Section 310. Gifted education (add-on endorsement)

The program in gifted education shall ensure that the candidate has demonstrated the following competencies:

1. Understanding of principles of the integration of gifted education and general education, including:

a. Strategies to encourage the interaction of gifted students with students of similar and differing abilities; and

b. Development of activities to encourage parental and community involvement in the education of the gifted, including the establishment and maintenance of an effective advisory committee.

2. Understanding of the characteristics of gifted students, including:

a. Varied expressions of advanced aptitudes, skills, creativity, and conceptual understandings;

b. Methodologies that respond to the affective (social-emotional) needs of gifted students; and

c. Gifted behaviors in special populations (i.e., those who are culturally diverse, economically disadvantaged, or physically disabled).

3. Understanding of specific techniques to identify gifted students using diagnostic and prescriptive approaches to assessment, including:

a. The selection, use, and evaluation of multiple assessment instruments and identification strategies;

b. The use of both subjective and objective measures to provide relevant information regarding the aptitude/ability or achievement of potentially gifted students;

c. The use of authentic assessment tools such as portfolios to determine performance, motivation/interest and other characteristics of potentially gifted students;

d. The development, use, and reliability of rating scales, checklists, and questionnaires by parents, teachers and others;

e. The evaluation of data collected from student records such as grades, honors, and awards;

f. The use of case study reports providing information concerning exceptional conditions; and

g. The structure, training, and procedures used by the identification and placement committee.

4. Understanding and application of a variety of educational models, teaching methods, and strategies for selecting materials and resources that ensure:

a. Academic rigor through the development of high-level proficiency in all core academic areas utilizing the Virginia Standards of Learning as a baseline;

b. The acquisition of knowledge and development of products that demonstrate creative and critical thinking as applied to learning both in and out of the classroom; and

c. The development of learning environments that guide students to become self-directed, independent learners.

5. Understanding and application of theories and principles of differentiating curriculum designed to match the distinct characteristics of gifted learners to the programs and curriculum offered to gifted students, including:

a. The integration of multiple disciplines into an area of study;

b. Emphasis on in-depth learning, independent and self-directed study skills and metacognitive skills;

c. The development of analytical, organizational, critical, and creative thinking skills;

d. The development of sophisticated products using varied modes of expression;

e. The evaluation of student learning through appropriate and specific criteria; and

f. The development of advanced technological skills to enhance student performance.

6. Understanding of contemporary issues and research in gifted education, including:

a. The systematic gathering, analyzing, and reporting of formative and summative data; and

b. Current local, state, and national issues and concerns.

7. Understanding of and proficiency in grammar, usage, and mechanics and their integration in writing.

8. The program shall include a practicum that shall include a minimum of 45 instructional hours of successful teaching experiences with gifted students in a heterogeneously grouped (mixed ability) classroom and a homogeneously grouped (single ability) classroom.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 23, Issue 25, eff. September 21, 2007.

Statutory Authority

§ 22.1-298.2 of the Code of Virginia.