
University of California, Riverside
This course will provide educators with the tools, research, and supports for reaching, teaching, and classifying gifted and talented youth. Students will be exposed to various strategies and concepts to implement within their instruction, including foundational elements for why these strategies are effective and impactful.
Gifted and Talented Structure and Supports equips teachers with practical, research-based strategies for effectively reaching gifted and talented students in the classroom. Participants will learn how to identify and classify gifted students, and develop differentiated instruction tailored to their individual needs. The course explores the crucial role of growth mindsets in gifted education and introduces the use of depth and complexity icons as visual prompts to enhance learning. Participants will delve into differentiation strategies, their components, and the importance of social and emotional learning for gifted students. The course further examines building student automation and self-efficacy, emphasizing the key role of academic language. Finally, participants will explore innovative teaching foundations, including Project Based Learning, and how STEAM and Makerspace programs can be integrated into gifted education. This course aims to provide meaningful takeaways and new knowledge applicable to any classroom setting.
Angelena Aguilera
Teacher and Gifted and Talented Education Specialist