I do not see a need to amend the current regulations regarding gifted education.  As I understand this proposed amendment, it could result in a watering down of the progress made in gifted education.  Gifted students have special needs just as special education students or students who speak English as a second language.  Programs for those students are closely monitored by federal and state regulations whereas gifted programs are not.  Therefore, Virginia has an obligation to be the single advocate in funding and regulating what gifted education should look like.

This proposed amendment would allow districts to set their own criteria for identifying gifted students and could eliminate funding to provide teachers for these children.  It may make it to easy for various districts to make the regulations suit their budget needs rather than the needs of the students.  I urge you to carefully reconsider this amendment and choose to leave the current plan for gifted education in place as it is.

I am writing as a public school teacher who teaches children of all abilities and needs.  I am writing as a taxpayer.  I am writing as a parent with children that have graduated from the Virginia public schools.