Chapter 740 of the Laws of 1982 defines gifted pupils a "pupils who show evidence of high performances capability and exceptional potential in area such as general intellectual ability, special academic aptitude and outstanding ability in visual and performing arts. Such definition shall include those pupils who require educational programs or services beyond those normally provided by the regular school program in order to realize their full potential."

This broad definition is the foundation on which identification of gifted students in New York State rests. A school district’s philosophy of gifted education, identification practices, and program should be consistent with the State definition.

More on the definition of giftedness.

• Commissioner's Regulations Part 117 - Diagnostic Screening of Pupils
• New Regulations Regarding the Gifted Education Extension
• New information on the Gifted Education Extension is detailed on the Certification Questions and Answers
• Research and Reports on Gifted Education
  • A Nation Deceived: How Schools Hold Back America’s Brightest Students - The Templeton Report and the One Year Follow-up Survey
  • What We Know About Academically Talented Students: A Sample of Our Findings is a document that summarizes the major evidence the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth has collected related to frequently asked questions from parents, educators, other professionals and the media.
  • New publication on Teaching Talented Art Students