Academically or Intellectually Gifted Specialization, M.Ed.

Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Brian 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.

Program 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.
Identify and establish criteria for classroom environments that are sensitive to the social, emotional, and academic needs of gifted students.
Demonstrate effective knowledge of state and federal standards and policies with regard to the gifted and talented population.
Identify how technology can be used to enhance the academic achievement of gifted and talented learners.
Demonstrate effective leadership within educational environments serving gifted and talented students.

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 Credit Hours: 3
EDL 513 - Organizational Theory and Leadership Credit Hours: 3
EDL 523 - Research in Education Credit Hours: 3
Or
EDN 525 - Tests, Measures, and Measurements in Education Credit Hours: 3

AIG Core (15 credit hours)

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

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

Curriculum
EDL 574 - Social Action Research Credit Hours: 3
EDL 578 - Theory and Practice in Learning-Centered Supervision Credit Hours: 3
Or
Leadership
EDL 512 - Legal Issues and Policy as a Systemic Process Credit Hours: 3
EDL 566 - Supervision and Teacher Evaluation Credit Hours: 3
EDL 572 - Reflective Leadership: Performance Assessment Capstone Credit Hours: 3
EDL 568 - Educational Program Design and Evaluation Credit Hours: 3
EDL 591 - Directed Independent Study Credit Hours: 1 To 3 (1 hour required)
EDL 599 - Thesis II Credit Hours: 3
Or
Special Populations
TSL 507 - ESL Topics for Non-ESL Teachers Credit Hours: 3
EDN 509 - Education in a Multicultural Context Credit Hours: 3
EDN 550 - Nature and Needs of Children with Exceptionalities Credit Hours: 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.