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Gifted Education Policies


California


State Status: Yellow

News Update: Some San Diego schools trying gifted teaching methods...
State Definition of "gifted & talented":
“Each district shall use one or more of these categories in identifying pupils as gifted and talented. In all categories, identification of a pupil’s extraordinary capability shall be in relation to the pupil’s chronological peers.

(a) Intellectual Ability: A pupil demonstrates extraordinary or potential for extraordinary intellectual development.
(b) Creative Ability: A pupil characteristically:
    1. Perceives unusual relationships among aspects of the pupil’s environment and among ideas;
    2. Overcomes obstacles to thinking and doing;
    3. Produces unique solutions to problems.
(c) Specific Academic Ability: A pupil functions at highly advanced academic levels in particular subject areas.
(d) Leadership Ability: A pupil displays the characteristic behaviors necessary for extraordinary leadership.
(e) High Achievement: A pupil consistently produces advanced ideas and products and/or attains exceptionally high scores on achievement tests.
(f) Visual and Performing Arts Talent: A pupil originates, performs, produces, or responds at extraordinarily high levels in the arts.
(g) Any other category which meets the standards set forth in these regulations.”
(California Code Regs. title 5, § 3822)
State Association: California Association for the Gifted
Governor: Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Dept. of Ed. - Gifted and Talented: Sandra Frank
State Superintendent: Jack O'Connell

Statistics

Students enrolled in grades K-12 (2006-2007): 6,286,952
Students enrolled in grades K-12 (2005-2006): 6,312,103
Number of schools offering International Baccalaureate programs (2006-2007): 90
Students identified as Gifted and Talented (2006-2007): 512,698
Students identified as Gifted and Talented (2005-2006): Unknown
Students identified as Gifted and Talented (2004-2005): 482,000
Dollars allocated for education (2005-2006): Unknown
Dollars allocated for education (2004-2005): $44,624,273,552
Dollars allocated for Gifted and Talented programming (2008-2009): Unknown (monthly apportionment funding)
Dollars allocated for Gifted and Talented programming (2007-2008): Unknown (monthly apportionment funding)
Dollars allocated for Gifted and Talented programming (2006-2007): Unknown (monthly apportionment funding)
Students who have taken Advanced Placement exams in high school (2006-2007): 110,620
Students who have taken Advanced Placement exams in high school (2005-2006): 106,345
Percentage of all students scoring a 3 or above on Advanced Placement exams (2006-2007): 19.70%
Percentage of all students scoring a 3 or above on Advanced Placement exams (2005-2006): 20.1%

Click here for statistical information from previous years.

Legislation & Funding

Is identification of gifted students required by state law?
No
Does legislation provide for an education program matched to the student's abilities?
Yes
Is there legislation that mandates specialized training in gifted education for teachers of gifted students?
No
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 Legislation Information
Does the legislation mandate that gifted students be served?
No
Was there funding for gifted programs for the 2004 - 2005 school year?
Yes
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.