The Committee on Instruction approved first reading and filing authorization for a proposed amendment to 19 TAC chapter 89 (Adaptations for Special Populations), subchapter A, section 89.1 on student identification, adding an explicit requirement that districts’ gifted-and-talented identification policies and selection processes not be based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status or disability.

Kristin McGuire of the Office of Special Populations and Student Supports presented the proposal and said the amendment is intended to align district policies with the State Board of Education’s revised state plan for gifted and talented (revised September 2024) and to make clear expectations for equitable identification. McGuire said the change is an added layer to encourage compliance with statute and board expectations.

A committee member emphasized that students with disabilities can also be gifted (commonly called "twice-exceptional") and that identification policies must account for that possibility. McGuire confirmed the intent that districts ensure fair identification and selection for gifted programs across demographic groups and disability status. The committee moved and seconded the item for first reading and filing authorization; the motion passed with no objection.

The amendment will go through public comment during the filing process. Staff indicated they will collect feedback as part of the rulemaking process.