SB88 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Education, gifted or talented children, grants for educational programs provided by State Department of Education, local match required

Summary

SB88 would let the Alabama Department of Education award two-year grants to public schools to start or continue gifted and talented programs, with local districts required to provide matching funds.

What This Bill Does

The Department would award available grants to public schools to create new programs or continue existing ones for gifted or talented students, limited by funds. Each grant would last one year and could be renewed for one additional year if funding allows. The Department would adopt a clear system to evaluate grant proposals and would publish the scoring. Local boards of education must match any grant funds awarded.

Who It Affects

• Public schools and school districts that apply for and receive grants to create or expand gifted programs
• Gifted or talented students (ages 4 through 19 or until high school diploma) and the educators who implement these programs

Key Provisions

• authorize the Department to award available grants to public schools to start or continue advanced programs for gifted or talented children, limited by funds
• grants are for one year with the possibility of a second year renewal if funds permit
• grants awarded based on criteria: targeted services for gifted students, curriculum quality, instructor qualifications, and integration with the school's infrastructure
• preference given to programs offered during the traditional school day or with after-school transportation, and to programs encouraging participation by underserved student groups
• all programs must have a means to assess impact on participating students' academic growth
• the department must adopt an explicit formula for evaluating grant proposals and make scoring public
• defines gifted or talented children as ages 4-19 or until diploma, identified by qualified professionals, with abilities in various areas such as general intellectual ability, creative thinking, leadership, arts, etc
• the department must comply with Chapter 39 guidelines in implementing the act
• funds designated for grants must not affect other funding for gifted programs
• local boards of education must match any grant funds

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