As a Virginian, I am discouraged that this proposal is trying to give less to the some of the brightest assets in our state.  Virginia needs to look beyond meeting the minimum standards for success and consider how we can reach our highest educational goals, especially at the elementary school level.

We need MORE gifted education in our schools, well qualified teachers and earmarked funding to acheive gifted education goals.  Gifted children need academic challenges and time for working in peer groups.  The time each week that Virginia elementary students recieve gifted instruction is scant compared to the time they sit in classes that are below their ability level.  While I understand and support the efforts of classroom teachers to make sure that all their students meet the SOL standard, it is essential that gifted children also receive a well researched and enriching curriculum taught by a teacher whose focus is NOT on univerasal education.  My children have been  very lucky to have two wonderful gifted teachers who are advocates for them receiving everything currently available.   What is currently available and the quality of those teaching it should not be reduced, it should be increased.

We can not afford to lose a minute of opportunity with these kids because they are the states best hope for a remarkable future.