The proposed changes should not be implemented.

The proposed text removes state oversight of local school boards and allows potential for local divisions to alter the local interpretation of the term "gifted" to the point that TAG services may no longer benefit those students who truly need them. 

Already individual divisions are insisting upon complete re-acceptance of TAG-identified students who move into an area from another division.  The state should work toward ending this redundancy of effort rather than increasing local idiosyncrasies. 

Furthermore, state monies destined for local TAG services should remain strongly designated for TAG. 

TAG students are not the majority in school districts and an elected school board that needs to worry about votes may be tempted to change local policies to appease the greatest number of voters rather than help the minority of children who need TAG services.  Some school board members have already stated that their goal is to reallocate funds from students whose talent means they don’t need individual attention to the average student despite evidence that strongly suggests that gifted students can fail to reach their potential if forced to continue in an environment that does not stimulate them.  Gifted education should be strengthened at the state level rather than significantly weakened as it would be if this action is accepted. 

These proposed changes would be a step backward for education in Virginia.