Recent Policy Changes or Publications

Links and information on this page are in reverse chronological order, most recent at the top.

PAGE Meeting with Secretary Phillips, PA Secretary of Education Dec, 2003

BEC - Special Education for Gifted Students Basic Education Circular from PDE

DATE OF ISSUE:  March 26, 2003       

This circular is intended to clarify responsibilities placed upon school districts with regard to the provision of gifted education.  Forms to be used by districts in connection with the provision of gifted education, as well as formats which districts may modify to fit their specific circumstances, are attached at the end of this circular.  Districts should review Chapter 16 in detail for a complete understanding of gifted education requirements.

School District Self-Assessment Form (PDE, March 1, 2003) School Districts are to use this form to evaluate their Gifted Programs (old site PDE/Self-AssessmentInstrument.3.21.03.pdf)

Chapter 16 as published in the PA Bulletin- On-line

Note:

1. The preamble to this chapter includes an explanation of the purpose for the revisions  - to make chapter 14 conform to Federal IDEA regulations, NOT to remove gifted education from Special Education.
2. Reminds us that the court cases that were litigated under chapter 14 concerning gifted education are intended to be carried forward to chapter 16.
   That IDEA IEP's supersede GIEP's for dual exceptionalities such as gifted, learning disabled students. (Federal law  supersedes state law unless otherwise noted.)