Asking for Student Voice - #IMMOOC #IMMOOCB1

I reached out recently to students, and parents of students, to answer questions about their school experience.  Student voice is a critical part of the conversation about innovation and it's place in school.  How are we trying to listen to the young people we serve?  Are we challenging our assumptions of what they want and need in their learning experiences?

I have been following the work of my niece through her high school and college years on social media.  She is an accomplished artist, and she even talked about wanting to learn Astronomy (a science-teacher uncle's dream).  Particularly, I was proud of the work she did as part of her school's GSA (Gender & Sexualities Alliance) Club to promote acceptance for all students.  Then I asked her some questions about her experience, and I was taken by surprise:

"The harassment me and my GSA club received from students and staff, especially the administrative staff and students, lack of support. Also middle school in general was terrible. STANDARDIZED TESTING!
Most of the time the teachers themselves were not the problem, even though a lot were not driven or fantastic... When you know administration doesn't care about you, you don't want to go. Also, many times the way teachers are made to teach is ridiculous and the testing was insane."

From the mouths of babes, folks.  We just have to ask.  Thankfully the news from her and others isn't always bad.

"Mrs. N, my art teacher, was a huge influence and was a great teacher and friend... Mr. S, my astronomy and physics teacher, got me really passionate about science and helped me decide to go into Astronomy in college - even though I didn't stick with it."
"Mr. F - he made me feel more confident in myself."
"Mr. G - he always had and still has my back when I need it... if it wasn't for him and his personality or just impact in my life, I don't know where I would be."

All of the students that have responded to my survey have all shared a story or thought that speaks to the impact of relationships on their learning - for good or for bad.  As a leader, I am going to listen to their stories, hear what they have to say, and use that to ground my learning and innovation for the schools I serve.  I will listen to young people to show them that I trust them to help guide my work.  

​I hear you.  And I want to hear more.  

"If we want meaningful change, we have to make a connection to the heart before we make a connection to the mind."  #InnovatorsMindset