The proposed changes will have the effect of weakening gifted program throughout the state and could be the beginning of the dismantling of gifted programs in counties where budgets are tight.  I believe all students deserve to learn and be challenged, and if a child is an exceptional learner, it is the public school system's duty to see to it that that child has an opportunity to reach his/her potential.  Too often, the emphasis we hear about is AYP and bringing SOL scores up for low performers.  Little is said about the minority of students who are bouncing their heads off the learning ceiling that has been placed too low for them.  Without State oversight and five year plans that look beyond local politics, I believe programs dedicated to the small minority of exceptional learners. will become a thing of the past.  What a shame that would be.  Please support gifted education in Virginia and vote no on proposed changes that can only weaken and damage education for exceptional learners.