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 Graduate Programs in Gifted Education at WKU

• Gifted and Talented Endorsement

• MAE in Gifted Education and Talent Development

• EdS in Gifted Education and Talent Development

• EdD in Educational Leadership with a Teacher Leader Concentration in Gifted Education and Talent Development

 

Schedule for GTE Class Offerings

• PSY 432G - Fall, Spring, Summer
• GTE 536 - Fall
• GTE 537 - Spring
• GTE 540 - Spring
• GTE 538 - Summer
• GTE 539 - Summer

Courses that Rotate

• GTE 636 - Summer even years, Spring odd years
• GTE 637 - Summer odd years, Fall even years

 

The Gifted and Talented Endorsement

Western Kentucky University offers a Gifted and Talented Endorsement, designated on the teaching certificate, which provides the opportunity to work directly with groups of gifted children K-12. Currently, we are the only Kentucky institution that has offered the complete sequence annually since 1984. Specializing in gifted education proves extremely valuable for classroom teachers, counselors, gifted resource teachers or administrators.

The endorsement requires four classes, three of which are offered online.  The classes are GTE 536, GTE 537, PSY 432G and GTE 538 (Practicum). GTE 538 is a two-week practicum and is not offered online but rather for two weeks on campus in June. Contact The Center for more information.

Kentucky teachers must pass the PRAXIS in Gifted Education, a requirement that began in 2009.

 

Application Process

Applying to The Graduate School is the first step.

The Gifted and Talented Endorsement can be part of a Master’s program, a Rank II or a Rank I as well as a separate endorsement. It is crucial to plan early in the program so that courses are taken as needed. If an endorsement is specified, the adviser will be Dr. Julia Roberts, Executive Director of the Center for Gifted Studies.

When applying for the gifted endorsement applicants’ will choose the following options on the graduate application:

• Category of Study—Certification
• Program of Study—Certification-only Tchr Ed (132)
• Concentration—Gifted Education Endorsement

Required Courses

The Endorsement requires four three-hour courses:

GTE 536 Nature and Needs of Gifted, Creative and Talented Students. 3 hours. Terminology, theories, issues, and general approaches in educating gifted, creative, and talented young people.

GTE 537 Curriculum, Strategies, and Materials for Gifted Students. 3 hours. The curriculum and the learning environment in meeting the unique and advanced needs of gifted students. Strategies particularly suitable for the gifted.

PSY 432G Psychology of the Gifted and Creative. 3 hours. Identification of gifted children and adults with emphasis on educational programs for the maximum development of giftedness.

GTE 538 Practicum for Teachers of Gifted Students. 3 hours. Prerequisites: GTE 536, GTE 537, and PSY 432G. Supervised experiences to integrate the knowledge and skills needed to plan, implement, and evaluate effective learning experiences for gifted, creative, and talented students. The practicum is a two-week experience on campus.

 

The MAE in Gifted Education and Talent Development

The College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at Western Kentucky University  offers the MAE in Gifted Education and Talent Development. The MAE has two pathways – one leading to certification and the other with a research focus. The pathway leading to certification (Rank II and Gifted Endorsement) includes 18 graduate hours in gifted education and talent development. The pathway with a research focus has 21 graduate hours in gifted education and talent development. If an individual already has earned a master’s degree, the second pathway can be taken to earn a Rank I.

Dr. Julia Roberts, Dr. Janet Tassell, and Dr. Toni Syzmanski will teach the courses leading to the MAE in Gifted Education and Talent Development. Courses will be online with the exception of the practicum. Schools or school districts can request that face-to-face teaching be offered for cohorts. WKU has offered the 12 graduate hours leading to the gifted endorsement annually since 1984.

 

Teaching Pathway

Educators pursuing the 31 credit-hour Advanced Certification for Teacher Leader concentration may be completing the graduate program to continue in a teaching position or to become a curriculum coordinator. Counselors, principals, librarians, and other specialized teachers will enhance their knowledge and skills in a concentration that leads to Rank II certification and the gifted education endorsement.

Course #	Course Name	Hours
PSY 432G	Psychology of the Gifted and Creative	3
GTE 536	Nature and Needs of Gifted, Creative, and Talented Students	3
GTE 537	Curriculum, Strategies, and Materials for Gifted Students	3
GTE 538	Practicum for Teachers of Gifted Students	3
GTE 539	Assessment and Identification of Gifted and Talented Students	3
GTE 540	Developing Creativity and Leadership in Gifted Youth	3
TCHL 500	Foundations of Teacher Leadership	3
TCHL 545	Class Instructional Strategies	3
TCHL 555	School and Class Assessment	3
TCHL 559	Action Research Design	3
TCHL 560	Action Research Capstone in Teacher Leadership	1

 

Program Completion Requirements

1. Successfully complete TCHL 560 (Course grade of C or higher)
2. Give acceptable presentation of action research in an approved venue
3. Achieve a minimum 3.0 GPA in coursework
4. Complete the gifted education practicum demonstrating the knowledge and skills to teach children with gifts and talents

Admission Requirements

In addition to the WKU Graduate School requirements, a copy of the applicant’s teaching certificate or statement of eligibility must be submitted with the application for admission to the Advanced Certification for Teacher Leaders concentration. To apply for admission, visit www.wku.edu/apply.

Graduate of WKU teacher preparation programs

Applicants who are alumni of WKU teacher preparation programs must submit a current, valid teaching certificate or Statement of Eligibility for IECE Birth to Primary; Elementary Education, P-5; Middle Grades Education, 5-9; Secondary Education, 8-12, 5-12, or P-12; or Special Education, P-12.

Graduate of a Kentucky university other than WKU

Applicants with undergraduate degrees from Kentucky higher education accredited universities must have a 2.75 GPA for all previous undergraduate coursework and a 3.0 GPA for previous graduate coursework or qualifying GRE scores (i.e., GAP Score 550 or higher)
(GAP = [GRE-V Score + GRE-Q] + [GPA x 100]), and must have or be eligible for a teaching certificate for IECE Birth to Primary; Elementary Education, P-5; Middle Grades Education, 5-9; Secondary Education, 8-12, 5-12, or P-12; or Special Education, P-12.
GAP Score Example: If an applicant has a GRE-V Score of 150 and a GRE-Q score of 150 and a GPA of 3.5, the GAP Score would be calculated as (150 + 150) + (3.5 X 100) = 650 GAP Score.

Graduate of a university outside Kentucky

Applicants with undergraduate degrees from all other higher education accredited universities must have a 2.75 GPA for all previous undergraduate coursework and a 3.0 GPA for previous graduate coursework or qualifying GAP scores (i.e., 550 or higher), and must have or be eligible for a teaching certificate for IECE Birth to Primary; Elementary Education, P-5; Middle Grades Education, 5-9; Secondary Education, 8-12, 5-12, or P-12; or Special Education, P-12.
Kentucky applicants whose certificates have expired may be admitted, but they may enroll for only six hours before which they must apply to the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board for a reissued certificate. After completion of six hours, a student admitted with an expired certificate must submit a copy of the reissued certificate before being allowed to register for any additional courses. Applicants from out of state with expired certificates must complete the requirements for their respective states to renew their certificates and submit a copy of the reissued certificate.

 

Research Pathway

The 30 credit-hour Advanced Research Focus will prepare students for a variety of careers in higher education, government policy work, or other organizations and could lead to a Rank I or Specialist degree.

Course #	Course Name	Hours
PSY 432G	Psychology of the Gifted and Creative	3
GTE 536	Nature and Needs of Gifted, Creative, and Talented Students	3
GTE 537	Curriculum, Strategies, and Materials for Gifted Students	3
GTE 539	Assessment and Identification of Gifted and Talented Students	3
GTE 540	Developing Creativity and Leadership in Gifted Youth	3
EDFN 500	Research Methods (or equivalent approved by advisory committee)	3
GTE 636	Issues in Gifted and Talented Education	3
GTE 637	Seminar in Gifted and Talented Education	3
EDU 599	Thesis Research and Writing	6

 

Program Completion Requirements

1. Complete the coursework in gifted education and talent development and research
2. Successfully complete and defend a thesis
3. Achieve a minimum 3.0 GPA in coursework
4. Demonstrate mastery of the program outcomes in the coursework

Admission Requirements

1. Submit application to the Graduate School and meet all Graduate School requirements
2. Have a 3.0 on all graduate school coursework
3. Submit copies of all transcripts
4. If pursuing a Rank I, have earned a Master's degree from an accredited institution

 
The EdS in Gifted Education and Talent Development

The Specialist Degree in Gifted Education and Talent Development is planned for individuals who have earned a master’s degree and want to specialize in gifted education as they pursue further graduate work. Those who complete this degree program will be eligible for a recommendation for Rank I and may earn eligibility for the Gifted and Talented Education Endorsement through the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (KE37) if the practicum is built into the program. The program prepares candidates for teaching in elementary, middle, or high school settings; teaching in postsecondary settings; continuing graduate work toward a doctorate in gifted education and talent development; and/or other careers that involve a strong background in gifted education and talent development.

Admission: Admission requirements are having a master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education or an equivalent international institution of higher education. The applicant must have a 3.0 grade-point-average in the master’s program.

Completion: The graduate student must successfully defend a specialist project and maintain a 3.0 grade-point-average in the required courses

Required Courses

Course #	Course Name	Hours
PSY 432G	Psychology of the Gifted and Creative	3
GTE 536	Nature and Needs of Gifted, Creative, and Talented Students	3
GTE 537	Curriculum, Strategies, and Materials for Gifted Students	3
GTE 539	Assessment and Identification of Gifted and Talented Students	3
GTE 540	Developing Creativity and Leadership in Gifted Youth	3
EDFN 500	Research Methods (or equivalent approved by advisory board)	3
GTE 636	Issues in Gifted and Talented Education	3
GTE 637	Seminar in Gifted and Talented Education	3
EDU 699	Specialist Project	6

 

The EdD in Educational Leadership with a Teacher Leader Concentration in Gifted Education and Talent Development

The College of Education offers the Educational Leadership Doctoral Program with a concentration on teacher leadership with a focus on gifted education and talent development. For more information, go to WKU's Educational Leadership Doctorate Program or The Graduate School.