Project Voyce

Tonight I met with Brian, the director of Project Voyce. This organization develops student leaders who go into schools to capture what students are thinking and what students feel about the school. Currently his organization is developing tools that teachers can use to capture student feedback. One of the main products his group has produced is stories from students that have moved from dissengagement to engagement. He says it comes down to three things... 1. Opportunities for student expression. 2. Student Participation in these opportunities. and 3. The Adult responses to these students who participate. Brian said that when students see their ideas making an impact on the systems around them- that they moved into the engaged category.

Exciting! We are going to think about how to work together- one thought I had was to connect him with people I have met that have designed tools. He is going to give me access to student interview video where students are telling their stories of engagement. I want to se if we can develop our survey together too. So here is what I am thinking about the survey:
1. Discuss the construct with the Senge folks and with the Covey folks. Nail down this equation.
2. Look at the questions in surveys Project Voyce has used and questions I found from a Senge school.
3. Create questions that include all the elements in the equation as well as some about the teacher relationship. Include questions that measure the three things mentioned Brian's organization mentioned as well, (opportunities, participation, impact).
4. Run the survey through some student focus groups and Project Voyce panels...
5. Celebrate

Project Voyce inspired me- they are a solid organization with a great vision!