Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) in partnership with the Riverside County Office of Education and San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, recently hosted its first workshop in the Building Better from Disruption Series. Participants gathered to hear from school leaders that are implementing innovative strategies that capture and utilize the student voice to create positive and equitable learning environments.
When considering the concept of gathering authentic student voice and input realize that in the long run it is a net benefit. Even if it is difficult to hear or guided by incomplete information, it will inform your decisions and point you to areas of need. Remember, they are often having these conversations whether you hear it or not.
We have been very intentional about celebrating, monitoring, and confronting issues that come up for our students. Our schools are conducting morning talks and morning walks as ways to harness the student voice and improve students’ mental and physical wellbeing. While listening to the student voice, students asked us if there were a way for students to refer themselves to mental health services without going through an adult. We found a way.
About the Session
Listening and understanding the voice of students are essential aspects of social emotional learning. During the session, participants heard from school leaders that are implementing innovative strategies that capture and utilize student voice to create positive and equitable learning environments.
Panelists
Dr. Kimberly MacKinney, Assistant Superintendent, Oro Grande Unified School District
Dr. Henry Herreras, Principal, Excelsior Charter Schools (Corona-Norco)
Pat Schlosser, Assistant Superintendent, Apple Valley Unified School District
Mark Lenoir, Assistant Superintendent, Val Verde Unified School District
Watch the Session Video Recording or Listen to the Session Podcast Below
Please share your feedback on this session here
Building Better from Disruption is a virtual series designed to build upon lessons learned from districts’ responses to the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on schools and school systems. This series is designed to provide education partners, particularly administrators and teacher leaders working at the school site level, with best practices and resources that support students’ successful return to in-person instruction. This five-part virtual series will focus on the essential areas of social-emotional learning, accelerated learning, and community partnerships. During each session, participants will have the opportunity to learn, connect, and interact with expert practitioners and session participants. Support for Building Better from Disruption provided by the William & Flora Hewlett Foundation.
