I am very concerned about the proposed changes in the Virginia Regulations for serving gifted students. I feel Virginia has earned a wonderful reputation in the area of gifted education with the support of universities like UVA and William and Mary.  It is troubling that the five-year plans are in jeopardy.  Their purpose helps school systems revaluate their programs and set goals for future success.  The peer review process is essential as is state approval of the plans to ensure that services are being delivered to this population of students in the best ways possible.  Funding for gifted students must be earmarked for those services that directly impact those students and the programming that supports them.  Without clear guidelines, I fear monies and resources could be reallocated to support students who aren't making the minimum requirements. 

Other suggested changes would have difficult implications for many programs as well.  The requirement of a 60-day turn-around for identification is simply unreasonable when you consider the multiple criteria that are being collected to maintain a fair and well-balanced identification process.  Also, the type of testing and assessment of progress should not be mandated.  School systems with different goals and services should have the freedom to choose the tests and methods to report gains which would best fit the population and match the type of services offered within their system. 

I urge your careful consideration of all the comments to make this important decision for Virginia.  The future of one of America's greatest assets, gifted children, is in your hands.

Respectfully submitted,

Pamela Clark