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Gifted Education Policies
  

Alabama

State Status: Blue
State Definition of "gifted & talented": “Intellectually gifted children and youth are those who perform at high levels in academic or creative fields when compared to others of their age, experience, or environment. These children and youth require services not ordinarily provided by the regular school program. Children and youth possessing these abilities can be found in all populations, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor.”
(Alabama Admin. Code r. 290-8-9-.14)
News Update: Gifted education to receive funding for first time ever...
Governor: Bob Riley
State Superintendent:
State Dept. of Ed. - Gifted and Talented:
State Association: Alabama Association for Gifted Children
Statistics Back to Top
Unknown Students enrolled in grades K-12 (2005-2006)
734,058 Students enrolled in grades K-12 (2004-2005)
Unknown Students identified as Gifted and Talented (2005-2006)
32,390 Students identified as Gifted and Talented (2004-2005)
Unknown Dollars allocated for education (2005-2006)
$5,897,873,000 (Estimate) Dollars allocated for education (2004-2005)
$2,337,400 Dollars allocated for Gifted and Talented programming (2007-2008)
$0 (local funds only) Dollars allocated for Gifted and Talented programming (2005-2006)
$0 Dollars allocated for Gifted and Talented programming (2004-2005)
3,778 Students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses (2005-2006)
5.7% Percentage of all students scoring a 3 or above on Advanced Placement exams (2005-2006)
7 Number of schools offering International Baccalaureate programs (2005-2006)

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Legislation & Funding Back to Top
Yes      Does gifted education legislation exist?
Code of Alabama - Education
Yes      Does the legislation mandate that gifted students be served?
Yes      Is there funding for gifted programs for the 2007-2008 school year?
Alabama Department of Education
No      Was there funding for gifted programs for the 2005 - 2006 school year?
According to the Alabama Department of Education, "gifted education is supposed to be included in the formula for 'foundation' monies. Most gifted teachers are funded through local funds."
No      Was there funding for gifted programs for the 2004 - 2005 school year?
Yes      Is identification of gifted students required by state law?
A student can be referred K-12. There is a mandatory Child Find process that requires second grade teachers to observe every child as a potential gifted referral.
No      Does legislation provide for an education program matched to the student's abilities?
Yes      Is there legislation that mandates specialized training in gifted education for teachers of gifted students?
Yes      Are there colleges/universities in the state that offer courses and/or degrees in gifted education?
Click here for a list of Gifted Education Degree Programs.

Do you have updated information for any of the statements above? Please contact us.
Obstacles Back to Top
   We encourage you to post your experiences on the Gifted State Policy Discussion Forum
Schools Back to Top
Alabama School of Fine Arts (Birmingham, AL)
The Country Day School (Madison, AL)

Do you know of a school in this state that should be featured here? Please recommend them as a resource.
Opportunities for Gifted and Talented Students Back to Top
Alabama Association for Gifted Children (AAGT), (AL)
Alabama Governor's School
Alabama School of Mathematics and Science (Mobile, AL)
Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP), (NC)
Science Fair Camperships
U.S. Space & Rocket Center - Space Camp

Do you know of other opportunities in this state that should be featured here? Please recommend them as a resource.
Join the Alabama Gifted Education Policy  Discussion Forum

Information presented on this page was compiled from a variety of resources, including the State of the States Gifted and Talented Education Report 2001 - 2002, published by the Council of State Directors of Programs for the Gifted and the National Association for Gifted Children, Education State Rankings 2003 - 2004 edited by Kathleen O'Leary Morgan and Scott Morgan, and hundreds of websites. Information was also collected through surveys, targeted requests for information to state departments of education, state gifted associations, and other knowledgeable organizations. The Davidson Institute for Talent Development has not verified the accuracy of this information and does not warrant its accuracy or fitness of use for any purpose. Users should verify information prior to taking any action. Furthermore, the appearance of selected programs and/or resources does not imply an endorsement or affiliation. Programs and resources are highlighted for informational purposes only.