A number of recent things have got me thinking about Talented and Gifted (TAG) Education services in our school district again. These thoughts started when we learned at the recent senior meeting that one of the high school counselors was now being called a career counselor and would be the contact person for TAG students,…
This past week was the first of many senior meetings for us. We were filled in on what our student needs to be doing to get ready for his time after high school and in selecting a college. We have been through all this before, as we have an older son. However, it has been…
Have you ever done something you knew was going to irritate you, but did it anyway? I did that today. Today, I opened a folder of notes I took while meeting with a friend over coffee about a new grading policy at our high school. She knew I was a student advocate and wanted to…
Ten things I have learned by being a student advocate for two decades: 1. You will feel a sense of power and/or relief when positive change is made. Do not let this feeling of accomplishment let you rest on your laurels. 2. You will be frustrated or even angry when the needs of those for…
The postcard has laid on the shelf for a week. Just receiving it, although expected, brought up many mixed emotions for me. My response is required by today. It would mean another committment, another volunteer role, and another chance to advocate for our student body. It also would mean another possibility there might be retribution…
Right now, I find myself in a place where I have to stop trying to make a difference. I have realized that I cannot win this game. This year I spoke out about some teaching practices and administrative decisions that I disagreed with from my perspective as a parent and student advocate. I spoke out,…