Student Voice in School Transformation: Student Contribution to the Improvement of an Australian School

• In Event: Improving Students' Learning, Achievement, Critical Thinking, and Participation in the Real World

Abstract

The potential of students to contribute to school improvement processes is an emerging area of research focus informing educational change theory and practice. This paper reports on a case study of the innovative and transformative improvement of a failing public high school in Melbourne, Australia. Using data from interviews with school leaders, teachers, students and parents, as well as observations and document analysis, this paper examines how a transformational leadership approach that prioritised student voice and agency in learning and whole school decision making resulted in significant improvement in enrolment and achievement measures.

Author

• Fiona Longmuir, Monash University