Do NOT adopt proposed changes to 8VAC20-40-60 and 8VAC20-40-70.

Please reject the Proposed Changes to Gifted Education in VA and protect the future of Virginia’s most unique and talented students. The proposed changes to the regulations governing gifted programs will compromise Gifted Education in VA. To safeguard the education of our gifted students, it is critical that the VA Department of Education keep the present regulations governing gifted programs. School board members are usually not experts in gifted education therefore they do not have the expertise to be responsible for evaluating Gifted Education Plans.  Having local proposed plans submitted to the Department of Education for approval assures that these plans meet state requirements and that students are receiving appropriate and equal education throughout the commonwealth.  It is important that the Virginia Department of Education mandate uniform standards and regulations statewide.

Funds allocated by the state for gifted education should be approved by the Virginia Department of Education. Without regulatory language protecting the funding of gifted program services, the local school districts could reduce or shift funds from gifted program to any other program or purpose.

In closing, we should be doing everything in our power to ensure that Gifted Education in Virginia continues to meet the needs of all of our gifted students. Our gifted students are our future leaders and we need to support their gifted educational needs so they are not "left behind". 

Thank you.