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Frequently Asked Questions

My local district is considering changing the way service is provided for gifted students. What can I do to advocate for appropriate service?

bullet Parents play a significant role in securing educational opportunities for gifted children. Most advocates focus on increased funding or policy changes. Some advocates want something new and some just want modifications to current practice. Parents need to be knowledgeable about the current policies and rules. Advocacy often depends on a close look at local and state policies and the political process.

bullet Advocates need:

Knowledge of best practices in gifted education;
Political savvy and understanding of the political process; and
Practical know-how about advocacy strategies. For example, be clear about the difference between rules, statutes and policies. Effective advocates make appointments with local officials and maintain contact with them. They are elected so your opinion counts!

bullet The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) defines advocacy as being the act of arguing in favor of something -- an idea, cause, or policy. The NAGC website provides information on How to Start a Parent Support Group and an Advocacy Toolkit. A new book, Academic Advocacy for Gifted Children: A Parent’s Complete Guide by Barbara Jackson Gilman (Great Potential Press) shares scenarios and possible action plans and provides solutions that work.

Answer provided by Patricia Gatto-Walden, Ph.D., nationally recognized licensed psychologist.

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