GIFTED ENDORSEMENT PROGRAM

1. GIFTED ENDORSEMENTPROGRAM COBB COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

2. PROGRAM AUTHORIZATION • Cobb’s Gifted In-Field Endorsement program is authorized by the State of GA and governed by PSC requirements • Program requirements are non-negotiable • The Gifted In-Field Endorsement is an add-on to a teacher’s existing grade level and content certifications.

3. Candidate Qualifications • Three years’ teaching experience • Clear renewable teaching certificate • Recommendation from current school leadership • Candidates must have access to gifted students in order to conduct observations and deliver instruction

4. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION • This program is divided into three Modules • Modules must be completed in the designated order • Individual Modules must be fully completed. No partial credit will be awarded. • The entire program must be completed within two years. • If circumstances prevent completion within a two-year period, candidates must begin again and will relinquish all credit earned.

5. Module 1Characteristics and Foundationsof Gifted Delivery: 50 hours of instruction delivered in a compacted instructional environment Content: • Historical perspectives • Development and characteristics of learners • Individual learning differences

6. Module IIInstruction Delivery: 70 Instructional hours; 30 field experience hours Content: • Instructional Strategies • Learning Environment • Social Interactions • Instructional Planning

7. Module IIIAssessment Delivery: 50 hours of instruction delivered in a compacted instructional environment Content: • Selecting, administering, and evaluating assessments • Professional and ethical practices • Collaboration

8. Application Process Obtain current application from the ALP Blog: http://cicobb.typepad.com/cobbalp/ • Complete every section as directed • Attach copy of current teaching certificate with all dates clearly visible • Obtain leadership recommendation (may be submitted to ALP office separately) • Submit by May 3, 2009, deadline

9. Program Acceptance Module Registration • Applicants will be notified of acceptance once applications are reviewed. • Notice of acceptance does not enroll a candidate in any program Modules. • Each candidate must enroll in the appropriate Module using the district’s Profession Learning portal. • Registration for summer professional learning courses opens May 14th.

10. PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS All endorsement candidates must meet the non-negotiable PSC requirements in each of three areas earn the endorsement: • ATTENDANCE • PERFORMANCE • PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

11. Attendance Requirement Candidates can miss no more than 10% of stated instructional time per module.

12. Performance Requirements • Candidates must attain standards required by PSC and provided at the beginning of each module. • Each module carries a work load equivalent to a college course. • Each module requires a significant investment of time outside of class. For example, during Modules I and III candidates may need 2-3 hours per day extra. Module II field experience will also require additional time beyond the 30 mandated hours.

13. Professional Conduct Candidates are expected to maintain professional demeanor in all dealings with other candidates and with course instructors.

14. INTERVENTIONPROCESS • Candidates who experience difficulty meeting program standards and/or expectations will work with course instructors to develop appropriate interventions. • Candidates not meeting standards and/or expectations may be asked to withdraw from the program

15. Cobb’s Gifted Endorsement Program Contact ALP Office 770-426-3324