Acknowledgements

As with any enterprise of this scope, many individuals and organizations have played a pivotal role in the process of executing this poll and creating this document. Yet it is Alan Arkotov’s innovative spirit, entrepreneurial mind and success as a change agent that sparked this idea. Without his support, energy and direction, this poll would not have come to fruition. He spent countless hours working on this concept and in the creation of the actual poll. Alan’s vision, drive and expertise are an inspiration to us and so many others, and for that we are forever grateful.

Morgan Carrion, who has been by our side every step of the way as we work towards effecting educational policy to ensure all children have the opportunity to learn something new every day – including gifted young people, thank you. Your positivity is infectious.

We are grateful to The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation for having the foresight to fund our efforts in the field of gifted education and to assist us in working toward effecting policy changes to support gifted youth in our country.

We owe additional gratitude:

• To the Fordham Foundation , especailly Chester Finn, Michael Petrilli and Brandon Wright, and the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) especially René Islas and Cathleen Healy for lending their expertise to this project.
• To the all of the staff at IEA for their dedication and commitment to the mission of the organization, and to our Board whose leadership guides us in our work.
• To the Benenson Strategey Group and The Winston Group for the expertise and professional support they provided.
• To the participants of our policy gatherings and working groups, their contribution will strengthen the field of gifted education and its impact on our country’s youth.
• To Michael Piechowski for his unending support and work in editing this report.