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Gifted Education Policies


Florida


State Status: Blue

State Definition of "gifted & talented":
(1) "Gifted. One who has superior intellectual development and is capable of high performance.
(2) Criteria for eligibility. A student is eligible for special instruction programs for the gifted if the student meets criteria under (2)(a) or (b) of this rule.
a) The student demonstrates: 1. Need for a special program. 2. A majority of characteristics of gifted students according to a standard scale or checklist, and 3. Superior intellectual development as measured by an intelligence quotient of two standard deviations or more above the mean on an individually administered standardized test of intelligence.
b) The student is a member of an under-represented group and meets the criteria specific in an approved school district for increasing the participation of under-represented groups in programs for gifted students.
1. For the purpose of this rule, under-represented groups are defined as groups: a. Who are limited English proficient, or b. Who are from low socio-economic status family.
2. The Department of Education is authorized to approve school district plans for increasing the participation of students from under-represented groups in special instructional programs for the gifted
(3) Procedures for student evaluation. The minimum evaluations for determining eligibility are the following: (a) Need for a special instruction program, (b) Characteristics of the gifted, (c) Intellectual development, and (d) May include those evaluation procedures specified in an approved district plan to increase the participation of students from under-represented groups in programs for the gifted.”
(Florida Administrative Code)
State Association: Florida Association for the Gifted, Florida Gifted Network
Governor: Rick Scott
State Dept. of Ed. - Gifted and Talented: Ann Whitney
Commissioner of Education: Gerard Robinson

Statistics

Students enrolled in grades K-12 (2010-2011): 2,739,287
Students enrolled in grades K-12 (2008-2009): 2,676,133
Students identified as Gifted and Talented (2010-2011): 140,698
Students identified as Gifted and Talented (2008-2009): 137,167
Dollars allocated for Gifted and Talented programming (2010-2011): $267,326,200
Dollars allocated for Gifted and Talented programming (2009-2010): Unknown
Dollars allocated for Gifted and Talented programming (2008-2009): Unknown
(districts determines how the dollars will be directed. They are not tied to the student).
Percentage of students who took an AP exam in high school (2008-2009): 40.2%
Percentage of students who took an AP exam in high school (2007-2008): 34.0%
Percentage of all students scoring a 3 or above on AP exams (2008-2009): 21.3%
Percentage of all students scoring a 3 or above on AP exams (2007-2008): 18.2%
Number of schools offering International Baccalaureate programs (2009-2010): 103

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 identification and service decisions?
Yes (in development of the educational plan for a gifted student)
Does the state require specific criteria/methods to identify gifted students?
Yes
IQ scores, Range of state‐approved assessments from which LEAs may select. Evidence of characteristics; evidence of need for special program
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?
Yes
6A-4.01791 Specialization Requirements for the Gifted Endorsement
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 Special Instructional Programs for Students Who Are Gifted - 6A-6.03019

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.