SB101 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Education, gifted or talented children, grants by St. Dept. of Ed. to public schools for educational programs, local bd. of ed. required to match

Summary

SB 101 creates a grant program through the Alabama Department of Education to fund public schools' gifted and talented programs, with schools required to provide a match and grants issued for one year with a possible second year if funds allow.

What This Bill Does

The State Department of Education may award competitive grants to public schools to start or continue advanced programs for gifted or talented students, limited by available funds. Each grant lasts one year, with a presumption of renewal for one additional year if funds are available. Grants are awarded based on criteria such as targeted services for gifted students, curriculum quality, qualified instructors, school integration, day-time or after-school transportation options, and measures of academic impact; scoring methods will be made public.

Who It Affects

• Public schools and local boards of education that apply for and receive grants (must provide up to 5% match).
• Gifted or talented students (ages 4–19 or until high school diploma) who would benefit from enhanced or new programs.
• Students from traditionally underserved populations who programs should aim to include.
• Teachers and instructors who would deliver the specialized programs.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes the State Department of Education to award grants to public schools to develop new or continue existing advanced programs for gifted or talented children, contingent on funds.
• Grants are for a single year with a rebuttable presumption of renewal for one additional year contingent on funding.
• Grant evaluation criteria include targeted services, curriculum quality, instructor qualifications, school infrastructure integration, preference for daytime programs or after-school transportation, and measures of student academic growth.
• The department must adopt rules with an explicit scoring formula; grant scoring information is public.
• Defines gifted or talented children as ages 4–19 (or up to high school diploma) who show outstanding abilities in areas such as general intellect, specific academic aptitude, creativity, leadership, arts, or psychomotor skills; include those needing differentiated programs identified by professionals.
• Local boards of education must match up to 5% of grant funds awarded.
• Funds designated for grants do not affect other funding for gifted or talented programs from any source.
• Effective date: the act takes effect 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