I have compiled a top ten list of strategies that are effective when advocating for gifted education and gifted learners. Think about your role (family member, student, teacher, principal, AIG personnel, advocate, etc.) when considering these tips. Please note that these strategies are not ranked by importance. Following the strategies list are resources you may find helpful.
1. Collaborate with all members of the team. This will allow for productive communication while developing/maintaining open relationships.
2. Approach other stakeholders with a respectful, positive attitude. This is critical when establishing/sustaining a relationship of mutual respect and trust.
3. Avoid feelings of entitlement. Be an ally to those around you. Realize that all parties involved have processes they must follow.
4. Have a willingness to be honest. Remain forthcoming about the strengths and weaknesses of the child.
5. Obtain an evaluation. High quality, thorough assessments will provide a greater understanding and knowledge of the specific educational needs of the child.
6. Research and become well-informed. Become familiar with current educational programs offered at your school, understand the written education policy of the district, and collect information about other potential plans, programs, and options in your state and local area.
7. Formulate a tentative plan. Map out a plan with general goals and clearly defined "next steps." Remain flexible with your options and open to alternative ideas.
8. Request planned meetings with key decision makers. These meetings should be purposeful and include as many members of the team as possible.
9. Generate a paper trail. Document everything - notes, requests, meetings, research, observations, topics discussed/to be discussed, etc.
10. Be patient. Understand that the decisions are part of a long process that impacts not only a child's education, but their life.
A phenomenal resource that any advocate would find helpful is the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC). This site is a guide to gifted education and provides a wealth of information for parents, teachers, and advocates about what a gifted learner looks like, involvement, training, and how each state across our country regulates and supports gifted education.
... gg.... . ))For more state-specific information, visit the North Carolina Association for the Gifted and Talented (NCAGT) website. This organization of educators, parents, and advocates is dedicated to supporting the needs of gifted students academically, socially, and emotionally. This organization holds a yearly conference, with nearly 800 attendees in 2015. Next year (2016) the conference will take place March 3rd and 4th in Winston-Salem, NC. See the website for details!
North Carolina's Department of Public Instruction's AIG site can be accessed here: http://ncaig.ncdpi.wikispaces.net/
The Advocacy for Gifted and Talented Education (AGATE) is a New York-based organization of concerned advocates, educators, and parents that seek to make available the appropriate education and resources for gifted learners.
A resource I frequently reference is the Davidson Institute for Talent Development. This private operating foundation strives "to recognize, nurture and support profoundly intelligent young people and to provide opportunities for them to develop their talents to make a positive difference." This page specifically provides links to valuable books, articles, organizations, and information about gifted education.
If you are looking for information about identification and programming, Knowledge is Key: Advocating for your Gifted Child is an informative post in Digest of Gifted Research for Duke TIP.
1. Collaborate with all members of the team. This will allow for productive communication while developing/maintaining open relationships.
2. Approach other stakeholders with a respectful, positive attitude. This is critical when establishing/sustaining a relationship of mutual respect and trust.
3. Avoid feelings of entitlement. Be an ally to those around you. Realize that all parties involved have processes they must follow.
4. Have a willingness to be honest. Remain forthcoming about the strengths and weaknesses of the child.
5. Obtain an evaluation. High quality, thorough assessments will provide a greater understanding and knowledge of the specific educational needs of the child.
6. Research and become well-informed. Become familiar with current educational programs offered at your school, understand the written education policy of the district, and collect information about other potential plans, programs, and options in your state and local area.
7. Formulate a tentative plan. Map out a plan with general goals and clearly defined "next steps." Remain flexible with your options and open to alternative ideas.
8. Request planned meetings with key decision makers. These meetings should be purposeful and include as many members of the team as possible.
9. Generate a paper trail. Document everything - notes, requests, meetings, research, observations, topics discussed/to be discussed, etc.
10. Be patient. Understand that the decisions are part of a long process that impacts not only a child's education, but their life.
A phenomenal resource that any advocate would find helpful is the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC). This site is a guide to gifted education and provides a wealth of information for parents, teachers, and advocates about what a gifted learner looks like, involvement, training, and how each state across our country regulates and supports gifted education.
... gg.... . ))For more state-specific information, visit the North Carolina Association for the Gifted and Talented (NCAGT) website. This organization of educators, parents, and advocates is dedicated to supporting the needs of gifted students academically, socially, and emotionally. This organization holds a yearly conference, with nearly 800 attendees in 2015. Next year (2016) the conference will take place March 3rd and 4th in Winston-Salem, NC. See the website for details!
North Carolina's Department of Public Instruction's AIG site can be accessed here: http://ncaig.ncdpi.wikispaces.net/
The Advocacy for Gifted and Talented Education (AGATE) is a New York-based organization of concerned advocates, educators, and parents that seek to make available the appropriate education and resources for gifted learners.
A resource I frequently reference is the Davidson Institute for Talent Development. This private operating foundation strives "to recognize, nurture and support profoundly intelligent young people and to provide opportunities for them to develop their talents to make a positive difference." This page specifically provides links to valuable books, articles, organizations, and information about gifted education.
If you are looking for information about identification and programming, Knowledge is Key: Advocating for your Gifted Child is an informative post in Digest of Gifted Research for Duke TIP.