As the parent of two gifted children (and one who is not), I have always been veryo pleased with the Gifted program in Virginia.  My feelings have been confirmed by my school psycholigist sister who lives in another state.  Why is it understood that the programs designed for Special Needs children or those who do not speak English as a native language are protected by state guidelines, yet we would not want the same for our gifted youngsters?  If we want the best return on our investment (our children), do not allow the approval of gifted instruction programs to be turned over to local school boards.  I am fortunate in that I live in Chesterfield County, but if I leaved in some areas I'd be worried that some of the books my kids should read would be banned by the school board and that my daughter who wants to be a physician would be taught creationism in her biology classes!!  Surely I am exaggerating, but certainly this proposal would put us back educationally.  We owe it to our children, and more importantly to society in general to do better.