1) Teresa, I understand that you recently had an opportunity to ask Senator Mc Cain some questions about education. Where and when did this occur?

This occurred during Mc Cain's visit to New Mexico State University, in Las Cruces, New Mexico on Wednesday, August 20, 2008.

2) Basically, what were your concerns?

My concern is that while some Javits funding for gifted education is available through the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, it is not available to all states, and gifted education is a state option instead of a federal mandate. As a result, gifted education is not available in all states. Currently in New Mexico, gifted education is part of special education and state add-on funds are provided to ensure gifted identification and services.However, if the proposed funding formula is passed, it will eliminate the state add-on funds and include gifted education among 19 other general education requirements to be address through each district's Educational Plan for Student Success (EPSS) and funds will be provided at the discretion of the district. This could very well result in inconsistent or even non-existent gifted services in some districts.

3) How receptive was Senator Mc Cain about the question?

Senator Mc Cain was receptive to the question, but he did not appear to be very knowledgeable about gifted education. He did say that we need to increase funding for special education and our most gifted students.

4) I understand that You Tube has this on –line….where can our readers review this interchange between you and the Senator first hand?

The interchange is available on the New Mexico Association for the Gifted (NMAG) website: http://nmgifted.org. Click play located just below the title: "Dr. Teresa Rowlison speaks at John Mc Cain Event."

5) What did he have to say about Special Education?

Senator Mc Cain said that we need to spend more on special education even though it is very expensive. He also said that we need to do something about the rising incidence of Autism.

6) What did he have to say about No Child Left Behind?

Senator Mc Cain said that we need to reauthorize NCLB but with the lessons we have learned. We should not throw NCLB completely out, but change what we know is not working.

7) What were the main points that you tried to make in your question to him?

I wanted to ask for a gifted education mandate to be part of the reauthorization of NCLB so that states could not "choose" whether or not they provided gifted services.

8) What are your feelings about Senator Mc Cain at this time?

I feel that he has the potential to be a very good president, and I am excited about his running mate selection. I think it is high time that we have a gifted woman involved in the very highest levels of our country's leadership, and I have no doubt that Sarah Palin is gifted!

9) What question have I forgotten to ask?

Do I think my interchange with Senator Mc Cain will make a difference?

My interaction with Senator Mc Cain will probably not make a difference on a national level. However, there were many elected officials in the audience, and I wanted them to be aware of the potential negative impact of the proposed funding formula on gifted education. I am hoping that will make a difference as we try to either get the proposed funding formula changed or fight to prevent it from passing.

Published September 4, 2008