Illinois Constitution, Article X, Section 1:

"A fundamental goal of the People of the State is the educational development of all persons to the limits of their capacities."


Illinois Gifted Legislation

School Code:                                         Public Act 094-0151
Rules and Regulations:                       ISBE Part 227
"Twice-exceptional":                           Public Act 096-0382
Funding and Grants Amendment:   Public Act 096-1152 

Amending ESEA

The TALENT Act has been referred to the Senate and House education committees, but we do not expect that the bills will be considered by the committees as stand-alone bills.  Instead, our goal is to incorporate the text of TALENT into the House and Senate education committee versions of the reauthorization of the Elementary & Secondary Education Act (ESEA).  The committee chairmen will be introducing their versions of a new ESEA after consulting for months (years!) with stakeholders, colleagues, and staff.  Know that our effort is not unique.  Many, many members of Congress have introduced various bills – some narrowly focused, some very comprehensive – that they, too, would like to include in the committee-drafted versions of ESEA.

Cosponsors

The most effective way to show the chairmen that there is support for TALENT and for high-ability students is to gather cosponsors for both bills.

This is where you can be of most help. You are the “grassroots” advocates who can generate requests to Members of Congress to cosponsor S. 857 (in the Senate) or H.R.1674 (in the House).  Also, your communication with your Senators and the entire Congressional delegation carries weight.