Engaging Student Voice

While uncomfortable to educators at times, granting greater say to students empowers and connects them to their studies

As someone closely involved in incorporating student voice in my school district, I am regularly reminded by students that what I assume they would want is not at all what they are seeking. I am often quick to consider a “fix” in the Washoe County School System in Reno, Nev., and to explain why. But it challenges every fiber of me instead to listen and exercise patience.

Our desire to create a healthier school environment through thoughtful actions that rely on student voice is a new norm for the 102 schools that serve more than 61,000 students. Student learning is our core mission. Effective instruction requires culturally sensitive and inclusive practices, differentiation and relevance. Fueling these practices are relationships: student/teacher, student/student and school/family.

Meaningful Engagement

To build meaningful relationships, we seek and embrace multiple student voices. This multifaceted endeavor requires genuine interest, care and attention. Students experience student voice when adults make them feel heard, regularly solicit student opinions and include students in decision making. Without feedback, student engagement will suffer.

Student voice changes across the grade span in Washoe County. Elementary school students might choose what they will grow in the school garden, while middle school students might influence lunchtime rules as they wrestle with identity development.

Encouraging and empowering student voice builds connection and fosters a sense of belongingness, which optimizes student learning. Without it, students are on their own to make their way.