SDSU

Gifted Certificates

What is it?

The coursework offered in the area of gifted and talented education is currently focused on providing professional development to San Diego Unified School District teachers. Through a partnership with the District a Tier I certificate is offered to teachers who are teaching as part of the Cluster Program. The Tier I certificate focuses on teaching strategies appropriate for use in a heterogeneously grouped classroom, and requires participants take SPED644 and engage in independent study through the District. A follow-up Tier II certificate is available primarily to those teaching in the District Seminar (self contained), Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate Programs. This added coursework focuses on the individual needs of teachers in the field.

Currently classes are taught in the fall (hybrid) and summer (weeklong workshop) by Luke Duesbery and in the spring by Sandy Kay (hybrid).

Under development is a 15-unit graduate certificate 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.

Once developed, 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 program 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 (not currently offered)

SPED 508: Characteristics and Identification of Students Who Are Gifted and Talented
SPED 644: Working with Students Who Are Gifted and Talented and Their Families
SPED 649: Curriculum Models for Students Who Are Gifted and Talented
SPED 658: Gifted Students from Diverse Backgrounds
SPED 771: Internship: Field experience with an action research focus.

Coursework for the Master's Degree in Gifted Education (not currently offered)

• 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.

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.

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.