Gifted and Talented - Kentucky Department of Education

Gifted and Talented

Published: 6/4/2025 11:32 AM

Kentucky offers gifted education services for identified students across all grade levels.

Primary students are screened and selected as high potential learners and students in grades 4-12 are formally identified for services in one or more of the following areas:
     • general intellectual aptitude
     • specific academic aptitude
     • creative or divergent thinking
     • psychosocial or leadership skills
     • visual or performing arts

704 KAR 3:285. Programs for the gifted and talented.

NECESSITY, FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY:
KRS 157.200(1)(n) includes within the definition of "exceptional children" a category of "exceptional students" who are identified as possessing demonstrated or potential ability to perform at an exceptionally high level in general intellectual aptitude, specific academic aptitude, creative or divergent thinking, psychosocial or leadership skills, or in the visual or performing arts. KRS 157.224(1) commits the state to a comprehensive educational program for its exceptional school-aged children. KRS 157.230 requires all school districts to operate programs for resident exceptional children, primary - grade twelve (12). This administrative regulation establishes the requirements for programs for gifted and talented students.

Additional KDE Webpages for Gifted Students

Early Graduation

Accelerated Learning

State Advisory Council for Gifted and Talented Education

Lynn Lockard

Division of IDEA Implementation and Preschool
Office of Special Education and Early Learning

300 Sower Blvd., 4th Floor

Frankfort, KY 40601

(502) 564-4970 Ext. 4115

Lynn.lockard@education.ky.gov