Student Voice program tests pilot project with ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ elementary students
Student Voice, a leadership initiative for secondary students, has branched into elementary schools with a new pilot project, offering Grade 5, 6 and 7 students the opportunity to share input on their school experiences. The pilot has engaged students at Bear Creek, Brookside, Lena Shaw, M.J. Shannon, ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Centre and Woodland Park elementary schools, with more on the schedule before the end of the school year. (Photo submitted by Kristi Blakeway)
The district’s Student Voice initiative for ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ secondary schools is branching into a dozen elementary schools, with a unique pilot program that bridges the gap between younger and older grades to enhance in-class experiences for all students.
Student Voice is a platform for secondary students to take on leadership roles within their schools and communities. The new pilot program, launched last October, sees secondary leadership students visit elementary feeder schools to speak with Grade 5, 6 and 7 students, and learn about their likes and dislikes related to school. The pilot was organized with input from principals and students from the Student Voice steering committee.
“Essentially, we are there to listen to the students and get their ideas on what they love about their school experience as well as areas that cause them any stress or anxiety,” said Kristi Blakeway, Director of Instruction with Building Professional Capacity. “We ask our elementary kids, if they were the principal or the superintendent for one day, what they would change and what they would keep the same?
“A lot of their feedback has been really insightful and thoughtful, it’s neat to hear their ideas.”
To date, Student Voice has hosted forums to engage students at Bear Creek, Brookside, Lena Shaw, M.J. Shannon, ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Centre and Woodland Park elementary schools. Students have commented on everything from starting the school day later to their preference for in-person education over online learning, and they often weave in their favourite aspects of school.
“One student said their favourite part was learning about all of the different beliefs and cultures represented in their school,” said Blakeway. “They want time to connect with the primary students and have leadership roles, they want to talk about issues that matter to them and they give us great feedback around when they feel a sense of belonging and connectedness to their school and when they know learning is happening.
She said when choosing participants, principals are asked to consider who would match the demographic of their school and think about students who may not have had as much of a voice but are comfortable speaking out and sharing their thoughts.
Part of the pilot’s purpose is to also prepare Grade 5, 6 and 7 students for secondary school by introducing them to older students who will still be enrolled when they enter Grade 8. Knowing an older peer can help facilitate a more seamless transition to secondary school, and the leadership students can help answer any questions they have at their new school.
Blakeway said the pilot has been well-received by students and staff alike, and as a result, the district will continue with it next year, including inviting students back to attend and including additional students. The feedback gathered will be used at upcoming workshops with principals and vice-principals, with an additional panel of students sharing and summarizing their input.
“The principals have been really appreciative that Student Voice is listening to elementary students,” said Blakeway. “The students are our changemakers and have great ideas. The kids love the experience and we find the more we visit, the more comfortable they get with the process. We’re looking forward to the remaining ones and what we’ll do next year.”
