Mar 28, 2024  
2012-2013 Graduate Studies Bulletin 
    
2012-2013 Graduate Studies Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Gifted Education, Adv. Cert.


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Professor Schwartz, Graduate Program Director, 516-463-5778

The advanced certificate program for teaching students of high ability/talents is designed for teachers who hold New York State teacher certification or for students completing an education master’s program who seek a concentration in gifted education: 12 s.h. This program leads to the New York extension for gifted education for classroom teaching certificates. Special education teachers wishing to teach students with gifts and talents at the preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle or secondary levels may find this advanced certificate necessary. All courses are offered exclusively online.

On average, students complete this program in one academic year.
 

Program Philosophy, Goals and Objectives


The advanced certificate program in gifted education provides in- and pre-service teachers with the skills and competencies necessary for effective instruction with “gifted and talented children or youth who give evidence of high performance capability in areas such as intellectual, creative, artistic, or leadership ability, or in specific academic fields, and who require service or activities not ordinarily provided by the school in order to fully develop such capabilities” (Public Law 103-382-Title XIV, 1988, p. 388). The assessment techniques and strategies used in the identification of high-ability learners, research-based methodologies and instruction, including differentiated and enriched curricula, and program evaluation are major foci of the program. Special education programs build upon general education and all students must have this prerequisite preparation. Field experiences are linked to each of the courses within the advanced certificate program culminating in an internship in a school-wide enrichment program.

Admission Requirements


Admission to the special education advanced certificate program in gifted education is based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria, including the following:

  1. A master’s degree in special education or New York state classroom teaching certification at the childhood, middle childhood, or adolescent developmental level.
  2. A completed application form to the advanced certificate program.
  3. A minimum grade point average of 3.0.
  4. Two letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s potential to succeed in the teaching of students with exceptional gifts and talents.
  5. A written personal statement of professional intent.
  6. Interview with a faculty member in special education.

The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a candidate’s potential for success in a graduate program. Consequently, candidates are welcome to apply if they do not meet one of the criteria but feel that other aspects of their experience may compensate.

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