STATE BOARD SETS MARYLAND'S FIRST GIFTED STUDENT POLICY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                CONTACT:  Bill Reinhard 

ACTION SETS MINIMAL STANDARDS FOR LOCAL PROGRAMS; DESIGNED TO INCREASE INCLUSION OF STUDENTS FROM UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS

BALTIMORE (February 28, 2012) “ The Maryland State Board of Education today approved regulations that would set in place for the first time minimum standards for Gifted and Talented education programs in school systems throughout the State.

The regulation supports the identification of a diverse gifted and talented student body, specifying that local school systems draw from a pool of candidates that encompasses all students and use multiple indicators of potential and achievement.

Maryland's new regulation bolsters local school systems as they seek to achieve equitable representation of gifted and talented students, English language learners, and students with special needs, by recommending early talent development for all students.

"Maryland schools must provide for the diverse learning needs of all of our students, if our education is to reach its full potential," said Interim State Superintendent of Schools Bernard J. Sadusky. "All students can learn, but students learn in different ways.  Our job is to make certain that we have programs in place for every learning style and need."

State Board members today made it clear they will be monitoring reports and data from local school systems to make certain the new policy acts as a catalyst for improved services for students.  Local school systems provide information on gifted and talent programs through the annual Master Plan process required by the Bridge to Excellence Act legislation since 2005.

The new gifted and talented policy, in development since 2006, is flexible and does not dictate details for local systems.   The State Board published the regulation in December, receiving and reviewing public comment prior to their discussion and approval today.

The regulation as proposed can be found here: http://msde.state.md.us/GT_Education_Regulations.pdf.

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