Colorado Legislative Council Staff

NO FISCAL IMPACT

TITLE:            CONCERNING PROVISION OF SERVICES TO GIFTED STUDENTS WHO ARE AT RISK OF DROPPING OUT OF SCHOOL.

Summary of Assessment

            The bill directs each administrative unit in the state to adopt a policy under which any student who has been identified as gifted and who subsequently experiences an abrupt decline in performance, a sudden increase in behavioral problems, or an increase in truancy is identified as an at-risk gifted student. An administrative unit means a school district or a board of cooperative services that is providing educational services to exceptional children and that is responsible for the local administration of the Exceptional Children's Educational Act. The administrative unit is directed to provide services for the at-risk gifted student, including establishing an individual learning plan for the student. Persons to be included in formulating the individual learning plan would include a teacher who works regularly with the student, the student’s parent or legal guardian, and at least one special services provider identified by the administrative unit.

            Colorado school districts have identified approximately 80,000 gifted and talented students in state public schools. This represents 12 percent of the total Colorado student population. The proportion of these students who would annually experience an abrupt decline in performance or a sudden increase in behavioral problems is only a small fraction of all gifted and talented students in the state. In FY 1998-99, state categorical funding for school district gifted and talented programs was $5.5 million. These funds were distributed to 155 of the state’s 176 school districts. Based on year-end reports from school districts, an additional $18.7 million in school district funds were expended on gifted and talented education and programs. It is assumed that in the future, a portion of these state and local funds will be directed towards providing services for students that are identified as at-risk gifted and talented. No additional funds will be appropriated for this purpose, and the bill is assessed as having no fiscal impact to the state or to local school districts.

            The bill will become effective upon signature of the Governor.

Departments Contacted

            Education