Purpose

The Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Act supports research, demonstration projects, innovative strategies, and similar activities to help elementary and secondary schools meet the special educational needs of gifted and talented students. Outstanding talents are present in children and youths from all cultural groups, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor. Programs for gifted and talented students exist in every state and in many school districts, but the number and percentage of students identified as gifted and talented vary from state to state due to differences in state laws and local practices.

WHAT'S NEW--The No Child Left Behind Act

Focuses on What Works

• Supports scientifically based research. The statute now requires that research supported by the program be scientifically based.

Reduces Bureaucracy and Increases Flexibility

• Includes dissemination of high-level course work through technology as an allowable activity. Funds now may be used for technology to disseminate challenging course work to students in schools or districts that otherwise are unable to provide such instruction.

How It Works

This discretionary program authorizes the U.S. Department of Education to award grants and enter into contracts with state education agencies (SEAs), local school districts, institutions of higher education, other public agencies, and other private agencies and organizations (including Indian tribes and organizations and Native Hawaiian organizations). Funds can be used for programs and projects to meet the educational needs of gifted and talented students, for the training of personnel, and for serving all students using services, materials, and methods developed for gifted and talented students. The program also provides for the establishment of a National Research Center for the Education of Gifted and Talented Children and Youth, through grants to, or contracts with, one or more institutions of higher education, SEAs, or a combination or consortium of such institutions and agencies and other public or private agencies or organizations.

Key Requirements

Applicants must describe how their proposed services, materials, and methods can be adapted, if appropriate, for use by all students, and how the proposed programs can be evaluated. The U.S. Department of Education is required to give highest priority to programs and projects designed to develop new information that helps schools 1) establish and improve programs to identify and serve gifted and talented students, and 2) identify and serve gifted and talented students who are economically disadvantaged, have limited English proficiency, have disabilities, or otherwise may not be identified through traditional assessment methods.

How It Achieves Quality

Research supported by the program must be scientifically based, and program activities must be evaluated.