Endorsement of Postgraduate University Programs in Gifted Education
Purpose
For the purpose of promoting and maintaining the high quality, rigour and consistency of postgraduate gifted education programs offered by universities across Australia, the AAEGT will commence the endorsement of postgraduate university programs in gifted education from 2023. At present, no system of endorsement, accreditation, ratification or related approval of postgraduate gifted education programs exists in Australia.
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Endorsement Process
The endorsement process will comprise an evaluation of Australian postgraduate university programs in gifted education by a committee of experts in gifted education appointed by the AAEGT Board. Members of the AAEGT University Program Endorsement Committee will be required to have a TEQSA Australian Qualifications Framework Level 10 qualification (i.e., a doctoral degree) and substantial experience in the co-ordination and teaching of postgraduate programs in gifted education.
The evaluation will involve:
- A review of all information and materials relating to the postgraduate gifted education program that are publicly available on institution websites (e.g., institution handbooks and course outlines).
- A review of additional information and materials requested by the AAEGT University Program Endorsement Committee after the review of publicly available information and materials.
- Interviews of key staff involved in the co-ordination and teaching of the postgraduate gifted education program (e.g., program director, course co-ordinators, and tutors).
- Interviews of current and/or past students of the postgraduate gifted education program.
In the situation where any member of the AAEGT University Program Endorsement Committee is employed by, or otherwise affiliated with, an institution whose program is being evaluated, that member will not participate in the endorsement process for the program.
Endorsement Criteria
The criteria below will be used to evaluate postgraduate university programs in gifted education by the AAEGT University Program Endorsement Committee. Collectively, the criteria encompass the development of a range of critical skills and knowledge relating to gifted students and gifted education, that are essential to optimally support gifted students in educational settings:
- Familiarity with key concepts in gifted education, including giftedness, talent development, acceleration, ability grouping, differentiation, enrichment, twice exceptionality and underachievement.
- An in-depth understanding of the key cognitive and socio-emotional characteristics of gifted students
- Familiarity with key policies and legislation relating to gifted education.
- Capacity to effectively identify and assess gifted students, using a multiple criteria approach and appropriate identification and assessment instruments.
- Capacity to effectively identify and address the needs of underachieving gifted students.
- Capacity to effectively identify (using appropriate local norms) and address the needs of gifted students of disadvantaged backgrounds (including, but not limited to, students of low SES, EALD, Indigenous, and rural backgrounds).
- Capacity to effectively identify and address the needs of twice exceptional students.
- Capacity to effectively differentiate curriculum for gifted students, including through the use of diagnostic and formative assessment.
- Capacity to effectively develop and provide appropriate programs/provisions for gifted students that match their individual learner profile.
- Capacity to work effectively with key stakeholders in the education of gifted students.
- Familiarity with research methods and the capacity to effectively evaluate research on gifted education.
- Practical experience with gifted students.
Finally, there is an expectation that all components of the program are taught by staff with experience in educating gifted students, and at least a TEQSA Australian Qualifications Framework Level 9 qualification (i.e., masters degree), or equivalent, in gifted education.
Levels of Endorsement
Endorsement will be offered at two levels – provisional endorsement and full endorsement.
Provisional endorsement will be based only on an evaluation of program information and materials that are publicly available on institution websites (e.g., handbooks and course outlines).
Those institutions that have achieved provisional endorsement may apply for
full endorsement of their postgraduate gifted education programs by: (a) the submission of additional information and materials requested by the AAEGT, (b) the participation of key co-ordination and teaching staff in interviews, and (c) the participation of current and/or past students in interviews.
Endorsement Period
To promote the continual maintenance of high quality, rigour and consistency in postgraduate gifted education programs in Australia, endorsement will be offered for a period of only two years. At the end of each endorsement period, institutions will be required to apply for re-endorsement.
Benefits of Endorsement
Institutions that achieve provisional and/or full endorsement of their postgraduate gifted education programs will be recognised on the relevant page of the AAEGT website. This will represent public acknowledgement of the external validation of the quality and rigour of the programs that may lead to a higher level of public confidence in the programs. The achievement of provisional and/or full endorsement may also be used in promotional and marketing materials to attract future students to the programs.
Application for Endorsement
Institutions that wish to gain provisional and/or full endorsement of their postgraduate gifted education programs are invited to contact the chair of the AAEGT University Program Endorsement Committee (info@aaegt.net.au).
