Are students who are gifted required by federal law to have an Individualized Education Program (IEP)?

The assertion that students who are gifted are not required by federal law to have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is accurate. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which governs special education services, IEPs are specifically designed for students with identified disabilities that impact their ability to learn in a traditional school setting. Gifted students, while they may be high achievers or have exceptional abilities, do not fall under this category solely based on their giftedness.

While many states have provisions for gifted education and may offer services, support, or programming tailored to meet the needs of gifted students, there is no federal law requiring these students to have IEPs. Instead, gifted education is often managed through different frameworks, like Gifted Individualized Learning Plans (GILPs) or other methods of differentiation in the classroom, depending on state and district policies.

Understanding this distinction helps clarify the educational requirements and supports for gifted students. This response aligns with educational frameworks that focus on distinct practices for those who are classified as gifted versus those who have qualifying disabilities.