As secondary school administrators, we spend a lot of time making decisions for students; building schedules, creating policies, planning events, developing supports. But in the rush of leadership, we can sometimes forget a crucial element: involving students in the process.
At Woodhaven High School, we’ve made a conscious shift in recent years to elevate student voice in meaningful ways. And what we’ve seen is clear — when students are heard, they engage more deeply, lead more authentically and help build a school culture they’re proud of. Administration specifically works with NHS, Student Council, and our amazing, student-led spirit/pep section called the tribal council. Before the school year even starts, students meet with administration to review what they are looking forward to and what types of changes are coming up. We even review some academic data with the students.
Student voice doesn’t mean we hand over the keys. It means we open the door.
Whether it’s inviting students to sit on committees, reporting to the school board on school climate, gathering feedback through surveys, or having them co-create homecoming events or other events, we’ve found that giving students a platform strengthens our decision-making. At WHS we invite students to participate in interviews when we are hiring new staff. Students notice when their input is genuinely valued and when they feel seen, they take greater ownership of their learning environment.
We’ve also found that student voice builds trust, not just between students and staff, but across the broader school community. In times of challenge or change, our student leaders often help us navigate tough conversations by acting as bridges between administration and their peers. Tough decisions and conversations are a lot easier when you have already developed a great relationship with your students.
As we approach the second semester, I’d encourage you to ask:
- Where are students already leading in your building?
- Where might their perspective shift a policy, program, or tradition for the better?
- What structures exist (or need to be created) for students to be heard regularly?
In the end, student voice is more than a strategy, it’s a mindset. It tells our students: This is your school, too. And when they believe that, they rise to meet the responsibility.