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Gifted Education Policies


West Virginia


State Status: Blue

State Definition of "gifted & talented": “A. Giftedness is exceptional intellectual abilities that are evidence of outstanding capability and require specially designed instruction and/or services beyond those normally provided by the regular school program.
B. For gifted students, grades one (1) through eight (8), documentation that a student meets both of the following:
a. Intellectual Ability …
b. Achievement/Performance …
C. For exceptional gifted, grades 9 though 12, documentation that a student meets the eligibility criteria for gifted and one or more of the following:
a. the eligibility criteria for one or more of the disabilities as defined in this section; and/or
b. the definition for economically disadvantaged; and/or
c. the definition for underachievement, which takes into consideration the student’s ability level, educational performance and achievement levels; and/or
d. the definition for psychological adjustment disorder as documented by a comprehensive psychological evaluation.”
(West Virginia Code St. R. § 126-16-4.1.3)

State Association: West Virginia Association for the Gifted & Talented
Governor: Joe Manchin III
State Dept. of Ed. - Gifted and Talented: Vickie Mohnacky
State Superintendent: Dr. Steven Paine

Statistics

Students enrolled in grades K-12 (2005-2006): Unknown
Students enrolled in grades K-12 (2004-2005): 279,457
Number of schools offering International Baccalaureate programs (2006-2007): 1
Students identified as Gifted and Talented (2005-2006): Unknown
Students identified as Gifted and Talented (2004-2005): 5,802
Dollars allocated for education (2005-2006): Unknown
Dollars allocated for education (2004-2005): $2,725,053,000 (Estimate)
Dollars allocated for Gifted and Talented programming (2006-2007): Unknown
   $44.00 per K-12 certified student enrollment. $14.67 required local school district match.: $6,036,822
Dollars allocated for Gifted and Talented programming (2005-2006): Unknown
Students who have taken Advanced Placement exams in high school (2006-2007): 2,512
Students who have taken Advanced Placement exams in high school (2005-2006): 2,254
Percentage of all students scoring a 3 or above on Advanced Placement exams (2006-2007): 7%
Percentage of all students scoring a 3 or above on Advanced Placement exams (2005-2006): 6.4%

Click here for statistical information from previous years.

Legislation & Funding

Is identification of gifted students required by state law?
Yes Identification begins in first grade
Does legislation provide for an education program matched to the student's abilities?
Yes Parents and educators plan together to formulate a plan for each student.
Is there legislation that mandates specialized training in gifted education for teachers of gifted students?
Yes One must be certified in gifted education to provide special education services to gifted students, however, many services for gifted are provided in the regular classroom.
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 Regulations For The Education Of Exceptional Students
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.