As a parent of four identified gifted children and one special needs child, as well as being an educator with over 30 years of experience, I have always advocated for the rights of all of our very special children to an education that not only meets but exceeds their needs. It's sad when the politicians start cutting and manipulating the programs from which our society will most benefit in the future such as our gifted programs.

It is also sad that they would want the approval of a district's gifted plan to be by the local school board rather than a qualified panel of gifted educators. I fear that the majority of board members are simply not knowledgeable enough in the educational/curriculum needs or social/emotional needs of gifted students to make an informed decision on a plan for these students. 

I also think that the current five year plan with yearly reviews is good. A year is not enough time to put a plan into action. There would not be enough data to really know whether the plan was working or not.

Funding for gifted programs is minimal at best. These funds should remain for the use and support of a district's gifted program.

I fully support the VAG's recommendations.