“If I can do it, you can do it” Effective Advocacy “If I can do it, you can do it” Jen Zatchey embracingthegifts@gmail.com

Everyone has a story to tell…… …..and they are all very powerful.

My Story Business background Mother of 3 ages 10, 7 and 5 Actively involved in gifted community for 5 years Parent advocate locally and nationally National Association for Children Parent Advisory Board Leadership Development Committee Legislative & Advocacy Committee Continued involvement and dedication

Why does it matter? Because we know our kids. Our kids have a right to get a year out of education when they put a year into it. What does the research say? Gifted children know they aren’t like their peers very early on in life. Our kids have an insatiable love for learning, which is a life long skill critical to maintain. If the kids don't get the services/support/challenge they need, research shows there are ramifications: depression, underachievement, lack of motivation, poor self-confidence--not to mention they don't have the opportunity to reach their potential

Gifted Children's Bill of Rights know about their giftedness. learn something new everyday. be passionate about their talent area without apologies. have an identity beyond their talent area. feel good about their accomplishments. make mistakes. seek guidance in the development of their talent. have multiple peer groups and a variety of friends. choose which of their talent areas they wish to pursue. not to be gifted at everything. written by Del Siegle, NAGC President, 2007-2009

The parent’s perspective can get lost. Don’t let it. “When parent groups are involved in advocacy and support for their gifted children, change happens—maybe not all at once, maybe not as comprehensively as we might like in this tough economic climate—but parents make a difference.” Nancy Green, Former Executive Director, National Association for Gifted Children

So, where to start?

Assess the Whole Gifted Child Socially Emotionally Intellectually Physically

Do your homework Collect your facts about district/state policies Create a portfolio of specific work from your child Record behaviors/comments/anecdotes Observations from home (what child is reading/doing/saying/interests) Ask teachers and other caregivers what they are observing State laws National laws/best practices Parents network Look for help

Understand the options Focus on the I in GIEP Acceleration – subject level or full grade Curriculum compacting Demonstration of mastery Cluster grouping Rapid pacing Self paced instruction Enrichment Self study

Overcome the stigma Accept your child for who they are Know the misconceptions Connect with people you trust Find other parents like you Believe you can make a difference Be the example you want your child to see

Find the decision makers The learning ceiling must be lifted if every student, included the gifted and talented, are to make continuous progress. Classroom and Gifted Teachers Director of Gifted Education and/or School Psychologist Principal Administration Superintendent School board

Practice the delivery Have your own agenda – plan it out, be prepared Stay calm Show your vulnerability Focus on collaboration Solutions-based suggestions Common goals All gifted kids not just your own situation Passionate and genuine, yet professional It is not what you say, it is how you say it

Strategies that Work Focus on relationships Establish rapport Be respectful and ask for professional opinions of teachers and administrators but do not diminish your own perspective Suggest creating a task force or Gifted Advisory Committee Play the game – ‘quiet lobbying’ Offer your assistance, volunteer Define next steps and timetables

Resources PA Department of Education PAGE NAGC Hoagies Gifted SENG Belin Blank Center Gifted Development Center

Embracing the Gifts Supporting parents of gifted children in advocacy and in navigating the challenges of parenting gifted children embracingthegifts@gmail.com