You've received great information already. I'll just add that there is more expert advice and resources for student self-advocacy on the Davidson Database, including those in this brief roundup:
Self-Advocacy: The Power of Speaking UpDavidson Discussions – Self Advocacy (youtube video)
Four Simple Steps to Self-AdvocacyOther Resources listed on the Davidson Database
http://www.davidsongifted.org/db/Articles_id_10761.aspx In general, self-advocacy has a goal in mind. To help children achieve their goals, parents may wish to:
- role play at home. Consider various directions in which a self-advocacy conversation might go, including “worst case” scenarios. Coach your child on asking probing questions and on delivering smooth, positive, unemotional responses.
- communicate your support for your child frequently: Listen, acknowledge dilemmas, affirm choices, provide options, offer to assist with research if needed. Be the “guide on the side” as your child practices self-advocacy.
- encourage good record keeping, as that is an important aspect of self-advocacy.
I'll add that there is a vast difference between "staying strong in the face of adversity" and "bullying, being arrogant, condescending, mean, etc". That difference may be found in
respect for all persons, and in healthy
boundaries. It may be described as the difference between being
assertive and being
aggressive. People can disagree agreeably.
