Serving Gifted Students at Our School
Nature and Needs
Midpoint Activity
Brooke Jones
Common Characteristics of Gifted Children
Children are unique and diverse. They can grow and develop at varied rates which can sometimes make it hard for parents and educators to be alerted to potential abilities that are indicative of gifted learners.
It is important as educators to be as aware as possible to common traits that indicate further screenings or evaluations may be necessary in order to ensure the child is having all of their academic needs met while in the classroom environment.
It is important to note that while these are common traits few, if any, gifted learners will display all of these traits.
- highly observant
- learns new concepts quickly
- has intense interests
- curious-constantly asks questions to know more
- long attention span
- excellent reasoning skills
- unusual or vivid imagination
- problem-solver
- puts ideas/ things together easily
Cognitive
- extensive vocabulary
- complex sentence structure
- Early Reader
- often asks "what-if" questions
- Understanding of word nuances and metaphors
Language
Social & Emotional
- deep, intense emotions
- emotionally sensitive
- perfectionist
- overflowing with energy
- concerned about fairness/injustice
- Advanced sense of humor
- intrinsically motivated
Common Misconceptions of Gifted Learners
Benefits of Being Gifted Endorsed
Importance of Gifted Training
- Able to appropriately challenge students who may already be identified
- Understand screening procedures and promoting students into the schools gifted program
- Helps to avoid potential behavior issues or classroom management challenges
- Strengthen classroom differentiation to support higher level thinking
- Redefine your view of what gifted and talented students are
- Identifying students who may be twice exceptional or from economically disadvantaged backgrounds
State of Florida Requirements for Gifted Endorsement
Becoming Gifted Endorsed
(1) A bachelor’s or higher degree with certification in an academic class coverage
(2) Fifteen (15) semester hours in gifted education to include three (3) semester hours in each area specified below:
- Nature and Needs
- Curriculum
- Guidance and Counseling
- Creativity
- Special Populations
Great News! SCPS Offers these courses to you for FREE.
Gifted Endorsement Courses
Signing up for Courses
- Courses are offered on a quarterly basis at no cost for educators in Seminole County.
- You may take 1 course per quarter to work toward your endorsement.
- Registration will take place through Front line. See Course Offerings for Session Codes.
- Trouble with registering? Contact Doris Guest for assistance.
*Priority is given to teachers currently servicing students out of field.*
2020-2021 Course Offerings