Our 2011 Election Promise for Gifted Advocacy

Although minds have been concentrated nationally on renegotiation of the IMF/EU bailout, job creation and our failed health service, we have recently seen some more success in raising awareness of the educational needs of Exceptionally Able learners. Yes, we know it's a side-issue in terms of the big picture of Ireland's current woes, but we and other advocates throughout Ireland have been working hard to reach those who will be part of our new government. We have been in touch with the political parties to raise awareness of the needs of gifted students over the last few months.

Education policy will be under scrutiny in the next government, from the dual perspectives of resources and of standards. The PISA results are a national concern and have been mentioned by most of the political parties in the run-up to polling day. With literacy and numeracy issues on the agenda, as well as overhaul of the Junior Certificate and parts of the Leaving Certificate, we are well placed to make our voices heard on behalf of highly able students. This is a crucial crossroads for Ireland, in many different ways. The importance of education cannot be understated, and among the nation's children exists a group who have been at the margins of education provision for many years. Our highly able students, contrary to the beliefs of many parents, educators and policy makers, will not achieve academic success on their own. They need the support of teachers and parents to find and reach their true potential. This need not use valuable monetary resources, but it does need training and planning by those who educate these learners.

We were pleased to see that Fine Gael's manifesto addresses the issue of gifted learners and that in government they intend to examine the supports in place for this group of students. It is to be hoped that they will take the views of parents, advocates and those who have expertise in teaching gifted learners on board as policy is re-examined. We will be pleased to be part of the consultation process on this issue alongside our colleagues as we endeavour to work together to move gifted awareness forward.

We have at last a chance to speak on behalf of highly able children. We need to do so cohesively, cooperatively and with due recognition of each other's work over many years of advocacy. Some have been working behind the scenes for years, others are newly arrived, some have teaching expertise, others are experienced in twice-exceptional matters, but all are valuable. Ireland is too small a country to have advocates not working together. So let us too make an election promise, let us all pledge to keep the focus on our common goal; raising awareness of highly able learners within the Irish education system.