As a parent of a gifted child, I am opposed to the proposed changes to gifted education. Over the past two years, I have experienced first hand the benefits of a quality gifted education program for my daughter. It is critical that the state designate funding for gifted education that will be used for gifted education only. Please require school systems to follow a designated five-year plan, and be held accountable to that five-year plan. As with any or our special needs students, our gifted students should not be left behind and deserve a system that will allow them to reach their full potential.