Today I had the pleasure of listening to Dr Julia Link Roberts, Professor of Gifted Studies and the Executive Director of The Center for Gifted Studies of Western Kentucky University, at the AAEGT 2023 AGM. Her presentation about the importance of effective advocacy at all levels of gifted education was particularly apt as we draw towards the end of the year and we consider gifted children’s needs and plan for 2024.
Professor Link Roberts proposed that effective advocacy involves a clear articulation of what you want, why you want it, and the evidence to support your words. This sounds straightforward but, for parents, advocacy for their child’s needs is often very frustrating and can be anxiety-provoking and stressful. Advocacy can be more effective when you bring a gifted education specialist onto your team, to guide and encourage you through the engagement and negotiation with schools.
One of my incredible guides on the Overland Track looking towards cloudy Mount Ossa, the highest peak in Tasmania.
In the last holidays I had the delight (and challenge) of walking Tasmania’s Overland Track. It was a tough six day journey of approximately 90km loaded up with my pack. I was amazed that I succeeded with a reasonable degree of ease, but I credit this to the guidance of my skilful trek leaders. My guides were experts on this track. They knew the challenges ahead and helped me to mentally prepare for each day. They had journeyed this track many times and so knew the potential issues of the terrain and changeable weather. On the track, they encouraged me when the going got tough, especially when we faced howling winds and sleet on our first and toughest day. I know I would have reached my destination, but without their skilful guidance and championing I probably would not have enjoyed the journey or learnt as much as I did.
Looking pretty pleased with myself (or just delirious!) at the start of the hike up Mount Ossa. BTW, we turned back due to excellent guidance.
So, on your journey to advocate for your child, having a skilful guide beside you may be highly beneficial in managing the terrain and getting to your goals more effectively, and hopefully enjoying and learning along the way.
Term 4 is the ideal time to advocate for your child’s needs. Schools will begin to consider students' needs for 2024, including reviewing IEPs, class structures, and staffing. If your child’s needs are not currently being adequately met, please consider advocating for your child as soon as possible. If you need assistance, please reach out. If you are unsure of the value of support, I hope you are encouraged by the below Google reviews from some recent clients.
As always, I wish you much success with your advocacy for your child’s needs.
Helen
“We feel so relieved to have found Helen to walk with us through our profoundly gifted daughter's education. Helen has been validating, reassuring and empowering for us, and warm, fun and kind with our daughter. With our school Helen has impressively balanced praise with room for improvement, and her years of experience show in her ability to work with teachers and suggest resources for all of us in a professional and motivating way. Importantly for us, unlike other consultants we have worked with, Helen's planning and recommendations have been specifically tailored to the needs of our child rather than gifted children generally. Also importantly, Helen has a whole future focus, with short, medium, and long term educational planning. We were floundering, but now feel vastly more confident about the years ahead with our daughter knowing Helen is on our team, thank you Helen!”
“I cannot recommend Helen from Bright and Beyond enough. I now feel like we have the knowledge, confidence and information we need to make informed decisions for our daughter. Before meeting Helen, I felt overwhelmed, stressed and unsure of the choices available to us. Helen used various frameworks to help us create an easy-to-follow plan to help us support and advocate for our daughter's learning. She also helped us understand the unique challenges and barriers that exist when trying to support and advocate for gifted and talented children. Most importantly, I was able to confidently advocate for my daughter when I was given incorrect information about the options available to her in NSW. Helen really is the best ... I only wished I'd found her years ago!”
“We have been engaging with Helen to guide our journey to support our uniquely gifted and twice exceptional child. I am endlessly grateful for the services Helen offers, exceptional knowledge and beautiful caring nature. I find Helen's services to be helpful and valuable and cannot underestimate the important of having a strong support system when navigating the challenges and opportunities that come with raising a gifted and twice exceptional child. I wish you and your family all the best on your journey, and I know that Helen can provide the best support and guidance that you may need along the way.”