Certificate in Gifted Education Courses (Credit Hours in Parentheses)
CUI 4400 Nature and Needs of Gifted Learners (3)
Provides the foundational background necessary for understanding and working effectively
with gifted and talented learners, including the nature and definition of giftedness;
types of giftedness; the relationship of giftedness to intelligence and creativity;
the relationship between giftedness and child, adolescent, and adult development;
and the special educational needs of gifted learners.
CUI 4401 Psychological Aspects of Giftedness (3)
Focuses on the psychological development of gifted children and adolescents, including
current cognitive and developmental theory; interaction between giftedness and social-environmental
context; and implications of the psychology of giftedness for education. Specific
topics include the psychological needs of gifted individuals; exceptionally gifted
individuals; perfectionism; underachievement; stress; gender-related issues; and motivation.
CUI 4402 Curriculum for Gifted Learners (3)
Emphasizes both the conceptual foundations and field practice in the design and development
of curriculum especially for gifted and talented students. Includes theories, models,
and processes for curriculum modification and curriculum design; strategies for adapting
educational content, process, product, and learning environment based on the educational
characteristics and needs of gifted learners; including curriculum compacting, integrated
curriculum, independent study, and project-and-problem-based learning and assessment.
CUI 4403 Instructional Strategies for Gifted Learners (3)
Focuses on models and strategies for teaching gifted and talented learners, and on
instructional decision-making based on matching instructional approaches to the salient
learning characteristics and needs of gifted students. Includes specific emphasis
on classroom-based differentiated instruction; individualized programming; flexible
grouping strategies; acceleration approaches; dialogue and questioning strategies;
enrichment programming and instructional responsiveness to the affective needs of
gifted learners; and assessment methods. Will include field assignment.
CUI 4404 Twice-Exceptional Student (3)
Provides foundational concepts and practical strategies for recognizing and serving
gifted students with learning challenges. Emphasis is placed on understanding and
addressing the special academic and socio-emotional needs of these students. Specific
topics include the visual/spatial learner, gifted students with ADD/ADHD, profoundly
underachieving gifted students, gifted students with learning disabilities, Aspergers
Syndrome, and gifted students with physical or sensory disabilities.
CUI 4405 Practicum in Gifted Education (1-3)
Affords students an opportunity to gain hands-on knowledge and experience in major
competency areas listed in Colorado?s Gifted Specialist Endorsement standards, by
requiring completion of an experience in three of five practicum areas (teaching,
assessment, administration, research, and policy). Students submit a Practicum Proposal
outlining intended practicum experiences to the faculty supervisor for approval.
CUI 4407 Current Issues in Gifted Education (3)
Emphasizes rationale for and implementation of multiple measures of identification
of gifted learners. Includes strategies for culturally and ethnically diverse, linguistically
different, and economically disadvantaged students. Specific topics include selection
and utilization of various instruments, utilization of data to diagnose and prescribe,
working with parents and other educators. Will include presentations from various
representatives from the field.
CUI 4408 Creativity: Theory and Practice (3)
Provides an understanding of (1) the conceptual foundations and definitions of creativity,
(2) how intelligence, creativity, and non-intellective factors are related to the
constructs of giftedness, (3) documented brain research, (4) the identification of
and appropriate programming for creative individuals, and (5) the multiple perspectives
and manifestations of creativity.
CUI 4410 Program Development, Leadership and Communication in Gifted Ed (3)
Focuses on program development and leadership in gifted education. Includes strategies
for working effectively in partnership with the student, parents, guardians, classroom
teachers and administrators in the delivery of programs and services, ongoing evaluation
of the effect of various program options and instructional strategies. specific topics
include monitoring, accessing and evaluating ongoing programs, planning professional
development activities for increasing knowledge and skills of regular classroom teachers
and identification and reduction of discrepancies between actual academic achievement
and exceptional ability.
