MN SF1160

Changes gifted and talented programs from optional ("may") to mandatory ("must") for school districts to identify students and develop programs addressing their instructional and affective needs.

Increases gifted and talented funding per adjusted pupil unit from $13 to $39 per pupil, effective for fiscal year 2018 and later.

Requires school districts to adopt procedures for academic acceleration and early admission to kindergarten or first grade for gifted and talented students, with procedures sensitive to underrepresented groups including low-income, minority, twice-exceptional, and English learners.

Mandates that by January 15 each year, school districts post to their website information on gifted and talented programming including assessment procedures, types of services offered, program effectiveness evaluations, and financial summaries.

Requires assessment and identification procedures for gifted and talented programs to use multiple objective criteria and assessments that are valid, reliable, fair, and based on current research, with sensitivity to underrepresented populations.