Identification and Education of the Gifted Learner – EDGL 526

Course Description

Candidates will explore in detail the characteristics of gifted students, appropriate assessments and procedures for the identification of these learners with emphasis on those from special populations. Selection, comparison, and interpretation of standardized formal assessment tests, and other measures such as authentic assessments, teacher and parent interviews and surveys, student observations, checklists, and rating scales are addressed. A general overview of the history and current practices and strategies popular in the field of Gifted Education are provided. Practical components such as the role and expectations of the teacher of the gifted as well as parent education are addressed.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

Within a school, approximately 5–10% of the students possess exceptional talent and ability. It is important for teachers and administrators to know the characteristics of these individuals, as well as the identification processes for students with special abilities, the needs of those students, and the unique problems of those students. The practices and methods for serving students with special abilities must be understood in order to help the gifted and talented reach their full potential.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in Module/Week 1.

Discussions (4)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the candidate will complete 4 Discussions in this course. The candidate will submit a thread in response to the provided prompt for each forum. Each thread must be at least 400 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the candidate is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 200 words. (CLO: A, B, C, F, H)

Movie Character Evaluation

To have the needed information to complete this assignment, the candidate must select and view a movie from a varied list provided in the course.  The candidate is responsible for locating the movie selected from the list and securing a method in which to view it (e.g., streaming service, YouTube, or personal collection). The candidate will complete a 3-5-page evaluation form intended to analyze and assess the selected character for gifted traits and behaviors. The form will be provided and the candidate will also write a narrative of at least 300 words discussing the character’s possible gifted behaviors and must use the course text to support the work. At least 3 citations are expected. This assignment will include a title page, the form, a written narrative of at least 300 words, and a reference page. (CLO: B, C)

Gifted Identification Chart

The candidate will complete a 3-4-page chart on how the school district of their choice identifies participants for gifted programs and services. The chart must include detailed responses to the questions included and provide overviews of any relevant information discovered. The school district’s website should be provided to support the candidate’s work and must include a cover page. A template will be provided. (CLO: B, C)

Case Study Recommendations

The candidate will review 2 cases of extraordinary individuals and make recommendations based upon student talents and any challenges identified.  The review and recommendations will be completed within the provided template. At least 3 scholarly sources (the text must be included) will be used. (CLO, B, C, D, E)

Identification Recommendations for Schools and Districts

The candidate will develop a 4-5-page paper discussing research-based suggestions to strengthen and possibly broaden the identification process for the gifted. The district used in creating the Gifted Identification Chart should also be the focus of this assignment. The candidate must include at least 4 appropriate sources to support the work and must include a title and reference page (CLO: A, C, D, G)

Video Presentation: Identification Process for Parents

The candidate will create a video of themselves explaining to parents how students are selected for consideration and selection to receive gifted services as prescribed by the state and the school of the candidate's choice. (CLO: A, B, C, D, H, I)

Quizzes (4)

Each quiz will cover the Reading & Study and Presentation material for the assigned modules/weeks. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes. Quizzes will contain 10-20 multiple-choice questions and have a time limit of up to 90 minutes. (CLO: A, B, C, F, H)