What are some examples of student voice and choice initiatives in your school or district?

1 Student-led conferences

One way to foster student voice and choice is to involve students in their own assessment and goal-setting process, by having them lead conferences with their parents and teachers. In a student-led conference, the student presents their portfolio of work, reflects on their strengths and areas of improvement, and sets goals for the next term. This allows the student to demonstrate their learning, showcase their achievements, and take responsibility for their progress. It also gives the parents and teachers an opportunity to listen to the student's perspective, ask questions, and provide feedback and support.

2 Project-based learning

Another way to promote student voice and choice is to design learning experiences that are based on authentic and meaningful projects, where students can apply their skills and knowledge to real-world problems or issues. In a project-based learning environment, students have the opportunity to choose their own topic, question, or challenge, and work collaboratively with their peers and mentors to plan, research, create, and present a product or solution. This allows the students to pursue their interests, passions, and curiosity, and develop critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration skills.

3 Student councils and clubs

A third way to encourage student voice and choice is to provide opportunities for students to participate in decision-making and leadership roles in their school or district. Student councils and clubs are examples of extracurricular activities that allow students to express their opinions, ideas, and concerns, and influence policies, practices, and events that affect their learning and well-being. Student councils and clubs also enable students to develop leadership, teamwork, and civic skills, and contribute to the school culture and community.

4 Personalized learning plans

A fourth way to support student voice and choice is to create personalized learning plans for each student, based on their individual needs, goals, preferences, and interests. A personalized learning plan is a document that outlines the student's learning profile, strengths, challenges, aspirations, and strategies for success. It also includes the student's choices of courses, electives, pathways, and learning opportunities that align with their plan. A personalized learning plan is developed collaboratively by the student, their parents, and their teachers, and is reviewed and updated regularly. It helps the student to monitor their progress, reflect on their learning, and adjust their plan as needed.

5 Student feedback and surveys

A fifth way to enhance student voice and choice is to collect and use student feedback and surveys to inform teaching and learning practices, policies, and programs. Student feedback and surveys are tools that allow students to share their opinions, experiences, and suggestions on various aspects of their education, such as curriculum, instruction, assessment, environment, resources, support, and engagement. Student feedback and surveys can be conducted formally or informally, individually or collectively, online or offline, and at different intervals or occasions. They help teachers and administrators to understand the student's perspective, identify strengths and areas of improvement, and make changes based on the student's input.

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?