I support the statements by Virginia Association for the Gifted (VAG)  and Virginia Advisory Committee for Education of the Gifted (VACEG).  I would like to add some very specific reasons for supporting the diligent and thoughtful responses of these organizations.

 

I have two children who have been identified gifted. I moved from the state of NJ to VA and my first child was immediately tested and identified as gifted and we received a phone call with an explanation on the program and things to consider. My child also has some special needs, as many gifted children do.  My son's teacher in NJ had been discussing my child with me, however, their only option was the normal education route. It was not really setting him up to succeed. I moved to a much smaller community in Virginia, with a much smaller per child spending rate and my child received services.   I believe the strong state regulations are the reason for the success.  My daughter entered Kindergarten with similar special academic aptitudes and similar problems as my son. She received Young Explorer services in Kindergarten and has since moved into the gifted program.   I believe that strong state regulations are the reason for the success.  NJ had requirements but did not provide any state funding or strict oversight to the regulations.  My children are receiving appropriate educational services based on their unique needs.  Requiring state oversight and specific funds is a necessary function to get these things done.  Schools will provide appropriate educational services and progress with standards, requirements and oversight.

 

I have worked in the fortune 500 for most of my career.  I have never seen a well performing organization without a 3-5 year plan that is internalized and that the organization is working  towards.  In fact, Annual Plans are approved every year; however, the driver during the entire year is around the immediate only. This often leads to budget cuts and poor decision making.  It is that looming 3-5 year plan that keeps investment or maintenance or the “right things” still on the table.