School Funding Matters

School funding matters in different ways. If you are a gifted student, teacher, or coordinator, the $25.00 per student fund (even if it's for all students as stated in the notes) is an extreme undervaluation of what is required to adequately serve gifted students in Ohio. Every student should have equal access to a high quality teacher. If the $25 stands, highly qualified gifted teachers and coordinators will be eliminated. This will adversely affect the ability of any of these students to receive an equitable education. What happens to students who have teachers who are not fully qualified to meet their unique needs? The fact is that we as a nation need to compete globally. It would be only logical then to promote those with the greatest intellectual potential. So, why does this model go against basic logic? Where is the evidence that shows that leaving gifted kids behind is the best method? The unfortunately reality is that this model holds gifted kids back by underfunding their educational needs. A child who is unable to advance is ultimately left behind.

Dear Brenda Gifted students fall under the category of students with special education. Their are funds available for them and programs to service these students with much more than just $25.00 a year per student. Look into your district funding and budget, for these children should not suffer.