Power Up Session Overview Teacher Guide Session Overview
Power Up Your Voice
High School Self-Advocacy Series
Duration
15 Sessions
25 mins each
Target
70% Success Rate
Observed opportunities
Audience
Tier 1 HS Students
LD & ADHD Focus
The Mission
Building self-advocacy skills boosts confidence, fosters independence, and ensures students receive the supports they need to succeed academically and socially.
Launch Prep
Review Task
Student Accommodations & IEPs
Review IEP/504 plans: reading, writing, math, EF, and social supports.
Access Electric Planner & Accommodations Checklist.
Note schedule changes for the Planner Printout.
Gear List
Scenario & Strategy Cards
Self-Advocacy Journal
Electric Planner Guide
Planner Printouts
Projector / Whiteboard
Standard Session Protocol
05m
Warm-Up & Review
Partner students and distribute 2 Scenario Cards. Pairs identify if challenge is academic/social and share aloud. Rephrase responses to confirm understanding.
07m
Mini-Lesson & Modeling
Introduce day's strategy (e.g., I-Statement) with a simplified outline. Model using a Scenario Card. Check comprehension via thumbs-up/down.
06m
Guided Practice
Pairs practice strategy with Strategy Cards. Encourage notes in Planner. Provide scaffolds: sentence starters & graphic organizers.
05m
Independent Application
Complete Journal entry (real challenge + chosen strategy). Allow AT (text-to-speech). Teacher uses Accommodations Checklist during check-ins.
02m
Reflection & Check-Out
Round-robin: name one strategy to use next time. Collect exit tickets. Remind students of schedule updates via Planner Printout.
Approach: Model, Practice, Reflect Audience: High School Students
Tier 1 Classroom Support
Power Up Your Voice Slides Self-Advocacy Series
Power Up
Your Voice
15 Sessions 25 Minutes
TEACHER NOTES: Welcome everyone! Today we kick off our 15-session series, Power Up Your Voice. Over the next few weeks, you’ll learn to spot challenges—academic or social—and use clear strategies to speak up for what you need. Let’s build confidence and independence together!
Our Objective
When faced with an academic or social challenge, you will:
1
Identify the need for assistance
2
Use a self-advocacy strategy
3
Achieve this in 70% of opportunities
TEACHER NOTES: Read the objective aloud, then paraphrase: When you need help, you’ll know how to ask for it in the right way at least 70% of the time. Emphasize that 70% is our goal to practice and improve.
Key Strategies
I-Statements
"I feel... when... and I need..."
Requesting Help
Knowing who and how to ask
Accommodations
Asking for specific tools
Creating a Plan
Follow-up and organization
TEACHER NOTES: Introduce the four main strategies. Ask students if they’ve used any of these before and prompt a quick thumbs-up if they have.
Your Supports
Tools for Success
Electric Planner Access
Extra Processing Time
Graphic Organizers
Audiobooks & TTS
Extended Time (50%)
Formula Cards/Calculators
Quiet Study Space
Binder Checks
TEACHER NOTES: Review each accommodation on the slide. Invite questions about any tools (e.g., planner, audiobooks). Highlight the importance of using these supports every day.
Warm-Up Time
1
In pairs, select 2 Scenario Cards
2
Identify: Academic or Social challenge?
3
Share one challenge with the class
TEACHER NOTES: Warm-Up: Pair students and hand out two cards from [Self-Advocacy Scenario Cards]. Ask them to decide: academic or social? Have each pair share one challenge with the class.
Strategy Focus
Strategy: I-Statements
"I feel _______ when _______, and I need _______."
I get it
Still fuzzy
TEACHER NOTES: Today’s strategy: I-Statements. Model: “I feel confused when instructions change last minute. Can you please repeat them?” Ask students to rate the example (clear? polite?).
Guided Practice
Write it Out
Pick a Strategy Card and craft your statement.
Use Your Tools
Check your planner for notes and scaffolds.
"Teacher will be circulating with sentence starters if you get stuck!"
TEACHER NOTES: Pass out [Self-Advocacy Strategy Cards]. In pairs, craft your own I-Statement using one prompt. Remind them to use the planner for notes.
Independent App
Complete one Journal Entry:
Describe a real challenge
Select your strategy
Write your response
Need Assistive Tech?
Use Speech-to-Text or Audio Recording if preferred!
TEACHER NOTES: Distribute the [Self-Advocacy Journal Template]. Students write about a real challenge they faced today (or this week) and choose a strategy to use next time.
Reflection & Exit
Round-Robin: Name 1 strategy to use next time
Submit your goal (written or spoken)
TEACHER NOTES: Go around the room: each student names one strategy they’ll use next time. Collect exit tickets (written or oral). Remind students to check the [Planner Printout] for schedule updates.
Power Up Activities Menu Activity Menu
Power Up Your Voice Series
TEACHER RESOURCE
7 Scaffolded Interactive Sessions
This menu provides seven interactive activities designed to reinforce self-advocacy skills. Select activities based on your current session focus or rotate through them to provide varied practice. All activities include built-in accommodations for students with LD and ADHD.
1 Scenario Sorting Relay
Sessions 1, 5
Objective
Distinguish academic vs. social challenges using real-life examples.
Steps
Divide class into two teams.
Students draw a scenario card and "race" to deposit it in the "Academic" or "Social" bin.
Tag next teammate; continue until sorted. Review any mis-sorted cards.
Accommodations
• Extra processing time
• Color-coded bins
• Peer-aide reading support
2 Strategy Match-Up
Sessions 2, 6
Objective
Match challenges to appropriate self-advocacy strategies.
Steps
Spread scenario cards face-up; place strategy tents on table edges.
Students pick a scenario and clip it under the chosen strategy.
Gallery walk: students give thumbs-up/down to each match.
Accommodations
• Sentence starters on tents
• Strategy-to-Use graphic organizer
3 Role-Play Stations
Sessions 3, 7, 10
Objective
Practice delivering I-statements and requests in dialogues.
Steps
Set up 3-4 stations with different scenario cards.
Pairs rotate every 5 mins: student vs teacher/peer.
Partner provides scripted feedback using a checklist.
Accommodations
• Visual feedback checklist
• Use script notes in planner
• Extended station time
4 Planner Mapping Challenge
Sessions 4, 8
Objective
Integrate self-advocacy goals into personal planning routines.
Steps
Model logging a "Self-Advocacy Goal" in the planner.
Students write goals on sticky notes and place in planner.
Partners exchange planners for "You got this!" notes.
Accommodations
• Pre-printed goal prompts
• Audio instructions via TTS
Self-Advocacy Scenario Cards Worksheet Scenario Cards
Power Up Your Voice • Practice Tools
STUDENT ACTIVITY
Instructions: Cut out these cards along the dashed lines. Use them to identify challenges (Academic or Social) and practice self-advocacy strategies like I-statements or accommodation requests.
CARD 1
I’m feeling frustrated because the instructions on my math assignment are confusing, and I don’t know which problem to start with.
Academic Social
CARD 2
When our group project roles were assigned, I wasn’t given a part, and I’m not sure how to let the teacher know I still want to contribute.
Academic Social
CARD 3
I can’t see the text on the whiteboard from my seat, and I’m worried I’ll miss important notes.
Academic Social
CARD 4
A friend keeps interrupting me when I talk, and I don’t know how to ask them to let me finish.
Academic Social
CARD 5
I have a hard time taking notes quickly during lectures and I’m missing key information.
Academic Social
CARD 6
My classmates make jokes about my reading out loud, and it makes me nervous to volunteer answers.
Academic Social
CARD 7
I need more time to complete my science quiz, but I’m not sure how to request extended time from the teacher.
Academic Social
CARD 8
During lunch, a group of students keeps excluding me from their conversation, and I want to talk to someone about it.
Academic Social
CARD 9
The font on the handout is too small, and my eyes get tired. I’d like to ask for a larger-print copy.
Academic Social
CARD 10
I’m overwhelmed by all the homework assignments this week and need help organizing my tasks.
Academic Social
CARD 11
A classmate borrowed my pencil without asking and then lost it. I want to speak up but I’m worried about causing conflict.
Academic Social
CARD 12
I don’t understand the steps for solving this equation, and I’d like the teacher to explain it more slowly.
Academic Social
CARD 13
When working in a noisy cafeteria, I can’t concentrate on my reading assignment and need a quieter space.
Academic Social
CARD 14
A friend is pressuring me to hang out after school, but I have extra help sessions and want to stick to my plan.
Academic Social
Self-Advocacy Strategy Cards Worksheet Strategy Cards
Power Up Your Voice • Core Tools
REFERENCE SET
I-Statements
When to use:
When you feel frustrated, confused, or need to express a feeling without blaming others.
The Formula:
"I feel _______ when _______, and I need _______."
Accommodations
When to use:
When you need a specific tool or change to the environment that is in your IEP/504 plan.
Sample Request:
"I am finding it hard to _______. May I use my _______ as listed in my plan?"
Asking for Help
When to use:
When you are stuck on a task and need clarification or a demonstration to move forward.
Sample Request:
"I've tried _______, but I'm still stuck. Could you show me another way to _______?"
Plan & Follow-Up
When to use:
When you have a long project or a big week and need to organize your steps and check progress.
Sample Request:
"I've mapped out my plan for _______. Can we check in on _______ to see if I'm on track?"
Teacher: Print on heavy cardstock and laminate for durability. These can be kept on student desks or in a central "Advocacy Station."
Self-Advocacy Journal Template Worksheet Self-Advocacy Journal
Reflect • Plan • Power Up
Name
Date
1
The Challenge
What was a challenge you faced today? (Academic or Social)
2
Select Your Strategy
I-Statement
Accommodation
Ask for Help
Follow-Up
3
Power Up Your Voice
Write out exactly what you will say to advocate for yourself:
"I ____________________________________________________________________________________"
4
Outcome Reflection
How did it go? How did you feel after speaking up?
I felt confident
I need more practice
It was successful!
Accommodations: Text-to-Speech & Speech-to-Text Permitted
Electric Planner Access Guide Worksheet Electric Planner
Access & Advocacy Guide
User Guide
How to Log In
Step 1
Navigate to the portal:
portal.school.edu/planner
Step 2
Username:
[FirstInitial][LastName] + [ID#]
Step 3
Password:
Default is your birthdate (MMDDYYYY)
Planner Advocacy Tools
Set "Check-In" Reminders
Schedule a recurring alarm 5 minutes before class ends. Use this time to use an I-Statement if you feel confused about the night's homework.
The "Notes" Section Scaffolding
Paste your Accommodations Checklist into the digital notes section. If you need a calculator or formula card, show this note to your teacher as a polite request.
Share Your Schedule
Use the "Share" feature to send your project timeline to your teacher. This counts as Creating a Plan & Follow-Up .
Locked Out?
If you cannot access your account, use one of these self-advocacy steps:
Email IT support via the "Help" link
Ask your case manager for a reset
Accessibility Note: Planner is compatible with JAWS and Kurzweil 3000.
Power Up Your Voice • Tech Support
Planner Printout Worksheet Weekly Planner
Schedule & Advocacy Tracker
Name
Week Of
My Advocacy Goal
"This week, I will power up my voice by..."
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Schedule Reminders
Advocacy Hit List
Use an I-Statement
Request Accommodation
Ask for clarification
Confirm project deadline
Power Up Your Voice • Physical Planner Support
Accommodations Reminder Checklist Worksheet Accommodations Checklist
Power Up Your Voice • Teacher Support
CONFIDENTIAL
Usage Guide
Use this checklist during session check-ins and independent application. Ensure students are prompted to use their specific supports to reinforce the self-advocacy strategies modeled in the series.
Class Period
Date
Student Name Extra Time TTS / STT Graphic Org Env. Mods Notes / Goal Focus
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EF Supports
• Binder/Planner checks
• Simplified directions
• Timers/Visual countdowns
Social Supports
• Scripted feedback lines
• Extra processing time
• Pre-arranged check-ins
Tool Access
• Calculators / Formula cards
• Audiobooks / Kurzweil
• Larger print handouts
This document is for educational monitoring only. Maintain student confidentiality at all times.
