Sen. Kimberly A. Lightford

Filed: 4/1/2016

 

 


 

 


 
09900SB2970sam002LRB099 20728 NHT 46509 a

1
AMENDMENT TO SENATE BILL 2970

2    AMENDMENT NO. ______. Amend Senate Bill 2970 by replacing
3everything after the enacting clause with the following:
 
4    "Section 5. The School Code is amended by changing Section
514A-30 as follows:
 
6    (105 ILCS 5/14A-30)
7    Sec. 14A-30. Funding of local gifted education programs. A
8local program for the education of gifted and talented children
9may be approved for funding by the State Board of Education,
10pursuant to a request for proposals process, if funds for that
11purpose are available and, beginning with the beginning of the
122010-2011 academic year, if the local program submits an
13application for funds that includes a comprehensive plan (i)
14showing that the applicant is capable of meeting a portion of
15the following requirements, (ii) showing the program elements
16currently in place and a timeline for implementation of other

 

 

09900SB2970sam002- 2 -LRB099 20728 NHT 46509 a

1elements, and (iii) demonstrating to the satisfaction of the
2State Board of Education that the applicant is capable of
3implementing a program of gifted education consistent with this
4Article:
5        (1) The use of assessment instruments, such as
6    nonverbal ability tests and tests in students' native
7    languages, and a selection process that is equitable to and
8    inclusive of underrepresented groups, including low-income
9    students, minority students, students with disabilities,
10    twice-exceptional students, and English learners. The use
11    of a minimum of 3 assessment measures used to identify
12    gifted and talented children in each area in which a
13    program for gifted and talented children is established,
14    which may include without limitation scores on
15    standardized achievement tests, observation checklists,
16    portfolios, and currently-used district assessments.
17        (2) A priority emphasis on language arts and
18    mathematics.
19        (3) The use of multiple valid assessments that assess
20    both demonstrated achievement and potential for
21    achievement, including cognitive ability tests and general
22    or subject specific achievement tests, applied universally
23    to all students, and appropriate for the content focus of
24    the gifted services that will be provided. School districts
25    and schools may add other local, valid assessments, such as
26    portfolios. Assessments and selection processes must

 

 

09900SB2970sam002- 3 -LRB099 20728 NHT 46509 a

1    ensure multiple pathways into the program. An
2    identification method that uses the definition of gifted
3    and talented children as defined in Section 14A-20 of this
4    Code.
5        (4) The use of score ranges on assessments that are
6    appropriate for the school or district population,
7    including the use of locals norms for achievement to
8    identify high potential students. Assessment instruments
9    sensitive to the inclusion of underrepresented groups,
10    including low-income students, minority students, and
11    English language learners.
12        (5) A process of identification of gifted and talented
13    children that is of equal rigor in each area of aptitude
14    addressed by the program.
15        (6) The use of identification procedures that
16    appropriately correspond with the planned programs,
17    curricula, and services.
18        (7) A fair and equitable decision-making process.
19        (8) The availability of a fair and impartial appeal
20    process within the school, school district, or cooperative
21    of school districts operating a program for parents or
22    guardians whose children are aggrieved by a decision of the
23    school, school district, or cooperative of school
24    districts regarding eligibility for participation in a
25    program.
26        (9) Procedures for annually informing the community

 

 

09900SB2970sam002- 4 -LRB099 20728 NHT 46509 a

1    at-large, including parents, about the program and the
2    methods used for the identification of gifted and talented
3    children.
4        (10) Procedures for notifying parents or guardians of a
5    child of a decision affecting that child's participation in
6    a program.
7        (11) A description of how gifted and talented children
8    will be grouped and instructed in order to maximize the
9    educational benefits the children derive from
10    participation in the program, including curriculum
11    modifications and options that accelerate and add depth and
12    complexity to the curriculum content.
13        (12) An explanation of how the program emphasizes
14    higher-level skills attainment, including problem-solving,
15    critical thinking, creative thinking, and research skills,
16    as embedded within relevant content areas.
17        (13) A methodology for measuring academic growth for
18    gifted and talented children and a procedure for
19    communicating a child's progress to his or her parents or
20    guardian, including, but not limited to, a report card.
21        (14) The collection of data on growth in learning for
22    children in a program for gifted and talented children and
23    the reporting of the data to the State Board of Education.
24        (15) The designation of a supervisor responsible for
25    overseeing the educational program for gifted and talented
26    children.

 

 

09900SB2970sam002- 5 -LRB099 20728 NHT 46509 a

1        (16) A showing that the certified teachers who are
2    assigned to teach gifted and talented children understand
3    the characteristics and educational needs of children and
4    are able to differentiate the curriculum and apply
5    instructional methods to meet the needs of the children.
6        (17) Plans for the continuation of professional
7    development for staff assigned to the program serving
8    gifted and talented children.
9(Source: P.A. 95-331, eff. 8-21-07; 96-1152, eff. 7-21-10.)
 
10    Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon
11becoming law.".