Talented and Gifted Endorsement
Experience the rewards of teaching intelligent and engaged learners by obtaining your Talented and Gifted (TAG) Endorsement from Drake University.
This PreK-12 online endorsement program is available at the graduate and undergraduate level for educators interested in teaching or leading talented and gifted students. Our award-winning curriculum provides high-quality content you won’t find in other programs, and our innovative use of technology makes it easier than ever to become endorsed.
Globally Reputable Program
A recipient of the Iowa Distance Education Association Point of Presence Award for Excellence, we have a global presence. Our students represent 31 states and 9 countries including Italy, Japan, England, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, and Mexico. Drake University is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The course content is based on National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) standards, is approved by the Iowa Department of Education, and is led by experienced and knowledgeable faculty.
Upon completion of your endorsement, you will have access to the extensive Drake network present in numerous school districts throughout the nation. With the TAG endorsement, you will have skills to promote and nurture the abilities of talented and gifted children and further their well-being. You will have the capacity and training to work in either elementary or secondary TAG programs as the facilitator working directly with students, as a teacher consultant to assist the regular classroom teacher, and/or coordinate the gifted program in the schools as an administrator.
- 12-credit hour program
- Fully online
- See current 25-26 TAG Course Schedule
- Endorsement is valid in all states with approval of your state department of education
The TAG program has a 96% persistence rate which is remarkable when measured against the national drop rate ranging 20-70%.
Convenient Online Format
Take classes when they fit your schedule. Classes last only four to eight weeks, and the endorsement can easily be completed in one year. We do not sacrifice content for brevity: Drake’s School of Education is known for its top-notch curriculum, and the TAG endorsement is no exception. As part of your program you will complete a one-credit practicum in your own school district, providing valuable hands-on experience working with all student levels.
Endorsement Only
For the TAG endorsement, you can choose from a variety of courses offered at Drake with up to six transfer hours. You must take at least one course from each of the four content areas: Psychology of the Gifted, Programming for the Gifted, Administration and Supervision of Gifted Programs, and Practicum Experience. You must have a total of 12 hours for Drake University to recommend you to the Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE). Credit hours can be obtained by attending the Iowa Talented and Gifted Conference. Below is a list of courses by content area:
You must take at least one of the following courses from Psychology of the Gifted:
EDUC 191/291: Introduction to Gifted Education (3 credits)
This comprehensive introduction to gifted education combines both theory and practice. In addition to developing an understanding of the history of gifted education and the characteristics, identification, special programs, and related law, participants will learn about instructional models, programming options, assessments, and evaluation. Practical components such as resources, beginning a program, and special programs available, as well as parent education will be addressed.
EDUC 192/292: Social-Emotional Needs of Gifted (2 credits)
This course will explore social and emotional issues facing gifted and talented individuals. Current research, basic counseling techniques, and effective classroom strategies will be presented. Some topics include perfectionism, motivation, underachievement, self-esteem, gender bias, depression, stress management, and over-excitabilities.
EDUC 193/293: Creativity and Gifted (2 credits)
This course is designed to be an overview of creativity to include definitions and theories of creativity, characteristics of the creative person, models of the creative process, techniques of creative thinking, metaphorical thinking, creative dramatics, tests of creativity, and developing personal creativeness.
EDUC 194/294: Special Populations of Gifted (1 credit)
This course is designed to help students increase their knowledge and understanding of issues related to serving special populations of gifted learners. Some of these special populations are gifted children who are poor, twice-exceptional(2E), who live in rural areas, or who are English Language Learners (ELL). Their issues include various racial, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of gifted learners. The course addresses these students’ unique needs, gender identity concerns, programming options, identification, and learning styles.
You must take at least one of the following courses from Programming for the Gifted:
EDUC 112/212: Challenging the Young Gifted Child (1 credit)
This course is designed to develop an understanding of programming related to the education of the young gifted preschool to second grade child. Relevant research related to social emotional needs, literacy, STEM, acceleration, differentiation, and assessment will be addressed. This course is appropriate for preschool and early elementary teachers.
EDUC 195/295: Curriculum & Assessment (3 credits)
This course provides an understanding of developing, selection, and implementing appropriately challenging curriculum for the gifted. A practical application includes reviewing both a curricular unit and an existing gifted program. Curriculum design areas including resources will be explored. The role of assessing student learning and best practice to implement curriculum will be addressed.
EDUC 196/296: Differentiation for the Gifted (1 credit)
This course provides the specific tools and techniques to meet the needs of the gifted through adapting the curriculum. Content, process, and product differentiation will be examined as well as strategies such as pre-assessment, flexible grouping, independent study, compacting, centers, and tiered instruction. Students will learn how differentiation is effective in the regular classroom through classroom management and proper assessment.
EDUC 197/297: Gifted Learners: Literacy Strategies (2 credits)
This course will examine curriculum theories and methods for teaching literacy, with a focus on meeting the needs of gifted learners. Strategies for identification, assessment, and instruction will be presented.
EDUC 198/298: Gifted Learners: Math Strategies (1 credit)
This course will examine curriculum theories and methods for teaching mathematics, with a focus on meeting the needs of gifted learners. Strategies for identification, assessment, and instruction will be presented.
The following course is required to meet the requirement for Administration and Supervision of Gifted Programs.
EDUC 190/290: Administration of Gifted Programs (1 credit)
This 1-hour course is designed to develop an understanding of program policy, administration and evaluation related to gifted education. Relevant research on definition, mission statements, and goals of programming will be reviewed. State policy and regulations regarding identification, programming, licensure, and funding will be addressed. Advocacy and communication, professional development and in-service design will be examined to further the development of a school program.
The following course is necessary to meet the requirement in Practicum Experience.
EDUC 110/210: Practicum in Gifted Education (1 credit)
This course is designed to be a substantive field based practical experience with a population of TAG students learners in a level in which you do not have your license. It includes 8 hours of observation and “hands on” interaction with gifted students. Those licensed at the elementary level observe or work with secondary students and secondary educators observe or work with elementary students, since this is a PK-12 endorsement.
Independent studies may be taken for courses of special interest (e.g., technology, out of sequence or unavailable courses, NAGC conferences).
EDUC 130/230: Independent Study (1 – 3 credits)
EDUC 198/298: TAG Learners: Math Strategies (1 credit)
EDUC 197/297: TAG Learners: Literacy Strategies (2 credits)
Contact the TAG Endorsement Program Director for information on independent studies. Independent studies must be approved by the Teaching and Learning Department as well as the Dean's Office prior to taking the course. They can be arranged any semester including January Term.
Programs that pair with this Endorsement
Students can complete the TAG endorsement as part of the MSE in Effective Teaching which is a completely online degree for teachers interested in becoming leaders in their field.
Iowa Talented and Gifted (ITAG) Conference
The Iowa Talented and Gifted Association hosts an annual conference that students in the TAG Endorsement can attend for credit. Students attend the conference and submit assignments online. The Iowa Talented and Gifted Conference counts for the Psychology or Programming strand. The Annual Conference is typically held in October. Access the ITAG Association website for conference dates and details.
This opportunity will help you challenge the gifted learner through application of theory, research, and practical experiences as a result of attendance, observation, and/or interaction with conference keynote speakers and other break out session presenters. Experts in the field of gifted education, as well as experienced educators from across the state, will present. Topics include successful practices, significant issues and theoretical guidelines related to serving the varied needs of gifted and talented students. Conference strands include creativity, curriculum for gifted and talented learners, gifted essentials, social emotional issues, and special populations.
Ready to Apply?
- Applications are reviewed on an on-going basis; therefore, it is requested that all materials be submitted approximately 8 weeks prior to the beginning of the intended start-term.
- Upon the receipt of transcripts, an advisor will complete a transcript evaluation in order to determine any credit or course substitutions/transfers.
- In order to begin the application process, please select the apply link below. This link will provide you application requirements. Questions regarding the application process can be forwarded to the Coordinator of Graduate Admission at soegradadmission@drake.edu or 515-271-2552.
Questions about this Endorsement?
Todd Hodgkinson
Professor of Education
todd.hodgkinson@drake.edu
515-271-4565
Sally Beisser, PhD
Levitt Distinguished Professor of Education
TAG Director
sally.beisser@drake.edu
515-271-4850
Additional Information
Financial Aid: Teachers in shortage areas, as designated by the Iowa Department of Education, may be eligible for college student forgivable loans through both state and federal programs. TAG has been identified as a shortage area. Information regarding application for forgivable loans is available at the Iowa College Student Aid Commission website.
Tuition and Fees
Check out our Talented and Gifted FAQ.