Chapter 16
Chapter 16 of the Pennsylvania School Code specifies how the Commonwealth will meet its obligations to suspected and identified gifted students who require gifted education to reach their potential. It is the intent of the Board that gifted students be provided with quality gifted education services and programs.
To provide services and programs efficiently, the Commonwealth will delegate operational responsibility to its school districts. Each school district shall, by direct service or through arrangement with other agencies, provide the following: Services and programs planned, developed, and operated for the identification and evaluation of each gifted student.
Gifted education for each gifted student is based on the student's unique needs, not solely on the student’s classification.
Gifted education for gifted students enables them to participate in acceleration or enrichment programs, or both, as appropriate, and to receive services according to their intellectual and academic abilities and needs.
Twice Exceptional Students
Twice-exceptional children are students who have an IEP as well as a GIEP. The GIEP is found within the student's IEP. Using the student's strengths to help with their needs is a great way to achieve success for these students. The case manager in special education and gifted education will work together to complete the IEP.
If a student is determined to be both gifted and eligible for special education, the procedures in Chapter 14 take precedence. For these students identified with dual exceptionalities, the needs established under gifted status in this chapter shall be fully addressed in the procedures required in Chapter 14.
A single IEP shall be developed and implemented, revised and modified per this chapter and Chapter 14 for students identified as eligible under this chapter and Chapter 14.
Looking for more information? Check out these Great Sources:
https://www.pattan.net/Legal/Federal-Laws-and-Regulations/PA-Laws-and-Regulations/Chapter-16-1
https://www.giftedpage.org/