INVOLVING THE STAKEHOLDERS THAT MATTER MOST: STUDENT VOICE IN SCHOOL REFORM

Abstract

Over four years, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) led efforts across the state to implement the Safe and Supportive Schools (S3) initiative, which included the addition of “student voice” in school reform initiatives. This brief report provides an overview of one specific reform effort, Neutral Zone, which created a “youth-driven spaces” (YDS) model and supported its implementation across 19 schools that were part of the S3 school reform effort. This initiative resulted in students making significant gains in 21st century skills and improvements in school climate and culture. In addition, 70% of the cohort moved off the Michigan failing schools list and graduation rates increased.