Test, Fowler, Wood, Brewer & Eddy (2005) indicate that for students to become successful self-advocates, students need a knowledge of self, a knowledge of rights, and the communication skills to advocate. These lesson ideas build on this framework and connect to British Columbia’s new educational curriculum. Self-advocacy instruction can and should be incorporated into the curriculum for all BC students. The BC Ministry of Education (2018) has proposed that a number of core competencies be developed in students. Self-advocacy is a component of self-determination in the ‘Personal Awareness and Responsibility’ competencies. In regards to assessment of this competency, the Ministry suggests that students be able to articulate that “I can advocate for myself and my ideas” (BC Ministry of Education, 2018, Self-Determination section, para 2). It should be noted as well that in the newly established Career Life Connections course, the BC Ministry of Education (2018) highlights the importance of learning self-advocacy strategies, which are defined as the ability “to communicate personal strengths, preferences, views, values, and interests with confidence” (Learning Standards section). A number of learning activities are proposed that can be used to support the acquisition of self-advocacy strategies in the classroom with all learners.
Lesson Materials:
Self-Advocacy in High School 