NC Legislation for AIG
In 1996, the North Carolina General Assembly passed important legislation (N.C.G.S. § 115C-150.5) that protects the rights of students with gifts and talents. This legislation is referred to as Article 9b and mandates all public schools serving students from K to grade 12 identify and serve Academically or Intellectually (AIG) gifted students or those with potential.
Below is an excerpt from Article 9b that serves as the state definition of AIG students:
“The General Assembly believes the public schools should challenge all students to aim for academic excellence and that academically or intellectually gifted students perform or show the potential to perform at substantially high levels of accomplishments when compared with others their age, experience or environment. Academically or intellectually gifted students exhibit high performance capability in intellectual areas, specific academic fields, or in both intellectual areas and specific academic fields. Academically or intellectually gifted students require differentiated education services beyond those ordinarily provided by the regular educational program. Outstanding abilities are present in students from all cultural groups, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human behavior”
School districts retain the flexibility to determine how they identify AIG students and provide services. Every three years, schools are required to revise and submit a copy of their program plan to NC DPI for review (Article 9B ~115C-150.5-.8). The NC Program Standards (2015) are used by districts as a guide to develop their program plans. See the local AIG plans across the state.