Academically/Intellectually Gifted (AIG) Program
In cooperation with Durham Public Schools, the North Carolina Model Teacher Education Consortium, and the Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP), the Program in Education is pleased to offer non-degree, graduate level coursework in gifted education to Durham Public School teachers. Four courses totaling 12 semester credit hours are offered. Upon successful completion of the program, teachers can obtain AIG (K-12) add-on licensure to their North Carolina teaching license.
The Courses
Teachers will take four classes over the course of one year as follows:
Fall
Nature and Needs of the Gifted Learner: An Introduction to Their Characteristics and Educational and Affective Needs
An introduction to the characteristics and unique educational and affective needs of the gifted. Philosophical considerations, historical perspectives, definitions and types of giftedness, incidence, and evaluation procedures will be explored. The role of society, counselors, teachers, parents, peers, and self in the social, emotional, and academic development of gifted children will be discussed. Focus will also be given to cultural comparisons of the manifestations of giftedness, ways of reversing underrepresentation of minority students in programs for the gifted, and affective and social-emotional topics/issues relating to giftedness.
Spring
Methods and Materials for Teaching the Gifted Learner: Fundamental Procedures for Differentiating Instruction
Students will learn the fundamental procedures for differentiating instruction for gifted and talented students. The course builds on the background knowledge about the nature of gifted students, their characteristics and instructional needs presented in the prerequisite course, Nature and Needs of Gifted Students. A majority of the course content will be drawn from the textbook, including a description of each strategy, discussion on methods of implementation, and a summary of current research on the strategy's effectiveness. The textbook will be augmented by current readings from research and model lesson plans.
Summer
Differentiating Curriculum for the Gifted Learner: Program Planning and Curriculum Development
Designed to prepare course participants how to organize and deliver appropriate curriculum for gifted and talented students, this course focuses on program planning, exemplary program models, and development of appropriately differentiated curricula for gifted/talented learners. Modifications in the content, process, product, affect, and learning environment of classroom and curricula are examined as they relate to gifted learners. Students will also understand how to develop learning experiences that are concept-based, open ended, and flexibly paced.
Practicum and Seminar in Gifted Education
This course is designed specifically to provide students with the opportunity to work with gifted learners in a differentiated educational program. Students will plan, develop, implement, and evaluate educational experiences for gifted learners. A special focus of the seminar will be devoted to the social and emotional development of the gifted learner
Additional Information on Summer Practicum
Based on their content specialty and interest, teachers will be assigned to an intensive, three-week, full-day (9:00 to 4:00; Monday through Friday) clinical experience with highly gifted, middle and high school students enrolled in Duke TIP’s summer programs. Teachers will work side-by-side with Duke TIP’s content scholars. A Duke faculty member specializing in gifted education and a TA who are licensed and experienced teachers of the gifted will also assist teachers during the practicum in planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating educational experiences for gifted learners. Reflective seminars will be held in conjunction with the practicum to discuss, review, and evaluate practicum experiences. Students will be assigned to one of two practicum terms.
2008 Practicum Dates
Term I - June 15 – July 5
Term II – July 13 – August 2
Download a AIG Licensure Program brochure click here
AIG Class of 2007