Learn how student voice and agency can improve learning and school culture, and what benefits and challenges student involvement in policy-making entails.

As a former high school and middle school teacher, I implemented a similar idea that I saw in my graduate and undergraduate studies. At the end of each term, we evaluated our professors and the courses. I loved the idea so much because of the feedback aspect, so I did likewise. I formulated the questions, asked for honesty and provided anonymity. My students had the best feedback with suggestions and ideas. Now as an elected official, I plan to utilize student agency and voice into our city government. I plan to utilize forums such as what was mentioned above: Surveys, focus groups, interviews, feedback, suggestions, complaints, or proposals.

How can students play a role in school policy-making?

School policy-making is not only a matter of top-down decisions by administrators and teachers, but also a process that can involve students as active participants and stakeholders. When students have a voice and agency in shaping the policies that affect their learning, they can develop important skills, such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and leadership. Moreover, they can contribute to creating a more democratic, inclusive, and responsive school culture that meets their needs and interests. In this article, we will explore how students can play a role in school policy-making, and what benefits and challenges this entails.

1 The concept of student voice and agency

Student voice and agency are terms that refer to the extent to which students have the opportunity and power to express their opinions, preferences, and ideas, and to influence the decisions and actions that affect their learning and well-being. Student voice and agency can be manifested in different ways, such as through surveys, focus groups, interviews, feedback, suggestions, complaints, or proposals. Student voice and agency can also be exercised through more formal and structured mechanisms, such as student councils, committees, forums, or boards, that represent the student body and collaborate with other stakeholders in school policy-making.

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Shenée Johnson Holloway MAT, M.Ed, CPL

City of Duluth Councilwoman Post 5 •Educational Leader• Champion for Advancing Fairness and Integration •Community Engagement Advocate
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As a former high school and middle school teacher, I implemented a similar idea that I saw in my graduate and undergraduate studies. At the end of each term, we evaluated our professors and the courses. I loved the idea so much because of the feedback aspect, so I did likewise. I formulated the questions, asked for honesty and provided anonymity. My students had the best feedback with suggestions and ideas. Now as an elected official, I plan to utilize student agency and voice into our city government. I plan to utilize forums such as what was mentioned above: Surveys, focus groups, interviews, feedback, suggestions, complaints, or proposals.

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Joanna Maselli

Ontario Certified Teacher & Experienced Education Leader
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Introducing voice & choice into your program planning & instructional design will help support student engagement with your curriculum, regardless of the subject you are teaching. By providing students with agency over their learning at the classroom level, educators can help build the skills students need to contribute thoughtfully to policy decisions at the school level. Whole-school initiatives can become great projects for student clubs & councils; but what about those students who cannot participate due to a variety of socio-economic barriers? Imagine if students from each course group could contribute their voice to school policy decisions through coordinated projects across subject areas. How might this increase student buy-in?

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2 The benefits of student involvement in policy-making

Student involvement in policy-making can have multiple benefits for both students and schools. For students, it can enhance their motivation, engagement, and ownership of their learning, as they feel that their views and needs are valued and respected. It can also foster their sense of belonging, identity, and citizenship, as they become more aware of their rights and responsibilities as members of the school community. Furthermore, it can develop their 21st century skills, such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and leadership, as they learn to research, analyze, articulate, negotiate, and implement their ideas and solutions. For schools, it can improve the quality and relevance of the policies, as they reflect the diverse and authentic perspectives and experiences of the students. It can also increase the trust and cooperation between students and other stakeholders, such as teachers, administrators, parents, and external partners, as they work together towards a common vision and goal.

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John Toffoli

Journeyman Ironworker at Ironworkers Local 721
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Even for the students who don't go on to become policy wonks, it's important for *everyone* to understand that a) we all live in a policy-rich environment, whether we like it or not, b) that those policies are ultimately crafted by human hands, and c) that understanding policy can be a powerful tool for them to wield as they enter the arenas of employment, housing, health, and so on. Bringing students into the crafting of policy is the most direct way for them to see how the levers work. Show them the levers.

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3 The challenges of student involvement in policy-making

Student involvement in policy-making can be complicated, as there are several common barriers and difficulties that can arise. These include a lack of time, resources, and support for meaningful and sustained student participation and consultation, as well as resistance from stakeholders who may feel threatened by student voice and agency. Additionally, there is the potential for tokenism or manipulation of student voice and agency, as well as the risk of exclusion or marginalization of some students due to their age, gender, ethnicity, language, ability, or socio-economic status. Finally, it can be difficult to balance the interests and expectations of different groups of students who may have conflicting views or demands.

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Maryrose Briggs

Author | Educational Consultant | Proprietress | Interior and Event Decorator | Preacher
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In Livingspring International College, Abuja, where I once worked we asked for and used students input. Sometimes we would send out questionnaires and ask them to fill anonymously. Other times, we would say, lets set rules for this class, activity or function. Everyone had a voice. Debates ensued. Together, we pulled out sets of rules guiding whatever it was.

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4 The strategies for effective student involvement in policy-making

To ensure that student involvement in policy-making is meaningful and effective, it is important to establish a clear and shared vision and purpose for student voice and agency, and communicate it to all stakeholders. Training and mentoring for students and staff should be provided to develop their skills, knowledge, and confidence in policy-making. Moreover, creating a safe and respectful environment and culture is essential, where students feel comfortable expressing their voice and agency. Additionally, various methods and tools should be designed and implemented, allowing for diverse and inclusive participation. Finally, the impact and outcomes of student voice and agency should be monitored and evaluated, with feedback and recognition given to the students.

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Maryrose Briggs

Author | Educational Consultant | Proprietress | Interior and Event Decorator | Preacher
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In my school in Gboko, Great Calm School, we drew up simple school rules together. We drew up rules such as: Do not make fun of anyone because they are different from you. Be kind. Keep your shirt tucked in once you are wearing the uniform.

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5 The examples of student involvement in policy-making

There are many examples of student involvement in policy-making around the world, that demonstrate the potential and value of this approach. For instance, the Student Voice Project in the UK supports students to create research projects on issues that matter to them, such as bullying or mental health. In Australia, the Student Voice Committee collaborates with the education minister and department on policy issues, like student well-being or equity. In the US, the Student Advisory Board works with the superintendent and school board on budget or safety initiatives. Additionally, in Finland, there is a Student Parliament which elects its own president and vice-president, and proposes and votes on policies, such as student rights or environmental issues.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can students play a role in school policy-making?

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2

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1 The concept of student voice and agency

2 The benefits of student involvement in policy-making

3 The challenges of student involvement in policy-making

4 The strategies for effective student involvement in policy-making

5 The examples of student involvement in policy-making

6 Here’s what else to consider

Educational Leadership

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How can students play a role in school policy-making?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 The concept of student voice and agency

2 The benefits of student involvement in policy-making

3 The challenges of student involvement in policy-making

4 The strategies for effective student involvement in policy-making

5 The examples of student involvement in policy-making

6 Here’s what else to consider

Educational Leadership

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