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Advocating for your child in the classroom

After discovering your child needs something different in school, your child’s teacher is your first contact. Though this can be daunting, there are several steps you can take to increase the chances of a positive outcome:

  • View the relationship with your child’s teacher as a partnership. Sometimes what is happening at home is not evident in the classroom and vice versa. It’s important to build a strong home-school connection.
  • Understand your district’s and school’s identification policies and programming opportunities before approaching the teacher.
  • Talk with your child about exactly what happens in the classroom and what they might like to see change. Speak positively at home about your child's teacher and school. Complaining about the teacher or school allows your child to misplace blame.
  • Gather samples of your child’s work; specific examples of what they are doing, saying, reading at home; and feedback from your child before reaching out.
  • What exactly do you want to happen? Is it for testing for admission in a gifted program, or for more challenging work in a specific discipline(s)? Try to narrow down the specific skills your child is ready to tackle and how he might do that. Be specific.
  • Differentiating for many types of learners is difficult.  How can you help? Are you able to spend some time in the classroom?  Help find more challenging work and/or assignments? Can you bring in mentors?
  • Approach the teacher as an ally in your child’s education, not a roadblock. Be open to what they, acknowledge the limitations in the system, but be firm in moving towards your goals.
  • Make sure you walk out of your meeting with clearly defined “next steps” and a timetable.
  • Follow up at the appropriate time to check in and regroup, if needed.

If the teacher does not have the ability to help, be prepared to talk with the gifted coordinator and school psychologist next. Approach the principal, superintendent, and, if necessary, the school board, only after you’ve exhausted all other avenues.

You are the most important advocate for your child's education, so don't be shy; just do it with tact and flexibility.