Regulations for the Gifted Education Program in VA should not be changed as proposed. Recommend maintaining DOE  oversight and protecting the funds allocated for the Gifted Program.

(1)   Each local school division shall submit to the Department of Education for approval a plan, developed on a 5-year basis, for the education of gifted students to ensure that the regulations are being followed.

(2)   State funds administered by the DOE for the education of gifted students shall be used only to support those activities identified in the school division's plan as approved by the Board of Education (BOE).

How can we expect school board members who are not experts in gifted education to be responsible for Gifted Education Plans? It would also be irresponsible to give local school districts access to funds originally intended for gifted program services. Without regulatory language protecting the funding of gifted program services, the local school districts could reduce or end gifted programs by using funds for other purposes.

Children are our future and it is your responsibility to protect their access to gifted education programs!