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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: Charlie Crist
State Dept. of Ed. - Gifted and Talented: Donnajo Smith
Commissioner of Education: Dr. Eric J. Smith

Statistics

Students enrolled in grades K-12 (2006-2007): 2,662,701
Students enrolled in grades K-12 (2005-2006): Unknown
Students enrolled in grades K-12 (2004-2005): 2,648,156
Number of schools offering International Baccalaureate programs (2006-2007): 76
Students identified as Gifted and Talented (2006-2007): 126,795
Students identified as Gifted and Talented (2005-2006): Unknown
Students identified as Gifted and Talented (2004-2005): 116,880
Dollars allocated for education (2005-2006): Unknown
Dollars allocated for education (2004-2005): $19,933,161,000 (Estimate)
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)
Dollars allocated for Gifted and Talented programming (2007-2008): Unknown
Dollars allocated for Gifted and Talented programming (2006-2007): Unknown
Students who have taken Advanced Placement exams in high school (2006-2007): 49,390
Students who have taken Advanced Placement exams in high school (2005-2006): 45,141
Percentage of all students scoring a 3 or above on Advanced Placement exams (2006-2007): 20.3%
Percentage of all students scoring a 3 or above on Advanced Placement exams (2005-2006): 19.6%

Click here for statistical information from previous years.

Legislation & Funding

Is identification of gifted students required by state law?
Yes Identification begins in kindergarten
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?
Yes
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 Special Instructional Programs for Students Who Are Gifted - 6A-6.03019
Does the legislation mandate that gifted students be served?
Yes
Was there funding for gifted programs for the 2004 - 2005 school year?
Unknown
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.