Measuring the Power of Student Voice to Create Equitable and Democratic Learning Environments

• In Event: Youth Power, Politics, and Activism in Democratic Citizenship Education

Abstract

Democratic citizenship includes providing students with opportunities to participate in and influence the education decisions that shape their lives and the lives of their peers. In education, these opportunities are called student voice practices. This paper examines: (a) What do student voice practices look like in classrooms and schools? and (b) What are students’ experiences with different forms of student voice practices? Our paper details our processes of piloting and validating student self-report measures that capture students’ experiences with student voice practices in classrooms and schools. Findings provide empirical evidence that illustrates the value of student voice practices in creating more equitable and democratic learning environments for students.

Authors

• Dana L. Mitra, The Pennsylvania State University

• Jerusha Osberg Conner, Villanova University

• Samantha Elizabeth Holquist, Child Trends

• Nikki Wright Cohron, The Pennsylvania State University