- CAT 1 - Developing the Organization: By Recognizing the Importance and Relevance of Student Voices in Developing a Positive School Climate

What is Student Voice? Student Voice is about students having a voice in their learning. It is the perspectives and actions of young people throughout schools focused on education. It gives students the ability to influence learning to include policies, programs, contexts and principles that are meaningful to them.

What is “school climate”? Physically Academically Socially

What are the characteristics of a positive school climate? students, parents, and staff members feel safe, comfortable, and accepted healthy and respectful relationships are promoted among all members of the school community students are encouraged to be leaders and positive role models parents and community members are actively engaged students are given opportunities to develop positive relationships there is a culture of high expectations in which the improvement of learning outcomes for all students is emphasized all cultures are respected and valued

Youth Surveys & Student School Climate Surveys School Climate SurveySchool Climate Survey – Ministry of Education Halton Youth Survey Parent Permission Letter to Participate

(Adam Fletcher)

Cycle of Meaningful Student Involvement Adam Fletcher, 2007

Student Voice Video

What is Important to Students? 1.Have activities outside the classroom. 2.Help students learn life skills. 3.Offer a socially inclusive environment. 4.Be an academically inclusive environment. 5.Empower students to speak their mind. 6.Allow students to give feedback on learning experiences. 7.Keep students informed. 8.Give a high-quality education. 9.Encourage eco-friendly practices. ( Up)

Elements of schools with high levels of meaningful student involvement: School-wide approaches: Students are engaged in education system wide planning, research, teaching, evaluation, decision making, and advocacy High levels of student authority: Students’ ideas, knowledge, opinions and experience are validated and authorized Interrelated strategies: Students are incorporated into school improvement activities Sustainable structures of support: Policies and procedures are created and amended to promote meaningful student involvement Personal commitment: Students and adults acknowledge their mutual investment, dedication, and benefit Strong learning connections: Classroom learning and student involvement are connected

Essential Questions for Meaningful Student Involvement 1.Why will students be meaningfully involved? 2.How will students be meaningfully involved? 3.Who will be meaningfully involved? 4.What will students be meaningfully involved in? 5.When will students be meaningfully involved? 6.Where will students be meaningfully involved?

50 Ways Adults Can Support Student Voice (article) Quickly scan the article provided. Identify as many of these “ways” that either yourself or your colleagues in your school are supporting the student voices in their school. Be prepared to share one way your school is in touch with the student voice!

Final Thoughts… Is your school environment inclusive and reflective of your student population? Do your school programs reflect your students? Are there opportunities for students to demonstrate leadership, teamwork and advocacy?

School Improvement Plans Name the top three priorities/goals identified in your school’s improvement plan. Compare them with those of another groups. Consider the school community and the school profile. What are the similarities/differences? Do you agree that these are necessary goals for your school? Are the strategies being employed by your school addressing those priorities? What still needs to be done? Make suggestions as to how to go about accomplishing this. FocusStrategiesIndicators of Success Time Lines ResponsibilityStatus Update Revisions