V. ADE Licensure Deficiency and

Removal Plan/Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

GIFTED, TALENTED, AND CREATIVE PROGRAM

Mission Statement

The mission of the program for Gifted, Talented and Creative education is to provide expertise to program candidates regarding the exceptional learning needs of the gifted in grades K - 12. The program encompasses teacher training, research, and service in the areas of identifying giftedness, models for serving the needs of the gifted learner, social and emotional needs of the gifted, and creativity.

An Overview of the Gifted, Talented, and Creative Education Program

Gifted, Talented, and Creative education is an advanced degree program (M.S.E.) through the Department of Education Leadership, Curriculum, and Special Education, which meets Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) licensure requirements. Basic courses in compliance with GTC/MSE are congruent to ADE licensure (i.e., 18 hours). Two required courses for all education MSE candidates are required for GTC education (i.e., Statistics and Advanced Educational Psychology or Philosophies of Education). Students may choose from a list of electives in order to fulfill the remaining 6 hours toward the master’s degree in gifted education. A list of courses offered is included in this handbook (i.e., p. 6). A unique feature of this program is the option for students’ completion of a thesis.

Licensure Requirements for Arkansas Department of Education

ADE guidelines specify that educators are ineligible for GT certification without already possessing another area of licensure and the successful completion of one year’s teaching experience. Arkansas State University GTC program meets and exceeds all ADE requirements while also making it possible for interested educators to obtain an master’s degree in GTC education. Thus, graduate students in this program are licensed teachers at the elementary or secondary level, who is interested in this particular population. Since gifted education programs are mandated in the state of Arkansas, the ADE requires that all districts must program appropriate services to identified students, and in doing so, those special services must be provided by a specially trained (licenced) teacher to receive state funds and be in compliance with state law (see Appendix A, Arkansas Gifted and Talented Program Approval Standards, for the listing of requirements as outline by ADE for school districts to receive funding for student services.) The ADE requirements for K-12 GT endorsement specifically requires 18 hours of graduate level coursework and a valid teaching certificate and one year’s teaching experience. These requirements provide a base of knowledge for students interested in this area of special educaiton. The University has a long history, since its inception of gifted education in 1985, of offering classes in the area of gifted education.

GRADUATE BULLETIN INFORMATION

Program of Study for the Master of Science

Gifted, Talented, and Creative Education

Purpose of the Degree

The purpose of the Master of Science in Education degree with a major in Special Education - Gifted, Talented, and Creative (GTC) is to offer educators a planned program of study at the graduate level which is based on recommendations of professional organizations and accrediting associations such as the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and NCATE.

Students seeking endorsement in Gifted, Talented, and Creative Education without pursing the M.S.E. degree, should see an advisor for an analysis of complete courses and the requirements the program of study.

Admissions

Students seeking admission into the M.S.E. program for Gifted, Talented, and Creative Education must meet the general admission requirements of the Graduate School. The requirements are:

Applicants to the master’s degree programs must hold a baccalaureate degree form an accredited four-year institution with the appropriate undergraduate background in the filed of proposed academic emphasis. Applicants must submit the following to the Graduate School:

1. A completed application for admission. Applications should be submitted at least six weeks before the registration date of the term which the applicants plan to attend.

2. A $15.00 non-refundable application fee. Checks must be made payable to Arkansas State University. If applications are received without payment, the Graduate School will hold all application materials and notify the applicants that no actions will be taken until payment is received. (A $25.00 application fee is required of international students applicants.

3. One copy of official transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate coursework attempted to be sent directly from the institution(s) previously

attended.

1. Admission test scores are required (see Program Admission Requirements).

2. International student applicants must demonstrate a satisfactory level of proficiency in the English language if English is not their native language. To demonstrate English proficiency, international student applicants must submit a score of 213 (computer-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language or must satisfactorily complete level eight of the university’s Center for English as a Second Language program.

Program Admission Requirements

Unconditional Admission

2. Have a minimum grade point average of 3.00 based on a four-point scale on all undergraduate work attempted or have a 3.25 on the last 60 hours. The applicant must be eligible for certification as a teacher in the regular classroom. In the event a student has a lower GPA, he/she may be enrolled on a probationary status. This would mean that enrollment in 12 hours of coursework will be determined by the Curriculum Committee in the Department of Special Education.

3. Have three letters of recommendation from professionals in the fields of education, psychology, or related disciplines which support the student’s request for admissions and address the student’s academic skills and personal attributes strengths, and/or weaknesses. (This meets the criteria mentioned above.)

4. Submit a letter which requests acceptance into the program and states his/her goals and interests.

5. Submit an acceptable score on the MAT or the GRE.

6. Have a personal interview with the coordinator of the program at ASU prior to the completion of the initial six hours in the program of studies.

6. Have completed at least one year of successful regular classroom teaching.

7. Certification is recommended by the certification officer in con junction with the coordinator of the program for Gifted, Talented, and Creative from the parent institution to the State Department of Education. Students must maintain at least a “B” average in all coursework. Students must earn a grade of “B” or higher in the practicum experiences.

Conditional Admission

In addition to Graduate School criteria for conditional admission, academic proficiency must be established through satisfaction of either of the following admission selection criteria:

8. Upon approval, the candidate will be admitted into the program by the Graduate School.

Course Requirements

Core courses:

EDFN 6763, Philosophies of Education, OR

PSY 6513, Advanced Educational Psychology

EDFN 6773, Introduction to Statistics and Research

Courses required of all students majoring GTC:

SE 5703, Identification, Nature and Needs of the Gifted, Talented, and Creative

SE 5713, Educational Procedures for the Gifted, Talented, and Creative

SE 6023, Studies and Research in Special Education

SE 6033, Affective Programming in the Classroom

SE 6433, Creativity

SE 6833, Practicum for Gifted, Talented, and Creative

Electives (Choose 6 or more hours from the following):

SE 5723, Assessment for Programming in the Classroom

SE 5733, Gifted Child in the Regular Classroom

SE 6843, Advanced Practicum for Gifted, Talented, and Creative

SE 6891 - 6 Thesis

Minimum hours required for this program: 30

All candidates for the M.S.E. degrees must take the appropriate PRAXIS II Examination required for graduation. A copy of the scores must be sent to the Dean’s Office, College of Education at Arkansas State University.

Course Descriptions

SE 5703. Identification, Nature, and Needs of the Gifted, Talented, and Creative

A comprehensive study of methods for identifying gifted and talented students. Includes characteristics and educational and social needs of this population in a variety of educational settings.

SE 5713. Educational Procedures and Materials for the Gifted, Talented, and Creative

Focus is on current theory and practice in planning educational programs for gifted, talented, and creative students. Prerequisite: SE 5703 or permission of professor.

SE 6023. Studies and Research in Special Education

An examination of the current issues and trends in special education as found in the professional literature as it relates to the individual student’s area of interest. A research project suitable for a poster session presentation is required. Prerequisites: Admission to candidacy to the MSE program in Special Education - GTC.

SE 6033. Affective Programming in the Classroom

A study in the affective needs of children. Emphasis is placed on responding to affective needs of students and developing social skills in students.

SE 6433. Creativity

The purpose of this course is to explore creativity as a meaningful curriculum effort for education of creative students. Emphasis is on the theoretical aspects of creative and productive thought and on the practical application of theory to foster creativity in the classroom

SE 6833. Practicum for Gifted, Talented, Creative

Learning experiences are provided which incorporate skills in classroom organization, management, planning, and teaching in a field setting for gifted, talented, creative. Prerequisites: SE 5703 and SE 5713 and permission of professor.

SE 5723. Assessment for Programming for Gifted, Talented, and Creative

Instruments will be reviewed for the purpose of preliminary screening and identification and to provide differentiated programming for the gifted, talented, and creative.

SE 5733. Gifted Children in the Regular Classroom

A study of gifted children to facilitate the education of regular classroom teachers as they strive to assist in the identification of gifted children and to further enhance the education of the gifted while in the regular classroom. Specific areas of giftedness will be studied pertaining to characteristics, identification, and differentiated instruction.

SE 6843. Advanced Practicum for Gifted, Talented, Creative

Innovative teaching and research efforts are demonstrated. Opportunities are sought which address individual needs and abilities for students as well as young scholars attending. Prerequisites: SE 6063 and permission of professor.

SE 6891 - 6 Thesis (Topic and research - chose of candidate)

GIFTED, TALENTED, AND CREATIVE

CHECKLIST

Name____________________

Department of Educational Leadership, Curriculum,

& Special Education

Required Course (Total of 18 hours)

SE 4703/5703 Identification, Nature and Needs of GTC

SE 4713/5713 Educational Procedures & Materials for GTC

SE 6033 Affective Programming in the Classroom

SE 6023 Studies & Research in Special Education

SE 6433 Creativity

SE 6833 Practicum for GTC

Core Courses (Total of 6 hours)

PSY 6513 Advanced Educational Psychology OR

EDFN 6763 Philosophies of Education

EDFN 6773 Introduction to Statistics and Research

Electives: (Select 2 courses from the following – 6 hrs)

SE 4733/5733 Gifted in the Regular Classroom

SE 4723/5723 Assessment for Programming for GTC

SE 6843 Advanced Practicum for GTC

Proposed Seminar: Current Issues

Proposed Giftedness Among Sub-populations

Total hours (30 required)

____Admitted to Graduate Program (Grad. Bulletin p. 143/144)

____Comprehensive Exams (Written)

____Intent to Graduate Filed

REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION

Upon completion of the required courses, candidates for the MSE degree in GTC must pass a written comprehension examination and take the appropriate Praxis II examinations (i.e., Principles or Learning and Teaching K-6 OR Principles of Learning and Teaching 5-9 OR Principles of Learning and Teaching 7-12 with a minimum score of 164.)