Education Department awarded $2.3 million to boost students in gifted, talented programs

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma State Department of Education has been awarded a $2.3 million, five-year grant to identify, serve and support gifted and talented students with disabilities and those from minority, economically disadvantaged and English learner populations.

The Oklahoma Young Scholars Project, made possible through funding from the U.S. Department of Education, will serve nearly 6,000 elementary school students in four school districts: Ardmore, Duncan, Guymon and Tahlequah. Districts were selected based on socioeconomic data, poverty rate and low rates of gifted/talented participation in elementary schools.

Oklahoma was one of 12 recipients of the grant, a part of the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program. In addition to an emphasis on identifying gifted and talented students in early elementary grades, the grant will fund professional development for teachers, resources to increase parent engagement and summer enrichment opportunities for students. Instructional resources will be developed and implemented in participating schools, then shared with teachers statewide.

“All children should have the opportunity to build their natural gifts into extraordinary talents. By recognizing those gifts early, we can help historically under-identified student groups reach their potential,” said Joy Hofmeister, State Superintendent of Public Instruction. “This grant will enable us to ensure gifted and talented programs are available to exceptional learners regardless of their background.”

Increasing identification of gifted and talented students from every student group is one of six key initiatives of Oklahoma Edge, OSDE’s 8-Year Strategic Plan to provide Oklahoma students with a competitive edge in their postsecondary path to college or career.