The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Here are six tips on becoming an effective ­advocate for your child:

1. Keep your child’s interests first. As a parent, you know how your child learns best, but be realistic in your ­expectations. Don’t set goals that your child can’t meet.
2. Take a long-term view. If a year or two in a special program will give your child skills she needs to be successful, it’s a good investment of time.
3. Get as much information as you can. As a parent, you are a great source of information about your child. You know the most about your child’s ­personality, special needs and special skills. But schools also have information you need. A wide range of student assessments and teacher feedback will help you learn more about your child’s learning.
4. Be assertive, not aggressive. Whenever possible, try to work with your child’s school.
5. The best advocates work with others. By working with your child’s teachers, you can come up with a program that will meet your child’s needs.
6. Know your legal rights. Local school authorities, such as the superintendent or the department of education, can help you in this regard.

– Partners in Learning, Alberta Teachers’ Association, 1996, adapted from Parents make a Difference, volume 5, ­number 6, 1994