Parallel Session Proceedings »
2.5.2 Establishing and Facilitating a National Gifted Awareness Week
Gifted learners are evidenced within every demographic in society and therefore benefit from a nationwide approach to meeting their unique needs. We know from the research that “actively promoting our policy agenda with key stakeholders can result in our work moving from the ivory tower into the real world with benefits to children, youth and families” (Floyd, 2018, p.294) In some countries, advocates and organisations do this through collaborating to celebrate a Gifted Awareness Week. This is a time when they collectively and purposely educate and advocate on behalf of all gifted learners. The goal of these campaigns is to raise the profile of gifted learners, to bring the issue of gifted education into the public arena, to dispel myths surrounding giftedness that can often permeate society, and to create discussion and an understanding of why gifted education is important. Gifted Awareness Week draws nationwide attention to gifted learners and to the nature of giftedness.
Positive, constructive and collaborative advocacy plays a significant role in gifted education due to the myths and misconceptions that can perpetuate. “Van den Bos (2007, p.25) defined advocacy as ‘speaking or acting on behalf of an individual or group to uphold their rights’ …”. Organisations with a major role of advocacy exist for a singular purpose: to recognise and respond to gifted learners – children of all ages, and their parents, teachers, and communities who support them. They recognise both the potential of gifted children to shape the future, as entrepreneurs, creators, leaders, discoverers, and change agents, and the needs of gifted learners, which must be met if they are to actualise their abilities. They commit to working together with their constituencies, the groups of gifted children, families and professionals they represent, to help potential be realised. Taking a collaborative approach to advocacy in gifted education strengthens the reach and influence of the messaging. It allows broader dissemination and more importantly demonstrates collective commitment.
Hearing about experiences and events occurring in other environments and countries can support advocates to find pathways suited to their own needs. An overview into the vision, goals and planning involved within a national Gifted Awareness Week will provide both context and insight into advocacy through this platform and will sit as an example or template for others wishing to develop their own national voice.