What laws do I need to be aware of that apply to gifted students?
Act 106 and the Alabama Administrative Code (AAC) set out Alabama’s requirements for educating students identified as gifted.

 

What is the difference between enrichment and gifted?
There are two models of program services for gifted students in Alabama. Both models must follow the Alabama Administrative Code (AAC). However, the identification of students is what defines the program.

• Gifted Program identifies students using the Alabama State Department of Education (SDE) Gifted Eligibility Determination Form and requires a gifted certified specialist to facilitate services.
• Enrichment Program identifies gifted students plus an additional talent pool using a state-approved, multiple criteria eligibility matrix and requires a gifted certified specialist to facilitate services.

An Enrichment Program should not be confused with the term enrichment, which is any supplemental activity that is above and beyond the core curriculum standards offered in any classroom and may be administered or facilitated by any certified teacher or mentor.

 

What is considered a gifted student?
According to the Alabama Administrative Code (AAC), “Intellectually gifted children and youth are those who perform or who have demonstrated the potential to perform at high levels in academic or creative fields when compared with others of their age, experience, or environment. These children and youth require services not ordinarily provided by the regular school program. Children and youth possessing these abilities can be found in all populations, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor.” Creativity, in this definition, refers to problem-solving abilities.

 

Why is gifted education part of special education?
Gifted students have unique cognitive and affective learning needs that require special education services, or interventions, in order for these students to reach their potential. Frequently, gifted students do not achieve high grades, high scores on standardized tests, and may have discipline issues.

 

What are the unique learning needs of gifted students?
Gifted students may be gifted in one domain or subject area, such as math or science, in all subjects, and/or in creativity, or problem-solving. In their area(s) of giftedness, students must have accelerated pacing, depth, complexity, creative expression, and an emphasis on affective needs. Affective needs include asynchronous development, over excite abilities, intensities, intellectual peer relationships, perfectionism, social-emotional needs, autonomous learning, and executive skills.

 

When can a student be referred for gifted services?
​A student may be referred if they are enrolled in the public school system and are at least 6 years of age. Referral requests may be submitted at any time.

 

How are gifted students identified?
or each student referred, information is gathered in the areas of Aptitude, Characteristics, and Performance. The information is entered on a matrix where points are assigned according to established criteria. The total number of points earned determines if the student qualifies for gifted services.

 

What services are available to gifted students?
Services for gifted students may vary between school systems. The Local Education Agency (LEA) Plan for Gifted outlines the services provided. Generally, services provided are:

• Grades K-2-Consultative-Gifted specialists consult with classroom teachers to provide differentiated activities, lessons, or stations.
• Grades 3-5/6-Pull-out Classes-Gifted specialists work with gifted students in a resource room for 3-5 hours per week through concept-based curriculum which incorporates, problem-based and service learning.
• Grades 6/7-8-Pull-out, advanced classes, electives- this varies from school system to school system. Most systems provide services through advanced classes or advanced classes and electives.
• Grades 9-12-Advanced classes, electives, counseling services for college and career preparation. Advanced classes may include but are not limited to dual enrollment, International Baccalaureate (IB), Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), etc.

 

Can a student be gifted and disabled?
Yes, a student may be twice exceptional (2e) if they have a disability area identified and are identified gifted. Sometimes the disability masks the giftedness, and sometimes the giftedness masks the disability.

 

What if my gifted child misses class work in the general education classroom while attending gifted pull-out class?
​According to the Alabama Administrative Code, “Student will not be required to make up missed class work.”

 

Can a student be subject or grade accelerated in Alabama?
​Yes. Each school system is required to have state approved acceleration procedures.

 

Can a gifted student who is struggling in a content area be referred to the Problem-Solving Team or for Special Education?
​Yes. Giftedness can mask learning problems or disabilities.

 

Is an identified gifted student afforded all the same rights as an identified IDEA special education student?
No. Gifted is not one of the disability areas recognized under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).