Developing Gifted Potential
Developing Gifted Potential Application
A Certificate Program and Master of Arts in Education Emphasis
Offered by San Diego State University, College of Education, Department of Special Education. in collaboration with San Diego City Schools Gifted and Talented Education Program
What Is It?
The Developing Gifted Potential Program is an integrated certificate and master's program that provides specialized preparation for supporting talent development and providing effective educational services to gifted individuals in a diverse society.
The 15-unit graduate certificate is designed to provide knowledge and skills to (a) encourage the development and expression of high potential, particularly among students currently underrepresented in programs for the gifted and (b) provide effective instruction to individuals formally identified as gifted.
Eligible participants may apply the certificate coursework to a master's program in education with a concentration in special education and specialization in gifted. The master's progam adds a research perspective (9 units) and the opportunity to pursue greater depth (6 units) in gifted and talented or to add breath in other areas of interest (e.g., literature, sciences, bilingual or special education, educational technology, administration).
Coursework for the Graduate Certificate
SPED 508
Characteristics and Identification of Students Who Are Gifted and Talented
Historical and theoretical foundations, alternative and critical perspectives, characteristics and needs, identification models for a diverse society.
SPED 644
Working with Students Who Are Gifted and Talented and Their Families
Research-based instructional strategies to promote higher level and creative thinking; counseling approaches; services to families; issues in differentiating learning experiences.
SPED 649
Curriculum Models for Students Who Are Gifted and Talented
Theory, research, and practice in curriculum design and program implementation for developing high potential.
SPED 658
Gifted Students from Diverse Backgrounds
Designing programs that consider culture, ethnicity, economic background, language, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and underachievement.
SPED 771
Internship
Field experience with an action research focus.
Coursework for the Master's Degree
15 units from the graduate certificate
6 units from a related field (500-level or above by advisement) or 6 units of advanced coursework in gifted education
9 units of research (SPED 690 and one of SPED 795A, B; SPED 791A, B; or SPED 799A, B)
Why Is It Important?
The California Administrative Code stipulates that all elementary and secondary teachers with a major assignment in gifted education must demonstrate appropriate characteristics, knowledge, and skills in this field. Many school districts award their own GATE certification through several options:
- completing a course offered by the district;
- completing a certificate in gifted education from an accredited college or university;
- completing a graduate degree in gifted education.
The Developing Gifted Potential Program was designed to address all three options. Participants may receive San Diego City Schools' district certification by registering with the District and completing SPED 644. Personnel from any district are welcome to the program and should check with their employers to determine acceptance of coursework for district certification.
Who May Apply?
The program was designed to meet a specific need: improving the capacity of educators to serve gifted and talented children and youth. However, the program's philosophy addresses the greater purpose of nurturing the potential of all students in a culturally and linguistically diverse society. Education professionals in many fields (e.g., regular, bilingual, or special education; administration; counseling) may find the coursework useful.
Admission Requirements
Participants must apply to the Graduate Division and the Department of Special Education and be accepted into the advanced certificate or master's program prior to completing the first 9 units of coursework. Of those nine units, not more than six my be at the 600-, 700-, or 800-numbered level.
Both the advanced certificate and master's program require satisfactory scores on the GRE and a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. For the master's, a minimum GPA of 2.75 in the last 60 semester units also is required.
To earn the certificate, a minimum grade point average of 3.0 must be maintained in certificate coursework with no less than a grade of "C" in any course.
Students interested in the Master's of Arts degree in education with a concentration in special education and specialization in gifted may complete the certificate program and then apply to the Master's program. Alternatively, students may apply directly to the Master's program but will not be eligible to receive a certificate. Only those certificate courses completed with a grade of "B" or better are applicable to the Master's program.
A University-School Collaboration
The literature on teacher preparation in gifted and talented education suggests that effective programs:
incorporate instructional video, print material, simulations, peer coaching;
utilize expert resources through strong university-school collaboration; and
address national standards related to the knowledge and skills needed for working with gifted and talented students, their families and communities.
The Developing Gifted Potential Program is a new and evolving program established through the collaboration of San Diego State University, a large, comprehensive, urban university and San Diego City Schools, the 8th largest public school district in the nation. Through continued collaboration, the program seeks to incorporate research-supported practices for professional development.
Advisory Board
The Advisory Board is being identified and will include teachers, psychologists, administrators, and parents from different school districts in the County. The Board's role is to advise the Developing Gifted Potential Program regarding content, methods, implementation, and additional issues that arise.