Will, Emma (SEN)
From:	Dawn & Ian Metcalfe [dawnian@bigpond.com]
Sent:	Monday, 26 March 2001 8:34 AM
To:	eet.sen@aph.gov.au
Subject:	The Education of Gifted and Talented Children.
Submission from: 
Dawn Metcalfe
51 Pyalong Ave Rosanna
VIC  3084
Ph: (03) 9455 2215.
 
I am not an expert in the field of Gifted or Talented children, however I feel that two things are fundamental.

•	All children in Australia have the right to an education which will fulfil their needs and enable them to meet their potential. This includes children who have need of remedial instruction, the average student, and the gifted or talented child. It is the Governments' role and responsibility to ensure that all children in Australia have access to such an education. 
•	Like all people, gifted and talented children do not fit into one simple category. They all have individual and special needs, so flexibility in the programs etc. that are offered is essential. (For example: Some children are gifted in some aspects of their study, but only average in other areas - their needs in both areas need to be meet.) 

Although these points may seem obvious, I feel that it is important that they are kept in mind, as the details of your programs are worked out.
 
Thanking-you for the opportunity to comment.
Dawn R. B. Metcalfe.