I oppose the changes to regulations for gifted education in Virginia.

I believe we should use the five-year plan  because it offers consistency for gifted instruction.  This would keep things running smoothly and allow teachers and administrators to prepare for changes.  In contrast, annual plans have a short-term focus and could result in drastic changes from one year to the next.  This would also help to ensure that the people making changes and writing new regulations have expertise in gifted education.

Taking out the language that dedicates funding for gifted education will result in fewer resources for our valuable students.  Without this requirement, it is highly likely school divisions will redirect the funding for other needs they view as more critical.

If we decide to adopt these regulations it could lead to cuts in funding and whole programs.  It is up to us to make sure that as a state we don't go backwards.