Dreaming of the New High School: Youth Participatory Action Research as a Tool for Envisioning Better Urban Schools

• In Event: 14.044 - Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: 14.044-20 - Dreaming, Planning, Designing in Decolonizing Curriculum

Abstract

This study emerges from a long-term and ongoing Youth Participatory Action Research project focused on youth in an urban school district, their experiences in school, and their vision of a different school model. Youth analyzed the following data: (a) field notes of youth research and critical analysis training sessions, (b) survey data from a youth-designed and executed survey, (c) youth-led focus group data. Findings reveal widespread experiences of racism, poor pedagogical practices, lack of positive school culture, and distressing physical environments. Data were used by youth to inform the design of a “dream school.” This research suggests youth envision a paradigm shift in education with students playing a central role in school design.

Authors

• Andrea N Juarez-Mendoza, Mills College

• Sabrina Zirkel, Santa Clara University