Gifted Education Extension - Advanced Certificate

Program

This advanced certificate program (Academic Plan: GIFTD-AC) is designed to provide educators with a solid background of expertise in gifted education, enabling them to work effectively with exceptionally capable learners, and to take leadership roles in the field. In addition to satisfying NYS certification requirements for 12 credits of coursework and field hours for the Gifted Extension certificate*, successful completion of this program will result in an advanced certificate degree in Gifted Education and an institutional recommendation for the Gifted Extension certificate.

*NYS certification in Gifted Extension requires a valid base NYS teacher certification and a passing score on the Gifted Content Specialty Test (CST).

Admission Requirements

1. NYS teacher certification and a minimum of 15 credits of graduate study (master’s degree preferred) in education for a specific school population, with at least one course in human development (including child or adolescent development).
2. A GPA of at least 3.5 in graduate courses.
3. Two letters of recommendation from appropriate professional or academic sources.

Progress Standards

1. Minimum GPA for Retention - Graduate students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to remain at Hunter College. Students whose grades fall below this standard are required to raise their GPAs to at least 3.0 within one semester.
2. No F in the first two semesters—students who receive a grade of F or WU in any course in the first two semesters will not be allowed to continue in the program.
3. Progress holds due to Incomplete Grades - Students with two or more INCs will not be allowed to register for any courses.
4. Key Course Performance Standards

   • Students must receive a grade of at least a B in key program courses. 

   • Students who receive a grade of F or WU in key program courses may not continue in the program. 

   • Key Program Courses are identified by the label (KC) in the course title.

Course of Study - 12 cr.

Academic Plan: GIFTD-AC

• SPED 75300 - Understanding and Identifying Gifted Learners: Individual and Developmental Diversity
• SPED 75400 - Differentiating Curriculum for Gifted and Talented Learners
• SPED 75500 - Assessment and Instruction for Diversely Gifted Learners
• SPED 75600 - Professional Discourse and Leadership in Gifted Education

Exit Requirements

1. An overall GPA of 3.0.
2. No course grade below B.
3. Maintain a valid and appropriate NYS certification.
4. Complete the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) workshop.