Advocacy

AAGT is the Voice for Arizona’s Gifted & Talented

Receive up-to-the-minute news about important legislation affecting gifted education. AAGT appreciates every contribution and any kind of support given that helps us advocate for the diverse population of gifted children in the state of Arizona.

Overview

Advocacy is the act of supporting or promoting an idea, cause, or policy, and it happens regularly when we express our views to friends, family, or employers. This could involve advocating for our children with their teachers or as educators on behalf of students. Legislative advocacy is a more specialized form, focused on influencing policymakers at local, state, and federal levels. Success in advocacy relies on building trusting relationships over time with decision-makers, which is especially important in legislative contexts. For effective legislative action, gifted education supporters are encouraged to contact their elected representatives on behalf of gifted students. If you’re concerned about lobbying restrictions for 501(c)(3) organizations, you can find more information here.

Toolkit

Arizona is building a Gifted and Talented Best Practices Toolkit!

Please Take a few moments to tell us who you are and get your instant download for “gifted instructional strategy and methodology cards”.

Are you part of the Community Action Network (CAN)?

The Community Action Network (CAN), a coalition of citizens organized through AAGT, advocates for equitable gifted education in Arizona by attending meetings, writing letters, and contacting policymakers to raise awareness about gifted students’ needs. AAGT provides relevant information and data to support these efforts, allowing advocates to share personal stories about the impact of proposed actions. During the legislative session, CAN members receive Action Alerts to participate in discussions on gifted education legislation.

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Advocacy Updates

The AAGT Advocacy Task Force works each year to keep a pulse on State and National Legislative efforts, as well as advocating at the district level. Please see below for current advocacy efforts.

As a constituent, keep your legislator aware of what is important in your child’s education by remaining in contact with them. It takes many voices to make change and we are counting on you!

To find your district(s) and legislators: www.azleg.gov/findmylegislator/

If you have questions or require further information, please contact the AAGT Advocacy Task Force.

Latest Advocacy News

Community Action Alert – Advocacy on a National Level

Gifted and talented education is a critical area that requires attention and investment, as it not only helps talented students reach their full potential but also plays a crucial role in fostering innovation, creativity, and progress in our society. Our gifted and talented students come from all backgrounds and cultures, and it is our responsibility…

CAN Alert: The Promise to Fund Public Education MUST be Kept

In June of 2022, the Arizona Legislature passed a historic FY2023 budget that provides an additional $800 million dollars to provide much-needed funding for special education, school safety, teacher pay, and facility repairs. But – if the Legislature doesn’t vote to override the Constitutional Aggregate Expenditure Limit (AEL) by March 1, Arizona schools will have…

2022 Candidate Survey Results

Our 2022 Candidate Survey Results are in – we contacted the candidates in all of the legislative districts in Arizona to hear their thoughts on Gifted and Talented Education in our state. Here are their responses to our short survey! To find your district(s): azredistricting.org/districtlocator To find your legislators once you know your district: www.azleg.gov/memberroster/ Sandra Clark…

See all past advocacy articles

AAGT Advocacy on YouTube

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Arizona Law

Arizona is one of the few states in the nation that has a law regarding the education of gifted students. ARS 15-779 offers the state definition of a gifted child, as well as appropriate services and school responsibilities for the educational and social well-being of gifted students.

15-779. DEFINITIONS

In this article, unless the context otherwise requires:

“Gifted education” means appropriate academic course offerings and services that are required to provide an educational program that is an integral part of the regular school day and that is commensurate with the academic abilities and potential of a gifted pupil.
“Gifted pupil” means a child who is of lawful school age, who due to superior intellect or advanced learning ability, or both, is not afforded an opportunity for otherwise attainable progress and development in regular classroom instruction and who needs appropriate gifted education services, to achieve at levels commensurate with the child’s intellect and ability.