Orientation to graduate education programs and readiness for online learning to be completed during the student’s first semester of enrollment. Expectations related to scholarly writing skills are introduced.

Candidate will develop an understanding of and the application of the necessary components for developing, managing, and supervising gifted programming and services.

Candidates will explore and examine curriculum models and modifications for gifted students that can be applied using a continuum of service options. Candidates will explore the role of pre-assessments in differentiated instruction and will develop sample curriculum and assessment tools that are tailored to the needs of gifted students.

A 20 hour practicum experience for endorsement candidates that requires at least 8 hours of direct teaching and/or interaction with talented and gifted students under the guidance of an appropriately qualified collaborating teacher in the opposite grade level (i.e., either elementary or secondary) from the candidate’s area of initial licensure. Topics include curriculum planning, instructional practice, and collaboration.

Candidates will explore and examine the nature and needs of gifted students. Additionally, candidates will identify social and emotional needs of children who are gifted and talented and identify ways to support cognitive and social-emotional needs of children and youth who are gifted and talented. Moreover, candidates will examine the role of culture in manifestation of gifts and talents as well as gifted behaviors in special populations.