Talented and Gifted Education Specialization

This 13-credit program is designed for teachers, counselors, paraprofessionals and parents who want to learn more about meeting the needs of gifted children. Each course is offered entirely online. The coursework is conducted online to allow students more flexibility and convenience. Students may enter the program during any semester.

Program Learning Outcomes

Candidates who complete the Talented and Gifted Education Specialization will be able to:

• Understand the variations in learning and development in cognitive and affective areas between and among individuals with gifts and talents and apply this understanding to provide meaningful and challenging learning experiences for individuals with exceptionalities.

• Create safe, inclusive and culturally responsive learning environments so that individuals with gifts and talents become effective learners and develop social and emotional well-being.

• Use knowledge of general and specialized curricula to advance learning for individuals with gifts and talents. 

• Use multiple methods of assessment and data sources in making educational decisions about identification of individuals with gifts and talents and student learning.

• Select, adapt, and use a repertoire of evidence-based instructional strategies to advance the learning of individuals with gifts and talents.

• Use foundational knowledge of the field and professional ethical principles and programming standards to inform gifted education practice, to engage in lifelong learning, and to advance the profession.

• Collaborate with families, other educators, related-service providers, individuals with gifts and talents, and personnel from community agencies in culturally responsive ways to address the needs of individuals with gifts and talents across a range of learning experiences.