Empowering the Future: The Vital Role of Student Voice in Shaping Education Policy and Practice

Much of our educational policy and practice imagines schooling as a merely transactional process. We imagine finding teachers who "know things" and asking them to "transfer" their knowledge to their students. Our standardized tests mostly seek to assess whether the desired content knowledge has been transferred to and retained by the students, at least until they finish the test.

Our philosophy of education and all available research on how people actually learn things show a completely different process. If education is to be more than learning a few code words memorized to gain access to elite society, then it has to be a transformative journey that empowers individuals to become active participants in society, working with others to shape a world that benefits everyone. The experience must transform students, and it cannot do that without deep knowledge and sincere responsiveness to the experiences of students in our schools.

The importance of student voice in education starts with the importance of authentic representation. Students possess unique perspectives, experiences, and needs that must be acknowledged and valued in order to create policies that are relevant and impactful. When our schools attend to adult conflicts and political externalities but fail to consider what it's actually like to be a student in school, they are not serving the right people. Only by actively involving students in policy discussions, and involving them in determinj9ing school practices will we empower them to take ownership of their education, fostering a sense of agency and self-advocacy that can truly transform and prepare them for participatory futures. What's more, students offer valuable insights into the practical implications of policies and practices, enabling policymakers and school leaders to make informed decisions that better address the real challenges faced by learners.

We actively exclude students from shaping their schools when we fail to actively cultivate their voices and engage their ideas in the decisions we make. To be serious about this work, we need to start by creating safe and inclusive spaces where students are encouraged to share their real feelings and experiences. Our schools and educational policymakers need to establish environments that encourage open dialogue, active listening, and respect for diverse opinions, ensuring students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts. For example, establishing student-led forums and councils where students can engage directly with policymakers, school leaders, and educators can enable meaningful collaboration and co-creation of policies. Instead of setting school policies to promote "order and discipline," schools should seek to amplifying student perspectives and practice genuine listening. Schools should actively seek out student input through surveys, focus groups, and consultations to ensure their voices are heard and considered during policy formulation. At the very least, school need to demonstrate real interest and responsiveness before expecting students to take much interest in what schools are offering at all. The ideas for this are not difficult, but they seldom progress beyond tokenism for the vast majority of students.

If we really care about teaching students to participate in their community and contribute to our shared future, we will have to provide those experiences while they are in school. Involve students in the implementation phase of policies, enabling them to contribute to the planning and evaluation processes. Provide training and resources to equip students with the necessary skills to engage effectively in policy and practice discussions, empowering them to articulate their ideas confidently. Establish mechanisms to hold policymakers and school personnel accountable for integrating student perspectives into policy decisions, ensuring transparency and maintaining trust.

This work has to move beyond symbolic efforts or opportunities offered to only a few students. A school community belongs to the students, and only sharing power among everyone in the building can truly prepare them to live in a functioning community after they leave school. So, schools need to address power dynamics openly and directly. Start by acknowledging and challenging power imbalances within education systems that may marginalize student voices, ensuring all students, particularly those from marginalized communities, have an equal opportunity to participate. Implement mechanisms for ongoing feedback from students to assess the impact of policies and identify areas for improvement, fostering a dynamic and responsive education system. Promote a culture of student voice: Encourage schools, districts, and policymakers to embrace student voice as a core value, integrating it into the fabric of educational institutions through policy guidelines and professional development programs.

Supporting students to develop their voice and agency holds the key to educational transformation. It is the foundation of a student-centered education system that empowers learners and cultivates their agency to build strong and vibrant communities in their futures. Only by ensuring that student voice is central to the development and implementation of education policies, can we create an inclusive, equitable, and transformative learning environment. Through authentic representation, collaborative decision-making, and sustained support, we can harness the power of student voice to shape policies that truly meet the needs of all learners, fostering a brighter future for education. It is our collective responsibility to listen, value, and empower student voice—our most potent tool for educational transformation.