Children Education Funds

Admin | January 03, 2012 | Comments Off

Children Education Funds

Children Education Funds

On June 23, 2010, NAGC sent out an SOS alerting the gifted education community of impending legislation introduced by Senator Mark Warner of Virginia. NAGC warns that, "Senator Warner is misinformed about the value of the Javits program." The entire letter can be read on NAGC's legislative update about the Senator Warner's amendment.

Education Programs on List of Federal Discretionary Programs Proposed for Termination

While the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program is of particular interest to teachers of gifted and talented children, it is not the only program that is going to be considered for elimination. There are six programs listed as part of the quest to save the federal government about $800 million annually. These programs include:

  • Academies for American History and Civics
  • Civic Education
  • Close-up Fellowship Program
  • Even Start
  • Foundations for Learning Grants
  • Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program

Senator Warner issued a list of the proposed cuts, along with a statement explaining his reasoning for recommending these programs as expendable. "When it comes to these specific programs, we should shift the burden of proof. Instead of arguing about whether these programs should be eliminated, members of Congress should explain why these programs should be preserved.”

Parents and teachers who want to explain why the Javits program should be preserved should tell members of congress about the benefits of gifted education classes in public schools, and explain that budget cuts affect gifted education programs. These comments will may help their senators explain the importance of the program during congressional debates.

Legislative Attention on the Javits Program

In April 2010, Iowa Senator Charles Grassley and Connecticut Senator Chris Dodd asked senators to support their efforts to restore Javits program funding from $7.5 million to $11.25 million for the Javits program. It is surprising that a few months later, the endangered program is threatened with extinction. Senator Dodd is known as an advocate for gifted kids; in March of 2009 he was given the David W. Belin Advocacy Award by NAGC.

When Sen. Dodd received the NAGC award, he said he is, "a firm believer that every child should be given the resources they need to achieve their full academic potential.” Dodd specifically addressed the importance of the Javits program, saying it, "helps students cultivate their intellectual curiosity and encourages them to reach new heights of academic achievement."