Student Statements: Student Voice in Education Decision Making

Alice

For me, one of the most important parts of a safe and supportive school is that all the adults in the building understand how to care for and support all of the students. Read Alice’s Statement

Briar

I haven’t always been in a school that makes openness and support a priority. My past schools approached that goal in a way that was not actually helpful. They did not focus on me as an individual; I felt more like they herded us like cattle. Read Briar’s Statement

Chelsea

We all need and deserve access to positive relationships, a sense of well-being, community, and our own potential. Read Chelsea’s Statement

Chinyere

From our perspective, the academic levels create more division than unity, which impedes everyone’s learning. Read Chinyere’s Statement

Chris

I feel like if more teachers understood our backgrounds, things would go better because teachers would know how to talk to students and have relationships with them. Read Chris’ Statement

Corine

I think adults at my school know what kinds of changes need to be made to help students succeed: like not just caring about students’ test scores but also their success as holistic people. Read Corine’s Statement

Ethan

Teachers play a very important role in how we feel as students. Read Ethan’s Statement

Gabriela

In order to make connections with students, in order for them to feel supported like I did, you first have to hear them. This means hearing students’ voices in the classroom. Read Gabriela’s Statement

Jaylee

If you have adult mentors at school encouraging you and reminding you that you have potential, you start to believe them. Read Jaylee’s Statement

Jonathan

With safety, cooperation and community – rather than just memorization – all of our students will learn and achieve so much more. Read Jonathan’s Statement

Kellin

Trans kids shouldn’t be scared to go to school, and they shouldn’t have to be put under more stress feeling like they need to educate their peers. Read Kellin’s Statement

Lonelypilot

I would like to talk about the importance of creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth at school. Read Lonelypilot’s Statement

Michelle

My peers and I find it impossible to focus in class if we do not feel supported, so spreading this feeling throughout the building would help us all succeed. Read Michelle’s Statement

Omari

I feel like there is a difference between doing the work just to do it and doing the work to understand it, and I know that I get more out of classes when my teachers focus on the latter. Read Omari’s Statement

Taeyah

As students, some of us spend more time with teachers and counselors than we do with our own families. They are the people who teach us and set us up for our futures. We want to feel understood and accepted. Read Taeyah’s Statement

Trish

It is vital for us to feel connected and have strong relationships with our teachers. If the teachers and students have a stronger personal bond, then it makes it easier for us to learn in class. Read Trish’s Statement

Anonymous

The human relationships are what really matter and will truly build the community between students and staff in school. Without them, all the programs in the world won’t be able to help. Read Anonymous’ Statement

Anonymous-2

Over Zoom, being in my math class has been kind of stressful. My new teacher just goes super fast and I’m trying to keep up on assignments, but it’s hard. I know that it would be better if I was in class. Read Anonymous-2’s Statement