AL HR19

Alabama mandates identification of gifted students beginning in second grade but has historically not provided funding for the program.

Alabama spent $1,000,000 on gifted education compared to Arkansas ($21,000,000), Georgia ($302,000,000), and Mississippi ($60,000,000) during the same time period.

Full funding of gifted education would enable Alabama students to compete for college admissions and scholarships with students from surrounding states and retain talented graduates in the state workforce.

Properly staffed and supported gifted programs provide students with enhanced leadership opportunities, 21st century skills development, and access to postsecondary education exploration.

The House of Representatives urges the Alabama Legislature to consistently move toward fully funding a robust gifted education program for all students in the state.