GIFTED ENDORSEMENT PROGRAM COBB COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT Candidate

GIFTED ENDORSEMENT PROGRAM COBB COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Candidate Qualifications Ø Candidates must have: Ø three years’ teaching experience. Ø clear renewable teaching certificate. Ø recommendation from current school leadership. Ø access to gifted students in order to conduct observations and deliver instruction. Ø active opportunities for teaching throughout the entire program.

PROGRAM AUTHORIZATION ØCobb’s Gifted In-Field Endorsement program is authorized by the State of GA and governed by PSC requirements. ØProgram requirements are non-negotiable. ØThe Gifted In-Field Endorsement is an add -on to a teacher’s existing grade level and content certifications.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Ø This program is divided into three modules. Ø Most modules are a blended delivery. Ø One -Year Cohort: Ø Module 1: July Ø Module 2: After school during the academic year Ø Module 3: June Ø Two -Year Cohort: Secondary teachers only Ø Module 1: August – December Ø Module 2: February – May, August – December Ø Module 3: January – May

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS Ø Modules must be completed in the designated order. Ø Individual Modules must be fully completed. No partial credit will be awarded. Ø It is recommended that the entire program be completed within two years. Ø Access to computer and internet is required.

Module 1: Characteristics and Foundations of Gifted Delivery: § 50 hours of instruction Content: ØHistorical perspectives ØDevelopment and characteristics of learners ØIndividual learning differences

Module II: Instruction Delivery: § 70 Instructional hours; 30 field experience hours Content: ØInstructional Strategies ØLearning Environment ØSocial Interactions ØInstructional Planning

Module III: Assessment Delivery: § 50 hours of instruction Content: ØSelecting, administering, and evaluating assessments ØProfessional and ethical practices ØCollaboration

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS Ø Candidates must demonstrate satisfactory performance on each PSC standard for each module. Ø Each module Ø carries a work load equivalent to a graduate level college course. Ø requires a significant investment of time outside of class. ØFor example, during Modules I and III candidates may need 2 -3 hours per day extra. Module II will also require additional time beyond seat hours.

PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS Ø In order to obtain gifted certification, all endorsement candidates: § Must meet PSC program standards § Must sign a contract agreeing to program expectations ØATTENDANCE Ø Candidates must attend 90% of face-to-face instructional time per module ØPERFORMANCE ØPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

INTERVENTION PROCESS ØCandidates who experience difficulty meeting program standards and/or expectations will work with course instructors to develop appropriate interventions. ØCandidates not meeting standards and/or expectations will be withdrawn from the program.

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT Candidates are expected to maintain a professional demeanor in all dealings with other candidates and with course instructors.

APPLICATION PROCESS Obtain current application from the ALP Blog: http: //cicobb. typepad. com/cobbalp/ ØAttach a copy of current teaching certificate with all dates clearly visible. ØObtain leadership recommendation (may be submitted to ALP office separately). ØSubmit by May 4, 2012. ØIncomplete/Incorrect applications will not be considered.

PROGRAM ACCEPTANCE Ø Applicants will be notified of acceptance via email. Ø Endorsement instructors will enroll accepted candidates on the first day of class. Ø “No shows” will lose their place in class. Ø Instructors will email participants with meeting details before the first class.

Cobb’s Gifted Endorsement Program ALP Office: 770 -426 -3324 (phone) 770 -429 -5884 (fax)