I am very concerned about the proposed changes, especially as someone who came up through the public education system for the gifted.  I attended magnet programs in both Fairfax County and the Richmond area (as a Henrico student attending the GSGIS regional governor's school), and worry about the negative impact these changes would have in preparing students for these excellent programs and supporting them while they are there.  These programs not only serve our students with special needs, but also attract top-notch workers and residents who, as parents, want the best options available for their children.  And yes, I do believe gifted students ahve serious special needs; we need to bear in mind that these students' IQs are frequently just as far from the mean as those identified as severely learning disabled.