As a parent and an educator, I urge you not to accept the proposed revisions. I participated in Virginia's Gifted program and now have a child in that program. One reason for our family's return to Virginia was to take advantage of the state's superior educational programs. I am concerned that these programs will be drastically altered if the proposed revisions are adopted. It is imperative that money allotted for gifted education be spent only on gifted education. Please reinstate the requirement that gifted funding must be used only to support gifted programs and activities. In this economy there are so many areas in need of funding that I fear money placed in a 'general fund' will be spent in areas other than our gifted program.  I also encourage a return to a five year plan. Long-term planning is important; it allows for meaningful goal-setting and public comment.