But this could be their year. At least three bills lawmakers will consider this session aim to bolster programs for stellar students. They include:

* Advanced Placement classes for small schools: House Bill 123, sponsored by Rep. Ben Ferry, R-Corinne, asks for another $1 million for gifted and talented programs and Advanced Placement classes, particularly for school districts and charter schools that might otherwise fall short of funding because of low enrollment.

"Kids are capable everywhere . . . but opportunities sometimes wane in some places," Ferry said. "

The bill is designed partly to help districts such as Tintic School District, which had only 260 students last year. Tintic isn't able to offer A.P. classes or traditional gifted and talented programs because of its size, though it does offer concurrent enrollment.

Tintic Superintendent Ron Barlow likes the concept of getting more money to offer A.P. classes and gifted and talented programs. However, he's concerned about the part of Ferry's bill that would distribute the $1 million through competitive grants. As the district's only full-time administrator, Barlow said he doesn't have the time to write a proposal that might not get funded.

* International Baccalau- reate: House Bill 266, sponsored by Rep. Carol Spackman Moss, D-Holladay, asks for $300,000 to help schools pay for I.B. programs, which offer a college preparatory curricu- lum.

Now, the state chips in for A.P. programs by reimbursing schools based on how many of A.P. tests their students pass. But the state doesn't help districts to pay for I.B., which some say has stunted the program's growth in Utah. Seven Utah schools now offer I.B.

"It's precisely what legislators here are pushing for, getting these kids into rigorous courses so they're ready for college," Moss said.

Clearfield High School I.B. coordinator Rebecca Van Dyke said money from the state would help because the program can cost as much as $300,000 a year based on fees, teacher training, helping students to pay for the I.B. tests.

"Schools are penalized by having to find money for these programs," Van Dyke said.

* Gifted children: Rep. Brad Last, R-St. George, is expected to help push for $5.8 million to help train educators to work with gifted children through a program called Project Rescue.

The $5.8 million over three years would be used to train regular teachers, largely through technology, how to serve gifted students in their classrooms.

"We have an opportunity here to do something where we can really make a difference," Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper said last week.