A Word

From Our Director

We have learned so much over the last two decades about what makes a school effective by listening to a broad cross-section of students and dedicated, caring teachers. Here are a few key things that you have taught us:

One student told us, “School climate is what happens when the grown ups aren’t around.” We know that adults can have “blind spots” when it comes to what really happens in schools and classrooms. This is why adults need students as leadership partners.

Another student said, “I never knew I was smart until my mother watched me and my team win the Flagway Game.” If we truly want all children to succeed, then adults need to stop underestimating or ignoring the gifts that every child possesses.

“It is all about the relationships we have with our teachers,” one student said . “The relationships need to come first, then the learning happens.”

The more we listen to our students, the more effective we will all be as educators. One of our teacher partners said it best when she said, “When the teachers and the students are at the table together, it always brings out the best in the teachers.“

We agree! When students and teachers work as partners, they can transform their schools, and have fun doing this essential work together!