Gifted Endorsement

Overview

Northwest Georgia RESA’s Gifted Endorsement program is based on GAPSC Rule 505-3-.90. This endorsement will prepare educators to function as classroom teachers of the gifted in member systems and agencies. Successful completion of all program courses will result in recommendation for the Gifted In-Field Endorsement. Courses in the Gifted Endorsement are delivered in a combination of face-to-face and online sessions.

Courses

The Gifted Endorsement is designed to include four courses. Courses must be taken in the following sequence:

  1. Characteristics of the Gifted (50 hours)

  2. Methods and Materials for Teaching the Gifted (50 hours)

  3. Assessment of the Gifted (50 hours)

  4. Curriculum and Program Development for the Gifted (50 hours)

Technical Requirements

  • A computer running Windows 10 or higher, MacOS 10.14 or higher, or the most current version of Chrome OS

  • Internet connection of at least 3.0 Mbps (You can check your speed here)

  • Working microphone and webcam

Purpose

All courses have several purposes for candidates:

  • To develop expertise in gifted instruction for identified gifted students

  • To develop expertise in assessment, including a variety of informal and performance-based assessments as well as placement and achievement assessments

  • To aid teachers in becoming leaders in professional development and in collaborations focusing on gifted instruction

  • To develop in-depth knowledge of the highly specialized instructional needs of gifted students

  • To develop a thorough understanding of the historical and theoretical underpinnings of current beliefs and practices

  • To understand knowledge of current research in gifted education and the related fields of learning theory to support decision-making as trends move through the field of practice

  • To develop critical thinking skills as a consumer and practitioner of gifted education

Application Criteria

Candidates must meet the following criteria to apply for entry into a Gifted Endorsement cohort:

  • Currently employed by a school system

  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university with a minimum of 2.5 GPA

  • A valid Level 4 or higher Induction, Professional, Advanced Professional, or Lead Professional teaching certificate

  • Two or more years of successful teaching experience (Verification is included in Endorsement Candidate Application Form)

Advisement Sheet

Advisement Sheet