Creative Teaching and Learning

The program is committed to preparing teachers to use educational technology to help all children learn. Developmentally appropriate practices for the use of technology are integrated into all courses and field experiences. Candidates learn to construct a media-rich environment for the purpose of instruction, assessment, and professional development. Course assignments encourage the creative use of technology so that teachers can further support children’s enthusiasm for learning and develop their own skills in creative productivity.

Performance expectations align to the New York State Teacher Education Standards for the gifted extension and to the New York State Learning Standards. In addition, course objectives reflect the standards established by the National Association for Gifted Children. The program employs a holistic approach to assessment including exams, demonstrations, papers, products, self and peer reflections, and observations of fieldbased experiences to evaluate the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and dispositions required by the program.

Performance benchmarks assure that candidates achieve high academic standards. After the completion of 12 credits, a favorable review of student performance results in admission to candidacy. The final benchmarks include satisfactory completion of all coursework, field experiences, and practicum. An oral presentation of the master’s project fulfills the final requirement for graduation. Students seeking the New York State Gifted Extension to their teaching certification are required to take the CST (content specialty test) in Gifted Education.

Courses

For descriptions of courses, please download the The Graduate School Catalog.