1. “If I can do it, you can do it”
Effective Advocacy
“If I can do it, you can do it”
Jen Zatchey

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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,

6. 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

7. So, where to start?

8. Assess the Whole Gifted Child
Socially
Emotionally
Intellectually
Physically

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

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

16. Embracing the Gifts
Supporting parents of gifted children in advocacy and in navigating the challenges of parenting gifted children