To speak in terms which do not send a mixed message, interested parents may wish to use words like "advocacy", "self-advocacy", "raising awareness", and "making needs known". These terms are positive and show that we back the efforts of other parents and children to speak up regarding appropriate curriculum placement and pacing for students who need or may benefit from advanced academics.

Meanwhile terms like "squeaky wheel" and "malcontent" may be seen as negative labels and send a message of disapproval... a message which seems to value hiding one's gifts and talents.