Our gifted students are our future leaders.  It is our responsibility to provide ALL gifted learners with the tools, technology, and programs that will meet their needs to further their education.  The state needs to oversee these programs to allow for equity of ALL students across the state in our gifted programs.  School boards should not be allowed to make decisions which would influence how a gifted program is handled - only  qualified specialists in the field of gifted education would know how to implement and make decisions for these programs.  It is imperative that the five year plans continue and educators are involved in making these plans effective.

We know that in education, once something is taken away, it is very hard to get it back. We are moving in the right direction now.  We need to continue to move forward with our gifted programs in such a way that  there is consistency provided across the state by standards that have been set for everyone.  Passing these new regulations would be a step in the wrong direction.  Please do not change regulations that are in place now as they are benefiting our children.