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CEC Urges Department of Ed Not to Ignore Needs of Students with Gifts and Talents

On February 13, 2008 CEC responded to a proposal by the U.S. Department of Education that seeks to dramatically alter the focus of the only federal program that supports the identification and education of students with gifts and talents, the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Act.  The Department’s proposal would redirect funding away from students with gifts and talents and would instead move toward using gifted education strategies for all students.  While CEC agrees that many children in general education would benefit from receiving gifted education strategies, CEC believes that this change in focus varies dramatically from the stated purpose of the law and if enacted, would abandon those students the law is intended to assist.

CEC has been working closely with members of Congress – including Senator Grassley (R-IA) and Congressman Gallegly (R-CA) among many others  -- to encourage the Department of Education to reconsider it’s misguided plan for the Javits program.  In addition, the weekly newspaper, Education Week, published an article titled Advocates Worry Gifted Funding Veering Off Course.

• Read CEC’s letter to the Department of Education
• Read Senator Grassley’s press release and letter to the Department of Education
• Read Congressman Gallegly’s letter to the Department of Education
• Read Education Week’s article
• Read the Federal Register notice on the proposed changes to Javits priorities and how to respond (due March 10, 2008)