Young people play a crucial role in shaping the future, particularly in the realm of education. Among these influential voices is the Student Voice in Education, which plays a key role in enhancing a school district. In July 2022, Yakima School District assembled a group of students who would go on to become leaders in advocating for student voices within the system. The importance of student voice in education cannot be understated. The primary focus of any district should always be the students they serve. Teachers should be dedicated to their students and their success, as that is the essence of teaching.
Every new school year brings fresh faces and new ideas to the district, often ideas that adults within the system may overlook. It is the responsibility of a district to create an environment where students can become changemakers, leaders, and innovators of the future. One effective way to achieve this is by integrating student voices into the decision-making processes within the district. The ultimate goal of every adult working in education should be to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to confidently face the world beyond the district.
With this mindset, we will share how we, as students, have led efforts to establish long-term student voice structures within the Yakima School District.
What We Have Achieved in the Yakima School District
Our roles as student leaders are diverse, ranging from policy development to organizing events on critical issues such as mental health. Our initial major project involved the development of a Student Voice Policy for the Yakima School District. Our team, initially consisting of five members, dedicated two years to discussing, planning, and creating policy points that were significant to us. Throughout the process, we sought feedback from administrators, staff, teachers, students, and community members both within and outside our town. We also rebranded the Superintendent Student Advisory Council as the Student Voice Council (SVC), a group of around 30 students who convened monthly to address various student-identified issues like mental health, nutrition, voting, and graduation requirements.
One of the notable achievements of the council was the establishment of Mental Health Week. We prepared a Mental Health Proclamation that was acknowledged by the school board, designating the first week of May for mental health awareness. Throughout that week, we organized events focusing on different mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, drug use, and eating disorders. The week featured activities such as Kahoots, a mental health walk, and guest speakers discussing mental health issues. This initiative aimed not only to take action but also to show our community that students were there to support them and ensure that their voices were heard.
Another important initiative was the Board Town Hall, organized during the school board election cycle. We invited board members to a town hall event at the Capitol Theater in Yakima to address questions from the community. The event was recorded to ensure that those unable to attend could still access the information. Our engagement with the board did not end there; we continue to attend board meetings consistently to uphold student voice.
We are also focused on preparing the next generation of students and empowering them to pursue causes they are passionate about. Our goal is to establish a sustainable system that encourages students to drive the change they wish to see.
How to Implement Student Voice Effectively
Based on our experience, it is crucial that student voice be a two-way partnership rather than a one-way feedback channel. Our Student Voice Council is entirely student-driven, giving students the opportunity to direct discussions towards issues that matter to them. Agendas are designed to facilitate brainstorming and open dialogue, rather than solely serving as platforms for students to provide input on issues selected by the district. While it is a positive step for districts to listen to their students, empowering students to lead change in areas they deem important represents a significant leap that few districts embrace. For instance, our Mental Health Awareness Week originated from surveying students on critical educational issues that needed attention and evolved into a district-wide initiative recognized by a School Board proclamation.
Many districts across the nation have introduced seats on their boards for one or two non-voting student members. While this inclusion of student perspectives on the board is commendable, it may give the impression that one or two students can represent the diverse viewpoints of thousands. In our model, our Lead Fellow students have access to a broader student voice council, enabling them to engage with a diverse student body from across the district and inform board meetings effectively. When students drive the change they wish to see, it empowers them to take initiative, develop their skills, and realize their potential as change-makers on a significant scale.
One challenge we have encountered and continue to face is that of student interest and retention. It can be challenging to attract and retain passionate students, particularly when their time in the district is limited to four years. To overcome this obstacle, we suggest the following:
- Get started: Begin the work even if the system seems unfamiliar at first. We embarked on this journey as freshmen, driven by curiosity and a passion for instigating change, despite lacking expertise in policy governance or familiarity with district leadership. Finding high schoolers well-versed in policy may be challenging, but identifying dedicated and curious students eager to make a difference is more feasible.
- Look everywhere: When recruiting students for the Student Voice Council, cast a wide net. Instead of targeting only student government and honor classes, advertise opportunities in various school settings, online, and through posters to reach students interested in participating. When selecting students to lead the SVC, prioritize those who have demonstrated excellence within the council.
- Incentivize intentionally: When recruiting for the Student Voice Council, emphasize the opportunity for personal growth, the power to effect real change, and the platform to address issues that students care about. This approach attracts students who will make the most of the opportunity.
- Create lasting change: Our Student Lead Fellows engaged over 1,000 individuals in the district to pass the Student Voice Policy, ensuring that it will endure beyond our tenure and that of district adults. Policy 0580 in the Yakima School District now holds the superintendent and the system accountable for authentic and sustained engagement with student voices. We are open to discussing how to implement similar initiatives in your district.
We extend our gratitude to the Yakima School Board members, Superintendent Dr. Trevor Greene, and College Spark Washington for their support and investment in our work. Their commitment to valuing student voice and allowing students to lead exemplifies the positive impact of student engagement.
Conclusion
Luanna: Engaging in student voice work has been a transformative and rewarding experience, one that not every student has the opportunity to partake in. I am grateful for the chance to advocate for student voices in education and ensure that they are heard. As our generation progresses, education plays a pivotal role in empowering students to take control of their futures. I firmly believe that education is the key to progress and success. I commend the district for taking the initiative to champion student voices in shaping our educational environment and showcasing the potential of students to learn and grow.
My involvement in Student Government has been a consistent part of my life, but making a district-wide impact has been a unique privilege. This experience has deepened my leadership skills and shaped my vision for the future. It has inspired me to pursue a lifelong commitment to education and philanthropy. I aspire to establish schools in underserved regions like the Congo and Cambodia, as I believe education should be a universal right for all children. My journey as a student leader has demonstrated that even small actions can lead to significant global change.
Ezra: I firmly believe that within the next decade, students across the nation will rise up to effect change in their school communities. It will become commonplace for districts and schools to empower students as partners in decision-making processes. I hope that the initiatives started in Yakima will continue to spread and influence the future positively.
Engaging in policy work and collaborating with local government has solidified my interest in public policy and law, equipping me with skills that will benefit me in college and my future career. By representing students within district structures, I have improved my public speaking and listening abilities. Presenting this work to diverse audiences has helped me overcome stage fright and bolstered my confidence. Through this work, I have evolved as a student, speaker, leader, and individual.
Luanna Huang and Ezra Rottman are students in the Yakima School District.