Advocating for Talented Youth: Lessons Learned From the National Study of Local and State Advocacy in Gifted Education

Abstract

In Iowa, a parent-led advocacy group elected a school board member by endorsing a supportive candidate in a tight race. They activated a phone tree to inform parents of gifted students in the district of the endorsement. In Colorado, advocates learned that a state mandate for gifted education services was not possible in the current political climate. Advocates give support to a cause or take a public position on an issue. Most advocates targeted one of two things: either demands for increased funding or general policy changes. Leadership that existed in two different, but related ways influenced successful advocacy. Communication is part of an advocacy strategy that lends itself to concrete examples and actions for parents who want to become successful advocates. One of the state-level advocacy case studies reported that a statewide Gifted Education Month was established by the governor to raise awareness of the needs of gifted children and youth.