Sixth Year Diploma in Professional Education Full-Time Campus Program
About the Program
Program Staff and Faculty
EPSY Core Courses
Plan of Study
SuperComp
Applying to the Program
About the Program
The graduate program in gifted and talented education has existed for over thirty years. The program has grown continuously since its inception in 1968. Our graduate program is designed to prepare teachers and leadership personnel in various aspects of gifted education and talent development. The program is based upon the belief that the development of talent in areas, as well as concern for the moral and ethical development of persons, is essential in all children. This program is intended for persons who are interested in making creative contributions to the field as well as learning about the subject matter and teaching procedures that constitute gifted education and enrichment teaching and learning. The Sixth Year Program frequently leads to roles as administrators or curricular specialists in talent development or enrichment programs. These roles generally take place in public schools, or state and regional education agencies. Our program leads to a Sixth-Year Diploma in Professional Education. The program is offered during the academic year at the Storrs campus of the University of Connecticut. Students attend full-time and complete all courses on the Storrs campus. It includes participation in Confratute, a conference/institute that takes place each summer. The courses deal with many aspects of gifted education, and students are encouraged to pursue topics of individual interests such as course projects or related readings.- NCATE accreditation
- Cohort program, high-energy, dedicated educators from national and international locations
- Professional development opportunities linked to school-based issues and concerns
- Strategy-based courses that apply high-end learning techniques to school improvement initiatives
- Continuous faculty-student communication, advisement, and mentoring via on-site conferences and e-mail correspondence.
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Program Staff and Faculty
Judith Mathews, Program Coordinator—ContactSiamak Vahidi, Technology Coordinator—Contact
Dr. Joseph Renzulli, Faculty—Contact
Dr. Sally Reis, Faculty—Contact
Dr. E. Jean Gubbins Faculty—Contact
Dr. Del Siegle, Faculty—Contact
Dr. Catherine Little, Faculty—Contact
Dr. M. Katherine Gavin, Faculty—Contact
Dr. Tutita Casa, Faculty—Contact
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EPSY Core Courses
| EPSY 5601: | Principles and Methods of Educational Research This is an introductory course designed to help graduate students understand and evaluate the educational research literature. |
| EPSY 5710: | Introduction to Gifted Education and Talent Development Problems encountered in developing giftedness and talents in students: the nature of exceptional abilities, the history of special provisions, major scientific studies dealing with superior abilities, and contemporary educational systems and models. |
| EPSY 5750: | Creativity The identification of creative thinking and problem solving and the development and implications of creativity training materials and teaching strategies. |
| EPSY 5720: | Developing Schoolwide Enrichment Programs An overview of the theory and research behind and components within the Schoolwide Enrichment Model. Practical techniques for implementing the model in classrooms and school districts Instructional and managerial techniques that can be used in the grade level classroom to meet the individual learning needs and talents of all students. Strategies for improving the effectiveness of large group, individual and small group instructional practices. Current and promising practices, as well as relevant research. |
| EPSY 5092: | Practicum The implementation and application of theory in the student's area of specialization. Open to Master's and Sixth-Year students. |
| EPSY 5194: | Seminar Analysis of the issues and research in the field of education. Open to Master's and Sixth-Year students. |
| EPSY 6770: | Curricular Options for High Ability Learners Curriculum theory and techniques with special attention to the development of instructional materials. |
| Electives to be determined with advisor. |
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Plan of Study
Each student's plan of study is developed individually in accordance with interests, experiences, and professional goals. The plan of study focuses on the following objectives:- Knowledge about past and present practices in gifted and talented education, talent development, and enrichment teaching and learning
- Involvement in research, field work, or an internship setting to develop innovative curriculum, acquire new instructional skills, and produce solutions to implementation problems
- Proficiency in research and reference skills to efficiently investigate topics of choice
- Development or enhancement of professional development strategies
- Completion of creative products representing a contribution to the literature in the field (curriculum materials, handbooks, research studies, media presentations)
- Demonstration of leadership qualities and strategies for change through legislation, professional organizations, policy actions and/or research
Background preparation and 30-36 credits (including core courses)
- SuperComp Examination - computer-based exam
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SuperComp
SuperComp is a computer-based exam taken here on the Storrs campus during the student's last semester. The exam focuses on material covered in the aforementioned courses except practicum. The computer-based timed exam is taken on line through HuskyCT. Students must contact Judith Mathews (judith.mathews@uconn.edu) or Del Siegle (del.siegle@uconn.edu) prior to taking SuperComp. Supercomp Study Guide Back to the Top
Applying to the Program
For further information please visit the Graduate Application Procedures page. Back to the Top