Students on School Learning Environment
Students have stated that their learning improves when a sense of safety and support extends beyond the walls of their classrooms and characterizes the feeling of the whole school.
“I believe, then, that an outlet for student voice and supportive teachers to guide that outlet are necessary in promoting a better, safer environment within schools. These outlets will empower students and instill a stronger sense of community within schools that will bring students even closer together.”
— Sean
“I think the school could encourage students to take action in making school “better” by recognizing more students when they do positive things. Possibly even have some type of celebration as a reward. We shouldn’t only recognize students when they do something wrong.” — Melanie
“I want to talk about the library – it’s a safe, welcoming alternative for me to recess. Me and my friend get a pass from the librarian early in the day so we can skip recess—so we can, instead of going to recess, go to the library. And it’s really nice and quiet. It’s a rejuvenation halfway through the day.”
— Ethan 2022
“If schools don’t offer better ways to reduce stress, teens will continue to follow this trend and relieve their stress through unhealthy habits.” — Valancia
“Students need a learning environment where they have teachers and deans who want to see them succeed – like I did. Students need attention, they need a school that cares about them and their growth. And every student should have the opportunity to have access to a mentor, someone who will always remind them of their potential and capabilities.”— Jaylee
“We need that old-school effect on us now that technology is around us 24/7.
We need to learn how to communicate with new people around us without technology as a shield.
Our phones will be there after class.
We need to feel comfortable and confident in going to school.” — Abelina
“Having a school and a support group with this kind of open and supportive culture has fed into my ability to be myself, to be the genuine me I know and see inside, and to be in control of my life. When I walk into my school, it takes a weight off of my shoulders. I can be myself, and if I have setbacks, I trust that my school will accept them, help me to understand what happened, and give me the opportunity to try again.”
— Briar
“There was a certain amount of harassment at the school I attended. A lot of kids were being targeted or bullied by other kids. … I was scared to do anything because the kids were older than me. Teachers were aware of all this, but most of them would disregard it.”
— Ethan
“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.” — Alice
“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. But they can’t do it alone. They need help from the school system.”
— Corine
“Always having my social, emotional, and physical needs addressed would improve my learning. 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.”
— Michelle
“We all need and deserve access to positive relationships, a sense of well-being, community, and our own potential. A more responsive environment, sustained by mutual respect and a willingness to adapt, will help everyone in the school building, adults included, and address the true source of our many challenges.”
— Chelsea