Action | Revision of regulations school divisions must meet in their gifted education programs, K - 12 |
Stage | Proposed |
Comment Period | Ended on 9/26/2008 |
As a gifted resource teacher in Virginia Beach I have had the opportunity to attend many conferences throughout the nation and network with educators of gifted students across our country. As I speak with these teachers and curriculum specialists I have a sense of pride regarding the program for gifted education in place in Virginia Beach and Virginia. We are clearly more advanced than many other school systems and states. I am concerned that if the proposed Gifted Program Regulations are adopted our state will face a crisis in gifted ed and that our gifted students will suffer as a result. These changes do not reflect the most recent trends and best practices for gifted education, nor do they take into account the needs of large school systems such as VBCPS. I am particularly concerned with the following:
In conclusion, we must ensure that our gifted students continue to receive high quality curriculum and instruction on a regular basis. This can only be accomplished through ample funding that is adminstered by the DOE and that funding must support a systems approved plan for gifted education. Please ensure that in a time where the focus is that no child get left behind that we don't forget our gifted learners. It is important that during this time of high stakes testing and AYP that we don't lose this important group of students.