Gifted Education
What is Gifted Education?
Gifted education is the shared responsibility of the Bureau of Special Education and the Bureau of Teaching and Learning Support. The integrated approach commits both Bureaus to providing support for Chapter 16.
What qualifies a student for gifted services?
A gifted school-age student who meets the definition of mentally gifted;
school-age student with an IQ of 130 or higher or when multiple criteria as set forth in state regulations and PA Department of Education guidelines indicate gifted ability. Determination of gifted ability will not be based on IQ score alone. A student with an IQ score lower than 130 may be admitted to gifted programs when other educational criteria in the student’s profile strongly indicate gifted ability. Determination of mentally gifted must include an assessment by a certified school psychologist.
Criteria, other than IQ score, which indicate gifted ability, include but are not limited to, achievement, rate of acquisition/retention, demonstrated achievement, early skill development and intervening factors masking giftedness. Multiple criteria indicating gifted ability include:
- A year or more above grade achievement level for the normal age group in one or more subjects as measured by nationally-normed and validated achievement tests.
2. - An observed or measured rate of acquisition/retention of new academic content or skills.
3. - Demonstrated achievement, performance or expertise in one or more academic areas as evidenced by excellence of products, portfolio or research, as well as criterion-referenced team judgment.
4. - Early and measured use of high-level thinking skills, academic creativity, leadership skills, intense academic interest areas, communications skills, foreign language aptitude or technology expertise.
- Documented, observed, validated or assessed evidence that intervening factors such as English Learner status, disabilities defined in 34 CFR 300.8, gender or race bias, or socio/cultural deprivation are masking gifted abilities.
What if I suspect my child is gifted?
Parents/Guardians who suspect their child is gifted may request a Gifted Multidisciplinary Evaluation (GMDE) at any time, with a limit of one (1) request per school term. The request must be in writing.
Gifted Education Resources
PA Chapter 16 Regulations - www.pacodeandbulletin.gov
PA Gifted Guidelines - www.education.pa.gov
Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education (PAGE) – www.giftedpage.org
National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) – www.nagc.org