A New Year, A Renewed Focus on Student Voice and Agency
Dear Education Leaders, Teachers, and Community Members,
Happy New Year! As we step into another year, it's vital we refocus our efforts on making our schools the safest and most supportive environments possible. Unfortunately, the recent school shooting in Iowa has once again highlighted the urgent need for this. My heart breaks for the students and staff at the Perry Middle and High School in Perry, Iowa.
This year, let's prioritize Student Voice and Agency in our approach to school safety. Why? Because students are the heart of our schools. They see, hear, and feel the pulse of the environment every day. Their insights are invaluable in identifying potential issues and creating solutions that truly resonate with their peers.
Understanding Student Voice
Listen to Them: Regularly schedule sessions where students can freely express their concerns, ideas, and feelings about school safety.
Empower Them: Encourage student-led initiatives and support groups that foster a sense of community and mutual care.
Agency in Action
Decision-Making Roles: Involve students in safety planning and policy-making. Their firsthand experiences are crucial in shaping effective strategies.
Peer Leadership: Train student leaders to recognize signs of distress among peers and to act as liaisons between students and staff.
Benefits of Student Voice and Agency
Enhanced Safety Measures: Students can provide unique perspectives on overlooked safety gaps.
Increased Trust: When students feel heard, they're more likely to trust and cooperate with school authorities.
Community Building: Involving students creates a stronger, more united school community.
Action Steps:
Host monthly “Student Safety Forums.”
Implement a “Student Safety Advisory Committee.” Help empower students to shape the safety & well-being of their environment! (Download now)
Integrate student feedback into school safety policies.
Let's work together to ensure that every student feels safe, seen, and heard. By harnessing the power of student voice and agency, we can create a safer and more resilient school environment.
Together in education,
Dr. Anne
