Some parents and caregivers, frustrated by low academic performance of their local school, emphasis on testing, or the content of the curriculum, have worked independently or formed parent groups to speak out and demand improvements. Parents and families enact solutions such as opting out of tests, developing alternative curricula, invoking parent…

The organization that claims to represent the voice and interests of K-12 students and their parents is the Parent Teacher Association, widely known as the PTA. The organization aims to provide "parents and families with a powerful voice to speak on behalf of every child while providing the best tools for parents to help their children be…

The directory lists 123 local or state parent groups for gifted children in 37 states. Groups are listed alphabetically by name under each state. Provided for each listing is name and address; a contact person (name, address, and phone number); an additional contact person; membership number; organization focus; examples of past and present…

A national survey of parent/educator advocacy associations for gifted and talented education found membership ranging from 50 to 6000, with most being organized, led, and managed by volunteers. Associations produce publications and state associations hold annual state-wide conferences. (Author/DB)

The booklet is intended to develop advocacy skills in those concerned with the education of gifted and talented children in California. Sample chapters have the following titles: "As an Advocate How Do You Measure Up?""Why Is Advocacy Important?""What Are the Goals of Advocacy in California?""Where and How Does…

The Parents' Union of Philadelphia features a special education committee which offers parents of disabled children assistance in understanding and monitoring implementation of federal and state laws. Examples of the union's advocacy in placement, evaluation, and Individual Education Program matters are cited. (CL)

Intended for the parent/guardian of a disabled child, the article relates the concept of consumer involvement to the attainment of educational, therapeutic, or mental health services for children. The importance of parents' groups is stressed, and steps for the parent to take as a child's advocate are listed. (SBH)

A Canadian parent of a mentally retarded daughter talks of the support provided her and the community achievements of local parent committees. (DB)

This article recounts the historical discrimination against children with mental retardation and the extraordinary efforts made by parents of children with disabilities to speak out against the tide that dehumanized their children. The growth of national, state, and local Arcs and parent advocacy efforts are discussed. (Contains 5 references.) (CR)

This workbook is a guide for the development of self-help/advocacy groups for parents of children and adolescents who have serious emotional problems. The workbook offers background information and then offers guidelines for: (1) creating a beginning plan for the development of a self-help/advocacy group; (2) developing concrete plans for…

This booklet highlights some of the insights that five mothers of children with developmental disabilities have gained after a generation of working together to improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities in Wisconsin. It discusses civic activism, the critical importance of organized parent support, difficulties in collaborating…

In this interview, Peggy Charren, the founder and president of Action for Children's Television (ACT), talks about the organization's concerns, goals, and activities, as well as its effect on television programing and commericals intended for children. (Editor/SJL)

This digest offers guidelines for group advocacy efforts on behalf of gifted education. Four potential pitfalls are identified: using an adversarial rather than a persuasive approach; assuming that people in administrative and political positions are not too bright or not very knowledgeable--or both; being impatient; and ineffectively coping with…

Using data from a survey of 330 parents of developmentally disabled children, the paper examines parents' participation in and attitudes toward special interest groups and political activities. Findings indicate that parents are willing to participate in special interest groups and political activities to a much greater extent than they have…

Intended for parents of gifted children, the directory reports information on parent groups and the role of parents as teachers and advocates. Color-coded sections cover the following topics: formation of the directory, legislation, sources of books about gifted children, ways for parents to reach educators, and hints for parents at home. The bulk…