Academically or Intellectually Gifted Specialization, M.Ed.

Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Angela Housand

The 33-credit-hour program leading to the Master of Education degree (M.Ed.) with specialization in academically or intellectually gifted (AIG) is designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and teacher certification. Successful completion of the program will prepare candidates for add-on licensure to their current license, as well as a master’s degree. The target audience is certified K-12 teachers who seek to improve their knowledge of and expertise in the field of AIG.

The mission of Watson College of Education (WCE) AIG Program is to prepare educational leaders who will design and deliver effective programs and services for gifted and talented students. These educational leaders will ensure that gifted students achieve their potential. Graduates will be able to competently design curriculum and programs, advocate for gifted students, and deliver instruction that meets the broad spectrum of exceptional needs of gifted and talented students.

Objectives

Upon completion of the graduate M.Ed. with specialization in AIG, the candidate should be able to:

Demonstrate a breadth of general knowledge in the field of gifted education and talent development.
Demonstrate a well-articulated knowledge of K-12 communities and issues affecting the gifted and talented population.
Demonstrate effective communication skills that can be utilized when interacting with stakeholders, including colleagues, administrators, families and community members.
Design, implement, and assess effective instruction for gifted and talented learners.
Establish a classroom environment sensitive to the social, emotional, and academic needs of all students.
Demonstrate effective knowledge of state and federal standards and policies with regard to the gifted and talented population.
Use technology to enhance the academic achievement of gifted and talented learners.
Demonstrate effective leadership within the school environment, Local Education Agency (LEA), and community.

Admission Requirements

Bachelor’s degree completed before graduate study begins.
Official copies of transcripts of college work (graduate and undergraduate). An undergraduate grade average of “B” (GPA=3.0) or better is recommended.
Three recommendations by individuals in relevant professional fields.
A letter of intent describing applicants’ commitment to the teaching profession, interests in working with gifted and talented learners, prior school experiences, and philosophy of teaching and learning.
Application and supplemental documents must be submitted by the published deadline.

Degree Requirements (33 total credit hours)

Professional Core (9 credit hours)

EDL 530 - Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Credits: 3
EDL 513 - Organizational Theory and Leadership Credits: 3
EDL 523 - Research in Education Credits: 3
Or
EDN 525 - Tests, Measures, and Measurements in Education Credits: 3

AIG Core (15 credit hours)

EDN 552 - Introduction to Gifted Education Credits: 3
EDN 553 - Social and Emotional Development and Guidance of Gifted Learners Credits: 3
EDN 554 - Curriculum, Methods, and Materials for Gifted Education Credits: 3
EDN 555 - Program Design, Implementation, and Evaluation in Gifted Education Credits: 3
MIT 512 - Integrating Technology into Teaching and Learning Credits: 3

Cognate Area: Pick one from Curriculum, Leadership, Research, or Special Populations (9 credit hours)

Curriculum
EDL 574 - Action Research in Curriculum and Instruction Credits: 3
EDL 567 - Learning-Centered Supervision Credits: 3
EDL 578 - Practicum in Developmental Instructional Supervision Credits: 3
Or
Leadership
EDL 512 - Legal Issues and Policy as a Systemic Process Credits: 3
EDL 566 - Supervision and Teacher Evaluation Credits: 3
EDL 572 - Reflective Leadership: Performance Assessment Capstone Credits: 3
Or
Research
EDL 521 - Using Data for School Improvement Credits: 2
EDL 568 - Educational Program Design and Evaluation Credits: 3
EDL 591 - Directed Independent Study Credits: 1-3 (1 hour required)
EDL 599 - Thesis II Credits: 3
Or
Special Populations
EDN 507 - ESL Topics for Non-ESL Teachers Credits: 3
EDN 509 - Education in a Multicultural Context Credits: 3
EDN 550 - Nature and Needs of Children with Exceptionalities Credits: 3

Exit Requirement

Candidates completing the specialization are required to complete a teaching portfolio. The portfolio is to be based on specialization objectives and state/national standards for AIG teachers.

Important Information

The M.Ed. with specialization in AIG requires that students have a North Carolina “A” level license.
Upon completion of the program students will have to negotiate with their respective employers to be eligible for “M” level salary. The M.Ed. with specialization in AIG does not guarantee that a graduate will receive an “M” level license.