Course work is designed to help students understand and apply principles of identification, curriculum design, program construction, creative production, and evaluation of programs, curricula and student cognitive and affective growth. Undergirding course work is these areas specifically focused on the needs of gifted learners is related study in the areas of child development, theories of learning, and tests and measurements. The program concludes by providing students a practicum in which they are able to test and refine new understandings and skills.
Students learn best when their education matches their level of cognitive readiness for learning.
Educators have and can develop modes of assessing a range of learner potentials and learner readiness. Self actualization of the individual requires a sense of affective security and intellectual challenge. School curricula are typically designed for students who learn slower or in less depth and breadth than most gifted learners. Curricula for gifted learners can and should be designed to expand their potential. Curricula designed for gifted learners should be a response to their cognitive and affective needs.