This post is from from my other blog here

Today's "Extra Credit" column by Jay Mathews of the Washington Post (in the Loudoun Extra Section) contains an excellent letter and summary of the non-availability of gifted programs in Loudoun county. The writer, herself a product of the first gifted programs in Fairfax, states "the gifted program in Loudoun County is an attempt at appeasement"...basically, trying to avoid non-included families getting angry, and trying not to spend excessively for a small segment of the community. "Instead, they have instituted a pullout system that is the worst of both worlds".

This parent and teacher perspective, in our opinion, is absolutely accurate. And, while tepid and unimaginative, Jay's response is also absolutely accurate. He "suspects many Loudoun County educators will take issue with your view" (which they do, though contrary to many parents' opinions), and "it is hard to justify to taxpayers" (which it is). He further states "the only solution...is opportunities outside the system - clubs, tutors, college courses".

He's right on, and his curt response tends to reflect the general awareness and understanding and ultimate reality of the issue - that is, if it's ignored long enough, the students (and activated parents) will likely move on, new boards will be elected, and a tremendous amount of potential will be added to Virginia's vast pool of the untapped.