GSE Collaborates with Division of Continuing Studies to Support Gifted Education Certificate Program
The Rutgers Graduate School of Education (GSE) recently partnered with the Rutgers Division of Continuing Studies in the development and support of the Gifted Education Certificate Program.
This new five-course program is designed to address the unique challenges within New Jersey school districts to help improve the educational experience for gifted and talented children.The program is not only focused on prospective K-12 educators, but features a wide range of professional development topics relevant to various roles such as librarians, guidance counselors, and even parents. Topics that will be covered in the program include social and emotional development, instructional strategies, and advancement in administration. Dr. Van Tassel-Baska developed the coursework for the program based on input from state school superintendents, teachers, and the New Jersey Association for Gifted Children.
As part of the partnership, Dr. Lenore Cortina of the GSE coordinates the faculty and oversees the curriculum development for the program. The GSE has also begun accepting the courses from the new program as GSE elective graduate credits for some of its degree programs.
“Gifted students spend most of their school day in the regular classroom, yet the majority of teachers have never had professional learning experiences in gifted education,” states Dr. Cortina. “Without training, teachers struggle to meet the needs of gifted learners, putting them at risk for disengagement and underachievement. The Rutgers Gifted Education Certificate Program is the only program of its kind in New Jersey to prepare educators and school leaders to design and deliver appropriately challenging educational experiences for gifted learners.”
On Monday, April 14, 2014 at 4:00pm, Dr. Cortina will host a one-hour webinar titled A School Leader’s Guide to Gifted Education Programming, which will address the basics of gifted education programming and offer cost-efficient and effective programming options that go beyond the traditional “pull-out” model. Reserve your space for this free webinar here.
View 5 Easy Strategies for Differentiation of Instruction by clicking here. In this one-hour program, Dr. Cortina describes the need to modify curriculum and differentiate instruction and assessment for gifted students, and shares practical and effective differentiation strategies.
To learn more about the Gifted Education Certificate Program or to apply for summer 2014, click here.