TIGblogs - Adam Fletcher

Are you an teacher who is concerned with how student voice is ignored in your school?

Are you a principal who wants students to be involved in making the decisions that affect them everyday?

Here are some ways adults can support engaging student voice in school every day!

Make students' concerns visible in your school by posting them in your classroom and sharing them at meetings where adults are.

Use participatory action research in your classroom for students to take action in your school.

Be an advocate for students at school meetings.

Make sure students are at the table whenever your school is making choices about students.

Create classroom lesson plans that actively engage students in critical thinking about education and action that changes schools.

Sponsor a letter with students to the building or district or state administration

about student issues.

Respect students as you do adults. Don't expect more from students than you do adults and don't interpret for students what they can say for themselves.

Listen specifically to students whose voices are seldom heard in schools.

Connect with other adult allies who want to involve students meaningfully, both in your school and others, and around the community.

Help students create a listing of all opportunities for their involvement in your school and community.

Join or form a community task force with students to address youth issues and coordinate responses in schools.

Prepare students for multiple roles in your school, including learner, teacher, and leader.

Recognize student involvement. Don’t assume that just because someone is a student that they enjoy school. Help them appreciate it by giving class credit or through other meaningful recognition.

Hold students accountable for their mistakes and challenges. Be honest and forthright with young people and support their efforts to improve.

Speak to students with respect and avoid interrupting students.

You can learn more at http://www.soundout.org/article.101.html

This is Adam Fletcher's blog originally posted at YoungerWorld.org. Learn more at The Freechild Project and SoundOut websites.