Federal Legislative Update

There is no federal mandate to support gifted education at the state and local levels. That’s why NAGC and its members continually and actively advocate to members of Congress and Executive Branch officials on behalf of the gifted education community to increase federal support for gifted and talented learners. It’s essential all gifted education stakeholders join us by communicating regularly with their Congressional delegation on the needs of gifted students.

Jacob Javits Gifted & Talented Students Education Act

The Jacob Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Act (Javits) was first passed by Congress in 1988 as part of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and was most recently reauthorized through the Every Student Succeeds Act to support the development of talent in U.S. schools. The Javits Act, which is the only federal program dedicated specifically to gifted and talented students, does not fund local gifted education programs. In FY24, with the support of advocates and legislative champions in Congress, NAGC helped secure $16.5 million for Javits, which was the same level of funding from FY23. These monies are used to fund research in the areas of underserved populations, curriculum, and best practices. Learn more about the Javits Act. 

Advanced Coursework Equity (ACE) Act

The Advanced Coursework Equity (ACE) Act establishes a competitive grant program for states and school districts to bridge gaps in access to advanced coursework. Historically marginalized and underrepresented children performing at the same level as their gifted peers are far less likely to be enrolled and served in gifted programs. Such discrepancies can lead to excellence gaps, widen inequality, diminish intellectual pride, and cause serious cultural and economic harm due to lost talent. The ACE Act helps address these issues by supporting evidence-based interventions such as universal screening and expanded offering of advanced courses. Join NAGC in telling your members of Congress to co-sponsor the ACE Act. Take action in support of the ACE Act here

ESEA Reauthorization - Gifted Students Now Part of Federal K-12 Law

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed into law in December 2015 and is the most current iteration of the historic 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act. ESSA is the primary K-12 federal education law and funding stream. The new gifted student provisions were taken from the TALENT Act, which was a previous advocacy priority. ESSA includes programs large and small, such as Title I poverty-related programs, Title II in-service teacher education provisions, and the Javits Gifted & Talented Students Education Act. Read more about the gifted education provisions in the Every Student Succeeds Act.

U.S. Department of Education

NAGC responds to requests for comment from the U.S. Department of Education on grant programs and other initiatives on which the Department seeks public input. Much of our federal education policy is shaped by the Department through its discretionary authority. Requests for comment are published in the Federal Register.

Continuing Communication

To secure increased support from Washington for gifted and talented students, advocates must keep Members of Congress apprised of the need for, and value of, gifted education programs and services. Congress needs to hear your stories and be made to understand the availability of services for gifted students varies widely between and within states, which leads to huge gaps in how far they can go. Make phone calls, send emails—or better yet—make in-person visits to your Members of Congress in their local district offices. Visit the websites for the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate for email addresses and other contact information.