It is with dismay that I contemplate the new revisions to the regulations governing gifted students in Virginia. Instead of moving forward and improving education for gifted learners, we will be taking a huge step backwards if these revisions are approved. The revisions have been written without the input of our university leaders, the state organization that supports parents and educators, the state consortium of gifted administrators, teachers and parents. Yes, we now have the opportunity to respond to the revisions, but I must ask: Why were we not given the opportunity to participate in their development? Because of this lack of input, we are now trying to fix a set of regulations that, at best, will only leave us where we were before the process began; and at worst, will leave us far behind. If the Board of Education wants to do what is right, they will stop this process and begin again by utilizing the vast talent they have in the Commonwealth to craft a set of revisions that promote continued excellence.

 

Where is language that demands that we use norm-referenced aptitude or achievement tests for identifying students in specific academic areas? Reliance on Standards of Learning test gives us insufficient data to identify those students who are demonstrating or capable of demonstrating outstanding achievement.

 

What about making sure we have assurances that divisions will set in place acceleration options with procedures and safeguards that allow students to learn at their own pace? In 2004, The John Templeton Foundation sponsored a report titled A Nation Deceived: How Schools Hold Back America's Brightest Students. This national report highlighted the disparity between the research on acceleration and the educational beliefs and practices that often run contrary to the research. The publication of A Nation Deceived has resulted in a national conversation about acceleration and gifted students. Why is Virginia not participating in this conversation by adopting revisions that reflect this research?

 

If we must work with the proposed revisions, please begin by adopting the recommendations made by the Virginia Association for the Gifted.