I would like to request that the Board maintain State oversight of local Gifted Education plans.

 

State and local budgets often put constraints on “special programming” and without State oversight I fear that Gifted Education would be at great risk for further constraints.

 

The DOE establishes guidelines based on research and best educational practices to benefit gifted students – research that may be unknown to local school boards – to ensure a level of consistency across the state.

 

Gifted students are exceptional learners with educational needs as valid as those of students with disabilities yet they currently do not have the same level of state accountability. Allowing local school boards to determine the appropriateness of gifted programs will reduce the level of accountability further.

 

The needs of gifted students in Virginia may not be adequately met unless the DOE ensures the accountability and funding of gifted programs by maintaining oversight of local gifted plans.