Sharing Some Tips For Student Self-Advocacy in School
Advocating for oneself in school is a valuable skill that helps students take ownership of their education and address their needs effectively. Here are some top ways students can learn to advocate for themselves in school:
Understand Your Needs and Goals:
Self-awareness is the first step. Know your strengths, weaknesses, learning style, and academic goals.
Build Relationships with Teachers:
Establish open communication with your teachers. Ask questions, seek clarification, and express your concerns.
Ask for Help When Needed:
Don't be afraid to ask for help when you're struggling with a concept or assignment. Teachers are there to support you and they want to know how they can best help.
Use Your Resources:
Utilize resources available at school, such as tutoring, counseling services, library materials, manipulatives, classroom materials, digital resources, etc. If you are not sure what resources are available, just ask your teacher.
Advocate for Accommodations:
If you have special needs or learning differences, work with your teachers to ensure you know what your accommodations are and how they are intended to provide assistance. For much younger children, parents must know and understand the accommodations and provide advocacy.
Organize and Plan:
Develop good organizational skills, including maintaining a planner or digital calendar to manage assignments, deadlines, and study schedules. Keep up to date with school policies, rules, and procedures. Knowing your rights and responsibilities is essential for effective advocacy.
Reflect and Adjust:
Periodically assess your advocacy efforts. Reflect on what worked and what didn't, and adjust your approach accordingly.
Remember that self-advocacy is a skill that develops over time. By consistently practicing these strategies, students and parents can become more effective advocates for their education and personal growth. The ultimate success all starts with building strong relationships with teachers and other supportive members of the school team. Oftentimes, an outside education specialist can offer additional support and perspective that helps guide the family and school toward optimal student success.