“Students’ voices are not being heard. Policymakers should get to know each student by visiting schools, creating programs and clubs, and holding meetings. Students can stage plays to make administrators and policymakers really see the inequalities in education.”
— Written statement from students at Manual Arts High School in South Central Los Angeles who are members of Los Angeles youth group The Council of Youth Research.
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) is due for renewal by Congress-through a process known as “reauthorization.” Originally enacted in 1965, this federal law governing K-12 education has had, and will have, a significant impact on the learning experiences of millions of young people in schools across the country. Although this is the case, too often students are not consulted or involved in discussions of education policy.
- How do you think students can be more involved in the federal policy decisions that affect their education?
- What do policymakers need to know about young people in order to ensure that education laws fit students’ needs?
The Council of Youth Research and Antero, Edit, Jemal, Jeff, Katie, Laurie, Leah, Linda, Lisa, Nick, Pam, Patrick, Tracey, Stephanie and Steve
Teaching Ambassador Fellows