In this research project, I explored what metrics students believe are most important for determining the quality of schools and how student voice could influence accountability structures. Working with a team of student co-researchers, we surveyed students at a project-based middle school where many of the traditional metrics for school accountability are least useful. After analyzing the data collaboratively with students, we found that students believe that there should be multiple measures used to evaluate schools and that relationships among students and teachers should be considered in the framework for school accountability. In addition, I found that students were not only able to participate in conversations about how we measure schools, but including them in the process led to important insights for our school and a sense of empowerment for students. My findings suggest that as educators and policymakers continue to revise and rethink how we measure schools, student voice should be an important part of the process.
|