An on-line course for teachers offered through Western Carolina University will focus on how to challenge academically gifted students in the classroom.

Challenging academically gifted students is increasingly difficult for teachers under the new No Child Left Behind policy, that places more focus on students struggling to pass standardized end of grade tests. The new No Child Left Behind policy penalizes schools if even one student in the entire school fails end of grade tests. WCU’s on-line course will allow teachers to earn Academically or Intellectually Gifted licensure.

Western will offer four online distance education courses, or 12 credit hours, leading to the add-on licensure. The courses begin this month. The courses may be taken at either the undergraduate or graduate level. For more information contact Sharon Dole, program director and assistant professor of human services at Western at 828.227.3282 or Western’s Division of Distance and Continuing Education at 800.928.4958, or email Dole at dole@email.wcu.edu.