This article links research and practice through discussion of policy’s conceptual aspects illustrated through real-world examples. Gifted education policy essentials, identification, curriculum and services, personnel preparation, and program management, assessment, and evaluation are described. Examples from studies of one state help the reader to understand the power of policy. Leadership and monitoring of current policies, keeping abreast of developments in the field, and ascertaining through data that gifted programs are having the desired impacts are fundamental. Readers are encouraged to use guiding questions as they think through gifted education policy in their own districts or states, with the goal of continuous improvement in services and opportunities for gifted and talented students.
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