House of
Representatives
HB 2356
gifted pupils; group B weight
Prime Sponsor: Representative Carter, LD 15
Overview
HB 2356 establishes a Group B weight for gifted students.
Provisions
1. Removes gifted students from Group A weights and establishes a separate Group B weight for gifted students labelled G.
a. Sets the weight at 0.115.
2. Requires a withholding of the full Group B weight for gifted students, rather than 7% of the Group A weight, if a district fails to submit the scope and sequence for gifted students or if it is not fully approved.
3. Contains duplicative definitions sections and a conditional enactment relating to a ballot proposition.
4. Makes technical and conforming changes.
Current Law
A.R.S. Title 15, Chapter 9 outlines procedures for school district budgeting. School districts annually determine their budget through a statutory funding formula which multiplies the district’s weighted student count by the Base Level, a dollar amount annually determined by the Legislature. Statute establishes different weights for preschool programs for children with disabilities, K-8 schools and 9-12 schools. These weights are labeled Group A weights and are for items such as educational programs for career exploration, specific learning or emotional disabilities, mild intellectual disabilities, developmental delays and gifted students. Statute additionally establishes Group B weights for moderate to severe disabilities and prescribes different weights for specified disabilities, English Language Learner Programs and K-3 Reading Programs. The district multiplies its Average Daily Membership by the applicable student count for each Group A and Group B weight to determine its weighted student count.
Each school district is required to develop a scope and sequence for the identification process and curriculum modification for gifted students to ensure the provision of education commensurate with their academic abilities (A.R.S. § 15-779.02). If a governing board fails to submit the scope and sequence to the Arizona Department of Education or it is not approved than the district is determined to be ineligible for 7% of the Group A weight.
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Fifty-second Legislature
Second Regular Session 2 Education
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