Required Courses: 15 cr.

GESP680
Gifted and Talented Learners (3 cr.)

This course overviews the history of gifted education; characteristics of the gifted learner; major theories and delivery models; strategies for serving gifted learners, and an examination of the myths associated with giftedness.  The unique needs of the gifted learner in a variety of settings are examined.  Methods to serve as advocates for these students and their families are explored.

GESP681
Social and Emotional Needs of Gifted and Talented Learners (3 cr.)
This course examines the social and emotional challenges gifted students face inside and outside the school setting.  Strategies to help gifted students understand and value their gifts and talents are examined. Strategies to help teachers design appropriate instruction to meet the social and emotional learning needs of gifted students are explored.

GESP682
Program Design for Gifted and Talented Learners: Advanced Differentiation (3 cr.)

In this course curricular and instructional design, educational taxonomies, and critical and creative thinking strategies for gifted learners are explored. Differentiated lesson plans and individual educational plans for the gifted learner are examined.

 
GESP683
Creativity for Gifted and Talented Learners (3 cr.)

The history and theory of creativity related to gifted and talented learners are examined in this course. The types of creativity exhibited by gifted and talented learners are identified and analyzed. Strategies for developing the creativity of gifted and talented students are explored.

GESP684
Multicultural Giftedness and Talent (3 cr.)

In this course students examine redefined constructs and paradigms regarding gifted and talented identification and programming for students in under-represented populations including children from diverse linguistic, geographic, economic, and cultural backgrounds. Strategies for recognizing and accommodating multicultural giftedness and talent are explored.