Yesterday, the Education and the Workforce Committee within the U.S. House of Representatives voted to eliminate more than 40 education programs, citing them as unnecessary and wasteful.
Among the programs eliminated was the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Act, the sole federal investment supporting gifted education. CEC and its members have long advocated for the expansion of the Javits program to better address the needs of students with gifts and talents and the professionals who work on their behalf.
Congressman Rush Holt (D-12-NJ) – along with Reps. Wu (D-1-OR), Woolsey (D-6-CA), Davis (D-53-CA) – introduced an amendment to preserve gifted education within the Elementary and Secondary Education Act/No Child Left Behind, which was ultimately defeated. But, in a note to CEC members (see below), Rep. Holt pledges to “continue to fight” for gifted education. CEC is honored to have Rep. Holt as a committed partner in seeing to it that states and school districts have the resources needed meet the needs of students with gifts and talents.
CEC Members from central New Jersey: Take a moment to thank Rep. Holt for his support and dedication! http://holt.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=382&Itemid=2
May 25, 2011
Dear CEC Members,
Today the House Education and Workforce marked up a bill that would eliminate more than 40 education programs, including the Javits Gifted and Talented Education program. As you know, this program supports research, demonstration projects and other activities designed to help elementary and secondary schools meet the needs of gifted and talented students. Like you, I support this program and others run by states and local school districts that help ensure all students are challenged to learn at the appropriate level.
You may be pleased to know that I offered an amendment to ensure that gifted and talented services would still be available to our nation’s students. While my amendment was not successful, I will continue to fight to protect these vital student services. The New Jersey families I have met with who benefit from this type of instruction should not be abandoned.
Sincerely,
Congressman Rush Holt (D-12-NJ)
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