Just a gifted athlete needs to be nurtured from a young age to grow into a talented Olympic or college athlete, our gifted students need the same support.  A ground-breaking scientist, for example, doesn't emerge all of a sudden as an adult.  He or she needs specialized education starting with elementary school onward to hone their critical thinking skills. 

I am very much against the proposed changes to the GT regulations.  They are short-sighted and will undercut an important training ground for our future leaders.  The changes might save money in the short-run, but they will end up costing our country more in the long-run.