The Active Voice: The Role of Student Voice in Promoting Students’ Engagement in School

• In Event: Responsively Engaging Students

Abstract

When schools provide students opportunities to express their voices and get involved in meaningful decision-making, both the schools and the students are likely to benefit. The present study focused on differences in students’ perceptions of student voice in their schools by gender, race, and age, and the role of student voice in promoting school engagement. Using a large (N = 19,011) sample of 6th-12th grade students and self-report survey data, results showed small gender and race differences, and a decline in perceptions of student voice through the middle school years. Structural equation modeling provided support for links between student voice and behavioral, cognitive, and emotional engagement, partially mediated by a sense of school belonging. Implications for school leaders are discussed.

Author

• Matthew J. Bundick, Quaglia Institute for Student Aspirations and University of Pittsburgh