FROM PDE:
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has the responsibility to ensure that all school districts providing gifted education, whether directly or by contractual arrangements, administer gifted education services and programs in compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations. To fulfill this responsibility, PDE has established administrative procedures for monitoring program implementation, including evaluating the appropriateness, effectiveness, and accountability of gifted education services and programs. PDE has developed the schedule for compliance monitoring for the 2025-26 school year, in which 10 school districts of varying sizes across the Commonwealth will be monitored. Additional monitoring, if deemed appropriate, may be designated as the school year progresses.
The Gifted Cyclical Monitoring for Continuous Improvement includes a Gifted Facilitated Self-Assessment (GFSA) completed by each school district and a virtual and/or onsite review by a PDE team, which may include peers who will conduct teacher/parent interviews or file reviews. The process includes a review of the GFSA submitted by the district; input from administrators, teachers, and parents; and verification activities of the information reported in the GFSA. Verification activities include file reviews of student documents; studies of service delivery; and analysis of policies, procedures, and outcomes.
Districts to be monitored will be emailed a video training link by , 2025. Districts must email Marcia Wilson at marciawils@pa.gov by , 2025 indicating the video has been viewed. The training will review the virtual/onsite monitoring process, documents, and GFSA submission, and provide suggestions and checklists regarding preparation and implementation of the monitoring process. Monitored districts are strongly encouraged to review the Gifted Monitoring Manual on PDE’s website, seek assistance from the IU Gifted Liaison for mock monitoring and/or the assigned monitoring chairperson.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation in complying with this state mandate. PDE recognizes the time and effort required on behalf of districts to successfully participate in gifted monitoring. Should you have any questions regarding the 2025-26 monitoring schedule outlined below, please contact Marcia Wilson at marciawils@pa.gov for assistance.
GIFTED EDUCATION COMPLIANCE MONITORING SCHEDULE
School Districts to be Monitored in 2025-26