In Virginia, we have developed a gifted education system that meets the needs of our students and produces outstanding young men and women who will become our leaders, inventers...the backbone of our nation.

In the two proposed changes to our current system (8VAC20-40-60 & 8VAC20-40-70), we are eliminating language that will ensure the continued funding of this system and the oversight of gifted programs that assures students, parents, educators and taxpayers we are using taxpayer's funds to develop the highest quality programs for our students.

8VAC20-40-60 - Stating clearly how funds may be used to support our gifted programs is not redundant.  It ensures that allocated funds are used as designated.  Especially in our current climate of budgetary cuts, guaranteeing that funds designated for gifted education may not be reallocated to cover other shortfalls is NECESSARY.

8VAC20-40-70 - In what entity should be entrust the oversight of our gifted programs?  Should we remain with our current system of producing a 5-year plan, assessment by DOE and peer review amongst gifted education coordinators or local oversight based upon a 1 year program?  Our students' expectation of a well-crafted curriculum that builds their knowledge base and integrates themes across the core curriculum cannot be produced annually.  Our gifted education centers work dilligently to develop programs that will challenge our students on a continuum - not based upon whether or not funding will be allocated or yearly approval. 

Virginians have built a gifted education program of which they should be very proud.  Do NOT approve such detrimental regulations (8VAC20-40-60 & 8VAC20-40-70) to save a few dollars at the expense of our children's future.

Thank you for allowing my comments