The Gifted Child Teacher Preparation program provides advanced training for certified teachers to work with gifted and talented children and to work with other teachers on a consultant or collaborative basis. Emphasis is placed on developing specific skills in identification of gifted students, focusing on the characteristics and needs of special populations, assessing individual student's cognitive and affective strengths and weaknesses, modifying educational programs to develop gifted student's potential, and consulting with gifted students, their families, and teachers. This program qualifies students for the State of Florida endorsement in Gifted Education. A Plan III option is also available for non-certified students. This survey course examines the characteristics and educational needs of children and youth who are gifted, including those from special populations.
Emphasis is on giftedness as defined historically, nationally and locally.
The course also explores changing views of intelligence and talent development related to policy and practice in gifted education as well as the processes of identification and programming. This course explores the concept of creativity, its factors, related theories, measurement, and nurturance. A focus on formal and informal applications will include educational programs, curriculum and strategies. Emphasis will also be on curriculum in gifted programs within the context of school reform and restructuring. Primary emphasis of this course will be to provide an awareness, knowledge, and understanding of the unique guidance and counseling needs of students who are gifted and talented or from special populations.