A statewide mandate accompanied by sufficient funding with the force of law must serve as the cornerstone of this effort. The Maryland State Department of Education should develop a mandate that includes a philosophy, a statement of mission and guidelines for advancing gifted and talented education. It should be clearly understood in this mandate that appropriate and comprehensive educational services must be available for students who are highly able, uniquely talented, or academically advanced as part of our responsibility to respond to all students with special needs, not just those with learning problems or those who are achieving at a low level. By developing such a mandate, the Department can provide the leadership necessary to ensure excellence for all students throughout the state. Guidelines must incorporate ways to ensure that all students' educational needs are met.
Gifted education needs to be a piece of total school reform efforts.
As we work toward excellence for all students, we must expect the most of our most talented students. The levels of funding accompanying these state mandates vary widely. A mandate does not guarantee excellent or even appropriate services unless other conditions accompany it. Stronger state policies, however, provide a clear mandate for services and attach funding to program standards. A mandate serves as an impetus at the state and local level for providing adequate programming for gifted students.