ADVOCACY

Becoming a member of TAG is the first important step in advocating for the needs of Gifted students in Tennessee. At Tennessee Association for the Gifted, our approach to advocacy keeps students at the center of everything we do. Advocacy at TAG is not about individual causes; rather, it is about coming together to give a voice to the needs of all Gifted students in our state, as well as the professional educators who support and teach them in our schools.

 Advocacy for Gifted students can take place at the local and community level, as well as at the state and national level.

What can I do?

As a member of TAG, attending conferences and events to network with others who advocate for the needs of Gifted students is a meaningful first step. From professional learning to forming new relationships, TAG creates spaces for people to come together around a common purpose.

 In your local community, look for a parent organization that may exist to support the needs of Gifted students in your district or city. If there is not a parent or community group, consider starting one, with a goal to discuss current issues in Gifted education and how parents can support Gifted services in the schools.

 Here are some tips, if you would like to start a community organization in your area: Set norms for your group, to center yourselves around a common purpose. Set goals for your group, to determine what you hope to create and accomplish together. The goal of advocacy is to learn and then to act on issues of importance. Contact local universities or your school system to find educators and experts in the field who can come in and speak on topics like those listed below.

·       how the special education model of Intellectually Gifted eligibility works in TN,

·       what to look for in strong curriculum for high ability/ high potential/ Gifted students,

·       the social-emotional needs of high ability/ high potential/ Gifted students,

·       twice-exceptional students,

·       the talent development model in high ability/ high potential/ Gifted education,

·       college and career readiness for high ability/ high potential/ Gifted students,

·       and more!

 Consider a membership with other associations who advocate for the needs of Gifted and twice-exceptional learners. Among others, these might include National Association for Gifted Children, SENG (Supporting Emotional Needs of Gifted), and Council for Exceptional Children.

 What can I do if I have a concern or a problem related to Gifted education?

TAG recommends that any conversation about the needs of your own student should always start at your student’s school. Request a meeting to discuss your concerns, or, if your student has an IEP, you might request an IEP team meeting. Partnership and collaboration at the building level is key, and your district will have steps for you to take should a particular issue need to be elevated beyond the building level.

 Who is the leader for Gifted education at the State Department of Education?

While there has been someone leading Gifted education on and off in the recent past, the TN Department of Education does not currently have a Gifted Coordinator position over Gifted education in the state. TAG feels this is a need in the state of TN to provide clear guidance to districts, to ensure equity across the state for Gifted services, and to be a voice for the needs of Gifted students to state leaders. Here is the contact list for the Department Staff Directory at the state. (You will find special education leaders under the heading “Academics.”)

 Who are my TN legislators?

The Tennessee General Assembly offers a tool- Tennessee Elected Legislator Finder- to help you find your state legislators.

 *Note: TAG does not provide advocacy services, nor do we endorse any particular advocate(s), advocacy group(s), or provider(s).