Recently, I have been asked whether the name of GCC is appropriate for its scope of advocacy. Here is what I have.
The root of GCC is the same as those of SpEd, ESOL committees. While working for the well-beings of the whole community, we are all advocating for a subset of issues.
Throughout these years, I've learned that "gifted" is a legally binding term. Specifically, "Gifted and Talented Education" is nation-wide recognized and in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 13A.04.07. The scope of COMAR 13A.04.07 covers elementary center/Magnet/IB programs and gifted student outside of the special programs.
I hope that after reviewing COMAR 13A.04.07, people can understand that we do advocate for Magnet/IB programs. Two current GCC officers (Kim and Iris) have kids in Magnet/IB programs.
In addition, GCC does advocate strongly for students outside of special programs. Based on standard tests, more than 30% of students are labeled as gifted in MCPS. The number is close to the number of ESOL students and far more than the number of SpEd students.
