In addition to being the parent of a gifted child, I am also in my 30th year as a public school educator.  It has been my honor to serve six Virginia school divisions as teacher, assistant principal, principal and central office administrator.  In these roles I've had some degree of responsibility for a variety of programs, including Special Education, LEP, Title I, Fine Arts, testing and Gifted Services.  It has been my observation that there is more myth, misperception and misunderstanding surrounding gifted education than any other instructional program.  While it is clear to most that services must be funded and supported for students who are struggling to pass state standards, the needs of our most able students are frequently discounted.  This is disheartening to me.  Public schools exist to meet the educational needs of ALL students, including those who require challenge beyond typical grade level standards.  This isn't a competition, Special Education vs. GT vs. Title I vs. Career and Technical....  The needs of gifted students should be seen as important, along with all others.

While my child is in a school division that recognizes the needs of gifted students, I feel strongly that VDOE should continue to approve local gifted plans.  Because the average taxpayer doesn't understand the need for gifted services, school boards might find themselves giving in to public pressure to reduce services to save money.  I also strongly encourage you to reinstate the language regarding using GT funds for only gifted services.

Finally, I am strongly in favor of assessment that tells us how much our children have grown academically each year.  Research indicates that gifted students are likely to show little progress in a school year, based on the fact that they begin the year already knowing most of the content to be covered.  SOL tests do not give us adequate information.

Please do not adopt the regulations as currently proposed!