§ 16.7. Special education.

 (a)  Nothing in this chapter is intended to reduce the protections afforded to students who are eligible for special education as provided for under Chapters 14 and 342 (relating to special education services and programs) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C.A. § §  1400—1485).

 (b)  If a student is determined to be both gifted and eligible for special education, the procedures in Chapters 14 and 342 shall take precedence. For these students identified with dual exceptionalities, the needs established under gifted status in this chapter shall be fully addressed in the procedures required in Chapters 14 and 342.

 (c)  For students who are gifted and eligible for special education, it is not necessary for school districts to conduct separate screening and evaluations, develop separate IEPs, or use separate procedural safeguards processes to provide for a student’s needs as both a gifted and an eligible student.