Advocacy Strategies to Promote the Wellbeing of Gifted Youngsters at School
As parents, families and carers will attest, the well-being of our children is paramount. When we send our children off to school each day, we entrust our precious tamariki to the leaders and educators in our schools, with the understanding that their well-being will be protected. We expect that our children will be treated with respect and care by all. We anticipate that should the well-being of our child be in question, that the school will respond in some way, in an attempt to improve their welfare. We assume that should the school deem the child's needs be considered significant, that we, as the child's parents/whanau/caregivers, will be communicated with, and in a respectful manner. We believe that as people who have chosen the profession of teaching, that school leaders and teachers will also value the well-being of the children in their care, and that they too want the best for each and every child.
Perhaps, as you read this, you are reflecting on your own experiences in relation to supporting the well-being of your gifted child at a school or early childhood centre. It is certainly disheartening if you see your child's optimism disappearing, and their levels of satisfaction with school declining. It is troubling to become increasingly aware of conflicts, if relationships at school break down. And it is devastating if you see your child struggling to survive, instead of rushing to the school gates looking forward to a day that is positive, nurturing, exciting and fun. It can be difficult to know when to step in, what your role as a parent is at school, and how to advocate for your child. Be assured that your voice matters, and that your contributions are important. By communicating with the school about your child and advocating for their needs, you are working to make a positive difference for him or her, and helping the school to achieve their goal of a successful student. You know your child best, and you are your child's best advocate. And as the Samoan proverb says, o le tele o sulu e maua ai figota, many lamps increase the catch - through collaboration the most difficult challenges can be overcome. "Wellbeing is vital for student success"
In addition to ethical and legal obligations for school leaders and teachers to support the well-being of their students, it is also in their best interests to do so. As the Education Review Office (2013) highlights "well-being is vital for success". Students need to feel safe, well and respected to be able to learn effectively. So it follows that teachers value their student's well-being highly, not only through a sense and duty of care, but also to be able to achieve this goal. We can rest assured that we, ourselves and the school, have the same 'big-picture' in mind.
"Partnerships are vital in schools’ support of student wellbeing. Partnerships with students, their parents, whanau, hapu, iwi and the wider community, including professional health and social services have the potential to find solutions to actively improve the wellbeing of all students".
Well-being is closely linked to identity. There is an expectation that culture and language will be acknowledged, valued and supported in schools, helping to develop children's identity, and in turn nourishing their well-being. Ako , wānanga, whanaungatanga, and manaakitanga are essential and must be woven through all educational practice while maintaining children, parents and community at the centre of the system. It is a shared responsibility to ensure this is happening.
Your contributions are valuable. In partnership with your school (and sometimes with other groups and agencies) you are able to offer insights into your child's experiences, abilities, qualities, feelings and needs that are unique to your perspective as a family member or carer. You hold a vital piece of the puzzle that helps to make up the whole picture about your child. Having the confidence, knowledge and skills to share these with the school is important. At times however it can be a challenge to communicate effectively with the school so that your views are heard, valued and utilized. Developing advocacy skills can help this process to be easier for you and your school. Your contributions are valuable. In partnership with your school (and sometimes with other groups and agencies) you are able to offer insights into your child's experiences, abilities, qualities, feelings and needs that are unique to your perspective as a family member or carer. You hold a vital piece of the puzzle that helps to make up the whole picture about your child. Having the confidence, knowledge and skills to share these with the school is important. At times however it can be a challenge to communicate effectively with the school so that your views are heard, valued and utilized. Developing advocacy skills can help this process to be easier for you and your school. Kia ora.
Please be aware that comments are moderated. Please keep your posts on-topic, polite and positive for the benefit of all.
'Bridge Over Troubled Waters: Engineering a Pathway Forward' is a part of the New Zealand Gifted Awareness Week 2014 Blog Tour. Join the tour, grab a 'window seat' and check out the interesting views in up-coming blog posts as a part of this awesome annual event. Thank you to the event organiser for making this possible.
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Vanessa White
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