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Gifted Education Policies


Alabama


State Status: Blue

State Definition of "gifted & talented":
“Intellectually gifted children and youth are those who perform at high levels in academic or creative fields when compared to 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.”
(Alabama Admin. Code r. 290-8-9-.14)
State Association: Alabama Association for Gifted Children
Governor: Bob Riley
State Dept. of Ed. - Gifted and Talented: Shirley Farrell
State Superintendent: Joseph Morton

Statistics

Students enrolled in grades K-12 (2006-2007): 743,604
Students enrolled in grades K-12 (2005-2006): Unknown
Students enrolled in grades K-12 (2004-2005): 734,058
Number of schools offering International Baccalaureate programs (2006-2007): 12
Students identified as Gifted and Talented (2006-2007): 32,390
Students identified as Gifted and Talented (2005-2006): Unknown
Students identified as Gifted and Talented (2004-2005): 32,390
Dollars allocated for education (2005-2006): Unknown
Dollars allocated for education (2004-2005): $5,897,873,000 (Estimate)
Dollars allocated for Gifted and Talented programming (2008-2009): $0
Dollars allocated for Gifted and Talented programming (2007-2008): $2,337,400
Dollars allocated for Gifted and Talented programming (2006-2007): $2,300,000
Students who have taken Advanced Placement exams in high school (2006-2007): 4,325
Students who have taken Advanced Placement exams in high school (2005-2006): 3,790
Percentage of all students scoring a 3 or above on Advanced Placement exams (2006-2007): 6.40%
Percentage of all students scoring a 3 or above on Advanced Placement exams (2005-2006): 5.7%

Click here for statistical information from previous years.

Legislation & Funding

Is identification of gifted students required by state law?
Yes A student can be referred K-12. There is a mandatory Child Find process that requires second grade teachers to observe every child as a potential gifted referral.
Does legislation provide for an education program matched to the student's abilities?
No
Is there legislation that mandates specialized training in gifted education for teachers of gifted students?
Yes
Are there colleges/universities in the state that offer courses and/or degrees in gifted education?
Yes Click here for a list of Gifted Education Degree Programs.
Does gifted education legislation exist?
Yes Code of Alabama - Education
Does the legislation mandate that gifted students be served?
Yes
Is there funding for gifted programs for the 2007-2008 school year?
Yes
Was there funding for gifted programs for the 2005 - 2006 school year?
No According to the Alabama Department of Education, "gifted education is supposed to be included in the formula for 'foundation' monies. Most gifted teachers are funded through local funds."
Was there funding for gifted programs for the 2004 - 2005 school year?
No
Do you have any updates on gifted education in this state? Please click here

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Information presented on this page was compiled from a variety of resources, including, but not limited to: The STATE of the States in Gifted Education, a report by the Council of State Directors of Programs for the Gifted and the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC); state departments of education, state gifted associations, informational websites and other organizations. The Davidson Institute for Talent Development has not verified the accuracy of all information and does not warrant its accuracy or fitness of use for any purpose. Users should verify information prior to taking any action. Furthermore, the appearance of selected programs and/or resources does not imply an endorsement or affiliation. Programs and resources are highlighted for informational purposes only.