√ Module 1: Series Introduction
Who are gifted learners? In this course, we will provide an overview of gifted and talented learners and introduce you to Understanding and Supporting Gifted Learners (USGL) series. We will introduce you to the gifted learner and their characteristics and discuss the academic and social-emotional needs that impact their educational experience and growth. This is the foundational course in the USGL series. It will prepare you for subsequent topics to be addressed as you continue learning. The courses in this series will explore the gifted learners’ social/emotional characteristics, underrepresenting non-dominant cultures, the underachievement of gifted students, twice-exceptional learners, instructional strategies, academic acceleration options, and identification and instruction through data-driven analysis. Course 1 of 5
√ Module 2: Characteristics of Gifted Learners
Who are gifted learners? In this course, we will discuss characteristics of gifted learners that impact their educational needs. This overview course sets the stage for subsequent modules that will give educators a comprehensive understanding of gifted learners’ academic and non-academic needs. Course 2 of 5
√ Module 3: Social-Emotional Needs of Gifted Learners
In this course, we look at the social-emotional (S/E) needs and the development of gifted children compared to their peers in the general population. We will dig deeper into the common traits of gifted S/E development and needs. Then, we will discuss strategies for supporting gifted children’s S/E needs. Strategies mentioned in this course can help all students but are specifically beneficial to gifted students. Course 3 of 5
√ Module 4: Inclusive Identification of Gifted Learners
In this course, Inclusive Identification of Gifted Learners, we talk about the why, when, and how, as well as being inclusive in identifying gifted learners. By identifying the gifted learners, an educator can include all learner levels in their tiered instruction. After completing this course and identifying your gifted learners, we will discuss inclusive instructional strategies in the next course of the series. Course 4 of 5
√ Module 5: Instructional Strategies for Gifted Learners
In this final course, Instructional Strategies for Gifted Learners, we discuss considerations needed for gifted learners and provide a multitude of instructional strategy recommendations. The strategies and examples in the course can be used for all learners in the classroom yet are inclusive of gifted learners. Course 5 of 5
