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Gifted Education Policies


Arizona


State Status: Green

State Definition of "gifted & talented":
“‘Gifted child’ means a child who is of lawful school age, who due to superior intellect or advanced learning ability, or both, is not afforded an opportunity for otherwise attainable progress and development in regular classroom instruction and who needs special instruction or special ancillary services, or both, to achieve at levels commensurate with the child’s intellect and ability.”
(Arizona Rev. Stat. §15-761(8))
State Association: Arizona Association for Gifted & Talented
Governor: Jan Brewer
State Dept. of Ed. - Gifted and Talented: Peter Laing
State Superintendent: Tom Horne

Statistics

Students enrolled in grades K-12 (2008-2009): 1,062,452
Students enrolled in grades K-12 (2007-2008): Unknown
Students enrolled in grades K-12 (2006-2007): 1,120,759
Students identified as Gifted and Talented (2008-2009): 76,569
Students identified as Gifted and Talented (2007-2008): Unknown
Students identified as Gifted and Talented (2006-2007): 75,121
Dollars allocated for Gifted and Talented programming (2008-2009): $3,192,500
Dollars allocated for Gifted and Talented programming (2007-2008): $3,192,500
Dollars allocated for Gifted and Talented programming (2006-2007): $3,200,000
Students who have taken Advanced Placement exams in high school (2006-2007): 9,130
Students who have taken Advanced Placement exams in high school (2005-2006): 8,131
Percentage of all students scoring a 3 or above on Advanced Placement exams (2006-2007): 10%
Percentage of all students scoring a 3 or above on Advanced Placement exams (2005-2006): 9.4%
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, at the local level
Does the state require specific criteria/methods to identify gifted students?
Yes
Through nominations and range of state‐approved assessments from which LEAs may select. Also, district must serve students at the 97th percentile in any of three reasoning categories, on any state approved assessment. However, districts may (in addition) utilize locally derived processes (approved by the LEA and SEA) for identifying their gifted learners for their unique local contexts.
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
Following parent referral, Following teacher referral, Following student referral, When taking other assessments approved for GT identification. Also, district must provide for identifying gifted learners K‐12 and make testing available for students K‐12 on a periodic basis, not less than 3 times per year.
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?
No
Does the state have an acceleration policy?
No state policy; up to local education agencies to determine
Institute for Research and Policy on Acceleration (IRPA) - State Policy page
Does gifted education legislation exist?
Yes
Arizona State Legislature

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.