H.F. 1781 Summary

• Amends section 120B.15 to require school districts to adopt guidelines for assessing and identifying gifted and talented students using multiple objective criteria, valid assessments, and statewide assessments sensitive to underrepresented groups including low-income, minority, twice-exceptional, and English learners, effective July 1, 2021.

• Requires school districts to adopt procedures for academic acceleration of gifted and talented students that assess readiness and motivation, and match curriculum level, complexity, and pace to individual students, effective July 1, 2021.

• Requires school districts to adopt procedures for early admission to kindergarten or first grade for gifted and talented learners that are sensitive to underrepresented groups, effective July 1, 2021.

• Strongly encourages school boards to adopt an academic acceleration policy by the 2023-2024 school year that automatically recommends advanced math coursework for students demonstrating math proficiency, allowing parents to opt students out.

• Directs the commissioner of education to identify best practices for providing students with academic acceleration opportunities, effective July 1, 2022.