Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted.

Albert Einstein

Chapter 16

In Pennsylvania, Chapter 16 is the part of the school code governing special education for gifted students. The Chapter includes sections related to Screening and Evaluation, the Gifted Educational Plan (GIEP), Educational Placement, and Procedural Safeguards which may be of particular interest to parents who are trying to understand how their child’s needs might be met by the school district.

Gifted Guidelines

The Pennsylvania Department of Education also provides Gifted Guidelines to help school districts interested parents interpret the legal requirements of Chapter 16. While the guidelines are not binding in a legal sense, they are very helpful in clarifying options and nuances of the regulations. These Guidelines are currently under revision to bring them up to date with the revisions made to Chapter 16 in November 2008. The link will be posted when published.

Parent Guide to Special Education of the Gifted

Another resource from the Pennsylvania Department of Education is the Parent Guide. This Guide was created specifically to help parents understand their role in the process of identifying and educating gifted learners.

The Office for Dispute Resolution

In the event that parent(s) feel the school district is not appropriately identifying or addressing the needs of their gifted student, the Office for Dispute Resolution provides information and avenues to assist parents and school districts in finding a resolution. ODR also provides links to due process and appeals panel decisions.