Modules in Gifted Education:
Foundations for Teaching Advanced Learners
in Today's Classrooms
Session 1: July 12, 2021 - July 28, 2021
Designed for classroom teachers and enrichment teachers who serve advanced learners in grades K-8, each module provides practical knowledge and evidence-based strategies to meet the needs of students who achieve and/or have the potential to achieve at high levels. Attendees will gain an understanding of current, equitable and inclusive approaches in the field of gifted education and explore programming/instructional models, classroom structures, and collaborations to support advanced learners. Projects and readings are designed with an eye to applicability/relevance to classroom practice. Classroom teachers, new enrichment/advanced programming teachers, and educators seeking to update their foundational skills and knowledge for developing talents of advanced learners are encouraged to participate.
Each virtual module includes 4 hours of synchronous and 5 hours of independent learning. A Certificate of Course Completion from IAGC and 27 PD hours will be provided upon completion of all three modules.
Note: Assignments will be provided and submitted on the Google Classroom platform. All participants are required to have a Google Account and email to participate in this course.
Overview:
Module 1: Understanding Advanced Learners (4 hours in-class time + 5 hours independent learning)
Part 1 - Conceptions of Giftedness (2 hour class + readings and assignments)
Part 2 - Recognizing and Developing Gifts and Talents (2 hour class + readings and assignments)
Module 2: Programming, Collaborations and Classroom Structures to Support Growth of Advanced Learners (4 hours in-class time + 5 hours independent learning)
Part 1 - Supporting Growth of Advanced Learners Through the MTSS Framework, Assessment, and Professional Learning Communities (2-hour virtual class + readings and assignments)
Part 2 - Classroom, Community, and Family Collaborations to Support Advanced Learners (2-hour virtual class + readings and assignments)
Module 3: Differentiation and Instructional Strategies for Advanced Learners (4 hours in-class time + 5 hours independent learning)
Part 1 - Key Components of Differentiated Instruction for Advanced Learners (2-hour virtual class + readings and assignments)
Part 2 - Student-Centered Differentiation for Advanced Learners (2-hour virtual class + readings and assignments)
Required Text: Heacox, D. and Cash, R., Differentiation for Gifted Learners: Going Beyond the Basics (revised and updated edition). Free Spirit Publishing, 2020 (ISBN: 978-1-63198-432-7)
*Participants are responsible for obtaining the text as it is not included in the module registration fee.
Books are available from Free Spirt Publishing for a 35% discount plus shipping (book cost - $27.94, shipping - $6.95). If ordering on the Free Spirit website, be sure to indicate "IAGC" in the comments section. Although the discount will not be reflected on the order form that you submit, a corrected invoice will be send to the email address provided on the form. If you would like to use a PO or order directly, you may also call Free Spirt at 800-735-7323 and place the order over the phone or email help4kids@freespirit.com.
Books are also available from Amazon/other book sellers.
All classroom sessions must be attended and readings/assignments completed for module credit. 9 hours of professional development credit is available for each module after satisfactorily completing all of the requirements/assignments for that module.
