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Gifted Education Policies


California


State Status: Yellow

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, Central Cities Gifted Children's Association
Governor: Jerry Brown
State Dept. of Ed. - Gifted and Talented: Mary Autry
State Superintendent: Tom Torlakson

Statistics

Students enrolled in grades K-12 (2010-2011): 6,217,113
Students enrolled in grades K-12 (2008-2009): Unknown
Students identified as Gifted and Talented (2010-2011): Unknown
Students identified as Gifted and Talented (2008-2009): Unknown
Dollars allocated for Gifted and Talented programming (2010-2011): $44,239,000
Dollars allocated for Gifted and Talented programming (2009-2010): $44,222,000
Dollars allocated for Gifted and Talented programming (2008-2009): $46,833,000
Percentage of students who took an AP exam in high school (2008-2009): 32.0%
Percentage of students who took an AP exam in high school (2007-2008): 30.7%
Percentage of all students scoring a 3 or above on AP exams (2008-2009): 20.8%
Percentage of all students scoring a 3 or above on AP exams (2007-2008): 20.2%
Number of schools offering International Baccalaureate programs (2009-2010): 111

Click here for statistical information from previous years.

Legislation & Funding

Does the legislation mandate that gifted students be served?
No
Does the state require parent/guardian involvement in gifted and talented identification and service decisions?
No
Does the state require specific criteria/methods to identify gifted students?
Yes
IQ scores, Achievement data, Nominations, Multiple criteria model. Districts may choose tests and criteria for identification using a multiple criteria model.
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?
No
Is there legislation that mandates specialized training in gifted education for teachers of gifted students?
No
Does your state require school districts to have a gifted education administrator?
Yes
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
Legislation Information

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.