Welcome to Gifted and Talented
Overview
Utah educators are committed to the belief that education is a means by which each individual has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. We believe that all students have a right to educational experiences that challenge their individual development .
In Utah Local Education Agencies (LEAs), including districts and charter schools, establish local methods to identify and serve gifted and talented students. The purpose of identification and services are for students to receive extended or accelerated opportunities to achieve growth annually at the highest level possible.
Utah defines gifted and talented students as students in grades K-8 that the LEA identifies as having an ability that is significantly above the typical ability of a student within the same age group in: general intellectual ability; specific academic fields including: language arts, mathematics, or science; or creative thinking.
Gifted and talented services are opportunities with increased depth, complexity, or rigor provided to gifted and talented students. LEAs choose the services provided locally which may include: accommodations in the regular classroom; pull-out programs; advanced classes; varied grouping strategies; enrichment; acceleration; differentiation of curriculum and instruction dual enrollment; magnet schools; academic competitions; or other services.
For questions regarding local identification and services in a district or charter school, please contact the local coordinator.
If you are a Gifted and Talented Coordinator in a district or charter school, please join the listserv through UEN to be added to the coordinator mailing list.
Educator Endorsements
The Gifted and Talented Endorsement may be added to an Educator License with an Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary, or Special Education area of concentration. This endorsement will allow the candidate to assume teaching and leadership positions in the education of gifted, talented, and creative youth. There are many quality programs in the state that offer the required courses.
Application
Gifted and Talented Endorsement
Gifted and Talented Endorsement Specs Competencies and Requirements
Please follow the directions on the application to apply to have a completed endorsement added to an active educator license.
Gifted and Talented Endorsement Course Offerings Google Docs
This contact list is not comprehensive and is maintained by LEA Coordinators. Districts and universities may be contacted to inquire about the availability of classes, schedules, etc.
Policies and Guidance
Handbook
The Utah's Gifted and Talented: Grades K-12 Handbook (2017) is under review to align
with updated Board rule. An updated version will be released as soon as possible.
Legislation
- Senate Bill (S.B.) 102: Public Education Reporting Ammendments (2022) Utah State Legislature
This bill adds a reporting requirement to the Education Interim Committee every five years beginning in 2027. - Senate Bill (S.B.) 122: Parental Rights in Public Education (2014) Utah State Legislature
Senate Bill (S.B.) 204: Parental Rights in Public Education (2015) Utah State Legislature
Refer to lines 197-200:
(6) (a) An LEA shall reasonably accommodate a parent's or guardian's written request
to place a student in a specialized class, a specialized program, or an advanced course.
(b) An LEA shall consider multiple academic data points when determining an
accommodation under Subsection (6)(a). - S.B. 151: Accelerated Student Program Amendments (2020) Utah State Legislature
This bill removes early college programs from the Enhancement for Accelerated Students Program. - Title 53F-2-408: Enhancement for Accelerated Students Program, Utah State Legislature
This Utah Code requires the Utah State Board of Education to make rules for the allocation of money for gifted and talented programs.
Reports
Enhancement for Accelerated Students Program FY25-26, Utah State Legislature
The Compendium of Budget Information (COBI) detail's Utah's budget and related financial transactions. It contains summaries of issues faced by legislators, performance measures, background information, financial history, and references to statutory authority.
Information is also available in the Superintendent's Annual Report.
Rules
R277-707: Enhancement for Accelerated Students Program
Utah State Board of Education Administrative Rules
This board rule defines gifted and talented programs and outlines procedures for programs offered by Local Education Agencies (LEAs) that apply for state funding.
Resources
Utah Association for Gifted Children (UAGC.org)
Utah Association for Gifted Children advocates for the diverse population of gifted children in the State of Utah. We advance the understanding of the academic and social/emotional needs of gifted children among community leaders, policy makers, educators and parents. We promote the development of quality services to provide educational opportunities for gifted students. We increase the capacity of educators and parents to be agents of change in their schools and communities and in the lives of gifted children.
National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)
NAGC is the nation's leading organization focused on the needs of gifted and talented children. Dedicated to uplifting and empowering those who support children with advanced abilities, NAGC provides energizing professional learning, impactful research, and inspiring advocacy to ensure all children have equitable opportunities and support to develop their gifts and talents.