MN HF1205

Changes school district gifted and talented programs from optional to mandatory, requiring districts to identify students and provide challenging educational programs.

Requires school districts to adopt guidelines for assessment and identification using multiple and objective criteria sensitive to underrepresented groups including low-income, minority, twice-exceptional, and English learners.

Mandates districts adopt procedures for academic acceleration of gifted and talented students and for early admission to kindergarten or first grade.

Requires districts to post gifted and talented program information on their websites by January 15 annually, including assessment procedures, services offered, program evaluation, and financial summaries.

Increases per-pupil gifted and talented funding from $13 to $39 per adjusted pupil unit, effective for fiscal year 2018 and later, with revenue reserved for identification, education programs, and teacher staff development.