Increasing Student Voice and Moving Toward Youth Leadership

By Dana Mitra, Ph.D.
The Prevention Researcher,
Volume 13, Number 1, 2006, Pages 7-10, Item# A131-MITRA

Abstract:

"Student voice" describes the many ways in which youth might have the opportunity to participate in school decisions that will shape their lives and the lives of their peers. Student voice opportunities allow students to work with teachers and administrators to co-create the path of reform, it enables youth to meet their own developmental needs, and it can strengthen student ownership of the change process.

This article describes the progression of youth development opportunities available to youth, from "being heard," to collaborating with adults, to building capacity for leadership.

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Youth Leadership

The Prevention Researcher,
Volume 13, Number 1, 2006

This issue examines how youth leadership can promote youth development, increase adults' competence and deepen their understanding of youth issues, and improve program effectiveness. It focuses on actively engaging youth as partners in decision making. As a counterpoint, "adult-driven" approaches are also examined, with the goal of helping programs find the right balance between adult-driven and youth-driven approaches to best meet program goals.

This issue also featured these articles:

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