From the Mouths of Babes: School Policy Recommendations From Pre-K–12 Students

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 12
  In Roundtable Session: Organizational Learning and Improvement

Abstract

Student voice is a critical yet often forgotten aspect of educational leadership and policy. In this paper we highlight the importance of student voice in policy creation and implementation through an examination of school-level policy issues in two disparate school contexts. Drawing on critical policy analysis and current literature on student voice, we examined policies that were important to students in a high-needs elementary school in the United States and in a selective upper-secondary school in Sweden. We developed the cases using protocols adapted from the International School Leadership Development Network that focused on leadership and social justice in high-needs schools. Our findings highlight the value students bring to educational leaders when addressing problems and shortcomings within their schools.

Authors

• Keneisha L Harrington, Clemson University

• Bjorn Ahlstrom, Umeå Universitet

• Britt-Inger Alice Keisu, Umeå Universitet

• Parker Morse Andreoli, Clemson University

• Hans W. Klar, Clemson University