August 1995

2. What is the holder of this endorsement authorized to do?

The holder of the talented and gifted endorsement is authorized to serve as a teacher or a coordinator of programs for the gifted and talented from the prekindergarten level through grade twelve. This authorization does not permit general classroom teaching at any level except that level or area for which the holder is eligible or holds the specific endorsement.

3. What are the program requirements?

Completion of twelve semester hours of course work to include:

a. psychology of the gifted
b. programming for the gifted
c. administration and supervision of gifted programs
d. practicum experience in gifted programs

4. Will teachers in specific subject areas (i.e. science, math, history) be required to hold this endorsement if they teach gifted students in their respective endorsement areas?

No.

5. Are any teachers "grandfathered in" who will not need to obtain this endorsement to teach talented and gifted students?

Any teacher licensed in an instructional area before August 31, 1995 will continue to have the same general authority to teach in programs for the talented and gifted as is currently vested in the license until July 1, 2012. For example, an elementary teacher licensed in 1990 will continue to be eligible to teach elementary gifted and talented classes until July 1, 2012. Individuals who were licensed in Iowa prior to August 31, 1995, and were allowed to teach talented and gifted students without completing the endorsement requirements must complete the endorsement requirements by July 1, 2012, in order to teach or continue to teach talented and gifted students. A waiver provision will be available in January 2009 through the Board of Educational Examiners for individuals who have been successfully teaching in a talented and gifted program.

6. Will the BOEE add the TAG endorsement to the licenses of any of the people who have been "grandfathered in"?

The endorsement will be added when the applicant completes the state minimum requirements or the applicant has successfully met the waiver requirements.

7. What are the requirements for the waiver?

The requirements are stated in the waiver application form that can be found here (.pdf) or here (.doc)

Frequently asked questions regarding the waiver can be found here.