Why Advocacy is Important in Education

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I recently attended a workshop on advocating in public education using the School Act. The presenter, John Gaiptman, a former superintendent of education, did an amazing job of explaining the process for appealing decisions and advocating within a public-school environment. But what stood out most is WHY advocacy is important in education. 

  • Your child not only deserves, but has a right to the supports they need in school.

  • By formally advocating for your child, you help ensure other children don’t experience the same roadblock. 

While the presentation focused on the province of British Columbia in Canada, the two points above are universal to all students, wherever they go to school. 

Let’s dig deeper on these two aha moments. 

Your child’s rights

I’ve spent a lot of time advocating for my child in the public school system. While I’ve had a number of successes, there have been times when my advocacy has been met with gaslighting (you’re wrong, they are getting supports), vague commitments that never seem to come to fruition and artificial roadblocks. I know I’m not alone. 

Here’s one example (that I admit, it a bit ludicrous). Since my child started school, we have requested supportive seating due to a medical condition. Our occupational therapists, paediatrician and other healthcare providers have written letters outlining the need. Four years, and well over 100 hours of conversations later, my child still does not have supportive seating.

John reminded me that this issue of seating, is not just about what I want for my son, but also his right to have the supports he needs in the classroom. While my advocacy on this issue (which has been intense) may not make me popular, I need to keep fighting. Because it’s obvious that if I don’t, no one else will. 

Going formal

For 4 years, I’ve written emails (to every level of the school board), sat in meetings and had schoolyard conversations about a $500 chair. Each time, a glimmer of hope was given, only to have this mythological chair never appear. 

The second aha moment from the presentation is this – by formally advocating for my child I can help ensure another child doesn’t have the same experience (and another mom doesn’t have to pull her hair out in pure frustration). 

So, what do I mean by formal advocacy versus the steps I had previously taken? This involves filing a formal appeal with the school board. In British Columbia, it’s called a Section 11. Other jurisdictions having their own formal process. 

Not sure what process exists where you live? Call your school board and ask. Then take the time, fill out the paperwork and submit a formal appeal. 

While I’m using my chair example to show how simple issues can snowball, there are other reasons to appeal. These can include, but are not limited to:

  • A child being limited to the hours they can attend school due to limited supports available

  • A child consistently being sent home as the school cannot handle behaviour or other needs

  • Any decision or activity that you feel negatively impacts your child

I admit, the idea of filing one more piece of paper is a bit exhausting, I’m filing a formal complaint for all the parents and caregivers that don’t have the time, energy or confidence to push back on a system that is more concerned about bureaucracy than supporting a child.  

This is an important point to remember when you’re advocating in education. If this is happening to your child, how many other children are also not getting the support they need? 

Knowing that my fight may help others is the motivation I need to keep going. And let me tell you, there are days when I’m ready to throw in the towel. 

My request to you, is you also keep fighting. You don’t take no for an answer when you truly believe your child not only needs, but has a right to supports. Know that your actions will help other kids. 

And finally, remember that if you don’t fight for your child, no one else will.