Student Voice in GCISD
GCISD Survey Responses, Upcoming Opportunities, and More!
Overwhelming Response!
What did we learn?
We learned that currently, approximately 88% of respondents report including some form of student voice into their classrooms. We learned that the more experience teachers have with using student voice, the more deeply they delve into types of practice - moving from simply asking/listening to actively collaborating with students about classroom work/structures and building capacity for student leadership within the classroom.
It really is this simple... ASK, LISTEN, RESPOND, REPEAT
It is also important to note that a culture of voice isn't limited to teacher/student interactions. Across GCISD, this practice is making a difference.
District Goal
Each year, the GCISD Board of Trustees sets specific goals for Dr. Ryan to work toward with staff. One of those goals this year relates to Student Voice:
"Continue to implement a plan to systematically pilot 'student voice' as a mechanism for feedback over the next three years. Broaden implementation in 2017-18 by increasing the number of participating teachers with a goal of 100% teacher participation by 2018-2019."
The Curriculum and Instruction department is supporting this goal by encouraging teachers and campus administrators to consider the best ways to incorporate voice within their classrooms and schools. There is no one "right" way to reach the goal; rather, teachers and principals have "voice" in determining how best to involve students more actively in their education.
Vignettes of Voice
Nothing fancy
Reflecting on the effectiveness of a unit
The impact of voice in an AP classroom
Jeff Nisbet (GHS) has shared the individual planning reports from the College Board with a focus group in his class and encouraged them to help him improve his AP instruction based on the data. From their feedback, he has changed his syllabus and made a significant change in the scope and sequence and how he approached his course this year.
Professional Learning Opportunities
Intro to Student Voice-
Join us for a 6-week summer book study featuring Student Voice by Russell Quaglia. This will be a self-paced, digital book club that culminates with a face-to-face roundtable discussion.
Sign-up here in Eduphoria.
Student Voice PLC -
Come and collaborate with teachers around the district. We will share best practices and resources as well as our greatest successes before troubleshooting any obstacles. Tuesday, May 1st, 4-5:00, CMS "barn" room
Sign-up here in Eduphoria.
Pushing your Practice -
Are you using Student Voice and wanting to reflect on your practice and determine next steps? This job-embedded PD includes meeting with an instructional coach for three 20 minute sessions to explore different ways to enhance your practice of Student Voice in the classroom.
Sign-up here in Eduphoria, and you'll receive information soon on scheduling options.
Self-Study -
If you'd prefer to learn alone, check out the GCISD Student Voice website. It contains vignettes of how voice is implemented in our district along with links to articles that can help to support practices.