Description
This course is intended to introduce participants to the major topics regarding the specialized curriculum and instructional needs of gifted and talented students and to give them the tools to plan and implement effective curriculum and instructional strategies into their classroom to support and challenge gifted and talented learners. The major understandings of gifted learners, effective curriculum modes, differentiated instruction, critical thinking strategies, relation of content areas and standards, and effective assessments will be explored.
Participants will explore effective instructional strategies as they develop an understanding of the specific needs of gifted students and how they can become effective teachers of gifted and talented learners.
This course is for professional development credit only. VirtualSC PD courses do not count towards any type of degree.
Course Outline
Week 1: Student Orientation
Week 2: Understanding the Unique Needs of Advanced Learners
Week 3: Effective Gifted and Talented Curriculum Models
Week 4: Meeting the Needs of Advanced Learners through Differentiation
Week 5: Incorporating and Developing Critical Thinking and Process Skills
Week 6: Serving Advanced Learners in All Content Areas
Week 7: Engaging Gifted and Talented Learners through Inquiry
Prerequisites
This course is the second of two that leads to a Gifted & Talented Endorsement. Prior to taking this course, participants should have successfully completed the following course:
This is an advanced level course for teachers, literacy coaches, curriculum specialists, professional development specialists, or other school personnel. Participants are expected to have regular access to computers with Internet access. They will also need speakers and a microphone (or a headset or telephone) to participate in the Virtual Meeting sessions. In addition, participants should be proficient with browsing the Internet, uploading and downloading content, navigating to computer files, and with using word processing software, email, and attachments.
Required Materials
Modern Curriculum for Gifted and Advanced Academic Students (1st Edition) by Todd A. Kettler is a required professional book for this class. It can be ordered from Amazon in paperback for $51.12 or on a variety of digital platforms for various lower costs as well. All materials in this course are the property of the South Carolina Department of Education Office of VirtualSC PD. All course materials needed/required for the workshop, other than the book listed above, are available online.
Registration
When you register for a graduate course there are two steps: first with VirtualSC PD and then with The College of Charleston. Upon registration with VirtualSC PD, directions will be emailed to you for completing registration with The College of Charleston. Check the email used to create your Genius account often.
- Registration with The College of Charleston is required for each graduate course in order for credit to be awarded.