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2.3.4 GT carpe diem: Empowering self-advocacy

Many gifted students wait patiently (or often, impatiently) for their needs to be met while the adults in charge of their education struggle with an unending parade of initiatives, funding issues, and changes in curriculum, instruction, and assessment. But our brightest teens can take the lead in crafting their own unique paths through secondary school when we provide the necessary insights and tools. Through self-advocacy they will find more of what they want and need: meaningful schoolwork, exploration of interests, time with peers, and personalised accommodations. This session presents essential guidelines for empowering gifted students’ self-advocacy.

Author(s):

Deborah Douglas
deborahodouglas@gmail.com
GT Carpe Diem
United States

Deb Douglas advocates for gifted children in the United States and beyond, empowering our brightest young people to assess their needs, speak up for themselves, take positive risks, and effectively self-advocate. She was a board member of the Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted (WATG) for nine years and President from 2011-13. A former high school teacher and director of gifted education for over 20 years, she now consults throughout the United States, delivering GT Carpe Diem workshops for gifted youth as well as professional development for educators and support for parents.