History of Gifted Education and Advocacy in Idaho

Beginning in 1975, a committee of several members from Idaho (a state legislator, an administrator from the State Department of Education, and a community individual) attended a 10 day intensive training in North Carolina. Upon their return, they wrote the State Plan for Gifted Education in Idaho. The finance director was able to find funds to begin a few initial projects. Eight pilot districts were selected from 36 applicants. These pilot districts were provided with funds, resources, and assistance from the State Department of Education.

In 1976, federal funding became available and Idaho received assistance. Training centers were set up at universities. Teachers, administrators, and parents were able to receive training and technical assistance. This federal money was available for several years. After the money was no longer available, districts and schools used local or state money to keep programs alive.

In 1991, parents and ITAG/SAGE were able to get a mandate passed requiring appropriate education for gifted and talented students, to take effect in July, 1993.

In 1993, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Jerry Evans, asked for $6 million in his public school budget to fund the gifted and talented mandate. However, only $200,000 was allocated to establish a Gifted and Talented Coordinator, provide training, and develop a resource library.

In 1998, as the State Department of Education was able to absorb the position of Gifted and Talented Coordinator, the legislature passed a $500,000 training grant to provide training for teachers, administrators, and parents. It was a training grant only, and did not provide money for services or programs.

From 1998 until 2007, there was no additional money.

In 2007, the legislature passed a bill which added the Advanced Learning Opportunities funding. This money allows teachers to attend training in Advanced Placement, Pre-Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Tech Prep or concurrent enrollment. This funding provides money for teacher training only, with no funding for programs or services.