2025 Session Last amended: 2023 session

§ 120B.15 — Gifted and Talented Students Programs and Services

Plain-Language Summary

This section requires school districts to identify gifted and talented students using multiple objective criteria and provide them with challenging educational programs and services. Districts must adopt guidelines for identifying students fairly, with sensitivity to underrepresented groups such as low-income students, English learners, and minority students. Districts must also have procedures for academic acceleration and for early admission to kindergarten or first grade for gifted learners.

Practical Notes
Parents who believe their child is gifted can request that the district evaluate the child for gifted and talented programs under this section. Districts must use assessments that are valid, reliable, and culturally fair — they cannot rely on a single test score. Academic acceleration procedures, including grade skipping and early kindergarten entry, must be in writing and accessible to families. Districts are encouraged but not required to offer gifted services, though identification guidelines are mandatory.