INTRODUCTION:
Schools can be an avenue for engaging young people in social change.
The historical
work of several educational philosophers, including Charles Beard and
George Counts, has been reinforced by the writings of
Paulo Freire,
Henry Giroux,
Peter McLaren, and others. By integrating these critical
perspectives with the informed action of young people, educators
can begin to partner
with students.
POINT TO PONDER: "Without the
voice of students, schools serve no purpose. They are nothing but
institutions where adults run and tell you what you need to know
in order to continue this tradition of, this cycle of “we have
master’s degrees and we know what’s best for you so just shut up
and deal with it." - High school student, as quoted by
Rubin and Silva
here.
[
= free publication]
SoundOut
Student Voice Library
A collection of hundreds of
articles, publications, and documents specifically focusing on
youth engagement, student engagement, student voice, and
meaningful student involvement in schools.
Inventing
Schools to Create a Culture of Citizen Participation in Indonesia
By Marjie Suanda. A story from
Changemakers.net that highlights social justice education and schools in
Indonesia. Includes successes, challenges, and other considerations relevant
around the world.
The Student as N----r
-
By Jerry Farber (1968). This
article suggests that students' positions in schools and throughout society
are equivalent to that of slavery-ages African Americans.
Port
Huron Statement
By Students for a Democratic
Society (SDS). An
oft-cited historical document supporting student activism. Provides a firm,
democratic basis for social change led by students.
The
Student Movement: Where Do You Stand?
By Barry McGhan (1971). An exploration
of different adult perceptions of student activism.
Listening to
Listen to Student Voices: Self-study Toolkit
By the Northwest Regional Education Lab
Learning
Outside the Lines: Six Innovative Programs That Reach Youth
By What Kids Can Do. This report
details distinctive learning environments, in and outside school, that
garner from young people deep engagement and high achievement: the Llano
Grande Center in Edcouch-Elsa, TX; the Educational Video Center in New York
City; Best Practice High School in Chicago; the Algebra Project in Jackson,
MS; The Food Project in Boston; and The Met in Providence, RI.
The Color of Learning: Youth Researchers Tackle the Legacy of Brown v. Board
of Education
By What Kids Can Do.
Chronology of California School Takeovers
By Youth Data Project. Students with the Youth
Strategy Project have written a research report that explores the dilemma of
school leadership and its relationships to academic achievement and social
justice, as exemplified by the Oakland schools. The report identifies
the national education trend of incapacitating public schools and the
systemic disenfranchisement of poor people and communities of color.
Freechild
Reading List on
