By Laura Zeman
Today’s young people are growing up in a world filled with complex challenges—climate change, political instability, and economic uncertainty (Salas & Larrain, 2022). At the same time, many adolescents are facing a mental health crisis marked by rising anxiety, depression, violence, and suicide (Haidt, 2024; Hopple & Ball, 2022). As district leaders, you have a pivotal opportunity—and responsibility to support students during this critical stage of development.
Research highlights that adolescence is not just about academic achievement; it’s about identity formation, emotional growth, and building relationships (Simpson, 2001; Youth Development Institute, 2014). Schools are uniquely positioned to serve as supportive environments that educate the whole child by informing them with curricular content and also engaging them in the design to cultivate levels of engagement, belonging and recognition.
Why Prioritizing Student Voice Matters
Historically, schools have operated with adults making decisions for students. However, emerging research and practices suggest that authentically including students in shaping their education has significant benefits:
- Improved mental health and belonging
- Stronger student-teacher relationships
- Increased student engagement and motivation
- Development of leadership, citizenship, and problem-solving skills
- Healthier, more democratic school cultures (Anderson & Graham, 2016; Graham et al., 2022; Holquist et al., 2023)
Yet, while the idea of “student voice” is gaining traction, its implementation often remains vague and inconsistent. To truly move forward, district leaders have an opportunity to intentionally calibrate systems and structures to meaningfully engage students to help them realize their potential as engaged participants in their learning and developmental experience.
Practical Takeaways for District Leaders
If you’re looking to build stronger student voice initiatives in your district, here are key strategies you can start implementing today:
1. Create Clear Structures for Student Participation
Students want to contribute but often don’t know how or where they can have an impact. Schools should establish formal structures for student input at both the school and district levels.
Student Survey/Exchange Ideas:
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Exchange: "What are the most important ways you, as students, could have a voice in shaping their learning and our schools?
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Short survey questions: "Which areas would you most like to be involved in decision-making? (Curriculum, school safety, mental health programs, facilities, technology use, etc.)"
2. Engage Students Early and Often
Involve students in conversations early, not after decisions are nearly final. Frequent, meaningful engagement builds trust and demonstrates that their voices matter.
Student Survey/Exchange Ideas:
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Exchange: "As we plan next year’s programs and priorities, what are the top issues we should focus on to support your success?"
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Pulse Survey: "How often do you feel your input is sought and valued by school or district leaders?" (Scale: Never to Always)
3. Prioritize Mental Health and Belonging
Given the alarming statistics about adolescent mental health, any student voice initiative should intentionally connect to emotional well-being and belonging.
Student Survey/Exchange Ideas:
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Exchange: "What makes you feel most supported and connected at school?"
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Survey Question: "Do you feel that you have trusted adults at school you can talk to?" (Yes/No/Not sure)
4. Build Adult Capacity to Support Student Voice
Adults may unintentionally limit student voice by maintaining traditional hierarchies. Professional development and mindset shifts are essential.
Staff Exchange Idea:
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"What supports or training would help you better incorporate student voice into your daily work?"
Staff Survey Question:
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"How comfortable do you feel facilitating discussions where students share feedback or help make decisions?" (Scale: Not at all comfortable to Extremely comfortable)
Final Thought: Rethinking the Intention of Education
We are at a pivotal moment where reimagining the purpose of education is not just philosophical, it’s necessary for real-world impact. As the World Economic Forum notes, tomorrow’s workforce will value problem-solving, adaptability, and creativity (Hoffmann et al., 2022). Students today must be given authentic opportunities to develop these skills now, not just through coursework, but through real leadership experiences in their schools.
Districts that champion student voice will not only improve student outcomes such as mental health and engagement, but also prepare students to lead a more just, sustainable, and prosperous future.
If you’re interested in starting a student voice program or enhancing your current student voice efforts, make sure to reach out to your Customer Success Manager. ThoughtExchange is here to help you design effective surveys, Exchanges, and planning tools to build a thriving, student-centered district.
Further Reading:
Anderson, D. L., & Graham, A. P. (2016). Improving student wellbeing: Having a say at school. School Effectiveness and School Improvement, 27(3), 348–366. https://doi.org/10.1080/09243453.2015.1084336
Graham, A., Anderson, D., Truscott, J., Simmons, C., Thomas, N. P., Chashmore, J., & Bessell, S. (2022). Exploring the associations between student participation, well-being, and recognition at school. Cambridge Journal of Education, 52(4), 453–472. https://doi.org/10.1080/0305764X.2022.2031886
Haidt, J. (2024). The anxious generation: How the great rewiring of childhood is causing an epidemic of mental illness. Penguin Press.
Holquist, S. E., Mitra, D. L., Conner, J., & Wright, N. L. (2023). What is student voice anyway? The intersection of student voice practices and shared leadership. Educational Administration Quarterly, 59(4), 703–743. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013161X231178023
Hopple, A. M., & Ball, C. R. (2023). Collaboration is key: School psychologists’ experience in suicide intervention. Psychology in the Schools, 60(3), 592–605. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.22782
Salas, M. H., & Larrain, A. (2024). A holistic theorization of the developmental potential of peer dialogue: Revisiting Vygotsky. European Journal of Psychology of Education, 39(2), 1187–1203. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10212-023-00730-4
Simpson, A. R. (2001). Raising teens: A synthesis of research and a foundation for action. Center for Health Communication, Harvard School of Public Health.
Youth Development Institute. (2014). Stages of adolescent and young adult development. Justice Corps.