Please do not approve the current proposed gifted regulations.  I have three major concerns:

1.  Do not delete any words or phrases that may allow localities to reduce funding.  We are in a funding crisis that is compounded by NCLB as well as our current economy.  Gifted students deserve excellent programs, which require appropriate funding.  Small divisions, as well as large school divisions, are struggling financially to meet the needs of all students.  Please don't reduce verbiage that will allow divisions to cut money for their gifted programs.


2.  A five-year plan that is reviewed by peers and approved at the state level is essential.  This process gives strength, guidance, continuity, and legal ramifications to gifted programs across the state.


3.  Stating that eligibility decisions must be decided upon 60 days of receipt of referral will create problems.  Testing cannot be done without signed permission for parents or legal guardians.  In my experience, procuring that permission often takes many days.  Eligibility decisions within 60 days of receipt of parent permission to test is a much more feasible regulation.