Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to update and clarify the definition and guidelines related to gifted and talented students in Minnesota. It focuses on ensuring equitable identification and support for these students within school districts.

Main Provisions

• Identification and Services: School districts are authorized to identify gifted and talented students and develop tailored programs and services to meet their needs. This includes addressing both instructional and emotional aspects.
• Twice-Exceptional Students: The bill makes specific provisions for twice-exceptional students, who are both gifted and have a learning or developmental disability, including autism.
• Assessment Guidelines: Districts must establish guidelines for assessing and identifying gifted and talented students using multiple, objective criteria. These procedures must be valid, reliable, and considerate of underrepresented groups, such as students from low-income families, minority students, disabled students, and English learners.
• Academic Acceleration: Procedures for academic acceleration are required, assessing a student’s readiness and motivation, and matching curriculum level and complexity to the student’s capabilities.
• Early Admission: School districts must have procedures in place for the early admission of gifted students to kindergarten or first grade. These procedures should be sensitive to underrepresented groups.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill requires specific consideration for twice-exceptional students and underrepresented groups in the assessment and identification process.
• It mandates that school districts develop comprehensive procedures for academic acceleration and early admission that are sensitive to a diverse range of students.

Relevant Terms - Gifted and talented students - Twice-exceptional - Underrepresented groups - Academic acceleration - Early admission