School Support and Programs

Gifted and Talented, and Advanced Placement

All students identified as gifted and talented in the state have the right to an appropriate education.

Responding to the concern for educational programming for gifted and talented students, the Arkansas General Assembly passed Act 106 of 1979. This legislation established the Office for the Gifted and Talented, and Advanced Placement. Funds were appropriated to provide financial assistance to school districts operating programs for gifted and talented students. Guidelines were developed to provide information to assist districts in planning, implementing, and evaluating those programs.

Definition

The following definition shall guide districts in providing services and opportunities for students identified as gifted and talented:

Gifted and talented children and youth are those of high potential or ability whose learning characteristics and educational needs require qualitatively differentiated educational experiences and/or services.

Possession of these talents and gifts, or the potential for their development, will be evidenced through an interaction of above average intellectual ability, task commitment and /or motivation, and creative ability.

Resources

For more information, please contact:

Mary Kathryn Stein , Program Coordinator
Krystal Nail, Program Advisor
Bob Nichols, Program Advisor
Arkansas Department of Education
Office of Gifted and Talented, and Advanced Placement
Four Capitol Mall, Room 203-B
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501-682-4224
Fax: 501-682-4220