Gifted Education, Adv. Cert.

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Professor McDonald, Graduate Program Director, 516-463-7149

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 this advanced certificate program in the Department of Specialized Programs in Education is based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria. The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a student’s potential for success in the program. Students may consider applying even if they fail to meet one of the GPA or testing criteria but feel that other aspects of their experience might compensate. All individual cases will be reviewed by an Admissions Counselor before being referred to the graduate program for further review.

A master’s degree and New York state classroom teaching certification at the childhood, middle childhood, or adolescent developmental level.
A completed application form to the advanced certificate program.
A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on all undergraduate course work, or its equivalent (e.g., a 3.0 in a completed graduate program). We encourage you to submit all transcripts from your undergraduate work and any graduate work for consideration.
Two letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s potential to succeed in the teaching of students with exceptional gifts and talents.
A written personal statement of professional intent.
Interview with a faculty member in special education.

Program Standards

The graduate director will review the academic standing of all graduate students at the end of each semester. A student must maintain a 3.0 average to be considered in good standing. Students who do not maintain a 3.0 average will be placed on academic probation. Students who earn more than one C-, C, or C+ per semester, accumulate more than two C-, C, or C+ grades in their graduate coursework, or receive a D or an F in any course will be dismissed from the program. In addition to the required GPA, students must demonstrate adequate competence and professionalism throughout all coursework and fieldwork. If the director or program faculty determines that a student has failed to demonstrate this standard, they will be dismissed from the program. Students may petition for readmission by following the School of Education Appeal policy.

Program Requirements - Semester Hours: 12

SPED 255 - Introduction to Gifted Education Semester Hours: 3
SPED 256 - Schoolwide Enrichment and Instructional Methods & Materials for Gifted/Talented Children Semester Hours: 3
SPED 258 - Internship: Gifted/Talented Children Semester Hours: 3
Students must select an additional course under advisement - 3 s.h.

Teacher Certification Requirements

Upon successful completion of degree requirements, students will be eligible to apply for the University’s recommendation for New York state certification. Contact the School of Education Dean’s Office for information regarding any required Educational Law seminars* and other certification requirements.

To be eligible for the certification extension in gifted education students are required to have passing scores on the appropriate New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE). Please contact the School of Education Dean’s Office for specific certification requirements.

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