Procedural Safeguards and Advocacy Issues
Advocating for the Gifted
Parents make very strong advocates. You are working with their children and it is very important to understand that you value their input. After all, they live with the children and see them in a different light. Maintain open communications with the parents of yourstudents. Invite them to view student presentations. Hosting a parent support group on a monthly basis to help the parents of your gifted students better understand their children and develop a support network amongst each other is also a positive step toward advocacy. Even though you are the trained professional, it is important to let the parents know you value what they have to say.
Administrators make the decisions at the school level. They are the ones who hold the purse strings when you want alternative resources to supplement your program. They are the ones whose support you need when the other teachers on staff are not happy with your program. It is up to you to provide your administrators with the latest research and policies regarding the pros of gifted education. It is also a plus to invite the administrators to special programs and presentations your students are performing. Publicize what you do – administrators love when their school receives positive recognition from the public!
It is very important to work in conjunction and as partners with your guidance counselor and your school psychologist. Discuss the latest research, consult with them regarding social and emotional concerns you have about your students. Show them the respect they deserve as professionals – not just people who schedule tests and evaluate children. They need to be aware that you understand they, too, are working in the best interests of each child.
Last, but far from least, is to gain the support of the community – the largest group of stakeholders. Many already support gifted programs, but to insure their advocacy, invite them to be active participants. Use them as resources – professionals can be invited to speak to your students and share their careers, students can take part in community-based projects. Members of your local community can become your best partners! As Clark states, “Interaction with bright minds is the best advocacy effort that can be made in a community.” (Growing up Gifted, pg. 247).
Always remember that you, yourself, must be the biggest advocate for your gifted program. Your classroom is the showplace, your students are the performers, and you are the master of ceremonies!
Summing it all up
The pieces are in place to assure that all gifted learners receive the best possible opportunity to learn in an environment that is designed to help them reach their potential based on their strengths. Using the Procedural Safeguards established by the state of Florida, districts identify students, establish programs for them, and provide trained teachers to best design curriculum for their benefit. Their rights to a high quality, differentiated program are guaranteed and it is up to you, the teacher of the gifted, to develop a cadre of advocates and provide the necessary educational information and documentation to ensure their continued support.
Use the matrix and the assignment checklist as your guides for completing the week's assignments.