Purpose of the Bill

The bill focuses on enhancing and standardizing Minnesota's programs and services for gifted and talented students. It aims to ensure these students receive appropriate educational challenges by modifying existing law to include mandatory identification and support processes.

Main Provisions

• Mandatory Identification: School districts are required to assess and identify gifted and talented students using universal screening for specific grades, with at least two screenings by the end of grade 5.
• Guideline Development: Districts must create guidelines using multiple criteria and reliable assessments to identify gifted students, taking into account underrepresented groups such as low-income, minority, twice-exceptional, and English learners.
• Academic Acceleration: Districts must establish procedures for academic acceleration, including both single subject and whole grade acceleration, based on a student's readiness and social-emotional maturity.
• Early Admission: Procedures for early admission to kindergarten or first grade for gifted students must also be adopted.
• Professional Development: Ongoing training must be provided for school staff about the requirements and practices for gifted programs.
• Program Evaluation: Districts must evaluate their gifted programs twice annually, gathering input from students, parents, and teachers.
• Reporting: Districts are required to report their expenditures related to gifted and talented programs to the state commissioner.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill mandates the use of universal screening tools, approved by the commissioner, for identifying gifted students.
• It introduces a structured approach for accelerating academics for gifted students and early entry into kindergarten or first grade.
• There is an increased emphasis on professional development and program evaluation, ensuring these components reflect current research and best practices.
• The bill requires specific reporting of financial spending on gifted programs to ensure accountability and oversight.

Relevant Terms

gifted and talented, universal screening, academic acceleration, early admission, underrepresented groups, professional development, program evaluation, expenditure reporting, twice-exceptional students, social-emotional maturity.