Mar 28, 2024  
2017-2018 SGPP Catalog and Handbook 
    
2017-2018 SGPP Catalog and Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Gifted Inclusive Education Graduate Certificate


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The Gifted Inclusive Education (GIE) Graduate Certificate Program is designed for the K-12 teacher who wants to take a proactive approach to creating constructive challenges for all students. A foundational framework for the program is the belief and understanding that all students have gifts and exceptionalities and are all equal in the K-12 general classroom. Tenets of culturally responsive teaching, ethical and professional practice, and advocacy for all students are embedded throughout the program. Students in the program also learn how to support and coach others, serving as a key resource in their building and school.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the Gifted Inclusive Education Graduate Certificate Program, students are expected to be able to do the following:

  1. Identify the giftedness of every learner.
  2. Plan to promote the academic and cultural diversity within the school and familial communities.
  3. Apply theory, research, instructional strategies, and emerging best practices of gifted inclusive education.
  4. Design curriculum that challenges the full continuum of giftedness.
  5. Demonstrate the ability to collaborate with fellow educators and families to plan systemic gifted inclusive education.

Program Structure and Delivery

The Gifted Inclusive Education Graduate Certificate Program is delivered in two formats: a blended format, meeting one evening per week seven times within an eight-week term, or fully online. After completion of the 15 GIE credits, students have the option to declare their certificate coursework be merged into the Master of Arts in Education program. Those students who complete the remaining 18 MA in Education credits will receive a Master of Arts in Education degree with a specialization in Gifted Inclusive Education.

Degree Requirements


Faculty


The faculty members for this program have earned doctorate or master’s degrees. Faculty are selected for their combination of educational and professional experience and expertise.

Admission Requirements


Applicants may apply for admission to graduate certificate programs at any time during the year. Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution and maintained an overall grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale. Applicants must demonstrate the language proficiency necessary for successful graduate coursework. All applicants must complete an interview with a program administrator.

Application Process


Applicants must submit the following:

  1. Completed application form with the nonrefundable application fee (fee not required for alumni or students seeking readmission or veterans and active military personnel), and
  2. An official transcript issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from the institution posting the applicant’s completed bachelor degree and other relevant transcripts documenting program prerequisites and potential transfer credits. (An official transcript is one that is sent to the university by the credit-granting institution. Transcripts from countries other than the U.S. must be evaluated by a university accepted evaluation source, such as World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, Educational Perspectives, or One Earth International Credential Evaluators and be deemed equivalent to accredited U.S. university standards).
  3. A reflective essay which includes the following:
    1. brief description of the applicant’s background, training, and experience; and
    2. statement indicating the career goals of the applicant and his or her reasons for seeking admission to the program; and
    3. description of the areas the applicant considers to be his or her strengths and areas in which the applicant wishes to develop greater strengths and abilities; and
    4. personal information the applicant wishes to share.
  4. Letter(s) of recommendation that verify professional and/or volunteer experience and academic ability; and
  5. A current résumé listing educational background and work experience.
  6. Applicants with international transcripts may require an English language proficiency exam (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or MELAB accepted.)

Please Note: Application materials should be sent to the attention of the Office of Admission on the Twin Cities campus.
 

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Office of Admission
2500 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN  55404

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