HB10-1253 Summary

• Distinguishes gifted children from children with disabilities in Colorado's "Exceptional Children's Educational Act" and establishes separate provisions for identifying and serving gifted students

• Requires the state board of education to appoint a gifted education advisory committee composed of parents, teachers, higher education representatives, education officials, and community members to assist with gifted education issues

• Mandates use of reliable and valid assessment tools to identify gifted students from diverse and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, with determination made by a team using multiple measures and parental input

• Requires development of Advanced Learning Plans (ALPs) for gifted children that specify programming options, services, and interventions matched to each child's strengths and needs

• Clarifies that state funding for gifted education programs must support certified personnel, professional development, programming options, and counseling services, and must supplement rather than supplant district-funded programs