Understanding the Needs of Talented and Gifted Students

Participants will explore and examine the nature and needs of gifted students. Additionally, candidates will identify the social and emotional needs of gifted and talented children and identify ways to support their cognitive and social-emotional development. The course will also focus on diverse educational strategies, including differentiated instruction, acceleration, and enrichment, to help gifted students reach their full potential. Moreover, candidates will examine the role of culture in the manifestation of gifts and talents, as well as talented behaviors in special populations, ensuring that learning environments are inclusive and culturally responsive. Emphasis will be placed on creating programs that foster academic growth while addressing gifted students’ emotional and social needs, particularly those from underrepresented groups.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the comprehensive nature of gifted students’ cognitive, creative, and affective characteristics.
• Utilize the unique traits and learning styles associated with giftedness to inform their effective educational practices.
• Identify and address the social and emotional needs of gifted and talented children and youth.
• Implement strategies to support the development of emotional intelligence, resilience, and positive social interactions among gifted learners.
• Implement instructional methods and curriculum adaptations that challenge and engage gifted learners to maximize their intellectual potential.
• Analyze and evaluate culture’s role in manifesting gifts and talents.
• Understand how cultural factors may influence the identification, expression, and support of gifted behaviors, explicitly focusing on recognizing and addressing diversity within the gifted population.
• Understand gifted behaviors in special populations, including those with learning disabilities, twice-exceptional individuals, and culturally diverse groups.

Course Details:

Date: Available now.
Instructor: Steven McHugh (steven@growprofessionally.com)
Number of Graduate/License Renewal Credits: 3
Higher Ed Partner for Graduate Credit: CSU Pueblo
Registration Deadline: No registration deadline.