ADE guidelines specify that educators are ineligible for GT certification without already possessing another area of licensure. Thus, graduate students in this program are licensed teachers at the elementary or secondary level and are interested in teaching children who are identified gifted, talented and/or creative. Since gifted education programs are mandated in the state of Arkansas, the ADE requires that all districts must provide appropriate services to identified students; and in doing so, services must be provided by a specially trained (licensed) teacher in order for the school district to receive state funds and be in compliance with state law. The ADE requirements for K-12 GT endorsement are a valid teaching certificate, content in six areas through graduate level coursework, the completion of the Praxis II: Principles of Learning and Teaching with a score of 164, and a portfolio of artifacts from coursework. These requirements provide a base of knowledge and evidence of knowledge and skills acquired for students interested in this area of special education. The university has a long history, since its inception of gifted education in 1985, of offering classes in the area of gifted education. The Arkansas State University GTC program meets and exceeds all ADE requirements while also making it possible for interested educators to obtain a master’s degree in GTC education.

The Additional Licensure Plan must be filed by the school district hiring a GT teacher without a license to teach in the field. (See the Additional Licensure Plan on pages 4 & 5.) The form is signed by a School District Authority and the Teacher Applicant. One seeking licensure has no more than three years to meet licensure requirements.

The university provides a Program of Study congruent to the content requirements by the ADE Additional Licensure Plan. Gifted and Talented Licensure Endorsement, Grades P-8 and 7-12 PDF

Students seeking admission into the Graduate School in order to seek a licensure through a Program of Study in Gifted, Talented, and Creative Education must meet the general admission requirements of the Graduate School. The requirements are:

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year institution with the appropriate undergraduate background in the field of proposed academic emphasis. Applicants must submit the following to the Graduate School:

• A completed application for admission. Applications should be submitted at least six weeks before the registration date of the term which the applicants plan to attend.
• A $15.00 nonrefundable application fee. Checks must be made payable to Arkansas State University. If applications are received without payment, the Graduate School will hold all application materials and notify the applicants that no actions will be taken until payment is received. (A $25.00 application fee is required of international student applicants.)
• One copy of official transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate coursework attempted to be sent directly from the institution(s) previously attended.
• If birthdate is January 57 or later, prospective student must present written documentation of measles and rubella immunization.

Following admission to the Graduate School, the prospective student must complete and file a Program of Study form with the Professional Education Program office at ASU. This form will be received from the Program Director of Gifted, Talented, and Creative Education. It must be signed by the Applicant, GT Program Director, Department Chair, and Professional Licensure Office. It must be accompanied by original transcripts of all coursework.

The Professional Education Program office will submit the form in Appendix A to the Arkansas Department of Educational upon the completion of all the requirements in the Program of Study.