Top 10 Ways to Involve Students in Decision Making NetDay Speak Up is…

Top 10 Ways to Involve
Students in Decision Making
NetDay Speak Up is an annual national research project that collects the voices and views
of students, teac hers, and parents on topics such as educational technology, science,
math, and 21s t century workforce skills. Results are shared free-of-charge with school com  -
munities to use in their own conversations about school planning and policies. This Top-10
list from participating schools highlights strategies for involving students in decisions that
impact to their education.

     1. Create a student technical support and mentoring group.
      "Students from [the Advanced Tech Tools] class, are involved in technology-based ser-
     vice projects to the whole school and are exposed to the school's `big picture.' Their
     comments also prove valuable in planning for the current and future years." (Stephanie
     Danker, Rachel Carson Middle School, Herndon, VA)

     2. Invite select students to join an advisory group.
     "We have a student advisory group that meets periodically with our school administrators
     to discuss education issues impacting them at school." (Terrie Rust, Oasis Elementary
     School, Peoria, AZ)

     "Because students sometimes have access to new and emerging technologies in their
     homes, they are able to bring insight into what our school needs to stay on the cutting
     edge of educational technology." (Edward Daughtrey, Granby High School, Norfolk, VA)

     3. Post a question on a discussion forum.
     "Last year's survey showed that students felt that our firewall was hindering their re-
     search at school. I followed up by posting a list of questions in our online student forum
     and it led to a very productive and helpful discussion that helped us to achieve a better
     balance between security and access." (Michael J. Curtin, Fordham Preparatory School,
     Bronx, NY)

     4. Start a computer club to research appropriate software.
     "In computer club the students provide input into a student survey. Then they survey their
     fellow students during advisory time to see what activities and software are the most ap-
     pealing." (Dr. Brenda Cox, S.C. Lee Junior High School, Copperas Cove, TX)


     5. Tap student talents and opinions to redesign school websites.
      "A student survey in September indicated the student would like the home page to pro-
     vide more information about school clubs, sports events, top ten music charts, famous
     birthdays, and a more colorful page. The student responses indicated they wanted a
     more `student-centered' page and as a result of their input the website received a com-
     plete make-over. (Darla Reid, Baker Middle School, Corpus Christi, TX)

         © Project Tomorrow     www.tomorrow.org      All rights reserved.
6. Arrange for students to meet with elected officials.
"Our school has a remarkable group of students who form a technology demonstration
team, and they make recommendations about activities and try them out first. They also
met with 18 elected and constitutional officers in our state capitol in February to lobby for
increased educational technology funding for the schools in our state." (Suzanne Martinez,
Louis Pasteur Elementary School, Chicago, IL )


7. Ask students about technology practices and curriculum.
"Several students were asked to comment on current technology curriculum and available
equipment. We have been able to adjust all curricula to include more technology pieces.
We have also revised the computer class curriculum to eliminate several components that
students felt were repetitive." (Teri Schoof, Brentwood Middle School, Brentwood, TN)


8. Organize student focus groups to test ideas.
"We are using students in focus groups to gain feedback on how technology is used cur-
rently at school and what changes/differences they believe should take place." (Kim Shel-
ton, Clear Creek Independent School District, League City, TX)


9. Ask a student group to raise awareness about Internet safety.
"The Student Council, PTA, and teachers were all pro-active in responding to Internet
safety issues and concerns by inviting the iSafe group to present assemblies to the student
body. The Student Council was also involved planning a parent Internet safety event that
included the local police department." (Billie Holt, Fullerton School District, Fullerton, CA)


10. Have every student complete a Speak Up Survey
"Empowering students and giving them a say in the planning of their education has in-
creased their motivation, increased the number of interdisciplinary lessons used throughout
our curricula, and promoted higher-order thinking skills. Our 21st Century Learners' articu-
lation about the `what and how' of their educational experience has increased inquiry and
discovery learning which is a win-win situation for all stakeholders." (Patricia A. Williams
and Alfred W. Dinwiddie, Bouchet Academy, Chicago, IL)


                       To participate in NetDay Speak Up
                     Please visit www.netday.org/SPEAKUP

NetDay Speak Up is a national initiative of Project Tomorrow. Our mission is to support and promote the ef-
fective and appropriate use of science, math and technology resources in K­12 education so that every stu-
dent has the opportunity to fully participate in today's global economy and community. We are dedicated to
preparing today's students to be tomorrow's innovators, leaders and engaged citizens.



                             © Project Tomorrow         www.tomorrow.org          All rights reserved.