MS - Special Education, Gifted Degree Concentration

Required Courses & Descriptions

SD 802 Behavior Intervention (3 hrs)

This course provides a practical guide to experienced teachers, teachers-in-training, parents, and paraprofessionals for applying behavior management techniques both in general and special education settings and in the home. The course focuses on the principles of behavior management and their application in the educational programs, as well as in the home. This course will help the student become a critical thinker, creative planner, and effective practitioner.

SD 850 Characteristics of the Gifted (3 hrs)

This course emphasizes the definition of giftedness from historical to present, characteristics of the gifted, and factors (such as gender, cultural differences, creativity) involved in identification of the gifted. Special problem topics are identified and addressed. Programs for various levels are covered as well as evaluation and parenting skills.

SD 851 Education of the Gifted (3 hrs)

Methods and procedures for adapting the educational process to the gifted are studied.

SD 852 Affective Needs of the Gifted (3 hrs)

This seminar provides information on affective aspects of giftedness, emphasizing proactive and preventative approaches.

SD 864 Creative Teaching and Learning (3 hrs)

The course, appropriate for both special teachers of the gifted and general educators, including teachers, counselors, and administrators, explores the nature of creativity, with the emphasis given to attitudes, motivations, and educational practices which foster the identification, development, and maintenance of creative behaviors.

ER 752 Analysis of Research (3 hrs)

An introductory graduate level course in research methodology designed to allow the student to function as a knowledgeable consumer of research in his/her field of endeavor. The content of the course should prepare the student to evaluate informal descriptive studies in their field.

SD 866 Supervised Practice II, Gifted and Talented (3 hrs)

(Prerequisites, SD850, SD851, SD852, SD857, SD864 or approval of instructor.) This supervised practicum requires a student to draw on knowledge and skills gained in previous gifted education courses to plan and carry out relevant, appropriate projects with gifted elementary students.

SD 799. Consultation and Collaboration(3 hrs)

This course provides practical approaches for students to refine and practice effective communication skills. Current models of consultation/collaboration will be presented. Topics studies include communication skills; academic diversity issues; teaming; problem solving; co-teaching approaches; working with paraeducators; models for collaboration with regular educators; engaging and empowering families and community in the education of the learner; and the use of technology for collaborative communication.

SD 820. Assessment in Schools (3 hrs)

This course is a survey of the broad spectrum of psychological tests used in the assessment of human potential and functioning. The focus is on the nature, use, and interpretations of various methods of evaluation with specific reference to measurement in the areas of aptitude, achievement, interest, personality, and intelligence. Analyzing data and the interpretation of test results is a major emphasis.

SD865 Supervised Practicum I

Gifted, Talented, & Creative P-12 requires students to draw on knowledge and skills gained in previous gifted education courses to plan and carry out relevant, appropriate projects with diverse gifted children and adolescents at P-12 grade levels.