Working with groups across the US and Canada to improve schools over the last decade, I’ve learned a few important points for everyone to consider before giving it a try. Here are 18 critical questions for Meaningful Student Involvement.
- Are your expectations for Meaningful Student Involvement reasonable and positive?
- What do you first think of when you think about Meaningful Student Involvement in your education setting?
- Are you excited about the possibilities?
- Are you considering the benefits and value of Meaningful Student Involvement?
- What kind of students do you want to engage?
- Have you selected students who are just like you, or different?
- Do the students you’re listening to say things that make you uncomfortable?
- Is Meaningful Student Involvement integrated into your school improvement plan?
- Can you listen seriously to what students have to say even though they may not express their ideas in similar ways as you?
- Have you clearly let students know your expectations for Meaningful Student Involvement?
- Have you done your best to provide students with the resources they need to reach the set goals?
- Have you picked a time when students are available to join in?
- What kind of time commitment are you expecting?
- Will students be able to fit activities in with other commitments?
- Have you provided teachers with enough information to give students credit for learning while sharing Student Voice?
- How will you reflect on Meaningful Student Involvement with students?
- What will happen to the information, resources, activities, or tools that emerged from Meaningful Student Involvement?
- How will Meaningful Student Involvement sustained after the initial activity?
Once you’ve answered these questions honestly, you are ready to begin action planning for Meaningful Student Involvement.