EPSY 6770

Curricular Options for High Ability Learners
The University of Connecticut

I. Course Overview:

The major purpose of this course is to study the theoretical and practical aspects of curricular experiences for gifted and talented students. The course has been designed to familiarize educators with the various theories, principles, and models of curriculum development for gifted and talented students. The Multiple Menu Model, which will be used as a framework for developing differentiated and defensible curriculum for gifted students. The class will explore curriculum modification techniques, methods and materials for enrichment learning, assessment strategies, 0methodological resources, and teacher collaboration techniques that support the principles underlying curriculum differentiation.  As the final project each student will choose a content area -ology or -ography and design a comprehensive unit following the guidelines of the Multiple Menu Model and aligned with the appropriate state standards.  Students taking this course will want to collect instructional units, supporting curricular materials, state standards, and any how-to books that can be used in the design of their unit.

 II. Required Texts:

There are two assigned texts for this course.  A series of article reprints will be available on-line to extend the understanding of other curricular issues.

Renzulli, J. S., Leppien, J. H., & Hays, T. S. (2000). The multiple menu model: A practical guide for developing differentiated curriculum. Mansfield Center, CT: Creative Learning Press. (ISBN: 0-936386-86-X)   Available at http://www.creativelearningpress.com/clp/203.html

 

Tomlinson, C.A. (2001). How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed-Ability Classrooms (2nd ed.) Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. (ISBN: 0-87120-512-2)  Available at http://shop.ascd.org/ProductDisplay.cfm?ProductID=101043