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Gifted Education Policies


Alabama


State Status: Orange

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 (2008-2009): 739,198
Students enrolled in grades K-12 (2007-2008): Unknown
Students enrolled in grades K-12 (2006-2007): 743,604
Students identified as Gifted and Talented (2008-2009): 36,420
Students identified as Gifted and Talented (2007-2008): Unknown
Students identified as Gifted and Talented (2006-2007): 32,390
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
Percentage of students who took an AP exam in high school (2008-2009): 16.3%
Percentage of students who took an AP exam in high school (2007-2008): 13.5%
Percentage of all students scoring a 3 or above on AP exams (2008-2009): 7.5%
Percentage of all students scoring a 3 or above on AP exams (2007-2008): 6.8%
Number of schools offering International Baccalaureate programs (2009-2010): 17

Click here for statistical information from previous years.

Legislation & Funding

Does the legislation mandate that gifted students be served?
Yes (K-12)
Does the state require parent/guardian involvement in gifted and talented decisions?
Yes
Does the state require specific criteria/methods to identify gifted students?
Yes
IQ scores, Achievement data, Nominations, Multiple criteria model, Range of state‐approved assessments from which LEAs may select, Work samples/products
Does the state provide guidance or guidelines for the identification process?
Yes
Is the age or time at which students are identified for gifted programming mandated in your state?
Yes
Elementary school (multiple times), Following parent referral, Following teacher referral, Following student referral, When gifted student transfers from out of state
Is there legislation that mandates specialized training in gifted education for teachers of gifted students?
Yes
Does your state require school districts to have a gifted education administrator?
Yes
Does the state have an acceleration policy?
State policy specifically permits
Institute for Research and Policy on Acceleration (IRPA) - State Policy page
Does gifted education legislation exist?
Yes
Code of Alabama - Education

Davidson Gifted Database Resources

  • Day Schools
  • Distance Learning
  • Dual Enrollment
  • Early College
  • Enrichment Programs
  • Gifted Education Degree Programs
  • Homeschooling
  • Online High Schools
  • Summer Programs

    • Other Resources

  • Hoagies: Gifted Education Mandates By State
  • Education Week: Quality Counts 2010 - State Report Cards
  • National Opportunity to Learn Campaign - State Data & Analysis
  • Dept. of Education: Funds for State Formula-Allocated Programs (XLS)
  • National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) State Policy Page

    • 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.