Students' Voices: Artistic Narratives About Urban Schooling

• In Event: Engaging Critical Voices of Youth Across Multiple Settings

Abstract

Schooling has historically been structured such that knowledge acquisition is imparted on children rather than attained with them. A district-wide art project celebrating urban schooling encouraged pre-k-12 students to share what they love about their school. Upon completion of the artwork, advanced high school art students in the district categorized the art and created a final display to share a powerful message about their district (and urban schools in general). The students chose an interactive Rubik’s cube which transfers power, voice, and choice to the audience. Artist statements, interviews, and student reflections revealed themes about a project that emphasizes student voice. These included respect, collaboration, and public storytelling as activism/agency.

Authors

• Ashley Lauren Sullivan, The Pennsylvania State University - Erie, The Behrend College

• Janelle Newman, Mercyhurst University