FAQs
How do teachers get a Gifted and Talented Endorsement in Idaho?
While not currently required to teach gifted and talented students in Idaho, an endorsement to a teaching credential is considered best practice. Idaho universities offer both professional development and graduate level courses in gifted education that meet the course requirements for a Gifted and Talented endorsement.
According to the Idaho State Department of Education:
“The Gifted and Talented (GT) Endorsement is recommended for teachers who are facilitating and/or overseeing the Gifted and Talented program for their district. Some districts may request that if a teacher is providing supplemental services or facilitating the program that they acquire the endorsement. Twenty semester transcript credit hours are needed with three required semester credit hours in each of the following:
Foundations of Gifted and Talented Education
Creative/Critical Thinking Skills for Gifted and Talented Students
Social and Emotional Needs of Gifted and Talented Students
Curriculum and Instruction for Gifted and Talented Students
Practicum and Program Design for Gifted and Talented Education”
Alternative Authorization is possible for those already certified in Idaho through the successful completion of a Gifted and Talented Praxis 2 Test. Educators should work with their district gifted supervisors to complete an Alternative Authorization.
Click here for more details about requirements and the application process.
Do all Idaho school districts offer gifted and talented services?
Idaho Code §33-2003 mandates that districts provide instruction to gifted and talented students. As of 2021, it remains up to each individual school district to determine the structure of gifted and talented services in their schools. The Idaho State Department of Education encourages, but does not mandate, that all districts complete a 3 Year Plan for gifted and talented services. More information about individual school district plans should be requested directly from the district.
Does Idaho have a Best Practices manual for Gifted and Talented Programs?
Yes. The manual was revised in 2021 by a task force of educators and administrators. It addresses best practices in administration, identification, assessment, program development, underrepresented populations (including students of color, students living in poverty, and twice-exceptional students), and program evaluation.
How can parents and families find out more information about how to best support their gifted child?
Families are the primary source of support and advocacy for gifted children. Here are a few organizations that may have helpful information:
PAGE - Parents & Advocates for Gifted Education: a monthly support and education group based in the Treasure Valley
SENG - Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted: a national organization committed to guiding gifted and twice-exceptional individuals toward reaching their goals
NAGC - National Association for Gifted Children: a national organization that provides information, advocacy, and education related to giftedness and gifted children
Davidson Institute: an organization committed to providing information and resources for profoundly gifted students and their families
In addition to these organizations, many excellent books have been published about parenting and guiding the education of gifted children. Books can be found online through independent book publishers and large book retailers.
Does Idaho allow for early entrance to kindergarten?
As of 2021, Idaho does not provide for early kindergarten enrollment. See Idaho Code §33-201 for more information.