With the implementation of the VLA in Virginia Elementary Schools, all gifted students are being required to be taught grade level material in their English/Language Arts classes. This sends the message that gifted students' needs are not important. Please expand regulations to address the need for above grade level instruction for our gifted children.  In addition, strengthen the language of the regulations to make it clear that gifted education is not a choice but a requirement. I have been in gifted education in Virginia for decades and I have not seen one step forward in regards to expanding gifted education requirements or even recognizing them statewide as a need and not a want. The sweeping requirements of the VLA has proven that gifted students are not recognized as needing "different" instruction. The VLA has given LEA's an excuse to not require advanced instruction in ELA.