The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 120B.15, to clarify the definition of gifted and talented students, specifically including those who are twice-exceptional—students who are gifted while also having a learning or developmental disability or autism spectrum disorder. This inclusion aims to ensure that educational programs and services are appropriately tailored to meet the diverse needs of all gifted and talented students.

Additionally, the bill mandates that school districts adopt guidelines for assessing and identifying students for gifted and talented programs, emphasizing the use of multiple and objective criteria that are valid, reliable, and sensitive to underrepresented groups. The language also specifies that the guidelines should now include students from families with disabilities or a 504 plan, as well as English learners. Furthermore, the bill requires school districts to establish procedures for academic acceleration and early admission to kindergarten or first grade for gifted and talented learners, ensuring these procedures are also sensitive to underrepresented groups.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 120B.15