I taught gifted education for almost twenty years and am very familiar with the state regulations.  While some of the changes to the regulations look like good editing, I am deeply concerned about and opposed to the changes that would not require anyone outside the local system to review that sysem's plan for gifted education and that would not require funding to be used only for gifted education.  These two changes could destroy gifted programs.  Some localities would have little motivation to plan and fund high quality gifted programs.  Gifted students will be the futrue leaders and innovators.  They have special needs and are at risk for not achieving their potential. Gifted students generally  already know at least 70% of the material that will be presented to them at any given grade level before entering that grade.  They need and deserve educational opportunities that will challenge them.  Please keep the five year plans, have them reviewed outside the local system, and provide funding that must be spent only on these programs.  Thank you.