Rochester Public Schools -

Student empowerment refers to the process of enabling students to take control of their own learning and development. It involves including them in decision-making, thinking critically, and problem-solving. It also includes building their confidence, giving them access to resources, and creating a supportive environment.

Our goals in this initiative are to:

• Increase opportunities to uplift youth voice

• Increase opportunities for student leadership

• Increase Opportunities for Staff Development Around Youth Voice and Student Leadership

Collectively, it's a unified representation of our RPS students in grades 6-12 who gather monthly during the school day. The ultimate goal is to empower students to become advocates for change and influence building and district decisions that directly impact students. Students on the Student School Board gain the opportunity to learn more about the school board's role and responsibilities, provide insight and feedback to the School Board, district administration and departments, develop leadership and problem-solving skills, and network with students from other schools. 

Each student is self-nominated at the beginning of the school year through an application where they define and discuss important issues that need to be addressed at their school. This application shows each student's unique interest and guides the conversation for the student school board once the student school board has been formed after the beginning of the school year. 

In action, the Student School Board recently provided valuable insight into how the high school registration process works for students and families. This feedback received by district administration offers additional perspective into areas of success or improvement. Instead of just a digital survey, students can share their opinions in a tangible way by ask district leaders questions, make suggestions, and offer ideas that can improve their school registration for themselves and other students.