Course Descriptions

GACE 601: INTRODUCTION TO GIFTED EDUCATION AND TALENT DEVELOPMENT (3) — Overview of the fundamental background knowledge necessary for making decisions about the identification and education of gifted, talented, and creative students. Topics explored will include definitions of giftedness and creativity, characteristics of gifted and creative learners, identification of children for inclusion in gifted and talented education programs, service delivery models, curricular considerations, creativity and problem solving, the social and emotional needs of gifted and creative students, and consideration of special populations of gifted and creative students (e.g., children of color, students from low-SES backgrounds, English learners, immigrants).

GACE 602: DEVELOPING AND IMPLEMENTING CURRICULUM FOR THE GIFTED, TALENTED AND CREATIVE (3) — This course examines basic guidelines for creating appropriate curriculum for gifted, talented, and creative children. This will be done through an exploration of the major curriculum models in the field (e.g., Multiple Menu Model, Integrated Curriculum, CLEAR Curriculum, Depth and Complexity, Differentiation, Parallel Curriculum; Creative Problem Solving). Students will be guided in the creation of a knowledge menu for a particular discipline and accompanying units of instruction based on these that can be applied to classrooms.

GACE 603: MODELS AND STRATEGIES FOR TEACHING THE GIFTED, TALENTED  AND CREATIVE (3) — An exploration of the general models for delivering instruction to gifted and creative students (e.g., Schoolwide Enrichment Model, Autonomous Learner Model, Multiple Talent Model, Purdue Three-Stage Model, Levels of Service Approach) as well as introducing and adapting a variety of instructional strategies for teaching gifted students (e.g., Socratic Method, curriculum compacting, acceleration, problem-based learning, complex instruction, creative problem solving, questioning strategies).

GACE 604: SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF GIFTED AND CREATIVE CHILDREN (3) — Designed for teachers, administrators, parents, and others who work with high ability learners. Investigates similarities and differences between the development of gifted and creative learners and other students, exploring the implications of these comparisons and focusing on strategies to assist gifted and creative learners in school and home environments. Special attention shall be paid to challenges faced by cultural and ethnic minorities, economically disadvantaged, disabled, underachievers, males and females.

GACE 605: CREATIVITY AND PROBLEM SOLVING (3) — Gives learners the opportunity to explore theories of creativity through the study of creative people, the creative process, and creative products. Will include special attention to ways children’s creativity can be encouraged and developed in the classroom and at home.

GACE 710: INTERNSHIP (3)* — Requires an assignment designed to present an experience relating theory and practice in gifted and talented education programs. This internship will provide a unique experience in an educational setting consistent with the student's professional objectives and program focus. Prerequisite: department consent.

*Note: Internship experience is individualized for each candidate to demonstrate competencies across the standards; candidates can complete the internship while remaining employed at their current or future position.