Meeting Pattern

Online/Google Classroom

Description

This course is a study of recognized methods of instruction, curriculum, materials, learning environments and programs used to differentiate and meet the educational needs of gifted learners in the classroom and in gifted programs. The course will be split into four areas which will cover: effective instructional strategies and methods of instruction; learning environments and programming options; instructional design, curriculum and resources necessary for gifted specialists and general educators to design and implement effective programming that meets the unique needs of gifted students. ND Department of Public Instructions (NDDPI) Best Practices for Gifted Education and the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) standards will guide the learning objectives and resources shared.

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course. This course has been approved by ND Standards and Practices and will satisfy one of the course requirements on the Program of Study for ND Gifted Credential. Please refer to the ND Standards and Practices requirements. The program of study form and directions can be found Here.

If seeking a ND Credential in Gifted Education, it is recommended to take the Introduction to Gifted Education prior to or at the same time as taking this course.

Syllabus, Objectives, and Outcomes

Objectives:

Instructional Strategies and Methods of Instruction:

• Evaluate current instructional strategies and methods that support and meet the unique academic intellectual, creative, social and emotional needs of the gifted learner.
• Demonstrate an understanding of research-based instructional practices that reflect effective curricular, instructional, and management strategies that require higher order thinking and metacognitive models.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how differentiated instruction for gifted can be accomplished through the implementation of recognized instructional strategies such as: curriculum compacting, tiering, acceleration, academic planning, modifications, mentorships, etc.

Instructional Design, Curriculum and Resources:

• Analyze how assessment drives instruction and is instrumental when differentiating instruction and choosing appropriate curriculum and materials to meet the needs of gifted learners.
• Demonstrate an understanding of recognized research, theories and philosophies for designing differentiated instruction and learning (Bloom’s Taxonomy, Multiple Intelligences, learning preferences, technologies, multicultural and creative materials, etc).
• Develop an individual learning plan (IEP) for a gifted student using appropriate resources and strategies responsive to their learning needs.

Learning Environment and Programming:

• Design a programming and instruction plan for gifted learners within their school’s general education and specialized gifted education environments which applies key philosophies, models, and research in the field of Gifted Education.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how safe collegial learning environments provide places for gifted students to grow in self-awareness, positive peer relationships, leadership, social interaction and overall social emotional well-being.
• Explore models to suit learning needs of the child with multiple forms of exceptionality (LD, ED, ASD, ELL) and the legal, cultural, and stereotype issues affecting the implementation of enriched curriculum for the G/T child.

Recommended Textbooks:

• Heacox, D., Cash, R. M., (2019), Differentiation for Gifted Learners: Going Beyond the Basics, Free Spirit Publishing
• Winebrenner, Susan, (2018), Teaching Gifted Kids in Today's Classroom: Strategies and Techniques Every Teacher Can Use, Free Spirit Publishing
• VanTassel-Baska, J., Stambauch, T. (2005), Comprehensive Curriculum for Gifted Learners, Pearson Publishing
• VanTassel-Baska, J., Reis, S. Series Editor, (2003), Curriculum for Gifted and Talented Students, Corwin Publishing
• Tomlinson, Carol Ann, McTighe, Jay, (2006), Integrating Differentiated Instruction and Understanding by Design: Connecting Content and Kids, ASCD

Highly Recommended Textbook:

• Rimm, S., Siegle, D., Davis, G., (2018). Education of the gifted and talented (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. This is a core text for a any educator working with gifted students and will be referenced frequently for this course. Highly recommended for those pursuing a gifted credential.

Readings and Recordings will be provided with each week’s assignment and within the Google Classroom system.