As a Virginia resident and parent of a gifted child, I am very concerned to hear about the proposed changes to gifted education regulations.  First, I find it troubling that the funding for such education may be pushed from the state level down to local communities.  Many of these communities may choose not to fund gifted programs which would be a loss for the students and for society.  Second, I am worried that the emphasis on annual rather than 5-year plans will not have the intended effect.  Annual reviews will create needless work and will not result in the type of long-term planning and study that will ultimately benefit the programs.  I am particularly worried that the annual reviews will be conducted by local communities without the oversight, experience, and sharing of best practices that would be ensured by having the programs controlled at the state level.

Gifted education often falls under special education because these students have special needs that must be encouraged and nurtured.  Gifted students require unique curriculm, learning environments, and teaching skills to bring out the best of their abilities.  I can guarantee that there would be a tremendous uproar if such changes were proposed for other areas of special education.  I strongly believe that we must ensure the best education for every student along the special needs spectrum by providing state control over funding and long-term planning.

I have chosen to have my child attend public school versus private school because I truly believe that she is receiving the best education possible.  To date, all of her educational needs have been met in public school.  I am proud that Virginia public schools have provided to her the many resources and services that she requires as a gifted student.  I fear that the proposed changes would result in taking a step back in educating gifted children and I strongly urge that these changes not be approved.