Dec 11, 2024  
2016-2017 Graduate Studies Bulletin 
    
2016-2017 Graduate Studies Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Gifted Education, Adv. Cert.


Associate Professor McDonald, Graduate Program Director, 516-463-7149
Adjunct Associate Professor Cline, Program Adviser, 516-463-6184

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.

  1. A master’s degree and 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 cumulative GPA of 3.0.
  4. Submission of scores on a nationally-normed graduate admission test.*
  5. Two letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s potential to succeed in the teaching of students with exceptional gifts and talents.
  6. A written personal statement of professional intent.
  7. Interview with a faculty member in special education.

*Please consult with the director of the program to determine which test would be best suited to you. Examples of such tests include, but are not limited to, the Miller Analogies Test (MAT), the GRE general test or the relevant GRE subject exam (if appropriate to your intended area of certification).

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 Office of Educational Support Services, 233 Hagedorn Hall, for information regarding any required Educational Law seminars* and other certification requirements. Forms for applying for certification can be found at the Office of Educational Support Services Web page under the certification tab.

*Please note, as of December 31, 2013, the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education now require a new six-hour seminar for Training in Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention, required under the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA): http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/news/newsitem05162013.html.

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 Office of Educational Support Services for specific certification requirements.