Gifted Certification

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Program

Coursework required for the completion of this certification include:

ED 605G – Psychology of the Exceptional Child (3 Credits)*

An examination of the educator’s rights and responsibilities in educating students with gifted and handicapped conditions; current philosophy and terminology in gifted and special education programs; and the programming implications of students from culturally diverse backgrounds.

*Course commonly completed as part of undergraduate or Master’s curriculum for initial certification.

ED 550/550G – Introduction to Gifted (3 Credits)

This course explores the nature and needs of gifted learners. Participants investigate concepts of intelligence and giftedness, methods used to identify gifted learners and issues related to special populations of gifted learners. Participants link the philosophy of gifted education, learner characteristics, understandings about intelligence, identification procedures, and curriculum into coherent and defensible services for gifted learners. Key issues in gifted education are addressed.

Prerequisite: ED 593 – Psychological Foundations of Education.

ED 650G – Identification of Gifted (3 Credits) 

This course focuses on identifying students for gifted programs. Students learn about the processes and recommendations for identifying gifted students and study how culture, economics, and family roles impact identification. Students also become familiar with different identification tools and apply their knowledge of gifted learners to create an identification process for a school.

Prerequisite: ED 550 – Introduction to Gifted and Talented, ED 550G – Introduction to Gifted and Talented, or equivalent course with grade of “C” or higher.

ED 651G – Curriculum for Gifted (3 Credits)

During this course, participants learn how to develop, implement, and evaluate effective curriculum, instruction, and assessment to improve learning for gifted students. We discuss gifted education theory, curriculum development theory, systems thinking, higher order thinking, questioning skills, creative thinking, technology use, differentiation, and assessment. In addition, we examine how curriculum design for gifted can impact curriculum for all students.

Prerequisite: ED 550 – Introduction to Gifted and Talented, ED 550G – Introduction to Gifted and Talented, or equivalent course with grade of “C” or higher.

ED 652G – Meeting the Affected Needs of Gifted (3 Credits)

This course focuses on the affective needs of gifted students by exploring research and material relevant to the social and emotional components of giftedness. Topics include the following: the role(s) of the educator, motivational issues, relationships, perfectionism, common areas of psychological response, gifted children and youth with special needs, underachievement, and promising practices and interventions for meeting the affective needs of gifted children.

Prerequisite:  ED 550 – Introduction to Gifted and Talented, ED 550G – Introduction to Gifted and Talented, or equivalent course with grade of “C” or higher.

ED 653G – Programming, Planning, and Development:  Administration and Supervision of Gifted Programs (3 Credits)

This course will focus on identifying different possible programming options for gifted learners including acceleration, enrichment, internships, mentoring, distance learning, etc. to enhance students’ learning while meeting their intellectual and affective needs. We will discuss possible resources for meeting gifted students’ needs and collaborate with others to create opportunities for diverse learners. You will examine your current system for gifted programming and create recommendations for improvement based upon best practices.

ED 632G – Research/Applied Educational Psychology (4 Credits)*

Examines research methodologies, designs, collecting and analyzing data, and writing and presenting findings through completion of an action research project. The Missouri Pre-Service Teacher Assessment (MoPTA) is required.

*Teachers who have already completed a Master’s degree may have an equivalent course as part of their curriculum.

ED 609G – Teaching Internship (3 Credits)

This internship will be a gifted-specific internship which can be completed at your own school.

Cost

Currently practicing education professionals (teachers or administrators) at the K-12 level are eligible to take these courses at the discounted rate of $220 per credit hour.  An additional $30 online course fee applies to each online course taken.  For the average 3 credit hour education course this amounts to a reduction of $484.50 per course for in-state students

For information on regular graduate tuition for those not currently serving as K-12 teachers, click here.

Schedule of Classes

Fall 2020 Term

ED 651G – Curriculum for Gifted  (3 credits)
(August 17 – December 11, 2020)

Summer 2021 Term

Applications for summer 2021 will be accepted starting March 2021.

ED 550G – Introduction to Gifted and Talented  (3 credits)
First 5-Week Summer Session

ED 605G – Psychology of Exceptional Children* (3 credits)
First 5-Week Summer Session OR Second 5-Week Summer Session 

On Ground Only (Most candidates will already have this class from initial certification)

ED 652G – Meeting Affective Needs of Gifted Children (3 credits)
First 5-Week Summer Session

ED 653G – Programming, Planning, and Development: Administration and Supervision of Gifted Programs (3 credits)
Second 5-Week Summer Session

ED 650G – Identification of Gifted (3 credits)
Second 5-Week Summer Session

Research and Internship courses scheduled as needed in consultation with your advisor.

To Register

Follow this link to the combined graduate application.  Select the Non-Degree Seeking option under Program when prompted, and list the course you are pursuing where indicated.  Letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and personal statements are not required for this application, but copies of your undergraduate transcript and/or MAE/MAT degree (if you received certification at the Master’s level) should be uploaded during the application process.

Direct enrollment questions to the Institute for Academic Outreach at institute@truman.edu or 660-785-5384.