Course Descriptions

EXED 560 The Nature & Needs of Gifted Learners (3 credits)

This course is designed to introduce the historical and theoretical foundations of the field of gifted education will be discussed, including varying conceptions of giftedness. One focus of the course is the knowledge of the specific cognitive and socio-emotional developmental nature of gifted learners and the knowledge pertaining to the characteristics and related needs of gifted individuals. A second focus is the course content includes the appropriate educational services available in public and private school, as well as alternative settings. In support of school services, parental support, and advocacy.

EXED 565 Instructional Methods in Gifted Education (3 credits)

This course will include an examination of instructional models and strategies currently advocated for use with gifted learners. Course participants should develop an understanding of both the theoretical and practical implementation of the appropriate instructional approaches for gifted learners, including critical thinking, creative thinking, problem-solving, and inquiry. Participants will learn how the specific instructional strategies can contribute to developing learning environments that promote appropriate academic rigor and learner independence.

EXED 660 Curriculum Design in Gifted Education (3 credits)

This content of the course will focus on the design and development of differentiated curriculum for gifted learners. Students will learn how to adapt and modify existing curricula for gifted learners, as well as how to design new curricular materials for gifted learners through a predetermined process. Lesson and unit development will be highlighted. Students also will learn how to assess and make appropriate decisions about the suitability of curricular materials for gifted learners.

EXED 665 Issues and Trends in the Education of Gifted Learners (3 credits)

This course focuses on the traditional and current special issues related to the recognition and education of giftedness in individuals from birth through the life span. Participants will examine the critical issues facing the field of gifted child education and future directions. The primary purpose of this course is to develop in participants the knowledge, conceptual understandings, and skills to assess, identify accurately and nurture effectively giftedness in all gifted students, including those students who are typically underserved. Specific topics included in the course content are: (a) Collaboration Between Gifted and General Education; (b) The Psycho-Social Adjustment and Guidance of Gifted Learners; (c) The Plight of Underserved Populations of Gifted Learners; (d) Educational Programming Models for Gifted Education; and (e) The approaches to measurement and assessment of high abilities commonly used.

EXED 570 Practicum in Gifted Education (3 credits)*

The practicum experience is designed to provide direct experiences with gifted education programming through participation in related services. A planned and coordinated field experience will consist of a minimum of 45 instructional hours of successful teaching experiences with gifted students in a heterogeneously grouped (mixed ability) classroom or a homogeneously grouped (single ability) classroom. This course is offered to students who complete required endorsement coursework at JMU.

*One year of successful, full-time teaching experience in an accredited public or nonpublic school may be accepted in lieu of the practicum. A mentor holding a valid license with an endorsement in gifted education must be assigned to the teacher.