7B - Jessica Tomic - Response to Kristin Morgione

Kristin, your writing and research is truly informative for everyone entering the field of special education. Advocacy in education, not just special education, is a key component in student achievement, as it can encompass professionals, educators, parents and students. I was able to make connections between your writing and my own (Family Systems and the Role of Families in the Educational Process and Supporting Development for Students with Exceptional Learning Needs), as you touched on the significance of partnerships among schools and families. The role a family plays in their child’s academic achievement is profound.

What roles do advocates have within the field of special education?

Advocates play many roles in the field of special education. Roles can include aiding, supporting and assisting families and schools in making decisions for the student, voicing concerns for the student throughout the meetings or defending services provided for the student.

What training did this person receive or should be given to receive this title of an advocate?

To be given the title of an advocate, an individual must be prepared and highly qualified. Advocacy training models such as Special Education Advocacy Training (SEAT), Volunteer Advocacy Project (VAP), Wrightslaw and a program created by the National Special Education Advocacy Institute (NSEAI) each serve to provide hours of training to individuals becoming advocates of those with exceptional learning needs.

How can parents become an advocate for their child in the school setting?

Parents have long been advocating for their children through decades of struggle in the educational and legal systems. Parental advocacy serves three important roles for a student with disabilities – advocating for services, acting as experts for their child, and protecting the child from incompetent practices within the school setting (Rehm, R., Fisher, L., Afflick, E., & Chesla, C., 2013).

How can professionals in the school system advocate for their student with exceptional needs?

Professionals in school systems can advocate for students with exceptional learning needs by establishing family-school partnerships. Respecting and acknowledging families and their point of view, culture and goals allows schools build a rapport with families. Engaging in meetings, offering suggestions and providing resources improve the quality of partnerships with families.

How can we, as educators, empower our students to become self-advocates?

As educators, empowering self-advocacy is necessary for students with exceptional learning needs. Two existing models for promoting self-advocacy skills include the Self-Advocacy Strategy and the Self-Directed Individualized Education Program. Through the empowerment of self-advocacy, students show increases in self-awareness, self-esteem and develop skills in knowledge and leadership.