SB118 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Education, gifted or talented children, start-up grants for educational programs provided by State Department of Education if funds are available

Summary

This bill would authorize the Alabama State Department of Education, pending available funds, to award competitive start-up grants to public schools to create new gifted or talented programs, with each grant for one year and a possible second year if funds remain.

What This Bill Does

It allows the Department to fund public schools to start new advanced programs for gifted or talented students. Grants are awarded based on criteria like program quality and staff qualifications, and may be renewed for a second year if funding is available. The Department must adopt a scoring system that is public, define what counts as a gifted or talented student, and ensure programs include assessment of student growth; funds for these grants cannot replace other gifted program funding.

Who It Affects

• Public schools and school districts that apply for and may receive start-up grants to develop new gifted or talented programs
• Gifted or talented students (ages 4–19 or until high school diploma) who would participate in these new programs, including traditionally underserved students who are targeted by the program

Key Provisions

• The Department may award start-up grants to public schools to develop new advanced and specialized educational services for gifted or talented children, with the number of grantee schools limited by available funds
• Grants are for a single year, with a rebuttable presumption of a possible one additional year of renewal based on funding
• Grant criteria include targeting gifted programs, curriculum quality, instructor qualifications, and school integration; priority given to programs during the traditional school day or with after-school transportation; preference for underserved participation; and a requirement to measure academic impact
• The Department must adopt an explicit, public evaluation formula for grant proposals
• "Gifted or talented children" are defined (ages 4–19 or until diploma) and include various areas of ability, with emphasis on differentiated programs
• The Department must comply with guidelines in Chapter 39, Title 16 of the Code of Alabama
• Funding designated for grants cannot affect other funding for gifted or talented programs
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education