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Gifted Education

Overview

Chapter 16 of the Pennsylvania School Code governs the special education of gifted students. Students are eligible for gifted education if they: 

Are deemed “mentally gifted” 

AND

Require specially designed instruction 

Students are deemed “mentally gifted” with an IQ of 130 or higher or with an IQ of 130 or lower if other educational criteria in the student's profile strongly indicate gifted ability. IQ may not be the sole criteria for identifying a student as gifted. 

Chapter 16 of the Pennsylvania School Code includes the term “multiple criteria” in regard to identifying students as gifted. 

The multiple criteria indicating a student may be mentally gifted include: 

  • A year or more above grade achievement level in one or more subjects as measured by nationally normed and validated achievement tests. 
  • An observed or measured rate of acquisition/retention of new academic content or skills. 
  • Demonstrated achievement, performance or expertise in one or more academic areas as evidenced by excellence of products, portfolio, or research, as well as criterion-referenced team judgment. 
  • Early and measured use of high level thinking skills (Guilford/Bloom's Taxonomy), academic creativity, leadership skills, intense academic interest areas, communications skills, foreign language aptitude or technology expertise. 
  • Documented, observed, validated or assessed evidence that intervening factors such as English as a second language, learning disability, physical impairment, emotional disability, gender or race bias, or socio/cultural deprivation are masking gifted abilities.

Evaluation and Gifted Education Services

Students in Pennsylvania are provided gifted education services in accordance with Chapter 16 of the Pennsylvania School Code.  Students can be referred for evaluation for gifted education services by parents or teachers. If you want your child to be evaluated for gifted education services, please make a request to your child’s school, which can be directed to your child’s teacher, guidance counselor or building administrator. The request can be made verbally or in writing to a school professional. 

The evaluation process begins after prior written consent for the evaluation is received from parents.  The process can take 60 calendar days and results in a Gifted Written Report outlining the specific evaluation results.  If deemed eligible for gifted education services, a Gifted Individualized Education Plan (GIEP) will be developed within 30 calendar days of the gifted written report. Prior to the provision of services and with any proposed change in identification, evaluation or placement, you will receive prior written notice in the form of a Notice of Recommended Assignment (NORA).  

GIEP Team

The Gifted Individualized Education Program (GIEP) team makes educational decisions for a student eligible for gifted education services. The GIEP team includes at least the parent, gifted education teacher, regular education teacher, and local education agency (LEA) representative, and others as appropriate, such as the student. 

Parent/Family Resources

Links to regulations, sample forms and resources are embedded in the information above.  Additional parent resources can be accessed below. Please contact your child’s teacher, school counselor, building administrator or the district director of special education for additional assistance.