Directs that teachers be trained in the education of gifted students, and provides start-up funding for such training; repealer; appropriation

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to teacher training in programs for gifted students; to repeal certain provisions of such law relating thereto; and making an appropriation therefor

Purpose or general idea of bill

Directs that teachers be trained in the education of gifted students, and provides start-up funding for such training; repealer; appropriation.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 amends education law by adding §3004(7) to require, as part of licensure and certification for teachers and certain educational professionals, three credits of course work or training in the education of gifted and talented, including twice-exceptional students, as well as the inclusion of practices to identify gifted children in required professional development plans.

Section 2 amends §32004(2-b) of education law to require school districts to provide gifted students with instruction under a teacher with appropriate training in educating gifted pupils. This section also requires school districts to provide acceleration opportunities in grades one, three and five, similar to those currently required in grade eight.

Section 3 amends §3208(5)(d) of education law to require that school districts notify parents if diagnostic screening indicates that their child is possibly gifted. This section also entitles such child to gifted instruction.

Section 4 appropriates one million dollars ($1,000,000) to fund teacher training in instruction of gifted pupils.

Justification

It is important that our education system is able to meet the needs of its brightest students, so New York can continue to produce and retain talented leaders. In a time of serious anxiety over whether or not New York's education system is preparing our youth to succeed in an increasingly competitive global economy, it is ironic that current state law abandons this state's most promising citizens.

Currently New York State Education Law does not require schools to provide any services to gifted and talented students. Given this and the lack of funding for gifted and talented programs, many schools are simply ignoring their most gifted students. Gifted and Talented Aid is provided through Comprehensive operating Aid, allowing schools to cut gifted and talented programs and apply the funds elsewhere. The "No Child Left Behind Act" has focused national attention on how schools can better educate their lower-achieving students. With this school officials feel obligated to prioritize programs that address the needs of their most disadvantaged students.

Funds are distributed to academic intervention services, English as a second language programs, and special education at the expense of gifted education. While the need to pour resources into these programs is undeniably great, to neglect gifted and talented students not only stifles the potential of New York's high-achievers, but is a disservice to all New Yorkers. This does not need to be a zero-sum game.

Ultimately, encouraging schools to provide challenging programs for gifted and talented students raises the bar for all. Advancing high

quality instruction under accomplished teachers should always be a priority.

In order to promote the continued development of exceptionally intelligent children, this bill encourages greater awareness of gifted and talented students, requires schools to provide instruction for gifted students and supplies funds to assist schools in offering such services.

Prior legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

This measure provides one million dollars ($1,000,000), or so much thereof as may be necessary, for payment of aid to training services for teachers providing instruction to gifted and talented students.

Effective date

This bill will take effect on the one hundred twentieth day following the date on which it shall have become law.