Brazilian Senate Approves National Policy to Support Gifted Students

On May 27, 2026, the Brazilian Senate approved Law Project 1049/2026, establishing a National Policy for Students with High Abilities or Giftedness (AH/SD) aimed at specialized educational support for gifted students. The legislation, now awaiting presidential sanction, outlines comprehensive measures to foster the development of students with high intellectual potential and advanced learning capabilities.

AH/SD is defined in the law as a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by high intellectual potential, advanced learning, and deep engagement in specific interests. The policy mandates specialized assistance such as acceleration of studies, grouping peers with similar abilities, and access to enrichment programs.

To support these initiatives, the law requires the creation of reference centers for giftedness in partnership with states and municipalities. These centers will include multifunctional resource rooms and laboratories. Funding will be secured from several public sources, including the Pre-salt Social Fund, fixed lottery revenues, educational salaries allocated to the Fund for the Maintenance and Development of Basic Education (Fundeb), and public investments from the Growth Acceleration Program (PAC).

Approximately 56,000 students were identified with AH/SD according to the 2025 School Census. However, the policy acknowledges under-identification issues, noting gaps in census data from over 2,400 municipalities. To address this, the project introduces an annual screening mechanism using pedagogical tools to identify students confidentially, without stigmatizing them. These results will guide educational planning and resource allocation.

A national registry for gifted students will be established, fulfilling guidelines present since 2015 in Brazil's Education Guidelines and Bases Law (LDB). Additionally, specialized multidisciplinary teams will conduct assessments, particularly for students with dual exceptionalities (giftedness alongside other learning needs).

Minor textual amendments were made during Senate deliberations for clarity without changing the project's intent. The bill was championed by Deputy Soraya Santos (PL-RJ) and Senator Professora Dorinha Seabra (União-TO). Their work reflects a strong national commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and support for Brazil's gifted student population.