Course Syllabus

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Gifted and Talented 2.0

 Course Author: Lee Ann O'Loughlin

E-mail: oloughlinl@castleberryisd.net

 Twitter: leeann_learner

Materials and Resources

List any resources that are required beyond the scope of Canvas.

• Laptop or iPad with Internet Access
• Login to Canvas
• Access to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Podcasts  

Purpose

Educators who teach or work with student who have been identified as Gifted and Talented are required by Texas State Education Code to receive a six hour professional learning update after receiving their 30 Gifted and Talented local certification.  The six-hour update is an opportunity for educators to acquire new information, skills, and or deeper knowledge in the area of Gifted and Talented education.  Some of the current challenges for meeting the needs of students who have been identified as GT are: effective lesson study, leveraging integrated technology, understanding the Cluster Grouping initiative Castleberry ISD has begun in our middle and elementary schools, and developing an ongoing self-directed professional learning plan.  The six-hour update will focus on four essential questions:

1. How do educators effectively create lesson studies using depth, complexity, and the four parallels in order to differentiate, increase intellectual development and engagement, and provide opportunities for higher levels of learning for all students?
2. How can we leverage integrated technology to provide learning opportunities that are aligned to student choice, voice, and readiness to pursue interests and knowledge on an appropriate level of rigor? What does blended learning look like in our classrooms? In other words, what are we providing and planning for with students who already know the material we are teaching?  What technology, websites, podcasts, YouTube channels, supports can accelerate and keep our GT students engaged and interested in learning? 
3. What is the Cluster Grouping School Wide Model, and how will implementation of the model improve instruction for all students? What is the “why” behind the clustering of GT students? 
4. How can I develop my own self-directed professional learning so I can continue to learn more about GT education or education in general throughout the year? What does my SDPL look like, and platforms and people can I connect with which I chose to build my capacity as an educator?

The learning will focus on three direct instruction modules, self-directed technology learning sessions, one quiz, and two  demonstration of learning assignments to be completed for credit.

Format

Special Populations Academy: Gifted and Talented 2.0 will occur June 8th  through June 18th.  All assignments will be due no later than June 18th in order to receive credit for the course.

The format of the training will include online training in which electronic resources can be referenced at any time. The electronic resources will be made available through Canvas, the district’s Learning Management System.  The credit for the course will be determined by the completion of three main products:

1) Lesson Study Development demonstrating the use of depth, complexity, and the four parallels

2) Demonstration of technology use to support blended learning

3) Self-Directed Professional Development Plan

Discussion board responses are required and considered as verifying participation and attendance . The three major demonstration of learnings will be comprised of multiple components.

 Teachers can access the training from a device with Internet access from home. The author of the course will be available to answer any questions that the participants may encounter.

Goals and Objectives

G.1. Learner will be able to utilize information provided and shared in the Update Online course to build educator capacity in meeting the needs of students who are gifted and talented.

O.1.1 Learner will demonstrate understanding of developing lesson studies that include the use of depth, complexity, and the four parallels.

O.1.2 Learner will develop a blended learning plan that demonstrates extensions and enrichment learning for students who are identified as GT or for students who already understand the learning objectives being addressed in class. The blended learning will align to the TEKS being taught in a unit and noted.

O.1.3 Learner will demonstrate the use of technology such as Flipgrid, Edpuzzle, Flippity which can be utilized in differentiation for all students.

G.2. Learner will be able to direct and plan their own professional learning utilizing social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Podcasts)

O.2.1 Learner will Learner will develop a self-directed learning plan articulating their interest, goals, and specific use of social media to meet their goals.

Course Modules

Course Evaluation

A quick instructor feedback form will be completed at the conclusion of the lesson. If the teachers respond with mostly positive feedback, then the course author and instructor will know the instructional design was effective.  

Time frame

Participants can expect to spend a minimum of six hours completing the course between June 8th-June 18th.