Gifted and Talented EducationAcademic Excellence :

The gifted and talented program provides leadership, coordination and consultation services for educators, administrators and parents of gifted students. The program supports schools in responding to the needs of gifted and talented students and collaborates with postsecondary institutions, networks, and others interested in gifted and talented education.

Minnesota is a local control state, which allows districts to select the method for identifying students who qualify for Gifted and Talented services. Gifted and Talented programs, by design, capitalize on the special cognitive needs of students and should be distinguished from enrichment activities available to all students.

ANNOUNCING--
Gifted and Talented Education Symposium
Registration is now open for the first annual Hormel Foundation Gifted and Talented Education Symposium in Austin, Minnesota June 14-18. The symposium provides an opportunity for all educators, counselors, administrators and parents to gain greater understanding of the unique needs of gifted and high-potential learners. A generous grant from The Hormel Foundation and collaboration between the Minnesota Department of Education and Austin Public School District makes possible an intensive educational experience for educators. Invited speakers include many of the field’s finest regional, national and internationally known presenters, focusing on foundational knowledge, creativity, curriculum strategies, and social and emotional needs. For complete information, visit the Austin Public School District Website and access symposium information located on the bottom right corner under The Hormel Foundation heading.

Calendar of MDE Workshops, Trainings and Meetings
The Minnesota Department of Education, in response to input from Website visitors, is pleased to announce the launch of an agency-wide calendar. The calendar includes all MDE-sponsored training, meetings and events. Search and sort features allow you to find events by date, title, location and sponsoring program area. View the calendar by using the “Calendar” link at the top of this page.

Minnesota Scholars of Distinction program nurtures and recognizes distinguished achievement by highly motivated students. Each speciality area was developed through partnerships of educators, business and others. To earn this recognition, students must complete required work in Minnesota's Academic Standards, demonstrate mastery of complex subject matter and apply their knowledge to challenging projects. Areas of focus: Applied Geography, Leadership, Mathematics, Science and Theater Arts. View Minnesota Scholars of Distinction Success Stories.

Parent Information on Acceleration. Acceleration is an intervention that moves students through an educational program at a more rapid rate than their age-mates. The goal of acceleration is to tailor the level and complexity of the curriculum to the ability and academic readiness of individual children. Read the Frequently Asked Questions.

2007 Legislation. The K-12 Education Omnibus Finance Bill provides $13.8 billion in state spending for the next two years, a $789 million (6.1 percent) increase. Gifted and Talented Revenue (Section 7). Beginning in FY 2008, increases gifted and talented revenue from $9 to $12 times a district’s adjusted marginal cost pupil units (AMCPU). Article 2, Section 8 includes a provision requiring school districts to adopt policies and procedures for the academic acceleration of gifted and talented students. Gifted and talented students program (Section 8). (c) Directs school districts to adopt procedures for academic acceleration of gifted and talented students that include an assessment of students' readiness and motivation for acceleration and a match between the curriculum and the students' academic needs. View summary of 2007 Omnibus E-12 Education Act Chapter 146.  (Districts may wish to implement policies that reflect Gifted and Talented best practices, consistent with Minn. Stat. §120B.15.)

The Gifted and Talented Advisory Council will meet several times during the 2007-08 school year. View the information sheet below for member and meeting information.

Contact:  Wendy Behrens, Gifted and Talented Education Specialist - 651-582-8786.

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