Layered EducationWhat it looks like
- Sits stuck instead of asking for help
- Cannot say what helps them learn
- Has supports on paper but does not ask for them
Student Voice and Advocacy
Self-Advocacy
Students name their strengths and needs and ask for what helps.
Why it happens
Self-advocacy is a skill that has to be taught and practiced. Many students have had adults speak for them, or worry that asking for help will make them stand out.
Try this tomorrow
- Have the student list three strengths and two things that help.
- Teach one script: "I learn best when... Could I...?"
- Role-play the ask with you before trying it in class.
- Agree on a quiet signal or note for asking.
- Notice and thank the student each time they ask
If two of you are in the room
Co-teaching pairs can split this between them, and swap who takes which part so both teachers work with every student.
One teacher
Teaches and practices the script with the student or a small group.
The other teacher
Creates chances to use it during class and responds warmly when the student asks.
What the research can and cannot tell us
Self-determination skills, including self-advocacy, are linked with better outcomes after high school for students with disabilities. Most of that research shows a connection, not cause, and scripts like these are practice-based.
Resources
8 resources for this topic, drawn from 4 organizations. Everything opens free, and the ones from other organizations open on their own sites.
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ME! Lessons for Teaching Self-Awareness and Self-Advocacy
Download free high school lessons, 10 units, on knowing yourself, your rights, and how to speak up.
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ME! Unit 1: Getting Started
Start with two lessons where students define self-advocacy and list their own strengths and needs.
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Self-Advocacy Sentence Starters
Give students ready-made wording for asking for what they need. Sorted by grade band and learning difference.
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What Is Self-Advocacy?
Use the three parts, know your needs, know what helps, and say it, to frame a first conversation.
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6 Tips for Helping Your High-Schooler Learn to Self-Advocate
Share with families, or borrow the tips on practicing teacher conversations and joining IEP meetings.
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Be Your Own Best Advocate
Hand teens this PACER sheet on asking for what you need while respecting the needs of others.
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The power of self-advocacy for kids at IEP and 504 meetings
A charter school leader and former special education teacher on building self-awareness, then the words to ask. Made for families. Transcript included.
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How Student-Led IEP Meetings Promote Self-Advocacy
An 11th grader explains his strengths and needs to his team in his own words. A clear picture of the goal. Transcript included.
These resources are shared for professional learning and planning. They are meant to inform your professional judgment, not replace it. Each student's IEP and your district, state and federal requirements always come first. Listing a resource here is not an endorsement by Layered Education. This is educational information only, not legal advice.
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Want help putting this to work?
Facilitated co-planning days give a pair protected time to pick a focal student, choose one thing to try, and plan who does what. The first call is free.