Florida Statutes Relevant to GiftedPresented by:

Carolyn Bellotti

Funds for Operations of Schools

0There must be guaranteed allocation of funds for exceptional student education programs based on the services students receive

0Exceptional students (and all students) are provided with a free and appropriate education

0Additional funds must be allocated to provide special education and related services for gifted students

KEY IDEA—Gifted programs are supported with additional funding.

Specialization Requirements for the Gifted Endorsement Academic Class0Bachelor’s degree or higher and certification in the

subject area being taught015 hours of gifted education (3 hours per class)

Nature and Needs

Curriculum and

Instruction

Guidance and Counseling

Educating Special

Populations

Theory and Development of Creativity

KEY IDEA—Gifted teachers require specialized coursework for training.

Gifted Education Exemplary Program Grants

0 “Challenge Grant Program for the Gifted”

0Gifted programs must be approved after a formal proposal

0Proposal is reviewed and approved or disapproved by the Commissioner of Education

0Proposal must include the following:0 Measurable

goals/objectives0 Number of students and

staff involved 0 Estimated cost0 Evaluation provisions

KEY IDEA—Creates grant program for gifted education in public schools.

Special Instructional Programs for Students Who are Gifted

0Gifted is defined as one who has superior intellectual development and is capable of high performance

0 Criteria for Eligibility0 Demonstrates need for a

special program0 Meets characteristics of

gifted checklist criteria0 Intellectual development

two standard deviations or more above the mean0 Plan B considerations

alter criteria to include under-represented groups

KEY IDEA—Defines the term “gifted” and what makes students eligible.

Development of Education Plans for Exceptional Students who are Gifted0EPs are developed for

students identified solely as gifted

0The role of the parents is critical and great lengths should be taken to ensure parents contribute to the EP

EP Team Participants

Parents

Regular Education

Teacher

Gifted Education

Teacher

Qualified School District

Rep.

Student

Development of Education Plans for Exceptional Students who are Gifted

EPs Must Include: EP Team Should Consider: 0 Present levels (strengths

and interests)0 Statement of goals0 Statement of specially

designed instruction0 Statement of how

progress will be measured and reported

0 Timeline

0 Student strengths and needs

0 Evaluation results0 Language needs (if

necessary)

KEY IDEA—All gifted students have an Educational Plan developed based on their strengths and interests.

Development of Education Plans for Exceptional Students who are Gifted

When students are found eligible,

EP must be developed within

30 days and in effect before services start

EP must be in effect at

the beginning

of each school year

Timeline Considerations

General Education Intervention Procedures Identification, Evaluation, Reevaluation and the Initial

Provision of Exceptional Education Services

PROCEDURES IDENTIFICATION

0 The goal of the state is to provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education to all school age students whether they have disabilities or are gifted

0 Students who are gifted who are in need of specially designed instruction and services should be identified, located, and evaluated

0 The school district must have parent consent before an initial evaluation to determine if a student is gifted

0 If students meet eligibility criteria appropriate educational opportunities must be made available to them

General Education Intervention Procedures Identification, Evaluation, Reevaluation and the Initial

Provision of Exceptional Education Services

EVALUATION REEVALUATION

0 Must use a variety of tools and strategies

0 Should not use any single measure as sole criterion for eligibility

0 Technically sound instruments that have no bias and are in the student’s native language

0 Measures should show validity and reliability

0Can be requested by parent or teacher

0May not occur more than once a year

0Must have informed parental consent prior to reevaluation

KEY IDEA—Outlines procedures for obtaining gifted services.

Challenge Grant Program for the Gifted

0Encourages public schools to implement exemplary programs to challenge gifted students

0Commissioner invites school boards to submit proposals judged on the following criteria:0 Improving quality of existing programs0 Initiating a model or demonstration program0 Expanding student participation in existing programs

KEY IDEA—Grants are available to improve gifted programming in public schools.