#gtchat Archive
Global #gtchat Powered by TAGT is a weekly chat on Twitter that takes place on Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT and 5 p.m. PT in the U.S. For one hour, parents, educators, advocates and experts in the field of gifted and talented gather to share resources, links, authentic life experiences and insights about gifted issues.
Tuesday February 23, 2016
For the next hour I’ll be joining others at ( ) ~ please pardon the heavy stream or better yet; join us!
Welcome to Global Gifted & Talented Chat Powered by the Texas Association for the Gifted & Talented
Our topic today is “Nurturing Self-Advocacy”
Before we begin, please tell us where you’re from and introduce yourself!
I’m Lisa Conrad ~ moderator, advocate, presenter, blogger & mother of 2 gifted young adults from Pittsburgh, PA
Hi Jo Freitag from Gifted Resources and Sprite's Site Victoria Australia here on a hot Wednesday noon for
Hi. Peter here from New York City. LD, PhD, 2E? Thtat's me! Plus I wrote a book: Screwed up Somehow but not Stupid
As a reminder, we use a Q1/Q2 format for questions & A1/A2 for answers during
Hi Lisa! Jen from SE Wisconsin - GT coordinator/teacher & GT parent. Glad to be home on a Tuesday night to join in. :)
Hello! Becky Godwin, PhD student in Education at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, MD. Excited to find out what is all about!
Hi, Jo! Wish it was hot here! brr...
People sometimes use Q1 in the answers - that can get confusing!
Joseph, Teacher-Librarian from Houston area
If joining via Twitter, remember to add the hashtag to each tweet
If joining via Twitter, remember to add the hashtag to each tweet
Beverly in Houston, GT parent and education policy enthusiast here.
It does which is why we include the reminder!
Tamara- profoundly gifted middle school educator & GT parent
Lurking to learn? Please say ‘hi’ & then search 'n save --->
Stay with the flow! All the links & a summary of this chat will be posted later on our blog at https://t.co/jUsAaBcS81
Q1) What is self-advocacy and how does it relate to gifted education?
Hi, Justin! Look for a DM after chat tonight from me. ;)
A1) Self-reliance; comprehension of one’s needs and the ability to convey to others how they might be met.
A1: In the classroom, encouraging Ss to have a voice in their learning
A1) Self advocacy is being able to speak up about your own needs in an effective and respectful manner
A1: Knowing who you are, what you want/need, and how to go after it.
A1 Self-advocacy is being able to stand up for yourself and your needs, for GT Ss, this often means in the classroom
A1 Self advocacy is knowing what you need and how to get it
A1 awareness of ones strengths and weakness to better know what you need/want
A1 I think self advocacy can be esp. tricky and important for kids and adults
A1) Self-advocacy is the empowerment of the individual student – they choose what they need when appropriately supported.
A1: GT Ss often have unique wants/needs. Peer models aren't always an option. Need individualized supports for self-advocacy
Strengths and weaknesses play a huge part in self-awareness and self-advocacy. Thanks for bringing it into the conv!
Self advocacy in GT is striving all you need not just the baseline.
A1b: I've been really working on this with my GT Ss. Trying to realize when to get out of their way.
Indeed; I'll provide links today and in our blog post for 2E as well.
Yes! The respectful part is hard for kids, though. I use my mom's adage - you catch more flies w/ honey than w/ vinegar.
It's definitely a different approach to teaching!
That's an important point about peer models.
The very/profoundly gifted have no peers
This was something I emphasized with my own kids ... it finally sunk in. https://t.co/x36yRZFq16
A1) Self advocacy is being able to speak up about your own needs in an effective and respectful manner
LOL Kids find it funny but understand the concept. :)
Kermit: Time is fun when you are having flies.
2e kids need to know strengths and weaknesses more than most, build from strengths
Q2) Why is it important to develop self-advocacy in children?
and need to explain them to people who doubt them
Yes & GT kids often have more mature or dry senses of humor - love to tap into that to build relationships
Case for Affective Education: Addressing Social/Emotional Needs of Gifted Students in Classroom https://t.co/atAVce2uIQ
What is enough for one may not satisfy profoundly gifted and without advocacy learning opportunities are lost
A2 Because people need to self advocate as adults! it's a skill to be learned, like reading or math
A2) The gifted child is the one who knows what’s going on inside them – teach them how to advocate – they’ll get it done.
Powerful!! https://t.co/pWJn8qdysc
A2) The gifted child is the one who knows what’s going on inside them – teach them how to advocate – they’ll get it done.
A2: Fundamentally establishes a mindset of mutual respect based on community of learners. Again NOT-banking system.
A2 Because we, as parents or teachers, can't be there for them 24/7. They need skills to help them navigate school & life.
RT A2: Fundamentally establishes a mindset of mutual respect based on community of learners. Again NOT-banking system.
A2) Every facet of a gifted student’s life is affected when they don’t receive an education that maximizes their potential.
A2) Self-advocacy allows a person to get the most out of learning and out of life. All children deserve this!
Lynda - midwest mom to PG girl...late to the party but looking forward to this topic
+1 https://t.co/14vn8gGirM
A2) Self-advocacy allows a person to get the most out of learning and out of life. All children deserve this!
A2) Self-advocacy is a life-skill; a tool that a gifted child needs to achieve goals and become self-sufficient.
A2) Children need to be able to explain what they need, how they feel etc so that hopefully their concerns will be addressed
Absolutely. Self-advocacy doesn't just influence the school experience/context.
RT A2) Children need to be able to explain what they need, how they feel so that hopefully their concerns will be addressed
A2) My dd sees advocacy - or asking for help - as weakness and perfectionism kicks in. It's been a struggle to change her mindset.
A2) Self-advocacy is a foundational (is that a word?) that kids will need throughout educational career
Perfectionism is a huge issue for GT Ss - shifting mindset for them & for us is hard
We went through that with one of ours; nothing is ever easy with these kids!
Q3) What resources are available to aid in nurturing self-advocacy?
We've been working on some exercises to address this. It's been helping me also.
We need to catch them before they get to that point - I do lots of self-advocacy stuff w/ my elem GT Ss.
Our school system perpetuates this so frequently with testing in partic., especially with GT Ss. SO hard.
I refer to myself as a recovering perfectionist - helps Ss & my own 2 to see me own up to my struggles.
A3) We have included resources throughout this chat & will include additional links in our weekly blog post.
A2) Getting teachers to partner in teaching self-advocacy critical - tough for introverted gifted Ss to speak for themselves
Yes! and the assumption that Gifted means gifted in everything
A3) Resources can be found
Yes! I think letting Ss see your own struggle helps set the right growth mindset: we are all learners.
A3 One of my fav books - When Gifted Kids Don't Have all the Answers by Jim Delisle
A3 finding gifted adults in the community as mentors
A3: Educated and responsive teachers are one of the very best resources (but with great stress on the educated part)
RT A3 One of my fav books - When Gifted Kids Don't Have all the Answers by Jim Delisle
We’re already half way through our chat! Thanks for all the great sharing.
A3 I love the Gifted Kid Survival Guides as well - did a book study with 2-4 graders last year - amazing convos abt self-advocacy
RT A3 finding gifted adults in the community as mentors
A3) One of our reference guides! https://t.co/AD5e3TF2bl
A3 One of my fav books - When Gifted Kids Don't Have all the Answers by Jim Delisle
RT A3 I love the Gifted Kid Survival Guides - did a book study w/ 2-4 graders last yr - amazing convos abt self-advocacy
Q4) When should self-advocacy begin?
A3 I think another thing is to TALK to Ss abt what it means to be gifted - lots of misperceptions surround the label & programming.
A4 - Is birth too soon? :) I think toddlers can be taught simple self-advocacy steps
A4) A student should be able to verbalize their own needs before self-advocating.
Q4 can't start soon enough, but especially when gt become self aware
A4: I start w/ my Ks; I let them know that they have a voice in their learning.
RT A4 - Is birth too soon? :) I think toddlers can be taught simple self-advocacy steps
A3) Read Stephanie Tolan's "Is it a Cheetah" together & discussion on bell curve. Opened my dd's eyes https://t.co/kh3PSEcs39
A3 I think another thing is to TALK to Ss abt what it means to be gifted - lots of misperceptions surround the label & programming.
A4b: What I don't do well is help with discovering the knowledge they may need to do this well. I'm still working on this.
A4) Students need to gain the respect of decision-makers to be effective advocates – maturity should be a consideration.
Have to cut out early, but thank you for the thoughts and resources!! Hope to learn with you all again soon.
A4) Started in K. Encouraged to present teacher w/ alternatives that are realistic. Hopefully realistic.
Thanks for joining in! Join us again!
Ooh, hadn't thought about Is it a Cheetah with students - have shared w/ parents before.
RT A4) Started in K. Encouraged to present teacher w/ alternatives that are realistic. Hopefully realistic.
Q5) Is there a time when parents should step into the advocacy process?
I just had one of my 2nd Gr GT Ss do this with me. She was awesome in the way she presented it.
Peeking into on a busy evening. Learning self-advocacy is critical; whether "teaching" it is... depends on the teaching.
A5: Unfortunately, I think some schools may need P involvement for Ss to be taken seriously.
Is it a cheetah is such a beautiful easily understood analogy!
A5 I think it's helpful if self-advocacy starts at home - gives kids a huge advantage, imho
For dd it's gotten tougher the older she gets. Maybe feels stakes are higher?? Or beaten down by system, been tough
A5 However, I know many parents, esp of PG kids are as overwhelmed as their child. I talk to them abt letting Ss advocate 1st
I agree Often the parent needs to be the one advocating for the student https://t.co/a8roaBc6Td
A5: Unfortunately, I think some schools may need P involvement for Ss to be taken seriously.
YES. Too often the P doesn't want to be "difficult" & decides to compromise or give in.
A5) Parents should model good advocacy skills when children are young. They should be available at the beginning of the process.
A5) Yes. As stakes higher & changes more significant. Parents & school need to know self-advocacy a skill to be learned/practiced
Yes. I can see this. That's why it is important to start young.
A5 So much depends on child, parent, their relationship, the situation - but with that said, yes, sometimes P must step in
RT YES. Too often the P doesn't want to be "difficult" & decides to compromise or give in.
A5) Parents should step in if school personnel fail to treat their child respectfully or refuse to work with the student.
A5 For example, if child has attempted to self-advocate & been dismissed/ignored/mistreated
I think this is great advice, esp. if the school is open to S voice.
RT A5 So much depends on child, parent, their relationship, situation - but w/that said, yes sometimes P must step in
A5 parents need to step in and then OUT and in again when needed and then out again...support with expectation of independence
A5 There's a huge dif b/t parents stepping in & parents mowing down all the obstacles - hard to stay back & let child try alone
A5) Parents need to model collaborative relationships w/ schools - not adversarial.
A5) Parents should take time to talk to their child; outline what they feel is necessary. Then practice communication skills.
+1 https://t.co/iYN0TZh1YW
A5 parents need to step in and then OUT and in again when needed and then out again...support with expectation of independence
I also talk to my kids abt ways to approach situations - they need to role play in a safe environment.
I like this. https://t.co/GDiQuC0IxJ
A5 parents need to step in and then OUT and in again when needed and then out again...support with expectation of independence
Very good point. It is hard as a parent to not want to be the "protector" https://t.co/RbDoORq3Xa
A5 There's a huge dif b/t parents stepping in & parents mowing down all the obstacles - hard to stay back & let child try alone
So hard some times ... RT A5) Parents need to model collaborative relationships w/ schools - not adversarial.
RT I also talk to my kids abt ways to approach situations - they need to role play in a safe environment.
A5) Communication skills is exactly how we presented to dd. Must have skill for life! https://t.co/Ez0Lm6KpgJ
A5) Parents should take time to talk to their child; outline what they feel is necessary. Then practice communication skills.
Q6) What does self-advocacy look like in adulthood?
A5) You advocate whenever you communicate. So yes. Family/school relationships are linked to kids' success. https://t.co/8kPum8q3G2
Q5) Is there a time when parents should step into the advocacy process?
Yes! Though for some parents their frustration comes from their own school experiences. We need trelationship building
a5) Parents need to get involved in the schools as early as you know something is going on. Learn the rules, timelines.
No doubt. Key is to have objective info and not just claiming another special snowflake. https://t.co/kX14vM0Kxt
So hard some times ... RT A5) Parents need to model collaborative relationships w/ schools - not adversarial.
RT a5) Parents need to get involved in the schools as early as you know something is going on. Learn the rules,timelines.
so they will be articulate adults later!
A6) Self-advocacy is a life-long process that can lead to success as an adult; a person who takes responsibility for themselves.
Exactly! Good point! RT so they will be articulate adults later!
A6) Adults who have learned how to self-advocate know when & where to seek help. They can speak up for themselves.
A6: Someone with a growth mindset who allows failures & mistakes to become opportunities to learn.
A6 Self-advocacy leads to healthy relationships - family, friends, workplace - life-long skill
A6) Being able to articulate own abilities, areas of difficulty, specific needs and relevant sources of information
RT A6 Self-advocacy leads to healthy relationships - family, friends, workplace - life-long skill
RT A6) Being able to articulate own abilities, areas of difficulty, specific needs and relevant sources of information
A6b: Dweck's Mindset book comes to..well..mind.
A6) Self-advocacy can lead to self-respect and the ability to listen to others with differing opinions; & work together.
A6 sometimes it is a long list of pros and cons and realizing life is fluid
+1 https://t.co/Ke0hELtDWu
A6) Self-advocacy can lead to self-respect and the ability to listen to others with differing opinions; & work together.
That really is so important!
RT A6 sometimes it is a long list of pros and cons and realizing life is fluid
This is great because it shows how self-advocacy is not a "selfish" act but leads to mutual respect.
We’re nearly at the end of our chat today … final thoughts or questions?
something... bad? Something anything?
Anyone want to comment on what's wrong with this picture? https://t.co/cKkwZKIsHO
We'll archive the chat and share the link via later today.
A6) It should look the same at all stages of life. We should always have some support on the side, too. https://t.co/Iia6mw0VCi
Q6) What does self-advocacy look like in adulthood?
Looks like a good conversation starter for another !
the respect issue has happened. And we did.
Thank you very much Lisa and and advisory board, supporters and sponsors and all here now for another great
Thanks for a great chat, Lisa! Glad I could join in.
Organized entirely around the needs of the school.
Thanks to the wonderful staff for their continuing support; we couldn’t do it without them!
Tomorrow we will be discussing Design Thinking & GT Ss on Please join us. 9PM ET/8PM C.
Thanks to the Advisory Board:
Thanks to the Advisory Board:
RT Tomorrow we will be discussing Design Thinking & GT Ss on Please join us. 9PM ET/8PM C.
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