To whom it may concern:  The state of gifted education in Virginia and in the United States in general is in strong need of both improved legislative and financial support.  Current events can only heighten awareness of our common need for improved educational services to students who may strongly impact the future of our society. Regulations such as those proposed here do not represent positive growth for either our students or our democracy.  This process could benefit from further revision which demonstrates support for academically talented learners.  To quote a well-respected educator and psychologist, Abraham Maslow, "Especially must we learn how to transcend our foolish tendency to let our compassion for the weak generate hatred for the strong."  Gifted learners need support too in order to grow; no children left behind!