America has a tremendous need for talent. This executive summary examines which states have implemented policy changes that can help close excellence gaps. States can and should take the lead in promoting educational excellence and eliminating excellence gaps. Six recommendations to states are presented. [For the full report "Equal Talents, Unequal Opportunities: A Report Card on State Support for Academically Talented Low-Income Students. 2nd Edition," see ED589036. For the first edition of the report "Equal Talents, Unequal Opportunities: A Report Card on State Support for Academically Talented Low-Income Students," see ED569953.]