I am opposed to the adoption of the proposed changes in gifted regulations.  Of particular concern are the following:

1.  Oversight of gifted programs should continue to rest with the state.  There is no guarantee that local school boards will have anyone with expertise in gifted education to advocate for our students.  In addition, local school boards are facing significant budgetary challenges.  I fear that the first place to cut would be for those students the system knows will be successful with or without challenging work.

2.  Requiring local plans to be completed annually would place an undue burden on school systems and gifted education staff and leave little time for program activities.