We have three children who have all participated in the gifted educational programs in Chesterfield County.  As a licensed teacher, I have not only seen how these programs have benefited gifted learners, but I have also been exposed to numerous other programs in our school systems and seen how they operate.  Changing the legislation regarding gifted education would greatly compromise the scope and integrity of the programs.  Gifted learners have the same special needs as the students in other programs and definitely deserve the same attention, rights, and funding.  The proposed legislative changes would have a resounding negative impact on current gifted educational programs.  Please don't short-change our children!  They are our leaders of tomorrow.