NORMAL - The state's proposed budget could contain up to $5 million for services for gifted children, four years after the services were left unfunded.

The Advisory Council on the Education of Gifted and Talented Children for the Illinois State Board of Education, which usually meets in Springfield, met Thursday at the Unit 5 school district offices.

Council chairwoman Sally Walker, who is executive director of the Illinois Association of Gifted Children, said $5 million is small when spread across state schools. But "at least it is a step in the right direction," she said, and it could help pay for professional development for teachers.

"Thirty years of building in the state was wiped out with a single swipe of the pen," said Sally Thomson, advisory council member and gifted coordinator in St. Charles.

Jessica Remmel, who founded an advocacy group for gifted children in Effingham, said more behavioral problems were noticed among gifted children when funding was cut there.

Although funding is important, she said schools can cluster gifted students so they don't feel different. Teachers with some knowledge of how the gifted mind works can lead these groups, and students can be given some individualized learning.

Unit 5 schools cluster gifted children, provide lead teachers for gifted students, and offer specialized training to teachers.

The advisory council is directing its attention to professional development for teachers, similar to "endorsements" or certification for special education teachers.

"It is long overdue and needed," said Walker.

Cathy Green, Illinois State University coordinator for professional development of school programs, hopes ISU and other universities will offer more training to new teachers and others regarding gifted students.

She said there is more support from both Republicans and Democrats for gifted students today. "We're feeling better than we have in the last three years," Green said.