MO HB1295

Requires each school district to identify academically gifted students according to criteria established by the department of elementary and secondary education, with emphasis on early identification.

Mandates that school districts establish appropriate programs or differentiated services for identified gifted students whose educational needs exceed what is provided in regular public school programs.

Requires school districts to report annually to the department on gifted programs and services provided, with reporting format and deadline established by the department.

Directs the state board of education to develop standards for gifted programs and services, with approval by the department based on applications submitted in a format and timeframe established by the department.

Requires school district accountability report cards to disclose whether the district currently has a state-approved gifted education program and whether it has had one within the last three years.

Permits districts to fund gifted programs through basic state aid, with districts previously receiving categorical gifted funds or those receiving increased state aid since fiscal year 2006 able to determine appropriate funding amounts.