Professional Pedagogy

Syllabus

PEDG 5358 (3 credit hours)

identification & assessment of GIFTED

and talented students 

 

Instructor: Dr. Dorothy Sisk

Office: College of Education & Human Development (Room 103)

Phone: 409-880-8046

E-Mail: conn_chair@hal.lamar.edu

Office Hours:

I. Course Objectives:

To provide teachers/administrators with an opportunity to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of tests, rating scales and other informal procedures for identification of gifted.  Attention will be given to uses and misuses of tests and assessment procedures, sources of tests and information about tests, administration, scoring and interpretation of test data, and the design of an identification portfolio to demonstrate application of course content.  The student will:

  • Review the multi-dimensions of giftedness, and be familiar with the varied definitions of giftedness.

  • Demonstrate an awareness of various assessment instruments and strategies, their weaknesses and strengths, and the appropriate use of these instruments.

  • Demonstrates skill in the administration of various assessment tools, as well as the interpretation and analysis of students performance data as it relates to gifted program planning and differentiated instruction.

  • Developing skills in using an identification matrix and a rationale for the content of that matrix.

  • Develop awareness of appropriate procedures for entry and exit of students, as well as the guidelines for periodic reassessment, review and dismissal from the gifted program

  • Demonstrate ability to communicate with parents and school personnel regarding the multiple criteria for the selection of students, as well as the guidelines for periodic reassessment, review and dismissal from gifted program.

  •  Develop an understanding of the importance of the evaluation procedure as it relates to program evaluation at district, campus and individual student levels.

II. Course Requirements:

  • Completion of assigned readings, informed participation in class discussions and activities.

  • Administration, scoring, interpretation and written analysis of results of selected tests – each test to be administered to one student.

  •  Group report on specific tests including a demonstration/administration and a written handout for class members that would include essential scoring and evaluation information.

  • Read, summarize and report on two current articles on identification and assessment of gifted and talented programs.

  • Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of basic terminology, concepts and theory in testing/identification of  gifted and talented students.

III. Student Requirements:

Design and complete a project to demonstrate your expertise in the area of screening/testing/identification of gifted and talented students, such as:

  • A comparative study of the data obtained from the administration of two (or more) different tests to a minimum of ten students.

  • An update on current research and recommendations regarding new/promising instruments and procedures for screening/identification of gifted students.

  • A handbook/guide for in-service presentation of regular teachers who will participate in the nomination/selection of gifted students.

  • Individual case study on a student that may have been overlooked, with recommendations for ways to meet the equity issue in the identification process.

  • A historical narrative of the identification/participation/exit procedures of  gifted/talented student participation in your district.     Include percent of disadvantaged students in district and percent served/not served.

  • Other approved graduate level project.

IV. Textbook

  • Herrmann, Ned (1989) Creative Brain, Lake Lure, N. C.

  • Other assigned reading

V. Classroom Management Policies 

Syllabus Changes:

While every effort has been made to make the syllabus and attached schedule as complete as possible, the instructor reserves the right to make changes in the assessment, assignments, due dates, content and test date. If any such changes are made, students shall be informed as soon as possible. A make up exam will be provided for a valid reason. 

VI. Instructional Activities and Assessment 

A. Activities and Assignments 

1. Students are responsible for assigned readings in the classroom, and they will prepare an outline of the chapter to be reviewed and discussed for each class. These outlines will be turned into the instructor. Informed discussion and participation is expected. 

2. Students are to read and summarize three outside self-selected current articles, and bring copies for the class members for discussion. 

B. Evaluation and Grading 

1. 20% of the semester grade will be based on the chapter outlines based on the rubric of Summary of major points, and Evaluation of the material, and Suggested Application following the Terry Borton format of WHAT, So WHAT, and NOW WHAT. 

2. 10% of the semester grade will be based on the articles selected/presented for classroom discussion. 

3. 20% of the semester grade will be based on classroom participation. 

4. 50% of the semester grade will be based on the final examination for the course. 

VII. Drop/Add: 

It is the responsibility of the student to make sure that he/she is officially enrolled in this course. If, at any point, you decided to drop the class, it is your responsibility to officially drop. Any student who stops attending class and does not officially drop the course will be given an F as the semester grade. 

VIII. Course Evaluation:

Instruction as well as student performance is subject to evaluation. Policies and procedures of the academic department will be instituted near the end of the course. 

IX. Special Accommodations:

It is the policy of Lamar University to accommodate students with disabilities, pursuant to federal and state law, and the commitment of the University to equal educational opportunities. Any student with a disability who needs accommodations, e.g. seating placement or arrangements for examinations, notes, etc. should inform the instructor at the beginning of the course. The instructor is also available.”