Dear Legislators,

I am writing as the parent of two gifted children and as an educator.  Please do not pass this legislation as amended in terms of removing state Department of Education oversight of local plans for school services for the gifted, K-12.  It is absolutely essential that the state approve each school division's local plan.  Over the past few weeks we have had ample coverage in the media of what happens when government oversight is "deregulated".  Although this applies to the financial segment of our society, it is an example of what can happen when standards are left to individual entities' interpretation.  The services to the consumer (i.e. students and families) are undermined and even withdrawn. 

Our gifted and high potential students deserve a range of differentiated services just as much as do students with disabilities and special needs.  In a highly competitive global market, don't we want to be ensuring that the most intelligent and creative individuals are encouraged to reach their full potential?  What is wrong with recognizing that people have special intellectual gifts?  We recognize outstanding athletes within the public school context and offer them opportunities for talent development.  Why go backwards in terms of recognizing gifted potential by loosening state oversight of educational services for the gifted?  If the Commonwealth of Virginia does not require approval of each school division's local plan for gifted services, then each division can reinterpret its delivery of services to suit its political and economic interests.  This is not good for the common weal.  Please do not pass this legislation.

Sincerely,

Leslie Baskin-Asip