Student Statements

In the statements linked below, secondary students in Massachusetts provide their answers to the question: “What do you need in order to do well in school?” The students express what is most important to them about school and share suggestions for what could be done to improve their schools.

Many of these students have shared their statements as testimony at legislative briefings and have designed and carried out advocacy actions in their schools and communities to help improve their schools.

View Student Testimony by Year

Adam

It‘s important to feel safe in a place that you learn; to know that you are protected when you’re in this environment for almost your entire teenage life. Visit Adam’s Landing Page

Alex

The administration should listen to students and teachers. Read Alex’s Statement

Alexis

“SAFE” does not mean the same thing to the adults in our building that it does to our students. Read Alexis’ Statement

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

Amayra

Without motivation, there is no progress. Without progress, there is no learning. The purpose of school is to learn, so schools must learn to motivate their students. Read Amayra’s Statement

April

Supporting relationships, self-regulation, and well-being is the way to reduce fights and create safe schools. Read April’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

Careliz

If we have gender neutral bathrooms, students will feel safer to express their gender identity. Read Careliz’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

Chloe

Just because schools “listen” to students doesn’t mean they will really “hear” them. Visit Chloe’s Landing Page

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

After the last two years, getting thrown into high school really feels like we are in a shaken up soda can that’s ready to explode. Visit Ethan’s Landing Page

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

Heba

Making positive change is a team effort. If students want to make something happen, it’s important to involve everyone. It requires all of us. Read Heba’s Statement

Jaliyah

It’s important for me to learn in an environment that prioritizes cultural diversity and inclusion. Read Jalyiah’s Statement

Jaydah

When teachers recognize the good work that you do, you bond with the teacher. It creates a community, which is something that was missing during the pandemic. Read Jaydah’s Statement

Jaylee

My name is Jaylee. This is my second time testifying. I am now a senior – set to graduate in June and planning to attend art school next year. Visit Jaylee’s Landing Page

Jefferson

All students should have the ability and opportunity to develop positive relationships with their teachers. Read Jefferon’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

Joshua

I want policymakers to ensure all students that don’t want to be self taught are able to take classes that are adequately staffed with the appropriate teachers. Read Joshua’s Statement

Juan

I have a dream that one day all students will look forward to going to school. Read Juan’s Statement

Justice

One of my biggest passions in life is helping people feel included and valued. Read Justice’s Statement

Kaitlyn

When I am stressed and cannot focus in class, it impacts my learning. Read Kaitlyn’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

Marielys

Substitutes should be people who are fit for a given class so they can teach what they know. If not, students will struggle and their grades will go down. Read Marielys’ Statement

Melanie

Students must have a voice in deciding how to make things better. Read Melanie’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

Neishaly

Upping security doesn’t help us feel safer, it scares kids. Read Neishaly’s Statement

Nelly

We get a lot of education about racist slurs, but nothing about homophobic or transphobic slurs. Read Nelly’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

Oreoluwa

I wish we felt more listened to. How would you feel as a student if the school dismissed concerns about your safety? Read Oreoluwa’s Statement

Richard

I think that the authority in general in schools has to change. Read Richard’s Statement

Sean

With the voices of every student, regardless of who they are, we can create a new school community that is built for everyone. Read Sean’s Statement

Sophie

I wish all of my classmates had the same opportunities to form positive relationships with teachers. Read Sophie’s Statement

Taeyah

Educators should also learn coping skills to deal with one’s self or colleagues. Visit Taeyah’s Landing Page

Trish

After spending so much time learning in isolation, schools should provide students with more opportunities to connect with each other in the classroom. Visit Trish’s Landing Page

Theresa

“One way to make schools more safe and supportive is to make sure that teachers take time to learn about students’ experiences.” Read Theresa’s Statement

Valancia

School does not do enough to help students ease their stress or address what’s happening in their lives outside of school. Read Valancia’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