Do not approve the regulations regarding Gifted Education in Virginia as proposed.  

First, the proposal removes the need for DOE oversight and regulation, forcing local school boards to become experts in gifted education, something that is not reasonable to expect.  Our gifted students need to be aided in achieving their highest potential since they are tomorrows leaders.  A consistent, well thought out plan, reviewed and approved by experts in the field at the DOE goes a long way toward making that happen.  In addition, a state approved plan will remove potential legal pressure on local boards if/when some parents are not happy with the local board plan and sue.  If the local plan meets state standards and has been approved by the state DOE, then the local board has some "top cover", reducing potential litigation costs.

Specifically, in section 8VAC20-40-55, Parental rights for notification, consent, and appeal,  paragraph A, remove: Each school board shall review and approve annually a comprehensive plan for the education of gifted students that includes the components identified in these regulations.and replace it with the orginal wording, namely  Each school division shall submit to the Department of Education for approval a plan for the education of gifted students that includes the components identified in these regulations.