their sessions from two weeks
to six weeks.
- All schools welcome inquiries regarding program and
curricula.
What types of membership does the National Conference
offer?
Active Members:
Those currently in good standing with NCoGS and actively engaged in the operation and
development of existing Governors' Schools, as defined in Article II of these
Bylaws and those currently involved in setting policy for such schools may be
active members. These shall include directors, administrators, faculty and staff
of the Governors' Schools, Board and Advisory Board members where such Board
members are directly involved in policy decisions for the schools and the
overall chief administrator of the state's Governor's School or Schools.
Associate Members: All
those interested in advancing the purposes of the Governors' Schools who do not
qualify for active membership may be associate members if currently in good
standing with NCoGS .
Honorary Members: Members
of the National Conference may award honorary membership to individuals by a
majority vote of approval by the Board. Such an award must be based on
exceptional service to Governors' Schools.
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