College of Education
COE Extended Studies - Gifted and Talented
Gifted and Talented Certificate
Welcome to the Online Gifted and Talented Certificate Program of the Extended Studies Program. Here you will find:
General Information
This Certificate prepares teachers at all levels to enhance their teaching methodologies and work toward an endorsement in Gifted and Talented. The certificate program consists of 18 credit hours, which will be applied to our new endorsement in Gifted and Talented that is currently pending approval. The endorsement will only require six credit hours of practicum work beyond the certificate courses. Once the endorsement has been approved by the state department we will make the practicum courses available. All courses are offered in a convenient online format and will transfer into our Online Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction.
Required Coursework
- CURR 5201 - 3 credit hours
Foundations of Gifted Education
This introductory course provides the foundation necessary for future courses and the framework needed to understand gifted and talented learners. Included in this course will be: a historical survey of the field, definitions, basic terminology, theories of giftedness, models, and characteristics of the gifted and talented. The ability to apply this knowledge to plan for the academic achievement and learning-related affective development of these diverse students will also be emphasized. - CURR 5202 - 3 credit hours
The Assessment and Identification of Gifted and Talented Students
This course explores the rationale of using multiple criteria and information from a variety of sources to identify gifted students and to assess their needs. The selection and utilization of appropriate instruments and methods applicable to a wide range of student profiles (culturally and ethnically diverse, linguistically different, and economically disadvantaged) will be elaborated upon as will the use of relevant data to diagnose individual educational needs. - CURR 5203 - 3 credit hours
The Psychology of the Gifted: Social, Emotional Needs and Special Populations
In this course, students will explore current research, psychological theory and practical counseling techniques relevant to the social and emotional components of giftedness. Special topics include perfectionism, gender issues, motivation, underachievement, and diverse populations; i.e., bilingual, handicapped, disadvantaged, highly gifted. The ability to evaluate the need for specialized support services to assist with meeting the unique needs of these learners will also be addressed. - CURR 5211 - 3 credit hours
Curriculum Models and Aligned Programming for Gifted students
This course provides the foundation for the development of differentiated curricula for gifted students. Methods, materials, and significant curriculum models are reviewed and/or introduced. Other topics include effective teaching strategies for gifted students, adapting curriculum for individual differences, acceleration, the organization of curriculum for the gifted (scope and sequence; the issues related to integrated, interdisciplinary curriculum), teaching higher level cognitive skills, creative thinking, project and problem-based learning, critical thinking, logical thinking, and decision making. - CURR 5214 - 3 credit hours
Differentiated Instruction and Research-based Strategies for Teaching the Gifted
This course focuses on strategies for teaching gifted and talented learners. Instructional decision-making based on the educational characteristics (learner profile) and subsequent modification within the classroom environment will be the emphasis. Research-based instructional strategies for gifted and talented learners will be explored in addition to classroom-based differentiated instruction; individualization; flexible grouping strategies; dialogue and questioning strategies; enrichment, and instructional responsiveness to the affective needs of gifted learners. - CURR 5215 - 3 credit hours
Gifted Program Leadership
The major purpose of this course is to examine the theoretical and practical aspects of instructional programs for gifted and talented students at the district and building levels. This course will develop skills and strategies for working collaboratively with students, parents, guardians, classroom teachers and administrators in the development, design and implementation of programs and services. Students will develop the ability to evaluate various program options and instructional strategies for their effect on student learning and achievement. - CURR 5230 - 6 credit hours
Practicum
This course aims at giving the students chance to work and practice what they have learned in gifted education courses. Students are expected to develop and implement a proposal outlining the intended field experience and will meet regularly with a faculty member to develop and enhance skills in teaching the gifted.
*Note the practicum will be required and made available when the College of Education Extended Studies office has received final endorsement approval by the state department.
The College of Education programs are fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education and we are approved by the Colorado Department of Education and the Colorado Commission of Higher Education.
Contact Us
Extended Studies Programs
Departmental office is located in Columbine Hall 4014.
Phone: (719) 262-4134 Fax: (719) 262-3915
Cindy Brown
Phone: (719) 262-4344 email: cbrown@uccs.edu